*sigh* - I finally have some time to rest after spending the entire day fishing off the coast of Southern California (actual location was off the coast of San Onofre). So far my saltwater experience has only been on Open Charter boats with Davey's Locker, but I always have a great time (except on overly crowded boats where you spend too much untangiling fishing line). However, the crew always seem to do a great job finding the fish.

I decided to go on the fishing trip today because they were in search for the elusive (at least to me) Yellow Tail. This 3/4 day charter sounded good because it was an extended day trip (starting at 7am to 6:40pm), and they were going to search for Yellow Tail. Since I have yet to catch my first Yellow Tail, I figured I would give it a try, even though the weather was a little cold.

At first things started looking grim, because nobody was catching any fish.. Until about the 12 o'clock hour when somebody landed the first Yellow Tail of the day. It was a massive 30lbs yellow and it put up a great fight (It pulled the angler around the boat 1 1/2 times).

Here's the fish count for the day of 09.22.2006:
Boat: Freelance
Type Trip: 3/4 Day (extended)
# of anglers: 29
**The Catch**
11 - Yellowtail
33 - Sand Bass
4 - Bonito
2 - Calico Bass
1 - Barracuda
2 - Halibut

Unfortunately for me, this was my fish count:
0 - Yellowtail (i did get a strong bite, but tried to set the hook too early, and ended up losing)
1 - Sand Bass (too small, had to release)
4 - Calico Bass (only 1 keeper)
3 - Barricuda (all less than the 28inch keeper size, had to release)
1 - unfortunate seagull (I don't think these would taste too good, so I had to release)

other than that, I met some good fishermen and had a great time. Hopefully, my next outing will allow me to catch the elusive Yellowtail.