Twilight fishing @ 22nd Street Landing, San Pedro CA

The first week of summer with high temperatures, was upon us.  It was a good time for me to get the outdoor dinning area ready for a nice BBQ dinner this coming week-end. Just as I mustered enough energy to gather my cleaning tools, the phone rang. " Dad, lets go fishing", my son David,  suggested. Manny, my oldest son, had informed him that his employer, Turner's Outdoorsman Sporting Goods, was sponsoring a twilight fishing trip on the Monte Carlo, out of 22nd. St. Landing, San Pedro CA Well... what's a father to do? I was compelled to accept the generous offer. I'd save the cleaning for another day.
With all deliberate speed, I went to the garage to gather my ocean fishing equipment, including the most important item: my CA fishing licence.

Two fishing poles per person for light tackle and one for heavier tackle, depending of what's biting. For of-shore, I recommend casting rod with 15 lb test line. If larger fish are biting, you can rely on your heavier pole and line:25 lbs - 30 lbs. 

Always have your fishing  licence with you. Over the years, I have witnessed a number of citations being handed out. When you least expect it, the fish and game warden will show up; fines are steep . I always display mine, although it isn't necessary. By having your license visible, the warden will approach someone else to check. Also, have a wide assortment of hooks and weights in your box, along with a variety of lures and gigs.

We arrived at the port of Los Angeles with plenty of time to spare. Soon a variety of anglers joined in with tall fishing stories which only salty anglers can remember. A short time later, the sponsors from Turner's began to arrive, including my son Manny. They were prepared to raffle a variety of great gifts, fishing equipment and tackle, including fishing poles.  Thus equipped and looking forward to a great time, we boarded our ocean going vessel, the Monte Carlo!

On board the Monte Carlo, we passed the welcome to Los Angeles sign, on our way to the bait barge.

Deckhands scooping anchovies on board  along with squid, our primary bait.

David, relaxing and making friends as we get on our way to the fishing grounds.

Manny, in the galley setting up the prizes and tickets for the raffle. 

Everything is in order...anglers are ready.

This is the last picture I took, the Palos Verdes peninsula, before the captain said, " We are right on top of a school... lines away ". Everyone rushed to their designated places. Fishing on! Everyone was enthusiastically  engaged in casting out gigs, plastics, anchovies and squid. For my part, I put my camera away and for next four hours I joined the celebration, pummeling the ocean with my jigs. I could hear shouts of gaff! gaff!  which means," I hooked a big one and need some help landing it".

Manny, with a big smile after a happy evening fishing and working. He then asked me to take his fish home to make some of my famous ceviche.

David was feeling good; he had been looking for some good ocean fishing for awhile. He will come by my my place this week-end along with the half-filled sack of fish fillets to grill some of his award winning dishes.

Finally, the Monte Carlo, its crew getting ready for its next outing. It's a very spacious fishing boat with an excellent crew,willing to assist you  in every way and has the best burritos in town! We'll be back soon.