basshole1
12-28-2014, 03:35 PM
Greetings FNN!!! It's been awhile since I've posted a report of any kind. Work and life have been consuming the days so I haven't had the opportunity to soak a line in quite some time. I had a severe itch that needed to be scratched so my buddies and I booked our annual Channel Islands, Christmas rock cod trip and this would be the cure to my fishing withdrawal. I don't know what it is with us fisherman, but the absence of pulling on a tight line kinda makes a guy (or gal) a little nuts. This year, the Coral Sea out of Cisco's was the chosen one. Before I go any further, I have to give major props to the captain (Alex) along with the rest of the crew for setting high standards and managing such a quality operation.
With a limited load of 17, we set course towards the western side of San Miguel Island. The wind was blowing, the swell was strong, conditions were not ideal; but the show must go on. We reached our first spot and instantaneously, quality lings were being flung on board...we knew it was going to be another great trip. Fish were getting tagged and by the conclusion of our second spot, most of the anglers had limited out on the dinos'. Awesome.
A nice legal for the freezer.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141227_141039_zpsf258dd8a.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141227_141039_zpsf258dd8a.jpg.html)
In search of rockfish, we located deeper waters and down went our dropper loops. The fish were on the chew and from this point forward, it was absolutely WFO. Gargantuan reds, enormous chuckleheads and monstrous johnny bass were getting slayed two at a time. Nothing but quality. We fished hard, hitting various points of deep structure, man was it tiring. I have to say, rock fishing in the Channel Islands is better than any gym membership.
A couple of fat reds, all day.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141227_141919_zps0139a704.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141227_141919_zps0139a704.jpg.html)
As I mentioned before, large swells and strong winds accounted for some gnarly fishing conditions. As I was getting close to my limit, I had a sensation that I haven't felt in years. Seasickness. As I stared into the horizon, I leaned overboard and blew chunks for the first time in eight years. It felt great. We continued to fish and filled our bags with plenty of nice caliber fish.
We called it a day after an absolutely FANTASTIC session on the water. On the way back, we had a nice surprise. A huge pod of dolphins emerged and began swimming next to the boat. I've never seen such a large gathering before, there were hundreds. It was amazing...like the discovery channel, but live. I shot some video but we'll save that for another time.
The ride back was smooth and everybody had a smile on their face.
Here is a shot with the crew on the way back. From left to right: myself, Rob, Jason and Ryan. Good crew, more importantly, great people.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141227_174149_zpse82ab7bd.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141227_174149_zpse82ab7bd.jpg.html)
Fish fry for lunch, rock cod seasoned with Andy's fish fry, french beans sprinkled with Lawry's seasoning salt and cooked in butter, tarter sauce. WOO WEE.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141228_135039_zpscf5a26c0.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141228_135039_zpscf5a26c0.jpg.html)
I really enjoy our annual outing in the Channel Islands. Good company, good fishing equals great time. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and I wish everyone much prosperity in the new year. Cheers FNN.
With a limited load of 17, we set course towards the western side of San Miguel Island. The wind was blowing, the swell was strong, conditions were not ideal; but the show must go on. We reached our first spot and instantaneously, quality lings were being flung on board...we knew it was going to be another great trip. Fish were getting tagged and by the conclusion of our second spot, most of the anglers had limited out on the dinos'. Awesome.
A nice legal for the freezer.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141227_141039_zpsf258dd8a.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141227_141039_zpsf258dd8a.jpg.html)
In search of rockfish, we located deeper waters and down went our dropper loops. The fish were on the chew and from this point forward, it was absolutely WFO. Gargantuan reds, enormous chuckleheads and monstrous johnny bass were getting slayed two at a time. Nothing but quality. We fished hard, hitting various points of deep structure, man was it tiring. I have to say, rock fishing in the Channel Islands is better than any gym membership.
A couple of fat reds, all day.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141227_141919_zps0139a704.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141227_141919_zps0139a704.jpg.html)
As I mentioned before, large swells and strong winds accounted for some gnarly fishing conditions. As I was getting close to my limit, I had a sensation that I haven't felt in years. Seasickness. As I stared into the horizon, I leaned overboard and blew chunks for the first time in eight years. It felt great. We continued to fish and filled our bags with plenty of nice caliber fish.
We called it a day after an absolutely FANTASTIC session on the water. On the way back, we had a nice surprise. A huge pod of dolphins emerged and began swimming next to the boat. I've never seen such a large gathering before, there were hundreds. It was amazing...like the discovery channel, but live. I shot some video but we'll save that for another time.
The ride back was smooth and everybody had a smile on their face.
Here is a shot with the crew on the way back. From left to right: myself, Rob, Jason and Ryan. Good crew, more importantly, great people.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141227_174149_zpse82ab7bd.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141227_174149_zpse82ab7bd.jpg.html)
Fish fry for lunch, rock cod seasoned with Andy's fish fry, french beans sprinkled with Lawry's seasoning salt and cooked in butter, tarter sauce. WOO WEE.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/hojinlim/20141228_135039_zpscf5a26c0.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/hojinlim/media/20141228_135039_zpscf5a26c0.jpg.html)
I really enjoy our annual outing in the Channel Islands. Good company, good fishing equals great time. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and I wish everyone much prosperity in the new year. Cheers FNN.