PDA

View Full Version : Long Beach Super Crawl + Malibu BIG BUGS + SMB Wreck



marzocchi
11-12-2011, 03:26 AM
Dennis and I are having some consistent lobster runs. But these last few trips set it apart from the other outings. I could not get over the fact that the last season lobster honey holes are a bust, so I been doubling back on the these spots ever so often to check on them. I guess a little patience goes a long way because our former go-to holes finally crawled for us. We had our two best bug sessions so far this season. We had a super crawl over in the Long Beach area. Since they were crawling so well, we placed our bets that Malibu aka 'Land of the Gaints' will be busting out the big lobsters again. Our assumptions were correct and we got the big'uns. We finished our trips early and finally able to dine somewhere without the late night club kids. The only thing missed is the occasional drunken eye candy. Last season vs this season pictures with a bonus solo trip. All dates are between my last report to the beginning of this week. Enjoy with butter.

Long Beach - Super Crawl

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0925.jpg
I had to wait for Dennis again. I had a shorter time to fish because of traffic, so I hit the shallow water vermillion hole. Limited out quick and ran back to the dock to pick up Dennis. Only one by-catch this time. A welcomed barberpole.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0071.jpg
Last season (2010/2011) Long Beach. We were hoping for a repeat of this.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0935-1.jpg
This season they are not as abundant, but last season we dropped our nets in January at this spot, this is November. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come this new year

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0939.jpg
Another net full of them. We were done by the 3rd net. We should of brought along some guests to share the bounty. By guests, we mean someone with no fishing experience, no fishing friends, no gps, or only seen the ocean by pictures.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0940.jpg
Average size. Pretty small, but legal.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0943-1.jpg
We released a couple LB big'uns. Another hooper will be happy to get this one.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0944.jpg
Limits for 2. Keep in mind this cooler shot so you can compare it later.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Malibu - BIG BUGS

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0946-1.jpg
Same Fall / Winter routine for me. Cod then Lobsters. Nice size Reds and Salmon Groupers. We try our best not to hit a hot cod spot more than 3 times a year. We have a rotation of hot spots that ensures us a generous supply of vermillions for tacos when we want them.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0948-1.jpg
Sun came out for a bit and it was flat clam. It was so flat we made it the lobster grounds pretty quick. We had a lot of time to kill, so we went out to the ridge to filled Dennis's cod limit full of 3-5lb reds.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0013.jpg
Last season (2010/2011) Malibu. This is what we were hoping for!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0950-1.jpg
This season. YEAAAAAAAAH!!!! The big'uns are back in full force again!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0017.jpg
Last season (2010/2011) Malibu.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0953.jpg
This season. History repeating itself.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_0025.jpg
Last season big bug (2010/2011) Malibu

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1054-1.jpg
This season big bug.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1012-1.jpg
We did a drop on a experimental location. No lobsters, but we had the largest and abundant crabs we ever encountered. We averaged 8 crabs per pot. We threw back about 2x as much and this is what we ended up with. We threw even more back after realizing how much crab we had. Funny how this works. North has mostly yellow crabs, while south has mostly red crabs.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1053-1.jpg
My pops wanted to hold up some bugs.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1052-1.jpg
The big bug.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1057-1.jpg
Big bug limits. ZERO shorts or small lobsters up in the 'Bu.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1056.jpg
The good problem. My limit of 7 bugs will not fit in the cooler. I took the big one and 6 of the smaller one :O

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1046.jpg
Malibu squid grounds.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1051-1.jpg
Finished lobstering early, so we took advantage of the free live squid. We set up near the kelp/structure and it was WFO on large calicos with the squirters. All bass released.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1042-1.jpg
We also found a new rockpile that was filled with sheepheads. They are predatory to my nearby lobster location, so they will be table fare. We did not catch them at night, we caught them right before sundown. Malibu keeps giving itself to us.

If you are worrying about the big bug population and what jerks we are, you shouldn't worry too much. We had 2 sets, with 10 nets. We had a big bug in every net besides 4. We even had a few side clingers. The population looks pretty healthy. Another note is once a big'un gets in the net, it is pretty hard for them to get out. No matter hard you try to shake them out. It is a ***** pulling them up. Even more of a ***** when you already got your limit. Much like our local cod spots, we treat 'land of the gaints' with a lot of respect. We will only harvest it a couple of times a year, so we can come back and enjoy the bounty the following season.

-----------------------------------------------------------

SMB Wreck

I did a quick solo trip out on the SMB. I got a late start. I found a small wreck like the size of my boat out in the open sand when I was looking for migratory sand bass in the spring two years ago. I have caught sand bass, calico bass, brown rockfish, sheephead, and whitefish at this spot. It is usually WFO. A clear sign that a small amount of people fish this spot or any at all. I followed the lobster rule, if there is calicos at a structure there is a high probability there will be lobster on it. I wanted to hoop this spot last season but never got around to it. But a recent lobster wreck diving report from a well known fisherman on a surf fishing forum spurred my curiosity about this spot once more. I wasn't expecting much, so I brought my fishing rod just in case I didn't find any lobster. I did not need my fishing rod it was loaded!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/dattrinh/IMG_1115-1.jpg
Quality size lobsters limit. I have added 5 new lobster holes to my arsenal this season. I am quite pleased.

-----------------------------------------------------

It may look like we are doing great out there all the time. That is not the case. There are numerous bad trips. Exploratory lobster trips are heartbreakers. But once in awhile you find a hole filled with lobsters and it makes you wonder about the next spot. It just keeps me going. The endless search.

That's it. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. See you all next time.

DockRat
11-12-2011, 07:34 AM
Dennis and I are having some consistent lobster runs. But these last few trips set it apart from the other outings. I could not get over the fact that the last season lobster honey holes are a bust, so I been doubling back on the these spots ever so often to check on them. I guess a little patience goes a long way because our former go-to holes finally crawled for us. We should of brought along some guests to share the bounty. By guests, we mean someone with no fishing experience, no fishing friends, no gps, or only seen the ocean by pictures.

We did a drop on a experimental location. No lobsters, but we had the largest and abundant crabs we ever encountered. We averaged 8 crabs per pot. We threw back about 2x as much and this is what we ended up with. We threw even more back after realizing how much crab we had. Funny how this works. North has mostly yellow crabs, while south has mostly red crabs.

If you are worrying about the big bug population and what jerks we are, you shouldn't worry too much. We had 2 sets, with 10 nets. We had a big bug in every net besides 4. We even had a few side clingers. The population looks pretty healthy. Another note is once a big'un gets in the net, it is pretty hard for them to get out. No matter hard you try to shake them out. It is a ***** pulling them up. Even more of a ***** when you already got your limit. Much like our local cod spots, we treat 'land of the gaints' with a lot of respect. We will only harvest it a couple of times a year, so we can come back and enjoy the bounty the following season.

It may look like we are doing great out there all the time. That is not the case. There are numerous bad trips. Exploratory lobster trips are heartbreakers. But once in awhile you find a hole filled with lobsters and it makes you wonder about the next spot. It just keeps me going. The endless search.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c186/jujueyeball/LOL-Monty_Python_Applause.gif

XLNT, I'm glad that you added the above comments too. So many Newbs think it is easy
and forget that years of experience, charting, trial and error are needed.

Nothing beats time on the water for advancing ones skills.
XLNT REPORT,
DR

JapanRon
11-12-2011, 07:58 AM
Hi marzocchi,

Wow ...... great report on fishys and bugs alike. You didn't include a couple other things the newbie person you take on a bug hunt should have ....... big hands, money to spend on a one trip, one shot license, and a strong back !!! ha ha ha

Again ..... much appreciate all the info and pics.

JapanRon

ToadsToadsOnly
11-12-2011, 10:15 AM
What an excellent slay fest out there looks like you got the bug spots down lock.

murrieta angler
11-12-2011, 10:26 AM
Very nice report Dat,
I commend you on your treatment of the eco system..:Wink:
Your Pops looked real happy with that biggin also..:Smile:
Thanks for the report and pictures,
Robert
<><

Ifishtoolittle
11-12-2011, 10:41 PM
Quality at its finest. Very impressive, WTG.

E.A.R.G.
11-13-2011, 08:42 AM
dang. i hate you. so much right now.

Tunaslam
11-14-2011, 08:44 AM
Awesome adventures, way to go guys!

Viejo
11-14-2011, 12:40 PM
What a wonderful report. Lots of fish and Lobster but most importantly...you showed respect. Respect for the resource...respect for the creatures you caught and respect for the sport.

Oh....and thank you for not using the phrase "We really Slayed them". It wouldn't fit with the tone of your report and I suspect that it is not in your vocabulary when you are on the water.

Well done report.