Aggressor, Newport Beach

My very first fishing experience anywhere west of the Mississippi! I'd probably gone fishing about a dozen times before as a kid with absolutely no know-how and very little interest in it. Back then I was confined to the lakes of Illinois and the rivers of Georgia and had never experienced saltwater fishing. I wouldn't say this was the trip that "hooked" me, but my interest was piqued.

I was aboard the Aggressor out of Newport Beach for a friend's bachelor party. I remember the crew as being helpful which was certainly what a bunch of inexperienced, first-time anglers needed! We used live sardines and targeted the 3 B's: Bonito, barracuda, and bass. I don't really remember what I caught specifically (maybe a bonito and calico bass, of which one was stolen by a sea lion), but I do remember the bite being pretty slow for everyone.

One of the deckhands showing us the basics of baitfish


Playing with the birds


Can't remember who caught this barracuda


Trying to handle a snagged bird


Looking out at the other boats


Finally hooked (how did I get a left-handed reel?)...


...but my catch is stolen by a sea lion


My consolation prize is a snagged bird


Posing with our fish


The bachelor's calico


Gray or Brown Smoothhound shark


The bachelor showing off his bonito and barracuda


Group shot with the Aggressor