Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dad's gone, let's party
Overnight to Catalina. We arrived to the east end just in time for a late evening dive, before the sun set. We dove hard - the pressure was on to find something to bbq for dinner. We were unsuccessful.
On the way to Avalon Harbor, we were approached by Fish and Game in a speedy boat; they were eager to climb aboard and inspect. The opali sitting motionless on the poop deck was of no concern. They checked our licensed, inspected our cubby holes, and then left us in peace.
We decided to get a morring in the harbor. When we secured our station, a crew member, who will remain nameless, set out on a mission: get the crew to land in time to watch a movie in the theater.
We were desparate for a night on the town - Avalon style - later, we'd realize that our expectations were set too high. The plan was sound, the plan was solid: just swim over, untie the small boat, paddle it back, pick up the crew, go back and dock the boat, and walk peacefully onto the lush streets of Avalon. Sounds easy enough. Our brave crew member set out...
It's hard to see above, but the boat was in reach and the plan was coming to fruition... that is until those pesky teenagers that worked for the private yacht club caught us. They argued, cursed, and mocked us, until the harbor patrolman was called. We explained our innocence, and we had just escaped a night in jail.
Desparate still to walk the streets and get a feel of land under our feet again, we called for a shuttle.
Jason looks refreshed after a tasty order of nachos.
After a disappointing showing in the town, we decided we'd be better off with grilled hot dogs and hot chili - Jordan's specialty.
Eric is enjoying the last of his fountain drink.
Probably my best night sleep on the boat to date... First thing next morning, we headed to San Clemente island. There was a brief sighting of small sized Yellowtail, but only Calico were eager enough to stick around.
The anchor was about 60 feet down and wrapped tight around an object.
Jordan set out to rescue us once again. It takes shere concentration and will power to dive that deep and wrestle with the line and anchor. With several deep breaths, he primed his lungs and plunged into the depths.
We made our way back to Catalina to gas up and fish. 
With one shot, Jason nailed two baracuda. Jordan and Tom delivered Calico.
Look at the size of that fish! New world record?
Jordan rescued the crew from absolute disaster. Jason and Tom held Jordan's legs as he disassebled the propeller and installed a replacement.
We were out in the middle of the ocean with our fate hanging tough in the hands of Jordan.
Operation was a success. We landed safely into Hunting Harbor. Jordan was the MVP of the trip.
On the way to Avalon Harbor, we were approached by Fish and Game in a speedy boat; they were eager to climb aboard and inspect. The opali sitting motionless on the poop deck was of no concern. They checked our licensed, inspected our cubby holes, and then left us in peace.
We decided to get a morring in the harbor. When we secured our station, a crew member, who will remain nameless, set out on a mission: get the crew to land in time to watch a movie in the theater.We were desparate for a night on the town - Avalon style - later, we'd realize that our expectations were set too high. The plan was sound, the plan was solid: just swim over, untie the small boat, paddle it back, pick up the crew, go back and dock the boat, and walk peacefully onto the lush streets of Avalon. Sounds easy enough. Our brave crew member set out...
It's hard to see above, but the boat was in reach and the plan was coming to fruition... that is until those pesky teenagers that worked for the private yacht club caught us. They argued, cursed, and mocked us, until the harbor patrolman was called. We explained our innocence, and we had just escaped a night in jail.
Desparate still to walk the streets and get a feel of land under our feet again, we called for a shuttle.
Jason looks refreshed after a tasty order of nachos.
After a disappointing showing in the town, we decided we'd be better off with grilled hot dogs and hot chili - Jordan's specialty.
Eric is enjoying the last of his fountain drink.
Probably my best night sleep on the boat to date... First thing next morning, we headed to San Clemente island. There was a brief sighting of small sized Yellowtail, but only Calico were eager enough to stick around.
The anchor was about 60 feet down and wrapped tight around an object.
Jordan set out to rescue us once again. It takes shere concentration and will power to dive that deep and wrestle with the line and anchor. With several deep breaths, he primed his lungs and plunged into the depths.
We made our way back to Catalina to gas up and fish. 
With one shot, Jason nailed two baracuda. Jordan and Tom delivered Calico.
Look at the size of that fish! New world record?
Jordan rescued the crew from absolute disaster. Jason and Tom held Jordan's legs as he disassebled the propeller and installed a replacement. 
We were out in the middle of the ocean with our fate hanging tough in the hands of Jordan.
Operation was a success. We landed safely into Hunting Harbor. Jordan was the MVP of the trip.Friday, June 5, 2009
calico again
The stakes are always high when these guys head to the sea. However, this trip was pretty uneventful. We did round up our usual suspects - a handful of Calico. Do White Sea Bass exist?
Jordan secretly plots to overthrow the captain... but does he have what it takes to provide the demanding crew soft boiled eggs, boiled yams, brie and baguettes, and the ever-famous busy, protein pancakes? I don't think so.
Jordan secretly plots to overthrow the captain... but does he have what it takes to provide the demanding crew soft boiled eggs, boiled yams, brie and baguettes, and the ever-famous busy, protein pancakes? I don't think so.Saturday, January 3, 2009
ewww!
Santa brought the Fishmaster a brand new fish bag - big enough to transport several Calico, YT, WSB, Lobster, Bonito, Dodo, etc. all together, all the while saving enough space on the poop deck for the seamen to wrestle around. 
A happy and very cold crew - so cold a couple of the FDH stayed out of the water.
A happy and very cold crew - so cold a couple of the FDH stayed out of the water. College boy Link was the first to get in the water. He was anxious to swim and was playing in the kelp beds by himself for a while before he spotted a nice sized white sea bass. He approached the sleeping beauty, but wasn't able to get a shot off before the ghost was spooked.
We had to cuddle closely to keep warm on the poop deck; it's ok, as long as there is absolutely no eye contact made.
We had to cuddle closely to keep warm on the poop deck; it's ok, as long as there is absolutely no eye contact made. A couple of browns came to investigate our activities... we tried to feed the wild animals, but they apparently don't like Hawaiian bread rolls - so picky.
The discussion on board was thick, but we've promised that whatever happens on the poop deck, stays on the poop deck. We left empty handed, but we found some spots we'll enjoy venturing in the near future.
Monday, November 17, 2008
quick and dirty
The crew was thin Saturday with Fred, Jordan, and Tom. We decided to get out early, dive hard, and come back at a decent hour. South East Catalina offered reasonable visibility and a fair shot at Bonito, Sheephead, Calico, and Lobster. The water was cool, but just the week before Captain spotted a few YT, so there was still hope. 
Jordan had achy breaky head, so diving was ill-advised. He chose to support the crew and come along anyways.
Tom was excited to try out his new Rob Allen. His first six seconds under water, he comes up with a beauty.
Jordan had achy breaky head, so diving was ill-advised. He chose to support the crew and come along anyways.
Tom was excited to try out his new Rob Allen. His first six seconds under water, he comes up with a beauty. Fred made quick work of a good-sized sheephead. We then trekked off to the quarry in search for lobster. No luck. We wrapped up the day with a hard dive at a secret location reserved for FDH alone. Three calico and two lobster later we headed home.
The drive home was interesting. The entire sky was filled with smoke due to the wild fires out of Brea and Yorba Linda. What an unimaginable sight! We are thankful no harm came upon our family or friends in the area.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
bugs - opening night
Three Freedive Hunters carried out tradition as we made it out at 12am opening day of lobster season - Tanner, Darren, and Tom. The conditions were fair+, and there were plenty of young, curious lobster creeping out from their holes. We all had several catches, but only the legal-sized made it in our bags.
The surge was strong, and we often found ourselves getting banged up against the rocks. It was a fun outing with sightings of Sculpin, horn sharks, sting rays, etc. The water is getting colder, but the lobster are out - let's go get 'em!
The surge was strong, and we often found ourselves getting banged up against the rocks. It was a fun outing with sightings of Sculpin, horn sharks, sting rays, etc. The water is getting colder, but the lobster are out - let's go get 'em!
missing legs and will, our lobster made it home in the wee hours of morning.
Size comparison...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
angle of the dangle
We had a bit of a rough start getting out... prop problems, but nothing our fearless Captain couldn't handle. 
Captain Frederic and First Mate Jordan.
We all dove long and hard at the Quarry, but no signs of YT. A few Calico met their maker, and Tom and Jordan got an early start on lobster hunting by scoping out the good spots. Jason S. brought all the weenies and condiments for a good grillin'. Fred worked up a nice fish/chicken noodle soup. A warm meal on the boat is always appreciated.
Captain Frederic and First Mate Jordan.
We all dove long and hard at the Quarry, but no signs of YT. A few Calico met their maker, and Tom and Jordan got an early start on lobster hunting by scoping out the good spots. Jason S. brought all the weenies and condiments for a good grillin'. Fred worked up a nice fish/chicken noodle soup. A warm meal on the boat is always appreciated. Captain Fred and Deck Hand Tom grilling some dogs under the warm sun.
Jordy enjoys his relish. 
BBQ master, Jason Sneddon.
Young punk kids and their midday sleeping habits... This nap was much needed. We tried to get in all the rest we could for our evening dive. 
a nice day to dive... woulda been nice to actually get some game fish flopping around on the poop deck. We came home with Calico and Bonito. 
recording our miles, spending, and fish caught... our Captain does it all, he can even spear two Bonito with one shot! Yes, he did! 
-TJ
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