This time I was originally suppose to attend the FLW Tour Finals, but unfortunately it was cancelled. And due to the cancellation, Brent got a day off so the 3 of us (Brent, Mr. M, and I) decided to go saltwater boat fishing.

We departed from Newport Landing where I’ve been departing from often lately, and went on a local passenger boat from there. The target fish last month was Scorpaenopsis, but this time according to the fishing report from the day before, it is the Rockfish. We started at a position 1.5hrs offshore and it was right in the middle between Newport and Catalina Island. At a fishing point 430ft in water depth, I attached an 8oz weight and dropped it all the way to the bottom!! I’ve never experienced such water depth and as I reeled, I realized the line wasn’t enough!! And while experiencing such accidents, Bass Pro Angler, Brent would continue catching nice size fishes. Pro Anglers are amazing!! He showed me at what range the fishes were at and to reel 30times from the bottom! I did exactly as told and I kept getting bites!! And from there, it is up to your very own skills on how to catch it! Brent also advised me, unlike fishing Rockfish and/or Flounders (Hirame) where you immediately make a move after a bite, first have it swallow its bait (Sardines and/or squid) and when you feel the pull, then start pulling it up! Also, when fishing in deep areas the timing of adjustment is a little different where you don’t pull with your rod. Instead, you use your reel and spin it about 4 times and then pull at once. Finally, you need to use the bent of the rod to catch it well. I again did exactly what Brent taught me and waited a little after a hit… I had a big hit!! My rod was bent like I’ve never seen before! It was really tough to reel it from 450ft below… but I was able to catch my very first big Rockfish!! It won’t compare to a real BIG fish, but I did catch a lot! In result Brent caught about 20 fishes and I caught about 7 including the ones I released. Pro Anglers definitely have something different!!! Can they talk to fishes or something!? It is strange… but extremely amazing.

Sandy
The Daily Flash Minnow

P.S. I was taught how to tie a loop for the first time!!