By Kevin Brannon Host
It’s definitely not your typical fishing year and that’s an understatement no one could have predicted. Although, following a strong fishing season last year El Nino brings warmer waters into our area. Exotics are the topic matched with plenty of bait fish-Sardines, anchovies, mackerel squid and even the tuna crab (AKA red crab). Yellowtail numbers have been ridiculous. Here’s a quick fact on yellowtail. They get called tuna when they’re actually from the amber jack family. Yellowfin are the tuna. Both are game fish and prize trophies. To catch them you must fight hard and they are great to eat. Mostly in the sushi style, eaten raw or Sashimi. The warm water also gets Bonito (pronounced Bonita) and another prized local game fish is the Calico Bass, or Kelp Bass. More good eats!
One negative thing about the warm water is that it can kill the kelp and destroy Calico Bass fishing as it did last time we had El Nino conditions. Nature will take its course. Nothing we can do about it except get in on all of the hot local fishing action. If you are in need of some fishing equipment for your trips, you may want to check out some carp fishing wafters online from sites like casualcarper.com, and see how you can best prepare yourself for the fishing season.
Predictions say that it has not fully peaked yet. More exotics on the way. A dozen Marlin have been hooked with only a couple making it to the deck of the boat. Possibly Wahoo and Dorado (AKA Mahi Mahi) could be coming up as well. A few other landings have been reporting them. Mixed in with some Blue Fin Tuna. So I highly recommend it.
If you’ve never done it before you can rent a rod, buy the set up and gear that’s working on the water at Ventura Sportfishing Landing. The captains and crews will set you up to catch a fish of a lifetime.
Channel Islands Sportfishing 805-382-1612
Ventura Sportfishing 805-676-3474
Note: 16 and older needs a Fishing License but no license needed for anyone on a pier.
Items to have with you: Sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, pliers, small towel for your hands.
A Fish and Wildlife rules and regulation booklet is very helpful.
Only keep what you plan to eat.
Practice CPR- Catch Photograph and Release
Kevin Brannon Host and Producer -www.reelanglersfishingshow.com
