Announcing: The 7th Annual Hunting Giants Surf Fishing Event - Presented by S.W.A.T.

[Wingnut]

ANNOUNCING: The 7th Annual Hunting Giants - Surf Fishing Event

Dedicated in Memory of Dana Rea - Fisherman 57
Presented by S.W.A.T.

Saturday, October 3rd, 2015

Registration now OPEN! Please read the following information carefully.
(Check this thread periodically for new announcements and updates!)

You are cordially invited to join S.W.A.T., our sponsors and other fellow FNN members on the sand for a day of Family, Friends, Fun, Fishing and Food! :Big Grin:

This event is held in remembrance of Dana Rea - Fisherman 57, the Godfather of Team 57 and leader of the "Heaven" S.W.A.T. Chapter. :Cool:

The admission to this event is FREE and open to all registered members of the Fishing Network.

Location: Santa Monica Bay Area. Event details will be sent via PM (Private Messages) to all registered members.

"Catch & Release" Surf Fishing Derby with prizes from S.W.A.T., The Fishing Network, and many others (list of sponsors be announced at a later date).

Raffle with amazing prizes donated by FNN Members, S.W.A.T., our Sponsors and So. Cal Tackle Shops! :Big Grin:
Donate something to the raffle and you will automatically be entered. (Kids 15 and under are automatically given a raffle ticket)
Thank you in advance for your generous contributions.

The fishing derby is open to registered FNN members ONLY!
If you bring a guest, he/she can fish but cannot enter the derby. If your guest would like to enter the derby, he/she must get registered with a FNN screen name and send me a PM. I will add his/her name to the derby.

Junior Derby participants are exempt from this requirement.
All participants that are 15 years of age or under may enter the Junior Derby whether or not they are a registered FNN member. They must be accompanied by a parent. All participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Event participants will be identified by an event wrist-band that will be issued during the check-in. Wrist bands must be worn for the entire duration of the event.

There is no charge to enter the derby and is capped for the first 150 registered members of the event. Valid California Fishing License with a saltwater stamp. Catch & Release only. Artificial or bait. One rod per angler. Separate junior derby for the 15 and under anglers.

Note: There will be Department of Fish & Wildlife presence at the event. DFW officers will be on hand to answer any questions and/or inquiries. :Cool:

All S.W.A.T. members will be attending the event. This is your chance to meet and hang out with the Crew and ask us anything you wish in regards to surf fishing. We will be happy to share knowledge and tips with you. If you are new to surf fishing, this is a great way to learn and get information. If you're already a seasoned surf angler, it would be fun to share experiences and swap stories. Maybe we all can learn something from each other. :Big Grin:

If you have never been surf fishing before, or have limited surf fishing experience, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get started and/or gain some valuable knowledge. Let me know in your registration PM or at the check-in table on the morning of the event, I will dedicate a S.W.A.T. member to you and your group or family to assist you for the day. He or she will help you with all the basics to get you started and headed in the right direction. Most importantly, we will educate you on some safety guidelines to follow while surf fishing. Catching fish is great, but the number one priority is for your safety, then having fun while learning something new. :Big Grin:

Food arrangements: Pot Luck style, bring something for yourself and maybe a little more to share with others. You are not obligated to bring a dish to the event. There will be plenty of food for everybody. Sharing is caring! :Cool:
I will be bringing 200 of my Mom's World Famous Egg Rolls, they go pretty darn fast! :Envious:


Registration process: Registration via PM only (Private Message). Open to all registered FNN members.
You MUST register in order to attend and participate in the event (no walk-ons)
*Please do not register for the event until you are absolutely sure that you can attend.*
Please notify me of any cancellation as soon as possible.

Members under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent at the event. No dogs allowed on the sand in the Santa Monica Bay area. This is an“Alcohol Free”event.

Send Arthur (Wingnut) a PM (Private Message) with the following information:
1. Your first and last name.
2. Do you wish to enter the fishing derby?
3. Pot luck item (optional).
4. Raffle prize donation (Optional, if you want to participate in the raffle).
5. Are you bringing any family members and/or guests? (Provide full names)
(Guests that wishes to enter the fishing derby must be registered with FNN and have a screen name)

Once you are registered, you will receive a reply confirmation. Details on the exact time and location, details & rules of the fishing derby, plus other important information on the event will be sent to you at a later date.

Talk to anybody who has attended one of our previous Hunting Giants Surf Fishing Events. They will tell you that it's THE Fishing Event of the Year and one that should not be missed. :!!!:

Come out and join the fun. Hope to share the sand with all of you on the 3rd of October! :Big Grin:

I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones... :Group Hug:

Arthur (Wingnut)

Here's the link to last year's event. :Big Grin:
http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/showthread.php?81558-Hunting-Giants-6-Closing-Statement-Thank-You-from-S-W-A-T


Dana Rea (Fisherman 57)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/P1000647-1.jpg



http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%2010/011-11.jpg



http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/Wingnut32566/Wingnut%208/Wingnut%2010/Wingnut%2011/HG404.jpg



http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h322/swatsILLEST/NEW%20HG6/IMG_6799_zps65bcf82f.jpg


This event has grown so much over the years...
The first event that Dana and I put together drew about 30 people... Now, there are hundreds. I gave this event a lot of thought over the past couple of years and wanted to make sure that the message of this event have not gotten lost as we grow bigger and better. The sole reason for this event is to honor the memory of Dana Rea (Fisherman 57). The Man who founded Team 57 and spawned the spirit of "Family, Friends, Fun & Fishing". This event isn't about all the wonderful sponsors, or the fabulous trophies or the fantastic raffle prizes. As a matter of fact, it's not even about the fishing.

This year especially, I made it a point to move the emphasis away from the sponsorship and prize aspects of the event and focus more on the bond among fishermen. :Cool:

Come out for the friends you will make, for the camaraderie from your fellow anglers, for the bond that you will forge while sharing your passion of the ocean with others. If you're one of the people who get it... and realize that the best things in life cannot be seen or even touched... it must be felt. Then come out and join us! :Big Grin:

[bones]

Good times on the horizon!

SEE EVERYONE THERE----------<()))))><

[trollmiester]

that's what were talking about=thank you

[exfactor]

Looking forward!!! Wonder if surf perch like Arthurs mom's egg rolls?

[City Dad]

Looking forward!!! Wonder if surf perch like Arthurs mom's egg rolls?

you can fly-line those things for corbina...

[4sallypat]

Never fished SM bay - will there be swimmers or surfers we have to watch out for or will the area be roped off for this event ?

[City Dad]

Never fished SM bay - will there be swimmers or surfers we have to watch out for or will the area be roped off for this event ?

ROPED OFF????? man, swimmers and surfers count extra... if you release 'em alive.





















i'm kidding of course. Rarely if ever had any issues with beach goers

[bachiboy]

Never fished SM bay - will there be swimmers or surfers we have to watch out for or will the area be roped off for this event ?

That's actually a great question that should be addressed. The area we have designated will be saturated with fisherman. L.A. County Lifeguards state that we are to stay 100 feet from all swimming activity. This wasn't an issue last year. There were so many participants that we took over that section of the beach and there were no "beach-goers" entering the water near us. There will be children in attendance that may inevitably enter the water. We just ask that you extreme caution and make sure that we don't have any unfortunate accidents. Once a participant registers for the event, he or she will be given a map detailing the designated area.

Hope you can make it out and we're looking forward to another awesome event!!!

Don

[SpinnerBaitKing]

Thanks and I am looking forward to the reply

[blackwater]

I'd like to come out there with my 2 boys! How do I go about it?

Thanks and I am looking forward to the reply

Here you go sir:

Registration process: Registration via PM only (Private Message). Open to all registered FNN members.
You MUST register in order to attend and participate in the event (no walk-ons)
*Please do not register for the event until you are absolutely sure that you can attend.*
Please notify me of any cancellation as soon as possible.

Members under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent at the event. No dogs allowed on the sand in the Santa Monica Bay area. This is an“Alcohol Free”event.

Send Arthur (Wingnut) a PM (Private Message) with the following information:
1. Your first and last name.
2. Do you wish to enter the fishing derby?
3. Pot luck item (optional).
4. Raffle prize donation (Optional, if you want to participate in the raffle).
5. Are you bringing any family members and/or guests? (Provide full names)
(Guests that wishes to enter the fishing derby must be registered with FNN and have a screen name)

Once you are registered, you will receive a reply confirmation. Details on the exact time and location, details & rules of the fishing derby, plus other important information on the event will be sent to you at a later date.

[surffishingsean]

Man i'm super pumped to come out and fish with everyone and beyond stoked for this event! After looking at all the pictures and reading the comments of HG6 was awesome. It really got me hyped even more. When i first got into Surf fishing about 3 years ago i used to watch videos on youtube of the previous HG events. I never thought i would be meeting all these people! Now i'm really starting to realize the whole meaning of the event. You sure are carrying on Dana's vision Arthur. Can't wait to partake in the family,friend,fun,fishing, and food! x)

PS: props to whoever was the artist of that HG leopard that says swat as part of the leopard's design.

[remington]

Rumor has it that Coach Sark from USC will be coming down to give us all a inspiring speech prior to hitting the sand.

No Alcohol at this event, the pep talk should be "G" rated so don't be alarmed.

Fish On!

[simijab]

woohoo!!!! cant wait!!!!!. For people that have never attended I just want them to know this is the best fishing derby that Ive ever been to and mainly because I don't feel like Im at a derby. Just feels like a big group of friends doing what they love.

[SpinnerBaitKing]

I don't want to be difficult, but how do I PM wingnut? lol Shoot, I"m not an expert at this. It's going to be me and my 2 boys. I'll try to get my bro and his kids to come out.

[simijab]

I don't want to be difficult, but how do I PM wingnut? lol Shoot, I"m not an expert at this. It's going to be me and my 2 boys. I'll try to get my bro and his kids to come out.

just click on his name and it will give you the option to send a private message

[Fishingdachronarch201E7]

cant wait! woohoo! good times for sure to come!

[5150fishn]

This truly is a special event and one that I look forward to each year! It is not on a good date for me at the moment. But I am going to try and do everything possible to move my schedule to get there! It would kill me to miss this event.

[SP Dan]

WARNING! ... WARNING! ... WARNING! .... :EyePop:

KNOWN CASES AND BREAKOUTS OF THE "OCFD" STRAIN HAS BEEN DETECTED :Bug Eyes: IN EVERY
PARTICIPANT THAT HAS EVER ATTENDED AN HG EVENT IN THE :EyePop: PAST 7 -YEARS!!!

This is incurable ... there is no known cure to man!

"Obsessive Compulsive Fishing Disorder" is no :ROFL:laughing matter people ... STOP NOW!!:LOL: Oh forget it .... let's ....

HAVE FUN! See Ya There!

SP Dan <"))><

[PONTOON]

I'm looking forward to being a part of history once again! :Cool:

[iLLest]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is time.

For one of the greatest surf fishing events to happen once again!
Last year we had a hot bite early in the A.M. with some bonito and macks, so please try to be there early if possible.
We are all looking forward to seeing returning faces and new ones as well.
Remember, this event is for everyone, novice fisherman to the experienced vets, so come on over and have a good time. :Big Grin:

See ya soon.
-Frank

[anchor3n1]

Hunting Giants has become a family tradition now for us. Only a flood that knocks out the bridge (did someone say "El Nino"?:LOL:) or an earthquake that takes out our car (actually we'd just hike it:Big Grin:) could possibly keep us from coming out. Hunting Giants is that special to us. And missing it would be such a disappointment that we place a priority in our calendar each year for it.

Listen, here's the honest truth:

My girls and I have such great family time, make new friends (and continue to make new ones each year), and frankly experience so much fun all while engaging in something we enjoy - fishing at every Hunting Giants event starting from the very first one we were at. I urge you, and encourage you to sign up and come to the most outstanding surf fishing event of the year. Come experience the vision of Dana Rea, the man who continues to impact lives with his life.

The girls and I guarantee that you will have a fantastic time and never want to miss another Hunting Giants event, plus you just might land yourself a "giant' or two while your at it:Shocked:

Noelle, Alexa, and I (Nick) look forward to seeing you there and meeting you in person!!!

[trollmiester]

rsvpd mr.bones

[Tesserz]

Being new to FNN in 2009, Jaysuuun and I missed the first Hunting Giants. After reading what the event was all about and how so many people had a good time, we made sure to sign up for HG2 and we’re so glad we did! Not only were we able to participate in our first fishing competition together, we met some new friends and had a great time. It didn’t feel like a competition at all; it was like fishing among friends. :Razz: We really felt the vibe Dana Rea intended for the event: “Family, Friends, Fun, and Fishing.” Over the years I’ve always felt that vibe resonate throughout FNN, Team 57, and of course in S.W.A.T. :Thumbs Up:

Fast forward and here we are at HG7! This event has grown bigger and better each passing year and we’re happy to still be a part of it. :Dancing Banana: Although life has kept us from the sand for a while, we’ve been looking forward to seeing our fellow S.W.A.T. brothers/old friends, and hoping to meet new ones at the event as well. So sign up! Oct. 3rd! We’ll see you all there. :Group Hug:


:Fishing Catch:
Tesserz

[yakfish51]

Signed up for Oct. 3 rd yesterday, can't wait.

Tim

[Wingnut]

All Registered Participants should have received a PM "Private Message" with all the details.
If you have registered for the event and have not received the PM with the location and parking info., send me (Wingnut) a private message and I will make sure you get the details. :Wink:

7th Annual Hunting Giants Surf Fishing Event - Saturday, October 3rd, 2015.

Event duration: 7:00am – 4:00pm

Check in starts at: 7:00am. You can check in any time afterwards.

At check in: All registered participants and their guest(s) must check in.
Registered participants entering in the Adult Fishing Derby will be issued “Green” wristbands (Please have your fishing license with a saltwater stamp ready).
There will be a Department of Fish and Wildlife Officers at the event.

Junior Fishing Derby participants (15 years or younger) will be issued “Red” wristbands.

All guests will be issued a “Yellow” wristband.

S.W.A.T. Members will be issued “Blue” wristbands.

Wristbands must be worn for the duration of the event. Anybody without a wrist band, will not be allowed in the event area.

Fishing derby participants will be given a scoring package to measure and document their catch. After checking in you can proceed to the Lucky Craft Lure Casting Competition or start fishing at any time.

Registered participants that brings a raffle prize donation will receive a raffle ticket for the giveaway drawing at the conclusion of the event. Winners must be present to win prizes.

Lucky Craft Lure Casting Competition (optional). Cast your LC at designated targets in the sand and earn points for accuracy (each participants will get 3 casts). 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winners will receive LC lures and Bass Pro Shop Gift Cards. Courtesy of Lucky Craft International.

Fishing Derby Rules & Regulations.
The fishing derby is open to registered FNN members ONLY!
If you bring a guest, he/she can fish but cannot enter the derby. If your guest would like to enter the derby, he/she must get registered on FNN with a screen name.

Junior Derby participants are exempt from this requirement.
All participants that are 15 years of age or under may enter the Junior Derby whether or not they are a registered FNN member. They must be accompanied by a parent. All participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Event participants will be identified by an event wrist-band that will be issued during the check-in. Wrist bands must be worn for the entire duration of the event.

Valid California Fishing License with a saltwater stamp. Catch & Release only. Artificial lures or bait are allowed. One rod per angler (you may carry two rods, but can only fish with one rod at any given time).

Derby monitors will be on the sand during the entire contest. Look for a S.W.A.T. member with the HG7 event shirt and wearing a blue wristband if you need assistance.

All scorecards must be turned in to the registration desk by 1:00pm (no exceptions). Make sure your name is on the scorecard. No need to total up the points, we will do it for you. A time-based “fish off” will take place in case of a tie.

Trophies and prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in both the adult and junior derbies.

Scoring: Individual scoring only. Each angler must have his/her own scorecard. Anglers cannot combine catch for scoring. All catch must be measured (if needed) and documented on the scorecard immediately after landing. Release your catch in a timely manner. This is a “Catch & Release” event. If you need help scoring your catch, or with the release, any S.W.A.T. members that are close by can assist you.

Potluck: If you are contributing to the potluck. You can leave your dish at the designated potluck food table. BBQ and food items will be served starting at noon.

Thank you for your contribution… sharing is caring! :Big Grin:

NO Alcohol Please!

Safety: Your safety and the safety of your friends and family is PRIORITY #1. While we can predict the tides... it is impossible to foresee the weather and surf conditions this far out from the event, so we must be prepared. We are hoping for clear weather and flat swells, but that is beyond our control. We will have plenty of S.W.A.T. Members, DFW Officers, Lifeguards and State of California Beach Monitors on the sand. But we need your cooperation to ensure an incident free event. KNOW YOUR LIMITS! Don’t underestimate the power of the ocean. Do not wade out too far from the beach and never turn your back to the sea. If you are new to surf fishing, request a S.W.A.T. member to assist you or your group. Please allow us to educate you on safety guidelines to follow while surf fishing. Catching fish is great, but your safety always comes first! :Cool:

I will reiterate once again, you do not need prior surf fishing experience to enjoy yourselves at this event. Simply let us know when checking in and we will dedicate a S.W.A.T. member to assist you for the day. I guarantee that by the end of the event, you will at least walk away with the basic knowledge of surf fishing that will help you succeed in future surf sessions. :Wink:

Raffle: A Raffle will be held at the conclusion of the event. All registered participants that donates a raffle prize will be given a raffle ticket at check-in. You must be present to participate.
Leave your donations with the event staff at time of check-in and we will include it in the raffle. We thank you in advance for your generosity. :Big Grin:

S.W.A.T. Members, Sponsors and/or Event Staff cannot participate in the fishing derby and are not eligible for the raffle. This event is about ‘YOU” and for “YOU,” the members and guests of the Fishing Network, along with your family & friends. It’s our way of showing our appreciation for your friendship and support throughout the years.

Looking forward to seeing all of you October 3rd ! :Big Grin:

Arthur (Wingnut)


HG4 Fishing Derby Scoring.
Species - Length Requirements
Leopard Shark (Legal) 36" or longer - 15 Points
Leopard Shark (Short) Less than 36" - 5 Points

Halibut (Legal) 22" or longer - 15 Points
Halibut (Short) Less than 22" - 5 Points

White Sea Bass (Legal) 28" or longer - 15 Points
White Sea Bass (Short) Less than 28" - 5 Points

Shovelnose Guitarfish 36" or longer - 5 Points
Shovelnose Guitarfish - Less than 36" - 1 Point

Smoothound Shark 36" or longer - 5 Points
Smoothound Shark - Less than 36" - 1 Point

Bat Ray 24" wingspan or longer - 5 Points
Bat Ray - Less than 24" wingspan - 1 Point

Surf Perch - Aggregated (All Species) - 1 Point
1 point each - 10 points maximum

Yellow Fin Croaker - 2 Points
2 points each - 20 points maximum

Bonito / Mackerel- 2 Points
2 points each - 20 points maximum

Various Rays (Sting Ray, Thornback, etc.) - 1 Point
1 point each - 5 points maximum

5 points each (any size) for the following species:
Maximum of 25 points per species.
Corbina
Calico Bass
Sand Bass
Spotted Bass
Cabezon
Zebra Perch
Barracuda
Spot Fin Croaker

Any other unspecified "Exotic Species" will be taken into consideration and scored on a case to case basis.

Bonus: The first (30) thirty anglers to catch any fish using a Lucky Craft lure will receive a FREE Flash Minnow 110 Lucky Craft lure. Catch must be verified by a S.W.A.T. Member or Lucky Craft Team Member. There will be plenty of us around to witness and verify your catch and hand you a certificate right on the sand to redeem your free lure! :Big Grin: Courtesy of Lucky Craft International.

[Wingnut]

We are only one week way from the event! :Dancing Banana:

Conditions are looking great for next Saturday. :Thumbs Up:

Registration will be closing soon, so if you plan to attend, register ASAP! :Big Grin:

Looking forward to seeing everybody next weekend!

[5150fishn]

Is it Saturday yet! Lol It always seems so long from the time we find out the date until it actually occurs. As always looking forward to hanging out with everyone. The fishing is a fun bonus but not what this event is really about. This work week is gonna drag!!! See ya Saturday.

[Ghost117]

Can't wait to meet and fish with ya'll again! :) I'll be praying that a huge bait ball will descend on the SM site an well catch all!!
See ya on saturday!!

[bones]

All systems go.....

The weather should be nice. A tad bit warm for this time of year so be sure to bring your sunblock folks. There will be a lot of food, drinks and smiles to go around for sure. As it was previously mentioned this derby is not really about the fishing aspect of things but is really a day of family and friends gathering together to remember our friend Dana Rea and the philosophy of fishing being the common thread that weaves us all together in a beautiful tapestry of family on the sand. Old friendships will be rekindled and new ones formed for sure.
For the folks that actually are taking the aspect of the fishing and the derby serious I would also suggest a combination of tactics to hopefully put a few fish on the sand. Obviously there will be folks fishing only artificial baits but also a bait and wait approach might be the ticket as well. It should be apparent to everyone who has been fishing the surf lately that this summer the fishing has been very spotty with the overwhelming warm water temps but remember folks.....any fish counts and some of the past derby's winners were determined by a few fish that were caught on simple bait and wait techniques like just soaking squid or chunks of mackerel so be prepared to try different things and show up with a smile and a great attitude and you will be rewarded with a warm feeling when it comes time to eat some great food and enjoy the raffle.

See everyone Saturday morning,

Mike aka Lt. Bones

[City Dad]

All systems go.....

The weather should be nice. A tad bit warm for this time of year so be sure to bring your sunblock folks. There will be a lot of food, drinks and smiles to go around for sure. As it was previously mentioned this derby is not really about the fishing aspect of things but is really a day of family and friends gathering together to remember our friend Dana Rea and the philosophy of fishing being the common thread that weaves us all together in a beautiful tapestry of family on the sand. Old friendships will be rekindled and new ones formed for sure.
For the folks that actually are taking the aspect of the fishing and the derby serious I would also suggest a combination of tactics to hopefully put a few fish on the sand. Obviously there will be folks fishing only artificial baits but also a bait and wait approach might be the ticket as well. It should be apparent to everyone who has been fishing the surf lately that this summer the fishing has been very spotty with the overwhelming warm water temps but remember folks.....any fish counts and some of the past derby's winners were determined by a few fish that were caught on simple bait and wait techniques like just soaking squid or chunks of mackerel so be prepared to try different things and show up with a smile and a great attitude and you will be rewarded with a warm feeling when it comes time to eat some great food and enjoy the raffle.

See everyone Saturday morning,

Mike aka Lt. Bones

bloodworms put hardware on the mantel.

[bones]

bloodworms put hardware on the mantel.


The one thing I also wanted to touch on is if anyone brings something that needs to be kept cold as far as a food item PLEASE bring something to keep it cold also. Last year a lot of folks just put potato salad and macaroni salad on the table in the morning and by lunch time the items had been baking in the hot weather for 6 hrs and the food had to be tossed out. The big turkey roasting pans that can be bought very cheap (at the dollar store or Smart and Final) are a great way to keep these items cold with ice packed around the food item. Please bring your own ice as well. Ice commitments from SWAT are for the drinks. Also don't forget to bring some kind of serving spoon. Anyone who wants to hang around after the raffle to help with the clean up is also very welcome to do so.

[Wingnut]

The countdown has begun... loading the car right now, see all of you tomorrow! :Big Grin:

[blakeb]

Hell yall,
Just a little info if you aren't from around this area.
If you are not wanting to pay to park you can park on temescal canyon for free. And walk down to the beach.
Also there is a tackle shop 5min from where we will be tomorrow if anyone needs anything.
Tackle shop is called Wylie's bait and tackle on pch.
She opens early her name is Cindy a very nice lady and has all the bait and essentials.

See yall in the morning!
BlakeB

[5150fishn]

Too excited too sleep. Lol
Already here!!!! Lmao

[DockRat]

Any reports ?

[Wingnut]

Patience... We are all exhausted after a full day of Family, Friends, Fun and Fishing. :Big Grin:

I'll put up a HG7 Closing Statement thread soon... :Wink: