Jackpot Jimmy
07-10-2012, 09:54 PM
I had the pleasure of volunteering again for the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club’s annual Kids Trip at Pierpoint Landing. Last year I got to experience firsthand just how much effort goes into putting on a short three- to four-hour trip, and believe me, it’s ultimately satisfying when you witness the positive effect that fishing can have on kids. Majorly in that respect, I couldn’t wait for this year’s event.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0545.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0548.jpg
The preparation began the afternoon before, with over 250 rods to rig up for the kids. While most are busy stringing rods and tying dropper loops, a few guys are setting up tables for the BBQ dinner that night and breakfast the next morning. Dinner was once again fantastic, and just to show the extent of the LARRC’s generosity, a couple of hungry passers-by were treated to a plate each of the delicious BBQ food. Kindness here goes further than just the main purpose of the event.
After dinner we loaded rods onto the two of the boats, and we grabbed our bunks on the Toronado, where we would sleep for the night. Some went right to bed to get plenty of rest for the next day, but others stayed awake to toss in a line in an unofficial volunteer “tournament”. No pictures were taken as the bite was pretty good. Tomcod, smelt, and mackerel were common, but Scott Schiffman got the exotic of the evening – a queenfish – which was caught on plastic.
We were woken up at 5am the next morning to get ready for the kids that would be arriving within a couple hours. The plan for the morning was to greet the kids, feed them a breakfast of bagels, muffins, fruit, and juice, and let them into the aquarium to see the sharks and touch the rays, and then welcome them aboard the boats. Everything went very smoothly and the kids had a blast getting to witness what the ocean can offer up close and in person. To the new kid fisherman, the whole experience is very important. It’s important to open up kids to all aspects of the ocean, for you never know how each of those aspects may have an impact on them.
Getting Set Up for Breakfast
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0552.jpg
In the aquarium...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0554.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0557.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0558.jpg
After the venture into the aquarium, it was about time to board the boats. Five boats would be running this day – City of Long Beach, Enterprise, Southern Cal, Toronado, and Westerly. My boat was the Enterprise, with Captain Frank Savino at the helm, and Scott Schiffman as the Head Volunteer on the boat. Other volunteers on board included “Mensa-Man” Will Ebersman, Eddie “HESBROS”, Steve “Flyngby”, Robert “Murrieta Angler”, and Arthur Schiffman. We welcomed our group, who were mostly from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Fernando Valley, onto the boat.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0562.jpg
Once the kids were on the boat, they started checking things out as Emillio, the official photographer and chef on the boat was snapping a few pictures.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0563.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0566.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0568.jpg
Picture of Emillio Taking Pictures
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0564.jpg
Boarding the Westerly
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0561.jpg
On board the Toronado
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0567.jpg
Soon after we headed out of Rainbow Harbor and we were on our way to the fishing grounds. On the way the kids were treated to the sights of the Long Beach Skyline, the Queen Mary, the Carnival Cruise Ship, and the old Spruce Goose dome.
Harbor Breeze Cruises
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0573.jpg
Queen Mary
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0574.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0576.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0579.jpg
We went out a few miles outside the Federal Breakwater and dropped anchor. The bite was slow on the outside but we kept most of the kids busy with teaching them the proper fishing techniques. A few fish came over the rail – two sand bass, a sculpin, a baby cabezon, and a small chucklehead.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0585.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0586.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0590.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0591.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0596.jpg
In between spots the kids would pile into the galley to order some food. Hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked by Expert Chef Emillio and Arthur. Emillio’s burgers were not only gobbled up by the kids, but were given Captain Frank’s seal of approval.
Galley Before...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0559.jpg
And Galley During...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0589.jpg
You want a burger?
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0593.jpg
Emillio makes the best boat burger I’ve had in a long time...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0594.jpg
Some kids were also checking out a few of the sardines that were in the bait tank.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0588.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0587.jpg
Like I said, we have to ensure the kids are getting a safe and positive experience on the water in all aspects, and that’s what we tried to do to the best of our ability.
The fishing was slow on the outside rockpiles, so we elected to take the kids inside the harbor, tie up to the bait barge, and fish for some harbor fish. Boy, was that the right choice. The tomcod gave an immediate response and every kid was at the rail fishing. Pelicans were all over the place but the deckhands worked hard to keep them away. Most, if not, all, kids managed to pull on a tomcod. Some of them were very intrigued by the fish as it may have been the first fish they’ve seen up close. The kids were now having an absolute blast. I’ll let the pictures say the rest for a while...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0600.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0601.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0602.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0603.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0604.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0607.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0608.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0613.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0614.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0615.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0617.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0618.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0619.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0620.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0622.jpg
It was fun helping the kids as they were pulling on tomcod after tomcod. But after a while of great fishing, it was time to head back to the dock. Once back, the kids were guided back up to the landing where they received a trophy.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0627.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0624.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0625.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0632.jpg
Then we offloaded the rods and reels, washed them down, and dismantled them. As the other boats went in, we heard their reports. Fishing was pretty tough on the outside, so some came inside the harbor like us, one boat I believe went out deeper and found some sculpin and a plethora of sand dabs, but Jon Ackley on the Westerly decided to take his group on a scenic tour of the harbor, including the U.S.S. Iowa, just north of Ports O’ Call Village. That sort of happening exemplifies my belief that you have to make the experience on the water a positive one for these kids and keep doors open for them. Fishing was tough, and Jon wanted to keep things exciting for the kids. Thanks to him some more doors may be open to these kids. For example, while fishing may lead a child to want to become a marine biologist, witnessing a majestic ship such as the Iowa may lead a child to take an interest in ships, leading him or her to a career in that area. It’s pretty exciting when you consider the endless possibilities.
I think this year’s trip was a success and I was happy to witness the beginning of a positive effect that fishing can have on these kids. If you can sense that, then the tireless efforts of all the volunteers have succeeded. Many thanks to LARRC for putting this great event on every year, and special thanks to Scott Schiffman for getting me involved in this event last year, it’s been a fulfilling experience for me as it has been for everyone. I know Dana’s smiling down on us.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0633.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0545.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0548.jpg
The preparation began the afternoon before, with over 250 rods to rig up for the kids. While most are busy stringing rods and tying dropper loops, a few guys are setting up tables for the BBQ dinner that night and breakfast the next morning. Dinner was once again fantastic, and just to show the extent of the LARRC’s generosity, a couple of hungry passers-by were treated to a plate each of the delicious BBQ food. Kindness here goes further than just the main purpose of the event.
After dinner we loaded rods onto the two of the boats, and we grabbed our bunks on the Toronado, where we would sleep for the night. Some went right to bed to get plenty of rest for the next day, but others stayed awake to toss in a line in an unofficial volunteer “tournament”. No pictures were taken as the bite was pretty good. Tomcod, smelt, and mackerel were common, but Scott Schiffman got the exotic of the evening – a queenfish – which was caught on plastic.
We were woken up at 5am the next morning to get ready for the kids that would be arriving within a couple hours. The plan for the morning was to greet the kids, feed them a breakfast of bagels, muffins, fruit, and juice, and let them into the aquarium to see the sharks and touch the rays, and then welcome them aboard the boats. Everything went very smoothly and the kids had a blast getting to witness what the ocean can offer up close and in person. To the new kid fisherman, the whole experience is very important. It’s important to open up kids to all aspects of the ocean, for you never know how each of those aspects may have an impact on them.
Getting Set Up for Breakfast
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0552.jpg
In the aquarium...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0554.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0557.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0558.jpg
After the venture into the aquarium, it was about time to board the boats. Five boats would be running this day – City of Long Beach, Enterprise, Southern Cal, Toronado, and Westerly. My boat was the Enterprise, with Captain Frank Savino at the helm, and Scott Schiffman as the Head Volunteer on the boat. Other volunteers on board included “Mensa-Man” Will Ebersman, Eddie “HESBROS”, Steve “Flyngby”, Robert “Murrieta Angler”, and Arthur Schiffman. We welcomed our group, who were mostly from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Fernando Valley, onto the boat.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0562.jpg
Once the kids were on the boat, they started checking things out as Emillio, the official photographer and chef on the boat was snapping a few pictures.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0563.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0566.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0568.jpg
Picture of Emillio Taking Pictures
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0564.jpg
Boarding the Westerly
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0561.jpg
On board the Toronado
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0567.jpg
Soon after we headed out of Rainbow Harbor and we were on our way to the fishing grounds. On the way the kids were treated to the sights of the Long Beach Skyline, the Queen Mary, the Carnival Cruise Ship, and the old Spruce Goose dome.
Harbor Breeze Cruises
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0573.jpg
Queen Mary
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0574.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0576.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0579.jpg
We went out a few miles outside the Federal Breakwater and dropped anchor. The bite was slow on the outside but we kept most of the kids busy with teaching them the proper fishing techniques. A few fish came over the rail – two sand bass, a sculpin, a baby cabezon, and a small chucklehead.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0585.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0586.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0590.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0591.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0596.jpg
In between spots the kids would pile into the galley to order some food. Hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked by Expert Chef Emillio and Arthur. Emillio’s burgers were not only gobbled up by the kids, but were given Captain Frank’s seal of approval.
Galley Before...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0559.jpg
And Galley During...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0589.jpg
You want a burger?
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0593.jpg
Emillio makes the best boat burger I’ve had in a long time...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0594.jpg
Some kids were also checking out a few of the sardines that were in the bait tank.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0588.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0587.jpg
Like I said, we have to ensure the kids are getting a safe and positive experience on the water in all aspects, and that’s what we tried to do to the best of our ability.
The fishing was slow on the outside rockpiles, so we elected to take the kids inside the harbor, tie up to the bait barge, and fish for some harbor fish. Boy, was that the right choice. The tomcod gave an immediate response and every kid was at the rail fishing. Pelicans were all over the place but the deckhands worked hard to keep them away. Most, if not, all, kids managed to pull on a tomcod. Some of them were very intrigued by the fish as it may have been the first fish they’ve seen up close. The kids were now having an absolute blast. I’ll let the pictures say the rest for a while...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0600.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0601.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0602.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0603.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0604.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0607.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0608.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0613.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0614.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0615.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0617.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0618.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0619.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0620.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0622.jpg
It was fun helping the kids as they were pulling on tomcod after tomcod. But after a while of great fishing, it was time to head back to the dock. Once back, the kids were guided back up to the landing where they received a trophy.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0627.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0624.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0625.jpg
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0632.jpg
Then we offloaded the rods and reels, washed them down, and dismantled them. As the other boats went in, we heard their reports. Fishing was pretty tough on the outside, so some came inside the harbor like us, one boat I believe went out deeper and found some sculpin and a plethora of sand dabs, but Jon Ackley on the Westerly decided to take his group on a scenic tour of the harbor, including the U.S.S. Iowa, just north of Ports O’ Call Village. That sort of happening exemplifies my belief that you have to make the experience on the water a positive one for these kids and keep doors open for them. Fishing was tough, and Jon wanted to keep things exciting for the kids. Thanks to him some more doors may be open to these kids. For example, while fishing may lead a child to want to become a marine biologist, witnessing a majestic ship such as the Iowa may lead a child to take an interest in ships, leading him or her to a career in that area. It’s pretty exciting when you consider the endless possibilities.
I think this year’s trip was a success and I was happy to witness the beginning of a positive effect that fishing can have on these kids. If you can sense that, then the tireless efforts of all the volunteers have succeeded. Many thanks to LARRC for putting this great event on every year, and special thanks to Scott Schiffman for getting me involved in this event last year, it’s been a fulfilling experience for me as it has been for everyone. I know Dana’s smiling down on us.
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/105_0633.jpg