Category: Events

Events that you might enjoy attending.

Events

Second ‘Off Tha Hook’ delivers fish, next generation
WINNING is what Matus Solobic of Altadena represents with the beautiful common carp. (Jim Burns)
WINNING: Matus Sobolic, of Altadena, represents with this beautiful common carp. (Jim Burns)

Fisherfolk are known for their sometimes tall tales, and even though the MSM were nowhere to be found, today’s second annual ‘Off Tha Hook’ in North Atwater Park produced plenty of gripping stories for the 200 or so participants. Some treated  new friends as if they were old buddies, sharing tales of rare fiberglass rods and 19th Century reels; others literally sampled tasty culinary capers at the Patagonia Pasadena booth — anyone for buffalo jerky?

WINNER Issaih Salgago, 15, of Palmdale (left) hangs with event organizer Bill Bowling. (Jim Burns)
WINNER Issaih Salgado, 15, of Palmdale (left) hangs with event organizer, Bill Bowling. (Jim Burns)

And although the River Rover — organizer Friends of the Los Angeles River’s mobile classroom — was also a no show because of a broken axle, kids  made up watery tales as they peered into tiny cups full of stonefly and mayfly nymphs, as well as icky leeches.

It was that cool.

— Matus Sobolic, of Altadena, proved that he is the guy to beat when it comes to carp, hauling in one common, around 4 pounds, and three small bass to win the grand prize. Sobolic won last year’s competition and also won the wading division at the Lake Henshaw Carp Throwdown earlier this summer. He lost two on the fly as they jumped wildly out of the water. The last So. Cal. double winner was David Wratchford, who won 2012-2013 at the Carp Throwdown, also in the wading division.

— Meanwhile, Issaih Salgado, 15, of Palmdale, won the kids’ division with a couple of small largemouth bass snatched spincasting on a silicone wiggly. His mom said she wasn’t surprised because he spends lots of time chasing fish at Fin & Feather, the well-know Antelope Valley private club.

— And Ben, who got away before I could ask him his age and last name, won rarest species for his fry tipalia, awarded by biologist Sabrina Drill.

TROUT UNLIMITED'S Bob Blankenship meets the official greeter. (Jim Burns).
TROUT UNLIMITED’S Bob Blankenship meets the official greeter. (Jim Burns).

The three shared a haul valued around $900 in donations from Patagonia Pasadena and the Pasadena Casting Club.

But the best story laid in watching 60-plus kids show up with family and friends to cast, many for the first time. They stood in line, then, in turn, hit the water, some dozen at a time, to try their luck, learn more about our urban river, and get tips from the experienced anglers who donated their time as well as experience.

As I watched, my mind traveled to a time in the near future when those now teenagers will continue the stewardship they learned today. For all of us who love the river, there is no better story than that.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

KIDS AND PARENTS alike are 'all in' for the children's fish. (Jim Burns)
KIDS AND PARENTS alike are ‘all in’ for the family fish. (Jim Burns)
Events

Update: ‘Off tha Hook’ prizes valued at $900

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The $50 entry fee is looking better, as Patagonia Pasadena stepped up as the Platinum Sponsor for the second annual catch & release fishing derby on the L.A. River, “Off tha Hook.”

There will be two winners on Saturday, Sept. 5, and if you think you’ve got the goods to nab a sweet, fat carp, the top prize could be yours.

The winner will be decided by total weight of fish logged in by the biologists. Just like last year, an angler’s fish will be brought to the biologists by the “bucket brigade” to be weighed, measured and released back into the river. In a change from last year, both fly and spin compete in the same category.

The winner’s prizes will be an exclusive “Off tha Hook” T-shirt, a FoLAR swag bag, trophy with ribbon, his and hers Patagonia puffy jackets, and a box of warm-water flies, tied and donated by the Pasadena Casting Club.image

There will be also be a winner for rarest species, which means anything finny other than carp would be in consideration. On-site biologist Sabrina Drill, Associate Director, California Naturalist at the University of California Cooperative Extension, will make the call.

The angler awarded the rarest species moniker will receive an exclusive “Off tha Hook” T-shirt, a FoLAR bag of swag, trophy with ribbon, and a men’s Patagonia Buckshot Shirt and a women’s Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket.

All told, the value of the prizes is worth more than $900.

Anglers will receive a $10 discounted entry fee if they agree to stay and teach the children, ages 7 to 17, their skills of fishing in an urban river for an hour.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

Citizen science, Events

Aquarium to host ‘Steelhead Science for Anglers’ event

imageWant the latest word on steelhead?

 

Trout Unlimited’s Wild Steelhead Initiative is partnering with California Trout to offer a workshop on native steelhead trout in southern California this September.

Check out this afternoon of education and fellowship as leading steelhead scientists provide updates and answer questions about steelhead populations, recovery activities, and angling considerations in southern California.

This interactive workshop will:

·         inform anglers about the latest scientific data and understanding of steelhead biology and populations

·         discuss the impacts of drought and human water use on steelhead

·         review the history of southern steelhead restoration efforts as well as current recovery plans and actions

·         clarify fisheries management obligations, policies, and regulations

·         discuss implications of southern steelhead recovery efforts on angling opportunities

·         provide extensive question-and-answer opportunities

·         offer a complimentary snack and beverage social hour

The panel of steelhead experts represents some of the world’s foremost authorities on steelhead biology and management – and some are avid steelhead anglers, too. They will help workshop participants to better understand how steelhead science is helping to protect wild populations, identify priority restoration objectives, and engage the angling community to help enhance and sustain steelhead fisheries.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26

Time: noon – 4 p.m.

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA (100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802)

Cost: FREE **Free admission is on the honor system.  If you are only attending the event, please tell the entry staff that you are here for the steelhead science workshop.  If you plan to come early or stay after the event to enjoy the Aquarium, please purchase an admission ticket.

RSVP: Please register HERE

Events

California Killifish surprise catch for fish study

I don’t know how biologist Rosi Dagit does it but every time she calls a meeting of the fishing-for-science clan, the mercury breaks another record. Today was no exception, as around 25 sweating volunteers traveled to Willow Street in Long Beach for the last effort to see what could be caught in this important area where the Los Angeles River runs into the ocean.

We saw a dozen or so mullet, as they danced around our side of the lagoon, bobbing and weaving to invisible underwater music. Four of us tried everything in the flybox, from San Juan worm, to topside stimulator. What goes into the record book is but a shadow of what’s really in the water.

The kayak crew, pulling a net, came up empty, a disappointment.

John Tegmeyer fashioned his own boilies — like the Brits do, but with a dose of Tapatio Sauce thrown in for color — and came very close to landing a large carp.

Meanwhile, Zino Nakasuji fooled a 7-pound common carp with a pale egg pattern.

But Dabin Lee of Los Angeles handscooped the most important catch of the day — a tiny California Killifish, which is a native and lives in brackish water.

“I do it all the time,” Lee said, referring to her habit of catching small fish in her hands. It made for a remarkable end to four attempts over the last year and a half to document exactly what lives in this part of the river.

The great hope is to spot a steelhead.

“I just recently  got a picture of one from Cabrillo Pier,” Dagit said.

And, of course, that is the lofty dream of so many of us, that the Southern California Steelhead, currently an endangered species, will make its comeback in tandem with the river renewal. With the anticipated El Niño this winter, we may yet get that opportunity, when fish return from the ocean, hoping to ride high water in to their inland spawning grounds.

And if you missed this part of the survey, you’ll have another opportunity. Next year, Dagit is targeting the Sepuveda Dam area in the San Fernando Valley.

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this silly video from the day.

 

See you on the river, Jim Burns

 

 

 

 

 

Events

Second annual Off Tha’ Hook fishing derby returns Sept. 5

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Registration is now open for the second annual FoLAR fishing derby, Off Tha Hook. It’s slated for Saturday, Sept. 5, one of the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife free days, no license is required. The event in north Atwater Park is for both fly fishers and spin casters. catch and release ($50 registration, limited spots). The one-hour event is followed by a free “kids fish,” in which anglers teach children how to spin cast, as well as good stewardship on the water. Anglers who want to help out in this second event will have their registration fee discounted. You can register and get more details here.

What makes this event different from typical competitions is that it actually serves as an addendum to FoLAR’s 2008 Fish Study, an important species benchmark, especially as the river gets ready for its closeup and makeover. Biologists will weigh, measure and catalog every fish prior to releasing them back to the river.

If you missed last year, here’s what it was like. Think fun. Very fun.

Full disclosure: LARFF is a sponsor for this event.

Press Conference 8:30 a.m.

Scheduled to appear, FoLAR Founder/President Lewis MacAdams and members of local government

Catch & Release 9 a.m.- 10 a.m.

Fishing Contest for the Experienced

Two categories: Weight & Rarest Species!

Family Fish 10 a.m.

Adult supervised children

Learn to fish with morning angler volunteers

Awards 11:00 a.m.

Blue Ribbons given to registered child anglers

 

See you on the river, Jim Burns

Events

4th Carp Throwdown loves the locals
THE FOG: No, it's not a John Carpenter thriller, but it makes for a great shot! (Courtesy Al Q.)
THE FOG: No, it’s not a John Carpenter thriller, but it makes for a great shot! (Courtesy Bernard Yin.)

On Saturday, June 13, the Carp Throwdown celebrated its fourth go-around.
The night before began with some good, ol’ revelry, including rock and roll featuring CTD co-founder Conway Bowman on drums! The CTD tradition of the band always being called the Three Blind Carp was kept alive with Bernard Yin and his wife, Rebecca, on guitar and bass.
Next morning, a solid group of anglers hit Lake Henshaw in the fog, caught fish and had a great time. The legendary hopper hatch was not as elusive as in previous CTDs and many anglers earned their rankings with the help of hoppers. Certain areas were rife with the bugs and it was clear by the bird life that these hoppers are a huge part of this area’s seasonal ecosystem.

SO CAL RULES: And locals Tiffany and Dustin Sergent represent. (Courtesy Al Q.)
SO CAL RULES: And locals Tiffany and Dustin Sergent represent. (Courtesy Al Q.)

Some anglers leaned small and Zino Nakasuji even went to a size 14 stimulator.
And several catfish joined carp on the catch list. Good fun.
The results?
Well, we’re all warm and fuzzy to add that the first place boat division team was in fact a couple! Hats off to Dusty and Tiffany. They’re locals so you can blame the whole home team thing too.

Matus Sobolic took first in the wade division. He is a noteworthy So. Cal. carp fisher, who nabbed a first in last year’s Off Tha Hook on the L.A. River. Like many, he pre-fished the lake to dial it in.

A shout-out to organizers, Al Q and Conway Bowman, the Fly Stop and anyone else we neglected to mention. Not a single person didn’t bring something good to the table.

THREE BLIND CARP: Keep it real with Bernard Yin, left, Rebecca Ramirez Yin, center, and Conway Bowman. (Courtesy Al Q.)
THREE BLIND CARP: Keep it real with Bernard Yin, left, Rebecca Ramirez Yin, center, and Conway Bowman. (Courtesy Al Q.)

Carp Throwdown 4 Results 2015
1st Place Boat Division

AYE, AYE,CAPTAIN CARP: You shoulda been there for a fine day (Courtesy Dylan Scott Moore)
AYE, AYE, CAPPIE CARP SEZ: You shoulda been there for one fine day. (Courtesy Dylan Scott Moore)

Dustin and Tiffany Sergent

6 qualifying carp

5 best — total 110 points
2nd Place Boat Division

Tod and Brian Suttle

4 qualifying carp

4 best — total 79 points
1st Place Wade Division

Matus Sobolic

5 qualifying carp

5 best — total 92 points
2nd Place Wade Division

Mike McVay

4 qualifying carp

4 best — total 73 points
Big Fish

Dustin and Tiffany Sergent

26-inch carp
Trash Fish

Dan Jazozewki

21-inch catfish
Fish count for 40 anglers (26 boat, 14 wade)

36 carp

3 catfish
Special thanks to rock ‘n’ roller Bernard Yin for helping me get this report together.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

Events

Conservation tips for opening day on the LA River
ALL SMILES: Will with one sweet capr (Jim Burns)
ALL SMILES: Will with one sweet carp. (Jim Burns)

Today is opening day on the Los Angeles River.

It may not get the press or angler attention as the traditional opener in the eastern Sierra, in which fishers descend on the area’s many awakening lakes and streams, but the truth is it’s a banner day just the same.

For the third season, the recreational zone includes two areas,  Elysian Valley and Sepulveda Basin.  Check out the above link for maps, rules and all the good stuff about kayaking.

Buy a fishing license

                Fish legally

Support the conservation efforts of the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Don’t kill and eat your catch

                Red-tail hawks, osprey and other birds depend on fish for their survival

Practice catch-and-release fishing

                Play your fish quickly

SLEUTHING: Pack out everything you brought, including flies, tippet discards and leader. (Jim Burns)
SLEUTHING: Pack out everything you brought, including flies, tippet discards and leader. (Jim Burns)

Use barbless hooks or bend the barb back with your hemostat

Hold your fish as gently as possible when you remove the hook

If your fish is exhausted, place back in water in your hands until it swims away

Put discarded line, bobbers and hooks in a container in your pocket

Remember all lines will not biodegrade for centuries and are a hazard to wildlife that can become entangled and die in them

Hooks left in the water can injure wildlife, as well as barefoot humans

Send me any stories and pics you want to share with readers of this site. Successes as well as failures welcome! I don’t cover the Sepulveda Basin and would like to know how the fishing’s going there.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

 

Mark Gangi says:
May 25, 2015 at 1:25 pm Edit
I would add – give other fisherman a lot of room, and don’t wander along the edge scaring all of the fish. It’s exciting to see 3-4 fly fisherman on the river at the same time, and the fish are getting active quicker – but please be cool to everyone on the river

 

Events

Southwest Council Federation of Fly Fishers hosts special eBay auction
Ken Hanley and the late Shane Chung hanging out with the Corbina Patrol. (Courtesy of Al Q)

Ken Hanley, left, and the late Shane Chung hanging out with the Corbina Patrol. (Courtesy of Al Q)

From Al Q:

For those of you who can’t make this year’s One Surf Fly and would still like to support our raffle for Shane’s son, Devon, here’s your chance.

The Southwest Council Federation of Flyfishers is hosting an eBay auction for Devon’s college fund. We will pool this money together with our raffle money from the One Surf Fly and combine it with the You Caring balance to make one large contribution. Please feel free to check it out, there are some great items up for sale. If you click on my bonefish print, they grouped all my stuff together, so click through to see the other items included…it’s a good deal.

Click here!

http://www.ebay.com/sch/swcfff/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

Events

Calendar item: Earth Day night run along the river

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