2005 Southern California Shamrock Fish Fest

[Damon]

Points well taken from El Bombero and Hav'nfun. Lets hold off on the poll until I can include other time frames for the YFT/Dorado season in a new post.

New Poll: http://www.fishtheclassic.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4270

With the success of our 2004 Southern California Shamrock Fish Fest on such short notice, we’re already in the planning phase for 2005! This event will include a kick-off rally with guest speakers/sponsors, a fish tournament, a fish fest bash with catering provided with gifts and prizes being passed out as well as the announcement of the tournament winners, and maybe another buddy boat trip out on a second day of fishing. The schedule can look something like this:

-Fri night: Welcome Aboard/Kick-off rally
-Sat: Fish tournament
-Sat night: Fish Fest Bash dinner
-Sun: Optional buddy boat trip or wrap up session

Our plan is to hold the event at the Dana Inn & Marina, located in Mission Bay, San Diego:

http://www.thedana.net

We've been in contact with the folks at Dana Inn & Marina and are about to reserve 15 slips for now. The reasons we are selecting Dana Inn & Marina are:

-It has a very nice boat ramp
-Slips to park our boats
-Free parking for out trucks/trailers
-Lot’s of rooms at the hotel with direct access to the Marina
-Great accessibility for out-of-towners
-Sundance Marine (authorized Shamrock dealer, see below) is right across from the Marina
-Very convenient to the bait barge and the ocean
-Next to Sea World and close to other main attractions
-Pool/Jacuzzi/other accommodations next to the boat slips for kids to play in and/or to relax in after a long day of fishing
-Etc.

I’m hoping to get Sundance Marine, the authorized Shamrock dealer in San Diego, to participate (or sponsor) in the event as well as Mr. Bo Palmer himself. I would like to get one of the tackle stores (i.e. SquidCo, Angular’s Choice, etc.) to participate in the Welcome/Kick-off rally on Friday night to lecture on tips for Albacore fishing as well as making some tackle available for those who come from out of town and had not had a chance to purchase the necessary gear.

Our target species will mainly be Albacore Tuna and Yellow Tail. Traditionally, late June and early July is the best for Albacore fishing. If fishing in Mexican waters, boat/fishing permits will be required (a one week fishing permit runs around $27 for each person, but I don’t know if a one week permit can be purchased for the boat). For fishing in California waters, a CA fishing permit will be required, which runs around $12 per day for non-residence. For those who follow the moon phase for Albacore fishing, the following is the moon phase for that time period:

-June 6th 2005: New moon
-June 15th 2005: 1st qtr moon
-June 22nd 2005: Full moon
-June 28th 2005: Last qtr moon
-July 6th 2005: New moon
-July 14th 2005: 1st qtr moon
-July 21st 2005: Full moon

Personally, I like fishing on July 4th because there’s hardly anybody out fishing on that day. But I know that that is a day people spend with their family and/or relatives to celebrate this very important holiday.

With the locals in San Diego, Orange/LA counties, the one very special guy from Utah, the few Northern Californians, and the one or two from Washington State, I’m shooting for at least 15 Shamrocks and 35+ people to participate. I’m also hoping for some brave souls from the east coast, TX, LA, AL, etc. to come out and participate. This event will be open to the fishing buddies, friends, and families/children.

For those who would like to participate, above is a poll of different scenarios for the event. Please select one that would best suit your schedule/desires.

Thanks,
Damon.

[El Bombero]

Damon, I should be in. But, I'd shoot for a later date. Something in late August or Sept. Usually the weather is better and the fishing is better.

[AJ]

Hey Damon,

Great idea. I'm in any weekend other than the 4th of July. If you need help setting the event up, let me know - I'll help anyway I can.

[Hav'nfun]

Damon, I know you are a Albacorholic but I also would like to get together later in the summer. I love to fish on glassy waters where the paddies are easy to spot and other species available like Dorado.

The place looks great. Whatever is decided, count me in.

Tom

[Damon]

Tom,

Doing the event later in the season for YFT/Dorado would be okay with me. The Late June/Early July time frame is when the Albacore bite is closer to San Diego. But you are right about the weather and water conditions being more mixed up with very little sunshine. Late July through early September will give us better weather and water conditions. If you want the best chances for Albies, YFT, Dorados, and YTs, then I would shoot somewhere in the mid part of August.

Since I can't edit the original post to change the poll to include time frames for August, lets hold off on the poll untill I can start another post.

[Damon]

I think we should shoot for August 26th - 28th (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). During this time, we should have Albacore, Dorado, YFT, and Yellow Tails all going at the same time if water temp/conditions are similar to what they were in 2004 and 2003. Keep in mind that they are expecting the El Nino current this year, which may cut the Albacore seaon short and bring in heavier volumes of YFT along with increased Dorado and Bigeye tuna action. This will be a better time for smoother conditions and sunny days, which will be good for the family. For all you moonies, August 26th is a last quarter moon.

What do you all think??

[Greg Lafferty]

I'd like to play but I also would like to see a late August weekend. I will post an invite on lists up here when you guys decide.