All wet at Bolsa Chica State Beach

[Gordo Grande]

<st1:GivenName w:st="on">Oscar</st1:GivenName> and I gave a
surf fishing clinic at <st2lace w:st="on"><st2:PlaceName w:st="on">Bolsa</st2:PlaceName>
<st2:PlaceName w:st="on">Chica</st2:PlaceName> <st2:Place w:st="on">State</st2lace>
<st2:Place w:st="on">Beach</st2lace></st2lace> this morning, at
the request of <st2:PersonName w:st="on"><st1:GivenName w:st="on">Bill</st1:GivenName>
<st1:Sn w:st="on">Burhans</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName>, the interpretative
specialist there. They had a nice crowd of fishermen assembled from the RV Park
there, and we gave them the lowdown on catching perch, corbina, etc using light
gear. Most of the adults couldn’t actually fish for want of a license, but the
kids were able to give it a shot, and the adults were able to watch. There
weren’t quite as many kids there as last time, but that’s probably because
they’re all in school this time of year. The last clinic we had there was right
in the middle of summer vacation. Still, they listened intently to our spiel,
asked all the right questions, and seemed to enjoy themselves. A few of the
adults said they were going to visit Big Fish and Tackle that afternoon and get
some two day licenses.




I managed to scrounge up about a dozen sand crabs before
class, and <st1:GivenName w:st="on">Bill</st1:GivenName> had brought some live
lug worms. In addition we had an ample supply of Berkley Gulp, thanks to the
generosity of PURFIELD’S PRO TACKLE in <st2:City w:st="on"><st2lace w:st="on">Culver
City</st2lace></st2:City>, who donated three packages of sand worms for the
occasion. BRAVO TO PURFIELD’S!




<st2:City w:st="on"><st2lace w:st="on">High point</st2lace></st2:City>
of the day, for me, was landing a very chunky BSP on my second cast, in front
of the assembled crowd. Some days things just seem to go right. The folks all
marveled at the beauty of the little critter, who was perfectly jaw-hooked and
easily released.




Most comical moment of the day: Yours truly taking a
complete header in the surf, and being totally inundated by a huge wave, while
what was left of the class was looking on. All I can say is Yea for zip-loc
baggies! Don’t ever take your eyes off the ocean.




After that fishing was slow at <st2:PersonName w:st="on"><st1:GivenName w:st="on">Bolsa</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn w:st="on">Chica</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName>…no
surprise there, huh?




One final note: the day started off with a good omen. <st1:GivenName w:st="on">Oscar</st1:GivenName> spotted a garage sale down the block from my
house this morning, and noticed a rod and reel among the junk. It turned out to
be an old jigmaster on a Custom Sabre rod. The reel was badly pitted but
appears to be in perfect working order. The rod looked perfect. I got the whole
thing for $20!

[Skunkmaster]

Gordo,


that is soooo awesome that you do that for kids.... props to you!

[Gordo Grande]

Thanks, Skunky. We have to fish together again one of these days.

[Joey805]

Right on Ross! Thats so nice of you to show all those people how to surf fish.

Even better, you hooked up right when ya needed to.



AWESOME!

[BlackLion]

Hey Ross,


Like SkunkMaster said, AWESOME! That would be very cool to be able to do that for others (especially the kids). Glad you were able to show them all what they can possibly catch if they get out and give it a try also. As far as taking the big plunge while surf fishing goes, who among us hasn't done that?! Those that were still there also learned from that as well. My hat's off to you, keep up the good work and thanks for the report.


BlackLion

[ODOGFISH]

The best and worst thing about Ross taking a swim in the surf was.


Best - He showed how to recover from a rouge wave and keep on fishing. . !


Worst - I didn't have my camera at the READY for a priceless moment . .


Ross any time BUDDY . .[img]smileys/[/img]

[Gordo Grande]

Yep, I sure wish we had a picture of this one. I was soaked from head to toe, but at least I managed to save my new "Gordo Grande" hat. It was on it's way to Hawaii for a few seconds there.


Actually, I think those folks on the shore did learn something. They were all sure that my phone, keys, camera etc. were ruined. Fortunately, absolutely everything on me, (with the exception of a hidden boga-grip) was protected by a zip-lok baggie. Everything came through unscathed, including the boga-grip. Next time I may just put a spare change of clothes in the car, or at least a towel.


I think it was just good training for the day when I can buy, and flip, a kayak!

[Skunkmaster]

hey ross i used to surf fish on my lunch break in my fedex uniform... got hit by a rogue wave and got wet up to my mid thigh..... i was thinkin no big deal it will dry quickly..... when i returned to work i realized i had a nice salt line around my nice dark blue shorts..... i swear it looked like i wet my pants........ but fishing on my lunch break was well worth the price of explaining the salt line to my customers!

[Carnivore]

LOL skunk you should have told them you are working so hard your legs are sweeting!!


Ross that is awesome for showing those yungins the ropes, Great job.

[Gordo Grande]

LOL, Skunky, that's a great story.



Thanks, guys, for the kind words.



These fishing clinics at Bolsa Chica have been a big success, and it is
something that UPSAC would like to spread to other state beaches,
including the ones in your neck of the woods. Let me know if you
guys would be interested in doing something similar at McGRath, Emma
Wood, Carpinteria, etc. Maybe we can spread the joy and have some fun
doing it.