Spitfire Wide Open Sculpin and More 11-11-08

[Jackpot Jimmy]

Got to the landing around 4:40 am, and we were greeted with a brisk 50 degrees. John and Joey arrived at 5:10, and we anxiously awaited other anglers to show up. We got 8 anglers by a quarter to 6, when Steve called to say to start selling tickets. We boarded the boat soon after, headed over to the bait receiver, and we were off to the races. Our crew consisted of Capt. Steve, Long Range Bob in the galley, and the hard working Morgan on deck.

We started trolling up the line, while I enjoyed a great breakfast burrito from Bobby, who makes one almost as good as Derrick. Little Stevo got a jig strike right around the Santa Monica Pier, but the cold water conditions kept the bones lockjawed, so we headed out to deep water.

Our first drift didn't produce anything, and Steve doesn't stay at a spot that doesn't bite for long, so we moved on. The next spot produced several big salmon grouper, and some nice barber poles. I hooked and lost what Bobby called Big Mo. (*Sob Sob*) We tried several more areas, which produced some belindas, boscos, and other miscellaneous rockfish. Nothing more really substantial, so we headed inside. Nothing doing there,
so we kicked it over to the sculpin grounds.

The sculpin fishing was instantaneous. I was using the straight mono, and if I set the hook right away, it would stretch, and I would miss the fish. I watched Steve, who brought up a sculpin after every drop, and he was doing a straight wind. That technique got me my limit of sculpin and several more. After about an hour, we had easy limits of sculpin. Then, it was time to head for the barn.

Jackpot went to a big salmon grouper. As you look in the pictures below, you see a triggerfish. That was caught by Morgan on Friday, and was kept in the tank as a mascot, along with a 6# sand bass, and some sculpin. Today was their dying day.

The crew of the Spitfire is top notch. Steve gave 110% as always, Bobby makes some really great food, and Morgan is the best filleter in town, as well as an all around nice guy! Excellent fishing with a great crew makes for a top notch fishing trip!

Long Range Bob


Morgan's Triggerfish


Nice Mixed Bag


Best Filleter in Town


My, what big teeth you have!


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