Ron, Ofer, Lee and Roy, with various species of rockfish, all having a great time!
Fishing Sat with Ofer & friends on his spacious 30' Sportscraft "Loose Change". Ofer had his nephews visiting from Israel, and they wanted to go fishing. I just happened to call him on Thursday to say Hi, having seen his boat in the Camporama last weekend. Ofer had been mostly diving altely, and the boat had been down quite some time for repairs. Since I had just received a late cancellation for Sat. fishing, he invited me to join them. Ofer explained everyone was a beginner, and could sure use some help in assisting them to catch some fish, and also to rig up their tackle. I showed them how to tie some knots, and set them each up with a dropper loop.
We got a late start out of the Channel Islands Harbor, after picking up some live sardines; we arrived at the Yellow Banks area at Santa Cruz Island at 8am. We looked around, as a number of boats were fishing, but nothing seemed to be going on from the previous weeks White Seabass bite. Ofer also had spotted some schools of bonito here the week before, and thought for beginners, that could be a blast. However, no bonito turned up, and since the weather conditions were still ideal, decided to push on to Santa Rosa Island for some deep-water rockfish.
Arriving at 9:30 am, Ofer set up over some good-looking pinnacles, with clouds of fish in about 230’ of water. My favorite rig of a Jax jig, and a Shrimp Fly teaser, no sooner hit the bottom, and my rod doubled over. Up came a huge Johnny Bass, and back went a 23” Ling Cod! During the day, I caught 4 Lings, all 21-23”
Here’s a pic of the big Johnny Bass (Olive Rockcod).
Here I am with a nice Copper rockfish, & the Johnny Bass.
The Blue Bass were in full biting mode, and most everyone got bit on their first drop. The weather was fantastic, crystal clear blue skies, and a very mild breeze and swell. Our drifting was the usual mode, never the same direction, as the wind and current seemed to work in opposite directions. However, the rockcod didn’t care and were in full-scale suicide watch! On one particular drift, we hit a school of Red Vermillion, and everyone brought up a nice Red, while Ofer and I had doubles.
Ron, Roy and Lee with some high quality Red Vermillion.
Ron & Cory with Red Vermillion, & Lee enjoying a cold one, while showing off his good tan, ah the joys of youth!
At 11:30 am the wind picked up, and by noon white caps surrounded us. We decided we had caught our share for a day, and headed bank to Santa Cruz Island to possibly find a few whitefish or bonito for fun. We stopped at Alberts to clean fish, and take in the beauty of the Island Cove. Called it a day at 3pm. The wind was up in the channel, but the ride home was down hill and pleasant.
Here’s a pic of the day’s catch. Not bad for a little over 2 hours.
All in all, a fantastic trip. Ofer what a joy to once again share a rail with you. Your boat has so much fishing room, and with the diesel power rides the waves nicely. Great meeting your friends, and I wish them well in their journey back to Israel. Thanks for the invite. Hope we do it again soon.
Hook up!
Cory
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