San Clemente Trip

[Rick Dawg]

Went out to San Clemente yesterday with Steve Shur(OChunter steve), Sean Stodelle, Tom, Gill, and Dan. We left from oceanside and it took about 2 hours to get there. The first stop was on the leeward side of the island called fish hook I believe. The water was warm and the vis was decent but no fish.

The second spot was by the south point of the island. Swam around for an hour and a half or so, steve saw about 4 yellowtail but couldn't get his gun around in time. On my way back, as I was crawling over some thick kelp I saw a 20 or so pound white. My gun was on top of the kelp and there was no way to line up for the shot.

Finally we stopped at China point. The vis was around 20-30ft. We cruised around inside the kelp for awhile but saw nothing. I went to the outer edge and got myself facing into the current. I pushed a group of bait into the current when they made a sudden turn. Out of the grey fuzz came 10 yellows head on at me. I picked the closest one and fired. A complete miss:mad: I dont think I have ever reloaded faster. I got back in the same current and 15 min. later, another school came right at me. I let them get a bit closer and let one have it. The fish performed some damn matrix move and dodged the shaft. Reloaded once more, and they made one more pass and I didn't get a shot off. I was pissed.

Thanks everybody who went for the bad ass trip. Let me know when you guys are down here and we'll get out to the kelp and hopefully be more productive. Laters.


Rick

[Prodigal Son]

I wish I could've gone on that trip with you guys. I went diving out of Shaw's Cove on Saturday, and conditions were surprisingly good for Laguna with calm seas, "warm" water, and about 10-12 foot vis (ok, it's not like the open water). The only bad thing: No decent fish. Anyways, it was good just to be out in the water. I'll see you at the OC Hunter meeting next week.

[Stodelle]

I was lucky enough to go out with these guys on the trip. All I can say is "WOW".

First, I have been spearing for a few years, but it has mostly just been going out, screwing around near shore, etc. This was my first time actually fishing in/near bluewater. Did any of these guys treat me any different, or less, not at all.

I actually felt sorry for Rick (Rick dawg) as I spent most of the 2+ hour trip out there asking him various spearfishing questions (ie. proper use of a float, tactics, etc). He was quick to respond and I never really picked up on any "vibes" that I was annoying him. (maybe he was just a good actor!)

But, that was how it was with everybody. They were all quick to offer tips and hints. I was able to gather alot of information from all of their combined years of knowledge. While it was my first actual spearfishing trip, and we didn't get any fish, everything I learned will last a life time. Heck, maybe next time we'll even get some fish.

As I've said in previous posts, the OC Hunters have been nothing but helpful. Quick to help, quick to teach, and quick to build comraderie, I can only say my membership fee has been well worth it. I carpooled with Steve (OCHUNTERSTEVE) and got to hear his plans for the group. Watch out all! His drive and belief in this is going to take the OC Hunters beyond simple pipe dreams. He's already got alot of stuff in the works, and I strongly feel anyone in the SoCal area would benefit in affiliating themselves with them. Listening to him speak with such dedication makes me feel that we may actually get some "positive" recognition for the spearing community here on the Way West Coast.

By the way, watch out for Rick Dawg, he quickly earned the nicknamed "AQUAMAN" by everyone that was present. No, he wasn't wearing orange and green, but he covered some serious ground and outswam everybody else at least 2 to 1. He would have stayed out longer, but the boat captain sounded the horn several times to get his attention and signal it was time to come back. Apparently Rick had trouble hearing it since he was about a mile away....!

[Kyle]

Great report guys!!!! I agree that Rick and Steve are two classy guys. I was able to spend the weekend at Catalina, relaxing, spearing, hunting, and more relaxing. The only nice fish I saw was a school of HUGE black sea bass, about 400 lbs each. One had a hole in his gill plate obviously from a spear. The vis was about 30.
I ran into a log in the water that foocked up my prop, we were about 8 miles from the island, traveling at 28 mph. After about 2 hours of messing with the prop we limped to Avalon to anchor up for the night.

Talk to you all later.

Kyle

[Blackfoot]

hey rick, glad you were able to go on that trip. i am so bummed that i couldn't.... but next time. i was talking with the Riffe's and they are considering making an underwater cannon for you that has a blast radius of 30 feet or so.....so hopefully you may hit something on future trips...lol. anyways bro, glad to hear everyone had a great time. i will talk with you in a bit (just email me... i dealing with the jerks from my cell phone ... so i will be out of commission for a couple days)

late. sask.

[Prodigal Son]

Originally posted by Stodelle
...First, I have been spearing for a few years, but it has mostly just been going out, screwing around near shore, etc. This was my first time actually fishing in/near bluewater. Did any of these guys treat me any different, or less, not at all...But, that was how it was with everybody. They were all quick to offer tips and hints. I was able to gather alot of information from all of their combined years of knowledge. While it was my first actual spearfishing trip, and we didn't get any fish, everything I learned will last a life time...

Sounds exactly like what the doctor ordered. We're in the same boat (no pun intended), and that's what I'm looking for. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll be there next week.