Boat Update

Captain Frederic and First Mate Jordan have been diligently working every weekend on the Fishmaster - specifically, its trailer. Some of the weight-bearing beams, among other items, needed some TLC. After a lot of man hours and elbow grease, the trailer should be in tip-top shape to carry the crew's vessel to far away harbors with ease. With the boat's inaccessibility, the crew has become somewhat restless - especially since lobster season is soon coming to a close.

Enjoy the clip below, and we'll be back to hunting SoCal waters asap!

-TJ

I caught you a delicious bass...

The fog was thick as we journeyed from Huntington Harbor to East End Catalina. Captain Frederic was on high alert watch, so as to not run into other boats and objects. We were again in search of the legendary WSB, but knew our chances were slim in these cold, Winter months. We headed straight for Synagogue Rock, but instead of settling for poor viz, the crew decided to back track an RCH to try our luck at Seal Beach. Here, we enjoyed about 15 feet of visibility with sightings of monstrous Calico, as well as lots of the usual - Sheephead, Opali, Perch, etc. Mr. Calico led the morning onslaught as we each speared a good size Calico; Thomas snatched up a few spiny bugs to boot. Link was able to join us after a 5-month hiatus - his studies as a high school senior have yielded a whopping GPA of 4.25. We are hoping he lands a top-notch education and career, so he can support the crew's demanding diving adventures. The water was a chilly 53 degrees and forced Link out early. The kelp forest and rocky structure allowed for interesting finds, and some of the largest Sheephead and Calico the crew has seen for a long time. The seals made sure we knew they were there, as they frequently swam close by.

Jordan posing in his new European 7mm

Fish of the day - Calico!

Delicious bass...

Next stop was near the Quarry kelp beds. The water seemed a bit colder, and the fish were scarce, so we packed it up early and headed home. Frederic showed us amateurs how to hunt Calico as he nonchalantly loaded the boat with a big bass. He also gave us a lesson on the proper technique of filleting a fish.

providing for our families...

Zoom in and look at the smorgasbord of sea lions

Fillet a fish like a black belt:

even Mr. Calico is impressed

of the shat family...

-TJ

First Dive of the Year

The crew welcomed a new year and a new hunter into the club- Jason Crowder. Mr. Calico brought party poppers to bring in the new year as we ventured out of Long Beach Harbor. The appetite for White Sea Bass was fierce as we traveled to Palos Verdes. The crew was also anxious to try out some of their new gear Santa had gifted them just a few days prior.

Capitan wasn't planning on joining us, but he couldn't resist as he gazed upon all the guns, gear, and brie cheese. The thought of White Sea Bass and lobster even got him in the water. He lured a decent size Calico onto his spear and reminded us all why he is Captain.

Ben was the first one in the water. Everyone was moving a little slower than usual... maybe the 53 degree water had something to do with it. Here's Jordan helping Ben get zipped up in his new suit. Mr. Calico has some competition now with his little brother, but Jason better start picking on bigger fish if he wants a shot at the title.
The lobster were abundant and biting. Tommy landed a few bugs.
Unfortunately, there were zero sightings of the alleged WSB; the Freedive Hunters are beginning to think these fish are make-believe. The viz was poor - maybe 5 ft, but opened up to 10ft closer to shore. The Hunters agreed we'd like to dive this spot again- the kelp forest was beautiful and will probably yield WSB in the future. We ended our dive with Jordan's thick burgers right there on the poop deck. It was a great first dive to start off '08.

-TJ

Turkey Dive

With turkey in our bellies and pumpkin pie running through our veins, no fish were safe. Freedive Hunters were three: Darren, Jordan, and Tom. We tried a new spot today at Crystal Cove. The viz was spotty at best, til we reached the kelp beds, then it opened up to a hazy 10 ft. Mr. Calico murdered an unlucky juvenile calico, and we took 3 bugs home with us for a yummy post-Thanksgiving supper. The dive spot has potential with better viz. We'll definitely try our luck there again soon.

-TJ

Local Dive

It was an early lobster dive for two of the Freedive Hunters this morning. The viz was a cloudy 8-10 ft. Though there were signs of lobster life, Darren and Tom left empty handed. There were lots of shorts and a few of legal size, but they were just too hard to get. Tom located a couple scallops and was able to out muscle one from its kung fu grip. Overall, it was a pretty uneventful dive. Lobster season is in full swing, so we're hoping to get in on the action in the coming weeks.

Darren catches a monster on opening night 10/28/07.
-TJ

Poop Rock & WOP Garden

There were talks of strong Santa Ana winds this weekend, but Captain Frederic called nature's bluff and we dove Catalina anyway. First stop, Poop Rock- named for its famous brown trout. Bottom dive from the boat was about 55 feet, which Jordan and Fred experienced firsthand chasing after dropped slings. Schools of Bonito were circling constantly, but their cautious behavior made for challenging spearing. The yellow tail were running too, but these one-footers didn't merit our best efforts; we hoped for the arrival of their bigger brothers & sisters to no avail. After much frustration and missed opportunities, Tom speared three bonito. Jordan assassinated two calico; this was only the beginning -he later wiped out an entire school at WOP Garden - they don't call him "Mr. Calico" for nothing. After a bit of free diving, Darren grabbed his tank and headed for the rocks in search for lobster. His efforts yielded a beautiful bug. The viz at Poop Rock was decent, but a little cloudy.



There is no happiness compared to that which is experienced on the poop deck.

Look at these smiles!

Next stop -WOP Garden, aka Olive Garden - it is always a spectacle. There is so much wildlife. The excitement of the feeding frenzy of thousands of mackerel on sardine attracted the rest of the creatures - eels, lobster, octopus, calico, rock fish, whisker do's, whisker don'ts, etc. Jordan and Fred were able to hook a few mackerel as they were lured with the shiny end of their spears. Jason got the tank to explore the garden with ease. Darren and Tom headed to the beach in search for lobster. Tom was able to grab a bug, and Fred convinced a large Bonito it was time to meet the end of his spear. After Jordan demolished a couple hundred years worth of Calico, he snatched up a couple bugs and called it a day. This is one of the crew's favorite spots to dive.

The way home was a little bumpy from the wind. Darren drove the entire way home. Here is Captain Frederic manning his vessel.


The crew is happy and hungry.

The Fish Master!

-TJ