Redondo Special, Redondo Beach

My buddies and I rode the Redondo Special Friday morning for a 1/2 day trip. It was pretty slow and we had to move a few times before finding fish. There were plenty of tangles and many folks muttering under their breath. I believe we were the cause of some of that because we lost our 10 oz. sinkers and had to resort to using 5 oz. which would get caught up during the drift. I had only brought 2 spinning outfits with 20 lb. & 25 lb. test so one of my friends had to rent, but they handed him a conventional reel which he'd never used before. I was the most experienced with it (and hardly at that) so I swapped with my friend. It took a little bit to get used to and I ended up with a couple minor bird's nests, but got the hang of it quickly after that.

Note: One of the passengers became very seasick and was having panic attacks. When the captain announced we'd be heading back early, more grumblings occurred. But a few minutes into our trip back, he announced that the Coast Guard would meet us halfway. It stunk that we had to stop fishing for awhile, but I certainly felt for the poor lady.

Another note: I broke the law by keeping two bocaccio (DFG allows just one per person). It was my ignorance but I'm not using that as an excuse because in the end it still affects the fishery. I've since contacted DFG and turned myself in so we'll see what they have to say. Crazy? Maybe, but if I want to be a proponent of conservation and defend the regulations, I must be able to man up to my own mistakes. Update: DFG said it's at the warden's discretion to give me a citation or issue me a warning. I have received a warning.

First catch for our group--redbanded rockfish


Another buddy's speckled rockfish


Coast Guard about to board


Assisting the sick person


Group photo


My two bocaccio (I know, over one is illegal)


Fat bocaccio


Gutted and cleaned


Whole fish dinner