By Any Name, Squid a Giant Attraction
Humboldt squid, incorrectly called giant squid, moved in to the Santa Monica Bay for the first time in 2007 on Wednesday.
The first two squid caught out of Redondo Sportfishing were taken on the half-day boat Redondo Special on the morning run. Vitaly Suiridov of Los Angeles and Lee Foglesong of Laguna Woods both would pull the giant mollusks up from the depths to be gaffed and lifted on board.
“There is a lot of excitement around here,” John Devore of Redondo Sportfishing said. “These squid look like they’re from another world; they fight hard and they’re great to eat. But more than that, when you actually see one of these things, you feel like you’ve seen something that you may never ever see again in your life.”
The Redondo three-quarter day boat Spitfire heads out Friday for Humboldt squid at 6 p.m. The cost of the trip is $35 with fishing until 11 p.m. and perhaps later. For more information: 310-372- 2111.
Malibu Sportfishing is back at it this weekend and Aquarius skipper Rick Hayes said he will go after the squid if they are around, too.
“We have been limiting out on rockfish but if those big squid show, we’ll go after them too,” Hayes said.
The Aquarius will be fishing Friday and Saturday. The trips depart at 7 a.m. and return around 2 p.m. Friday’s trip is limited to 22 anglers and costs $45 while Saturday is a two-for-one for $37.50.
“We have fabulous weather, so make sure you bring a surface rod too,” Hayes said.
For reservations and more information: 310-328-8426.
Early start: More white seabass were caught this week at Catalina Island as the season is off to an early start. The Dreamer out of Pierpoint landing in Long Beach had eight white seabass to 57 pounds with the smallest fish in the 40-pound class. The Old Number 7 had four white seabass on a trip at Catalina this week too.
Whale of a bonus: San Clemente Island also flexed its muscles as the Sea Horse out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing had nine yellowtail Saturday and witnesses saw a lot more yellowtail swimming around. Sea Horse skipper Tyler Elzig said it’s only a matter of time until a sportfishing group catches more than 100 yellowtail.
“It looks to me like it could happen any day,” Elzig said. Besides all the yellowtail, the Sea Horse was treated to a show of more than 100 grey whales spouting everywhere on Saturday’s trip. “It’s just another reason to get out on the water,” Elzig said.
Showtime: The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle Show continues through Sunday at the Long Beach Convention Center with hundreds of booths, seminars and exhibits. For those interested in kayak fishing, don’t miss the seminars at the Quantum Kayak Fishing Center. Doors open from 2-9:30 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $13 for adults. Those ages 15 and under are free.
Helping hand: Fisherman are asked to participate in a blood drive at Long Beach Memorial Hospital organized by Dr. Dave Patel. Everyone who donates will receive a fishing hat and $10 off any fishing trip out of Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach. Donors also will be entered in a raffle to win one of a number of half-day to three-day fishing trips. Free parking is available for donors. For information or to make an appointment contact Rebecca at the Blood Donor Center, 562-933-0808.
You can contact Phil Friedman via e-mail at p976tuna@aol.com. Please submit “Catch of the Week” photos by e-mailing them to sports@dailybreeze.com or by mailing them to Daily Breeze, Sports Department, 5215 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA, 90503-4077.
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