Andrew Deal from Andrew Deal Outdoors was out with the PFO Youth Outdoors Program, Wallace Air Cargo Group and a host of others to take a group of Marine and their kids fishing.
Deal captures some precious images from a magical day on the water. Please make sure you click below to see more.
Phil Friedman Outdoors Pro-Staffers Jimmy Bass and Will Ebersman were recently at the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club's annual kids trip at Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach. Two-hundred and fifty kids were taken fishing on five sportboats thanks to many tireless volunteers who spent hours of preparation the day before.
I had the pleasure of volunteering again for the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club’s annual Kids Trip at Pierpoint Landing. Last year I got to experience firsthand just how much effort goes into putting on a short three- to four-hour trip, and believe me, it’s ultimately satisfying when you witness the positive effect that fishing can have on kids. Majorly in that respect, I couldn’t wait for this year’s event.
The preparation began the afternoon before, with over 250 rods to rig up for the kids. While most are busy stringing rods and tying dropper loops, a few guys are setting up tables for the BBQ dinner that night and breakfast the next morning. Dinner was once again fantastic, and just to show the extent of the LARRC’s generosity, a couple of hungry passers-by were treated to a plate each of the delicious BBQ food. Kindness here goes further than just the main purpose of the event.
After dinner we loaded rods onto the two of the boats, and we grabbed our bunks on the Toronado, where we would sleep for the night. Some went right to bed to get plenty of rest for the next day, but others stayed awake to toss in a line in an unofficial volunteer “tournament”. No pictures were taken as the bite was pretty good. Tomcod, smelt, and mackerel were common, but Scott Schiffman got the exotic of the evening – a queenfish – which was caught on plastic.
We were woken up at 5am the next morning to get ready for the kids that would be arriving within a couple hours. The plan for the morning was to greet the kids, feed them a breakfast of bagels, muffins, fruit, and juice, and let them into the aquarium to see the sharks and touch the rays, and then welcome them aboard the boats. Everything went very smoothly and the kids had a blast getting to witness what the ocean can offer up close and in person. To the new kid fisherman, the whole experience is very important. It’s important to open up kids to all aspects of the ocean, for you never know how each of those aspects may have an impact on them.
After the venture into the aquarium, it was about time to board the boats. Five boats would be running this day – City of Long Beach, Enterprise, Southern Cal, Toronado, and Westerly. My boat was the Enterprise, with Captain Frank Savino at the helm, and Scott Schiffman as the Head Volunteer on the boat. Other volunteers on board included friends “Mensa-Man” Will Ebersman, Eddie “HESBROS”, Steve “Flyngby”, Robert “Murrieta Angler”, and Arthur Schiffman. We welcomed our group, who were mostly from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Fernando Valley, onto the boat. Soon after we headed out of Rainbow Harbor and we were on our way to the fishing grounds. On the way the kids were treated to the sights of the Long Beach Skyline, the Queen Mary, the Carnival Cruise Ship, and the old Spruce Goose dome.
We went out a few miles outside the Federal Breakwater and dropped anchor. The bite was slow on the outside but we kept most of the kids busy with teaching them the proper fishing techniques. A few fish came over the rail – two sand bass, a sculpin, a baby cabezon, and a small chucklehead.
In between spots the kids would pile into the galley to order some food. Hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked by Expert Chef Emillio and Arthur. Emillio’s burgers were not only gobbled up by the kids, but were given Captain Frank’s seal of approval.
The fishing was slow on the outside rockpiles, so we elected to take the kids inside the harbor, tie up to the bait barge, and fish for some harbor fish. Boy, was that the right choice. The tomcod gave an immediate response and every kid was at the rail fishing. Pelicans were all over the place but the deckhands worked hard to keep them away. Most, if not, all, kids managed to pull on a tomcod. Some of them were very intrigued by the fish as it may have been the first fish they’ve seen up close. The kids were now having an absolute blast.
It was fun helping the kids as they were pulling on tomcod after tomcod. But after a while of great fishing, it was time to head back to the dock. Once back, the kids were guided back up to the landing where they received a trophy.
Then we offloaded the rods and reels, washed them down, and dismantled them. As the other boats went in, we heard their reports. Fishing was pretty tough on the outside, so some came inside the harbor like us, one boat I believe went out deeper and found some sculpin and a plethora of sand dabs, but Jon Ackley on the Westerly decided to take his group on a scenic tour of the harbor, including the U.S.S. Iowa, just north of Ports O’ Call Village. That sort of happening exemplifies my belief that you have to make the experience on the water a positive one for these kids and keep doors open for them. Fishing was tough, and Jon wanted to keep things exciting for the kids. Thanks to him some more doors may be open to these kids. For example, while fishing may lead a child to want to become a marine biologist, witnessing a majestic ship such as the Iowa may lead a child to take an interest in ships, leading him or her to a career in that area. It’s pretty exciting when you consider the endless possibilities.
I think this year’s trip was a success and I was happy to witness the beginning of a positive effect that fishing can have on these kids. If you can sense that, then the tireless efforts of all the volunteers have succeeded. Many thanks to LARRC for putting this great event on every year, and special thanks to Scott Schiffman for getting me involved in this event last year, it’s been a fulfilling experience for me as it has been for everyone.
Reactions run the gamut after catching a nice bass but this young man gets slapped in the face by a nasty sand bass. If you look at the young man closely, he looks to be more upset with deckhand Matt Moore who had nothing to do with it.
Great times as you just have to check this Phil Friedman Productions Video out:
The Sportfishing Conservancy Partners with NOAA to Promote Recreational Fishing and Responsible Angling in National Marine Sanctuaries
Summer-long event helps reconnect youth to the outdoors while promoting conservation, marine stewardship at four sanctuaries on East and West Coasts
Long Beach, Calif. - The Sportfishing Conservancy has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and several other national organizations to launch a free summer-long event aimed at getting families and youth outdoors. Called the “Sanctuary Classic,” the event is a combined fishing and photo contest that will be featured in four National Marine Sanctuaries from June 9 through September 3, 2012.
The event will promote conservation-focused recreational fishing opportunities in each of the sanctuaries, while also providing anglers with information about the unique habitats included at each of the locations. Participants at each of the sanctuaries, including the Florida Keys, Channel Islands (Calif.), Monterey Bay (Calif.) and Gray’s Reef (Ga.), are eligible to submit photos of their catch via the tournament website [http://sanctuaryclassic.org/] and winners will be selected each week. Weekly winners will receive prizes including gift certificates and at the end of summer, the 4 photographs best exemplifying kids and family fishing values will receive educational scholarships. The use of photo submissions rather than fish brought back to the dock, helps encourage and promote catch-and-release fishing during the tournament, a key technique to preserve marine life in the sanctuaries.
“We’re excited to partner with these great national organizations to encourage and promote responsible saltwater angling,” said Tom Raftican, president of The Sportfishing Conservancy and a noted expert on recreational fishing. “The National Marine Sanctuaries are treasured areas for our marine heritage and they’re critically important for fish and fishermen. We’re excited for the opportunity to help teach the next generation of anglers how our “Best Practices” sport fishing techniques provide fun-filled and sustainable fishing adventures.”
The Classic kicked off on Saturday, June 9, 2012, during National Oceans Week and included opening events at the Channel Islands and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries, which drew over a hundred attendees, including scores of kids who learned about responsible angling and conservation guidelines while fishing in the sanctuary. Attendees heard from speakers such as National Oceans Council Co-Chair Nancy Sutley, Matt Stout, Sean Morton and Chris Mobley from NOAA Sanctuaries, and Eric Schwabb from NOAA Fisheries, then spent the morning fishing in the sanctuary.
“Being in a sanctuary is a great way to realize that a healthy ocean is vital for everyone,’’ said Daniel J. Basta, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “Outdoor activities, such as recreational fishing, give children and families a way to experience nature, learn about how we are part of nature, and foster a sense of responsibility for our environment.”
The National Marine Sanctuary System spans over 150,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes waters from the Hawaiian Islands to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. While the sanctuary program’s primary mission is to protect the nation’s critical marine ecosystems, 98 percent of all sanctuary waters are open to activities including recreational fishing, diving, surfing and swimming.
Additional support for the Classic is being provided by national and local partners including the Environmental Defense Fund and the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation, which provided initial funding though the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund.
NOTE: Photos and video from opening events are available upon request.
Our Mission: Recognizing that with privilege comes responsibility, the mission of The Sportfishing Conservancy is to empower sportsmen to fulfill and celebrate their commitment to their sport and to real world conservation.
Even as Mike Barrett was leaving the Long Beach light he could see something just off in the distance beckoning him. A massive flock of sea gulls and pelicans were thrusting themselves in the water in pursuit of baitfish. Barrett is a smart enough angler to know that more than likely, something bigger was forcing the baitfish to the surface.
On board with Barrett were his two sons; 13 year old Hunter and 11 year old Owen. The threesome pointed the bow of their private boat towards the comotion on the ocean and slid into the giant bait school with great care. Hunter made a cast with a blue and white lure and after 5 seconds was hooked up to something big.
Even though the young angler is on 13-years old, he has become an accomplished angler is a short time. On Sunday, Hunter took the jackpot on board the 1/2 day boat City of Long Beach with a giant barracuda up against several older accomplished anglers.
Hunter found himself in quite a battle. He fought the fish on the other end of his line for over 25-minutes before a 38-pound white seabass emerged from the depths. "We were all happy to see that it was a white seabass," said the young angler. "It was a great day on the water."
If that wasn't enough, Hunter topped off with a nice thresher shark a little later in the day.
Friends of Rollo, in conjunction with participating Southern California Sportfishing landings from San Diego to Santa Barbara, will be hosting two upcoming “Kids Fish Free days” this year. This is a special opportunity for kids and adults who aren’t involved in organized youth groups to benefit from our youth fishing program and a great way for adults to introduce children to the wonderful sport of recreational sportfishing. All of the boats involved in this promotion are Coast Guard approved and feature a licensed Captain and professional crew members.
For every paid “Adult Fare”, adults may bring up to two kids (ages 15 and under) fishing for free on these trips. The cost for rod and reel rentals, tackle, food, fish cleaning, and Mexican fishing permits (if required), etc, are not included in this promotion and are the responsibility of participants.
The “Kids Fish Free” promotion is being held on the following dates:
Saturday, June 2nd, 2012
Sunday, June 3rd, 2012
This promotion is good on any 1/2 & 3/4 day regularly scheduled fishing trips departing from participating landings and is subject to space availability. Please call and make your reservations early so no one will be left out of this wonderful opportunity. Let the landing know that you want to participate in the “Kids Fish Free promotion”.
Tony Hifo, 17 couldn't contain himself. "I am excited." So were all the other great boys from the Adventure Crew as we headed out on a great Philip Friedman Outdoors Youth fishing trip on board the City of Long Beach out of Long Beach Marina Sportfishing.
"This is more than a fishing trip," commented Bill Stephens, director of the Adventure Crew. "This is a great opportunity for our kids to see what's available in life and to maybe stumble on to a new path in their lives."
Thanks to Wallace Air Cargo Group and Ned Wallace, the boys, many of them football players from Menifee, CA were about to embark on their first fishing trip.
Great volunteers from Pink Fishing also joined us and were busy on deck teaching knot tying and so much more on our way to the fishing grounds. Joe Davis was giving mini-seminars while Captain Jeff Jones was helping to get the gear ready to go.
It's hard to process all the new things kids see on their first fishing trip. There is a little sensory overload going on. There is the boat itself, the marina, bait, nets, gaffs, sea birds, dolphin, super tankers, oil rigs, rods, reels, sea lions, boat burgers, new and different fish and sea life to name just a few of the new and exiting sights and sounds.
Everyone of the aforementioned new experiences induce questions and learning. There is a certain truth. You can't protect what you don't understand. The hope of Phil Friedman Outdoors and Wallace Air Cargo Group is that the kids who participate in our program will now place a huge value on our environment and ultimately grow up to protect it.
The boys started catching a variety of rockfish including a beautiful threadfin; a bottom dweller that you don't see all that often in Southern California waters. " That's a threadfin (Pronotogrammus multifasciatus)" said Rick Feeney from the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum ." They are rare in Southern California. Last year the Long Beach Aquarium sent me a picture of one. They are probably more common off Mexico and Central America."
The boys struggled to bring their catch up form 260 feet of water to the surface where they would marvell at the brilliantly colored rockfish.
"This i s exactly the kind of experience these boys need," said Stephens. "This can lead these kids in the right direction; can open new doors; can make a difference in their lives."
Besides all the learning that just seems to sneak in to an adventure like this, there is also the fun factor. Everyone seemed to have had a great day; a day that we hope will make a difference in their young lives.
"I can see how this can be a life changing experience," said volunteer Krisma Crowell. "Who knows what new door has just opened up for these boys."
It was a beautiful crisp morning and already a long line of anxious anglers snaked around the lake just after sunrise. Captain Larry Moore and Lee McNeese had already signed in over 300 children by 8am Saturday morning at Miles Square Park in Fountain Valley but they were unable to put a dent in the line. "Looks like another great day," said Tom Starns, Communications Manager for Orange County Parks.
On Thursday, the Department of Fish and Game had planted 1,600 pounds of rainbow trout so hopes were high for a great day. Janet Nguyen, Supervisor of the First District of the County of Orange counted down and then gave the command, "lines in," at exactly 9 a.m. The crowd of over 1000, including 635 registered young anglers cast their bait out and hoped for a bite.
Ned Wallace from Wallace Air Cargo Group provided some of the volunteers for the event working with Philip Friedman Outdoors and also provided a dozen beautiful rod and reel combos as grand prizes. "I hope I win one of those," said a little girl passing by the prize tables in the morning.
At 9:50 a.m., Adam Samala, age 11, made his way towards weigh-master Steve Bermudes with a beautiful 2-lb 13 ounce rainbow trout. It turned out to be the largest trout of the day and garnered Samala bragging rights for a year, his name on a trophy to be displayed at Miles Square Park and a beautiful new rod and reel.
Steve Fukuto oversaw the entire event and was pleased to see more trout coming to the scales than in recent years. "It's just great to see so many families out at the park," said Fukuto who has been organizing this event for the past 12-years. "Lots of trout and even more smiles," he said.
While the kids were catching fish and having fun, the South Bay Lady Anglers were busy making a scrumptious lunch of over 800 hot dogs, chips, and drinks for the participants thanks to a lot of good people and business's wgho had come together for this massive fishing event.
Fishing clinics were also conducted by the Department of Fish and Game. Volunteers taught kids how to cast, how to use a rod and reel and how to be safe so no one got hurt.
Several other trout were taken as the crowd on hand enjoyed a great time at the Lake. As participants dined on their lunch, the event finished with a raffle that lasted over an hour with great prizes for many in attendance.
Below, we have a list of noteable catches as well as a list of all those who made this day a reality.
Biggest Overall Fish:
Adam Samala, Age: 11, Weight: 2lb 13oz, Time:9:50am
Age 7 and Under
1st - Anthony Rhodes, Age: 7, Weight: 1lb 12oz, Time:9:46am
At Saturday’s Fishing Derby at Mile Square Regional Park, kids ages 15 and under fish for free and compete to win multiple prizes for finalists and winners in different age groups. Thanks to Ned Wallace and Wallace Air Cargo Group, kids will have a chance to win one of 11 brand new rod and reel combo's. Registration is from 7 to 8:30 a.m. with the Derby starting promptly at 9 a.m.
The lake will be stocked with 1,600 pounds of trout for the derby.
Fishing clinics will be hosted on-site and a limited quantity of fishing rods will be available for loan. A complimentary barbecue lunch will be served to all who attend. The event will be hosted by Philip Friedman Outdoors Radio, Phil Friedman. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids’ Fishing Derby Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012 Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Derby Registration: 7 – 8:30 a.m. Location: Mile Square Regional Park Address: 16801 Euclid St. in Fountain Valley Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle For information, call: (714) 973-6600 or (714) 973-3197
The Manzanar Fishing Club is screening Friday in Santa Monica at the Laemmle Monica 4. The film chronicles the World War II internment of Japanese Americans from a new and unique perspective.
The Manzanar Fishing Club is about how some of those unjustly imprisoned Japanese risked their lives to fish for trout in the surrounding waters in the Eastern Sierra. They risked their lives, sneaking past armed guards and through barbed wire, to taste sweet freedom and regain lost dignity, if even for a brief moment. The film speaks to the human spirit and carries with it valuable life lessons for everyone.
On Saturday, the “voices” of the Manzanar Fishing Club will be available to meet with the public after the 7:30 p.m. showing. I was proud to have been chosen to narrate Act III of this very enlightening film and will be among the attendees.
Photo: Producer/Director Cory Shiozaki with "The Voice" of Act III, Philip Friedman
