This last weekend I finally had the courage to make the trip. After 3 years of unsure boating with Fuel, Engine, battery and many other problems I made it. I've been towed back twice in that span too. I finally made it there without anxiety or fear. The water was beautiful. Visibility was the biggest difference between the mainland and Catalina. I don't want to fish any other spot from this point on. I fished the north east end of the island where there were kelp beds surrounding the whole area. Perch were biting anything. I lost the fish of the day with Calico Jig strike (about 18 inches). It was a beauty but I lost it at the boat. It earned its freedom from me. Since it was a full moon the night before i think the fish ate all night and the vellowtails which i could clearly see from above the water were not interested. Lots of baby cuda. Bait fish everywhere! We brought back some perch, croaker and mackeral. I loved every moment of it. My dad had one of his best fishing days of his life. He causght everything on cut baits and really enjoyed his time for once.
Nothing big. No game fish but would not have been able to replace a day like this ever!
Speaking of Catalina. Has anyone made this crossing at 1AM? I can never sleep the night before any trip and so i think i'll launch at 1AM this Friday. The forecast says the wind will dy down by midnight with 1-2 waves so i should be safe. Any thoughts? Concerns? Comments?
