LARRC with the Kids at Pierpoint 2012!

[Jackpot Jimmy]

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.

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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
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In the aquarium...
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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.

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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.

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Picture of Emillio Taking Pictures
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Boarding the Westerly
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On board the Toronado
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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
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Queen Mary
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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.

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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...
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And Galley During...
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You want a burger?
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Emillio makes the best boat burger I’ve had in a long time...
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Some kids were also checking out a few of the sardines that were in the bait tank.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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[Ifishtoolittle]

Awesome stuff Jimmy and company! Spreading the passion of fishing to the next generation is just priceless.

[HESBROS]

Jimmy, it was nice to meet you and the rest finally! I have to agree with your comments that this trip was one of the most awesome fishing trips to be on. Nothing compares to seeing those kids eager to catch fish and the smiles when they did. After seeing how this event went, a big hand needs to go out to the LA Rod and Reel Club, it is very obvious that there is alot of work and time that went into this event, so congradulation the LA Rod and Reel Club for putting together an outstanding event! Thanks to Steve for giving me the heads up and to Scott for getting me in on the trip! I am already planning to be there at the next event, when ever and where ever.

Thanks again.

[Which Way Out]

Jimmy that's a motley crew in the last pic. LOL

Great effort by all of you. Those kids will remember it for ever. Good work guys

WWO

[CAPT'N]

Saved for pics and comment

[troutdog]

Great job out on the water guys,thanks for the post Jimmy. I'm sure you all created a memory that will last a lifetime for the kids :Thumbs Up:


TD

[flyngby]

Jimmy,

Thanks for starting the post! It was great day to be on the waters even if the fish were not very cooperative until the last spot. Kind of fish did not matter to them in the end!

Thanks once again to the LARRC for letting me come out to yet another adventure with the kids! I spend months waiting for that private message from Scott inviting me to assist at your events!

Thankfully my boss at work took a no response from me to go to work at the last minute to work an overtime shift and understood how important this event was to me!

Arrived at Pierpoint Landing at 0500 and it was a “Ghost Town”, but as I walked down the ramp towards the “Toronado” folks were starting to come to life. You all spent some well deserved rest after Sunday’s setup but it was time for some of us to take over and allow you folks some time off before the kids arrived.

The “Enterprise” had just arrived in port and was in need of some prep! I gathered a few newbie’s to the event and we assisted with loading the gear and other necessities. All of the rigs were setup but still needed the terminal tackle added so that was accomplished while the kids were enjoying the Aquarium!

The kids arrived and it was time to get them familiar with the gear and overcome their fears of touching a fish back at the bait tank! Soon were off for the fishing grounds!

Here are a few pick that I took!

Jimmy chatting with some friends!
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Loading up on the neighbor boat and getting a briefing.
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Eddie, Roberto and the Dechhand were talking stradegy before the kids arrived!
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The Kids were getting familiar with the boat.
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Heading out to the open sea.
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Get back to work!
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Heading home!
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I look forward to next years events being out with these wonderful kids and their counselors, working side by side with the LARRC guys, and the crews of the boats that take time to make a day special for these kids!

Steve http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-1122.gif

[Wingnut]

Another fantastic event put on by the LARRC, great job Scott (CAPT'N). :Thumbs Up:
Major kudos to Jimmy and all the volunteers that donated their time for a great cause. :Applause:

Steve (Flyngby), Eddie (Hesbros) and Robert (Murrieta Angler), thank you my S.W.A.T. Brothers for stepping up for us. :Big Grin:

[PONTOON]

Jimmy, thanks for not only taking the time to volunteer but also for this wonderful post!:Cool:

I've got to give a shout out to Scott and The LARRC for putting in the long hours to set up an outing like this for the kids. It's also important to appreciate those who take the time out to volunteer. Just from looking at the pictures it is evident that there was a good time had by all and many memories that will not soon be forgotten. And yes Jimmy, I do believe that this experience will open one or more of these kids eyes to the options they have in life and this days experience will play a big part in what they dicide to do later in life.

Great job LARRC and all those who volunteered!:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

[iLLest]

Big thanks to everyone who set up this awesome trip for the youngsters.
They're going to remember this for the rest of their lives and by looking at the pics
it looks like they had a incredible time. Cant ask for more than that. :D

[bachiboy]

Congratulations and job well done to all of the organizers and volunteers. I'm sure those kids have lifetime memories to carry with them forever. Way to go!!! :Applause:

[JapanRon]

Hi Jackpot Jimmy,

Nice goin' with all the kids.

Appreciate the effort of youself and EVERYBODY for the good of the sport, recreation, and business !

JapanRon