| Fishing Guide / Author |
Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Mike Green (Caster)
New member
Username: Caster
Post Number: 142
Registered: 12-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 8:40 pm: | |
Question, What dose Opah taste like? How do you cook it? Thanks. |
Bob Hather (Windfall)
Moderator
Username: Windfall
Post Number: 203
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 8:22 pm: | |
We had a great day today catching opah, all on live bait. We caught 3 up to 48 lbs. We only got into one stop of jumpers of albacore and lost our only hookup. We also caught a 15 lb bonito and about ten fish that looked like a brown mackerel under kelp patties. We were 60 mi out on a 225 from Morro Bay
 |
mike moore (Moorefish)
New member
Username: Moorefish
Post Number: 103
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 5:29 pm: | |
Another batch of fatties we ran across yesterday fishing the channel islands. My Ace cremman Todd Weaver pictured. Hard to believe that we've been fishing together since 1970. Fish to 37#. Hope those albies find their way into our waters soon. Thanks Bob Hather for scouting things out and Harrell for keeping us posted. Opah and albies? That's great!!!Btw: Major dorado push all the way up into santa monica bay. water outside santa cruz isle is approaching 79. Wahoo?  |
HARRELL kIMBALL (Catmakai)
New member
Username: Catmakai
Post Number: 487
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 3:38 pm: | |
2nd hand radio fish !!
I have not been able to talk directly to Bob Hather butI did hear that he has one albacore and three Opah at 55-66 miles !! Also heard that a 46 lb white seabass was weighed in at Port San Luis that was caught at Mussel Rock. |
Mike Blackstone (Blackie)
New member
Username: Blackie
Post Number: 252
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 7:50 am: | |
Dan
sure would be nice if JOHN Q PUBLIC had all that information also , maybe they would change their views on us fish killers, gonna go kil a bunch this weekend then off to SD mid month for them LFT
Blackie/Sr |
Timothy Foley (Tree_doc)
New member
Username: Tree_doc
Post Number: 105
Registered: 6-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 10:41 pm: | |
Phillip Miller, there has to be more to the story!! Nice LFT! Were you on a sporty? How many days on your trip?
I'm headed down on Sunday for a 2 day on Top Gun 80. Looks like the BFT, YFT, and LFT are biting on the 2 day boats. |
Eric Endersby (Eric_endersby)
New member
Username: Eric_endersby
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 10:23 pm: | |
Gang:
Thanks for the patience with the ramp being closed yesterday. I have to tell you that it was quite a sight watching over 100 tons of Caterpillar diesel pulling power drag that old trawler up the ramp, then the excavators eat into it. With horsepower, hydraulics, and farm boy know-how anything is possible.
The ramp was fully open yesterday evening, and only got a little torn up. In fact, there is probably a little more traction in the concrete part because of the new scrapes and cuts there. Anyway, it's over and the boat is only a memory (except for writing the check for the demo that is).
Happy fishing,
Eric Endersby
Chief Harbor Patrol Officer
Morro Bay Harbor Patrol |
Paul Schuyler (Fv_flyer)
New member
Username: Fv_flyer
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 10:08 pm: | |
Hello all,
I am thinking of going albie looking on tuesday, weather permitting. Who else is game? Bob? Cloud? Joe? |
Dan (Dynamo_dan)
New member
Username: Dynamo_dan
Post Number: 3
Registered: 5-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 8:01 pm: | |
Blackie.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is not only the people who are going to make it illegal for your children to fish and thus take your children’s rights away, they are also the most destructive to the fish in the area. Their tanks pump water in and out of the bay. Their excess feeding and stagnating pools of fish feed antibiotics to keep the fish disease free are causing major disease problems that flow right back into the bay. It was exactly this same type of man made abalone farms that caused foot rot and shut down the Abalone fishing south of the gate.
Next they are one of the worst by-catch killers on the bay. This is because they must use nets to net all the food for their tanks. After that, the building was built pre Asbestos laws and is roofed with asbestos. This asbestos is not only blowing through the building killing our children, it is also washing into the bay.
Several of my friends (the builders of the building) and my self are considering picketing and exposing them for the truth. Even though it will cost my tourist business thousands, it’s time these liberal extremist idiots be exposed.
Thanks
Dan |
Monte Schaller (Dingus)
New member
Username: Dingus
Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 6:53 pm: | |
I agree shark can be a tasty meal... but they mature and reproduce so slowly, I think we should all consider catch and release. Even the tasty threshers and leopards. I agree with John's take! |
Bob Hather (Windfall)
Moderator
Username: Windfall
Post Number: 202
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 6:07 pm: | |
I'll be looking for albacore Friday at the elbow again. Call me if your out there on 68.
Bob |
Philip Miller (Ach_tuna)
New member
Username: Ach_tuna
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2006
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 3:31 pm: | |
I caught this 40 pound albie yesterday out of San Diego and there were lots of big schools. Keep your fingers crossed and they might end up off Morro Bay. |
Mike Blackstone (Blackie)
New member
Username: Blackie
Post Number: 251
Registered: 8-2003
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 9:04 am: | |
TO ALL;
Spent the day at the monterey aqu yesterday, you would not belive all the bullshit propaganda they are feeding the people, to listen to them spout there mouths off about how all the little children will not be able to enjoy the ocean if they dont stop the BAD MEN from catching all the fish.
They even have a post card system addressed to the gov so all the little kids can send there thoughts.
I will not go back there and support there cause with my money.see ya on the water, go out and catch them .
Blackie/Sr |
JOHN COSTELLO (Taurus)
New member
Username: Taurus
Post Number: 102
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 8:43 am: | |
steve,
i'm just messin with ya....i've ate it before and it's not all bad...i've tried it and blackcod many ways and i just came to the conclusion that i'd rather eat chicken |
Steve Hendricks (Fishmaster)
New member
Username: Fishmaster
Post Number: 182
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 8:00 am: | |
John,
Hey man...I don't care what you say, that dang shark was good! I've eaten all sorts of fish and while it was definitely not may favorite, it was still good. Of course I like Sablefish too (blackcod) which many of my friends in Oregon thought was dog food. To each his own
I'll be off the water for a few weeks on vacation...good luck to those that venture out. I'll pray to the fish gods for the albacore to come in!
best fishes,
steve |
JOHN COSTELLO (Taurus)
New member
Username: Taurus
Post Number: 101
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 5:49 am: | |
oh yea, due to size limits, you will want to keep the coresponding head and tail so the warden can see it was legal |
JOHN COSTELLO (Taurus)
New member
Username: Taurus
Post Number: 100
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 5:41 am: | |
i have a deal with sharks... i don't take them, and they don't take me...hopefully they will live up to thier end
if you must take a shark, then you should know how best to clean them...cut off the head then the tail right at the anus...if you look at the spine, you'll see two little holes on either side if the spinal cord...those holes run the length of the shark and carry urea...stick a hose over the holes and watch for water to run out the other side...your dog will thank you for the better tasting meal |
HARRELL kIMBALL (Catmakai)
New member
Username: Catmakai
Post Number: 486
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 2:53 pm: | |
SST/Chlorophyll/Weather
There is 40 miles of pretty blue 63 degree water up and down the 122 line at the elbow. The weather looks good through saturday. If anybody is thinking of running out for a look, post and we will see who all is going. |
Cloud (Cloud)
New member
Username: Cloud
Post Number: 76
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 7:27 am: | |
Fisheater (we share that for sure!)
Contacting Congress Link:
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
State and local govt:
http://www.statelocalgov.net/
You can also look back in the most recent archive (through July 19? methinks) for this board to find more info; look for posts by Melvin de la Motte. There are also some addresses just a few posts down.
You can always email me for specific help as needed.
I have been told what they are looking for are letters and comments of how the closures will affect you *personally*. I've been fishing the Pt. Buchon area for 25+ years and it wil close me out of favorite area for scenery, good fishing, right amount of distance for "getting away from it all" without endangering safety. Specifically its a downhill run to port when (not if) the wind comes up.
This is not to mention the egregious breach & denial of my personal freedom as guaranteed by the constitution of this country. I cannot verbally express just how pissed off the whole thing make me. The so-called "Public Involvement" aspect of the MLPA process has and continues to be complete sham.
Please adjust your letters as needed. Do remember they dont want to hear belly-aching or bitching, so letters need to be written with a fair amount of discretion. Cloud out |
Steve Hendricks (Fishmaster)
New member
Username: Fishmaster
Post Number: 181
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 7:15 pm: | |
Hey, the leopard shark was pretty dang good. I did bleed it immediately (cut the tail and gills), we came in soon after to clean it and I iced it down soon after. Soaked it in milk for 2 hours prior to BBQ'ing (someone told me this would help leach out the urea), then put some butter and garlic on it. It was yummy. All my students thought so too!!! I'll definitely keep the next one I catch!
best fishes,
steve |
Michele (Fiesta)
New member
Username: Fiesta
Post Number: 203
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 5:27 pm: | |
There is a petition going around town for package 1. They are at most of the bars and Virg's. |
Michele (Fiesta)
New member
Username: Fiesta
Post Number: 202
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 5:26 pm: | |
Soupfin shark is my 2nd favorite fish to eat. I take the guts out right away then fillet it. |
Philip Miller (Ach_tuna)
New member
Username: Ach_tuna
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 4:18 pm: | |
Leopard, and other sharks. We've all seen the pictures of the guys standing around a big shark hanging on the scale. I feel sorry for those fellows because their grins will die around the BBQ. Sharks exude urine through their skin. This is my technique for getting rid of that amonia taste. When the shark is ready to come aboard (This is not an event that should be rushed) cut off the head allowing the blood to pump out. Then slit open from anus to front and remove all guts and bloodline. Then get your deck brush and scrub dilligentintly inside and out using only salt water. After that ice down and you are well on your way to enjoying a great meal. Works with leopards, makos and threshers. Thin steaks are good. |
Mike Green (Caster)
New member
Username: Caster
Post Number: 141
Registered: 12-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 1:39 pm: | |
Well! well! lookie here I found an internet bar just accross the street fome my hotel here in Waikiki, sorry no fish report from here as I'm too busy with buisness, but it was nice to read from all the folks back home, can't wait to hit the beach for some perch and get going on finishing up the details on the new HE HE HE.
Wrote those letters like you said Cloud, GD govrn.mt!!! Bloody sand worms forever! Aloha from Caster! |
Timothy Foley (Tree_doc)
New member
Username: Tree_doc
Post Number: 104
Registered: 6-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 1:29 pm: | |
Sorry, but that plate of Bugs is just not right!
Is there a better tasting critter on the planet? So far, not in my book!
That Pic just isn't fair...I have to go empty my wallet for some Lobster now...thanks a lot! |
Sissy (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 10:25 am: | |
Rick von Stein and mate,
Thank you for the great inputs. You are an inspiration for all us who would love to do just what you are doing. My life's dream. |
Olan (Fisheater)
New member
Username: Fisheater
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 10:14 am: | |
I read awhile back and seen a link to send letters to our represenitives? Does anyone have this link to repost so we can get our comments sent out? I will forward to all my bubbies who don't keep up on what is going on but love to fish. We all know simular people who just need us to push a little to get them moving on this very important issue. This is a terrible injustice to all Califorians who enjoy the ocean and an excessive burden to the central coast.
Regards, Fisheater |
Cloud (Cloud)
New member
Username: Cloud
Post Number: 75
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 8:54 am: | |
Here's some important info copied from another board. Or it may have been posted here, I dunno, been to busy with work to keep up. The August meetings could very well be the last chance folks.
For the record I personnaly cannot support the MLPA in its entirety, but if it must be then Package One is our last best hope, and the CA DFG appears perfectly willing to throw it in the trash. I've been saying all along the other side has and continues to be more vocal than the primary users of the locations slated for closure (i.e. the fishermen). Now is the time to be heard. I will personally provide help to anyone who requests it, post or e-mail me.
From Round n' About:
MLP Update
After working for eight months with 37 individuals from every area of interest to come up with a network or marine preserves on the California coast we have come up with a proposal, proposal 1, to the department of fish and game. It meets all the criteria requested by the department with the least amount of economic impact possible to recreational fishermen. The department trashed this majority approved proposal 1 and is now railroading their own plan, proposal through the commission for approval that will close the prime fishing areas of the central coast wrecking the businesses and recreational opportunities for all central coast fishermen.
I just spoke with Mike Flores, Fish and Game commission president. When the department tried to eliminate any further public input on the matter, He vetoed the action and set public comment for August 2nd. (If you would like to attend the meeting the CCFCC will pay for your hotel room.) The goal of my call was not to sway his opinion but get his advice. I did express our frustration that after we all worked so hard on something that would meet all the criteria the department would come up with package as a preferred alternative. He said a few things of interest to ours. First that he has not made up his mind on anything. HE NEEDS OUR INPUT. Second he has no idea what the position of the rest of his commission is on this.
His recommendation is that we attend all meetings and write clear, concise, respectful letters and keep them short. "Let them know you are watching" "50,000 petitions would do it." (Those are his words.) He stated that the commission is not doing their job if they simply accept the department's "railroad job". A statement we need to drive home. So the deck is stacked against us but this thing is still up for grabs.
You can help. Write a letter. Here's a format It's easy to write a letter, just do it.
FISH AND GAME COMMISSION
1416 NINTH ST., ROOM 1320
BOX 944209
SACRAMENTO, CA 94244-2090
THE HONORABLE ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA
ATTN: TODD BURNETT
1st FLOOR STATE CAPITOL
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
FAX 916-327-5296
July 18, 2006
Dear Fish and Game Commissioners
I ask you to consider Package 1 as the alternative for a network of marine reserves in the Central Coast for the following reasons:
1. Package 1 was a compromise made to meet all scientific requirements. It removes a substantial amount of very productive fishing but will still leave a little for the fishermen.
2. The other packages will cause the few fishermen left to run miles from port to fish causing more fuel usage and greater risk to life.
3. The other packages will all but eliminate fishing from Morro Bay because they put nearly all the rockfish habitat into closure.
Please minimize the negative social economic impacts to the people that use this resource in light of successful adaptive management currently in use.
If you can attend the meeting in Sacramento then please do. We have a bus from Morro Bay leaving August 1st and the CCFCC will pay for a hotel room for you. Call Virg's landing, 805-772-1222 or Mel de la Motte 805-544-2424 for information. |
Rick von Stein (Deep_star)
New member
Username: Deep_star
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 7:01 pm: | |
Tough Going in the New Zealand Winter: Too rough to fish/ have to subsist on these disgusting bottom feeders. |
Eric Endersby (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 7:01 pm: | |
Gang:
HERE IS THE LATEST ON THE MORRO BAY LAUNCH RAMP:
We are towing the boat to the ramp tomorrow (Tuesday) around noon, where our demolition contractor will be getting things set-up and ready for a 10pm high tide pull out. When we bring the boat there at noon, we intend to tie it up on one side to allow for one lane to be open on the ramp. But after dark they will be putting it in the middle of the ramp for the big pull. So everyone using the ramp tomorrow during the daylight hours should be OK, but don't plan to use the ramp after then.
All day Wednesday the ramp will be closed while they demo the boat, as they plan to start at 0500. Plus this boat is a much bigger job than last one, so demo and clean-up after will take longer. I have every intention to have the ramp back open for Thursday.
Again, for folks that absolutely have to go out Wednesday, sing out and we'll make other arrangements, which essentially means putting in Tuesday sometime and us finding a free overnight spot for you, and possibly the same Wednesday night. Our office number is 805-772-6254, and my cell is 805-471-8314. Hate to do this to you guys again, but this boat is a serious emergency mess that unfortunately we have to deal with. Rest assured that we will be going after the owners for restitution. And I sincerely hope that this is the last time that this has to happen.
Eric Endersby
Chief Harbor Patrol Officer
Morro Bay Harbor Patrol |
Michele (Fiesta)
New member
Username: Fiesta
Post Number: 201
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 12 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 3:36 pm: | |
If I though a vessel was "obviously taking on water" and the harbor dept. wasn't doing anything about it, I would assume they didn't know about it and go tell them. Did you go tell them John? |
HARRELL kIMBALL (Catmakai)
New member
Username: Catmakai
Post Number: 485
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 11:21 am: | |
surfrunr:
Go to the archives above thru july 19. Look for Mel's posts he has the details there. |
surfrunr (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 9:33 am: | |
Hey Mel
Whats up with the bus is it a go or not who do we contact to get on board |
Bubba Ramirez (Not_home)
New member
Username: Not_home
Post Number: 8
Registered: 4-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 3:45 pm: | |
Went to Peco Creek yesturday and caught alot of Perch. No wind till about 1 pm. |
Cloud (Cloud)
New member
Username: Cloud
Post Number: 74
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 7:53 am: | |
Ron Vander Veen/R&K: Watch the sportboat reports easy to google them up.
Live squid is key--try 68 while approaching the islands to locate the bait boat. Bait guys were helpful in pointing to good spots, which change. You can also get a map that has the good fishing spots (generally speaking) and they also identify the closed areas.
Got my most recent C-bass (WOW tasty!!) on a jig tho--red top/bottom white, with glow in dark on one side, got ti at Hook, Line and Sinker shop in SB (near the 154/101 interchange). Shop also has those maps....more specific info please email me, remove SPAMFOILER in address. Cloud out |
Chip Tamagni (Fishfitr)
New member
Username: Fishfitr
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 7:51 am: | |
Steve, thin steaks are better for the shark like 1/2 inch thick. Season and bbq while basting with teriyaki. Don't over cook obviously. If I have steaks that are too thick, the outside is overdone before the inside is cooked. I actually go thinner with all my fish even if I have to filet the filet like on a 25 lb butt. Another shark recipe I have not tried but sounded interesting. Using larger chunks, 1-2 inches, poached in 7up and then dip in melted butter. It is supposed to taste like lobster. |
JOHN COSTELLO (Taurus)
New member
Username: Taurus
Post Number: 99
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 5:06 am: | |
eric,
thank you for the full explaination....it sounds like you guys were definitly proactive in trying to prevent exactly what happened. |
Eric Endersby (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 10:17 pm: | |
And another thing:
There is a good possibility that we will have to shut down the Morro Bay launch ramp for a day or two next week, starting Tuesday, to demo that boat. So anyone with plans to use the ramp those days contact us asap and we'll make other free, in-water arrangements for you as best we can.
Stay tuned and spread the word. I hate to have to close the ramp again, but it's about the only choice to do what we need to do. Our office number is 772-6254, or my personal cell phone is 471-8314. We'll know more tomorrow when the boat is fully up and dewatered what the plan will be. Thanks.
Eric Endersby
Chief Harbor Patrol Officer
Morro Bay Harbor Patrol |
Timothy Foley (Tree_doc)
New member
Username: Tree_doc
Post Number: 103
Registered: 6-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 10:14 pm: | |
Eric,
Thanks for the low down on the trawler.
If I had to guess, it's another severe economic impact that we will all have to dig deep for that was likely never considered by those that make that decisions to eliminate another portion of the fishing industry. |
Timothy Foley (Tree_doc)
New member
Username: Tree_doc
Post Number: 102
Registered: 6-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 10:03 pm: | |
Quote: "steve, bbq the crap out of that leopard shark...just when you think it's done, give it another 15 minutes...........cool it well.....then feed it to the dog"
LMAO!!!
Sounds like what I should have done with that Shovelnose Guitarfish!
Great recipe, John! |
Eric Endersby (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 7:46 pm: | |
John:
Here is the scoop on the sunken commercial boat in Morro Bay:
About a month or so ago, we were called that the boat was low in the water. We found a few feet of water on the boat, but were able to dewater it. After dewatering, the boat's bilge pump was running 24/7 to keep up with the inflow, the source of which we could not find. The boat is a 1970's wooden hull, and hasn't been hauled in at least 8-10 years, and not properly maintained for at least that long.
Anyway, we put on one electric dewatering pump, which would intermittently come on when the boat's pump got behind. To be safe we put a second pump on the boat. After day one, we notified the owner, who is in Texas, of the problem. He said that he'd have his son look at it asap, and that he would be out within a week. Neither ever happened and we were left babysitting the boat.
First and foremost, that boat is the owner's responsibility, not ours. It is not our responsibility to babysit an owner who is not able to take care of business for whatever reason. To say that we are would be like saying that the fire department is responsible for making sure that you have turned off all the burners on your stove before you leave on vacation. It doesn't work that way, as there is still a concept called "taking responsibility for yourself."
Were we concerned? Absolutely, more like paranoid to be exact. But there is only so much that we can do, and we notified the owner several more times that the problem was getting worse. We were checking the boat every morning when we got on duty, and every evening when we went off to make sure that the pumps were plugged in and working. Apparently someone on a nearby vessel was up at 2am the morning that it sank, and saw that the boat was low on the water. He said that he tried to call either us or the Coast Guard on his boat radio, but got no reply. He then went back to sleep. So there the last chance to keep the sinking from happening was lost.
So we're left holding the bag. Fish and Game, through their oil spill response branch, will pay for the oil cleanup and mitigation efforts, including raising the boat to get the rest of the fuel and other petroleum products off. For now, the Morro Bay Harbor Dept. will be left to pay for the demolition of the vessel, which the owner has consented to but for which he has also said that he cannot pay for right now. Don't ask me how much that will cost, you don't want to know.
As for how the boat got to that condition? Commercial fishing is a dicey business at best anyway. That boat, a shrimp dragger, was essentially regulated out of business, as shrimp trawls were banned. Most of the shrimp trawlers were given the option to switch over to traps, which a few have tried including this boat, but aren't having alot of luck. A 72-foot gulf trawler isn't the best or most economical platform from which to set traps. So, given all that the owner was, over the years, faced with either eating or letting the maintenance of his boat go. And at some point what do you do? It's not like you can drive your 72-foot wooden trawler to the junkyard and sign the pink slip and be done with it. At the end of their useful lives, they are a huge liability that we, the taxpayer, are most likely going to be left with paying for their demolition. And there are alot more of those around, amny in Morro Bay unfortunately. It's one of the most difficult aspects of a dwindling commercial fishing industry for us to deal with.
So that's the rest of the story John. Sorry if I got a bit long-winded, but I start to bristle when I hear "why didn't they do something about..."
Eric Endersby
Chief Harbor Patrol Officer
Morro Bay Harbor Patrol |
JOHN COSTELLO (Taurus)
New member
Username: Taurus
Post Number: 98
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 4:35 pm: | |
steve, bbq the crap out of that leopard shark...just when you think it's done, give it another 15 minutes...........cool it well.....then feed it to the dog |
Steve Hendricks (Fishmaster)
New member
Username: Fishmaster
Post Number: 180
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 4:25 pm: | |
Fished PSL again today. Got some beat-up bait (not sure what happened to the good stuff from yesterday) that mosltly rolled by 11 a.m. Headed up to the Pea Patch and caught everything but the target species. All the other fish were on the chew today. We boated 4 nice lings (kept 2 28" fish), 5 or 6 cabs (kept 2 big ones), and several rockfish. Ended the day with a 3.5' leopard shark off the light house. It smoked me on my light halibut rod. Lots of fun. Steaked it out...looking forward to eating it. Several folks have told me that they are excellent eating. Any favorite recipes? Only heard of a few halibut that were caught. Where did they go?
best fishes,
steve |
JOHN COSTELLO (Taurus)
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