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LAKE SABRINA
8-31-08
ALPERS TO BE STOCKED
for the
BISHOP CREEK CANYON FALL CLASSIC
(See Below for Info)
Not only did fishing pick up a bit by the end of the week, so did the wind.
Average wind speeds of 38mph with gusts to 51mph were felt at the landing on
Sunday. Temperatures dropped during the week, with reports of 24 degrees with
frost on the trucks at Camp Sabrina Tuesday night, but the lows for that night
at the landing were only 53. Rick keeps telling me we live in the tropics.
Back to fishing. Drifting was still where part of the action was and the anglers
were getting quite inventive with some anglers using a NightCrawler ~ PowerBait
combo. Yup, a piece of a worm with a little dab of PowerBait. Roostertails were
working for a few of the shore fishermen fishing in the bay on the far side of
the small island. Dingleberry Inlet picked up a bit with some fishermen using
Salmon Eggs although Becky Smith of Riverside was jigging with a Crappie jig and
hooked into a 4-1/2 pound Alper. The other part of the action was down deep.
Local Jim Diddy landed with the help of another Bishop local Wayne Ball (Wayne
netted the fish) a beaut - a 7-1/4 pound lunker on a Thomas Buoyant. Another
local George Barber helped his daughter Kim Sims bring in an 8-1/4 pound fish on
a Rapala. Got a few DFG fish on Tuesday.
The lake continues to drop. Rick will probably be taking the docks apart as soon
as the wind dies. Monday, Howard our local weather person is calling for a
'touch of fall in the air for the high country` meaning cooler temps. Howard had
been calling for snow on Sunday - we actually got a few showers and a bit of
hail on Saturday and we did hear of snow falling at Piute Lake. That would mean
snow in the high country in August - you never know - remember Memorial Day and
our 8 inches of snow? And that touch of Fall? More and more small patches of
yellow continue to pepper the Bishop Creek Canyon hillsides. Temperatures are
expected to cool for Labor Day Monday and then start a slow warming trend into
next weekend. You may want to check it out Howard's forecast at
www.MammothWeather.com.
Not much news about the animals this week. Nims decided not to come to town with
us this week (he wouldn`t let Rick get close enough to catch him) and once again
spent the night outside. He was sure happy to see us when we got back from town
or maybe he was just hungry. Hi and Lo continue to hang around.
This is Nick`s last day with us. He`s going back to the Land of Oz to finish up
his degree in Finance/Psychology. He was a great asset to us this season and we
wish him well. We just wish he wasn`t leaving us so soon. We still have a third
of the season left.
Remember your sunscreen, dark glasses and bug juice as we still have a few of
those pesky skeeters around. PONCHOS MAY ALSO BE NEEDED THIS WEEKEND - YOU NEVER
KNOW!
ALWAYS PACK A JACKET! ! ! !
REMEMBER, IF YOU PUT ON BUG JUICE, SUN SCREEN OR FOO FOO JUICE, WASH YOUR
HANDS! THEN RUB THEM IN WORM GOO, TROUT ATTRACTANT OR POWERBAIT - GET
THE OTHER SCENT OFF!
ALPERS TO BE STOCKED
Once again, the BISHOP AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and VISITORS BUREAU is operating
the BISHOP CREEK CANYON FALL CLASSIC thanks to another grant from INYO COUNTY.
The new tournament will last from
All participants will be entered for awesome prices including cash and tackle
prizes. The entry fee is only $5, with kids under 12 free. You can register at
any of the following locations: LAKE SABRINA BOAT LANDING, PARCHERS RESORT,
SOUTH LAKE BOAT LANDING, BISHOP CREEK LODGE, CREEKSIDE RV PARK, CARDINAL VILLAGE
RESORT, CULVER`S SPORTING GOODS, MAC`S SPORTING GOODS, OWENS RIVER OUTFITTERS
and the BISHOP AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and VISITORS BUREAU at the City Park.
The Paiute Palace and Adopt-a-Creek is sponsoring the "CASH OF THE DAY" where
the waters of INTAKE II, NORTH LAKE and the BISHOP CANYON CREEKS will be stocked
with tagged fish redeemable at the Piute Palace for casino credits. No
registration required - just fishin` and catchin`.
You all have a great week and if the stress gets too great, you all know where
to come to get some relief! But, remember you don`t need to be stressed to come.
WE JUST WANT TO SEE YOU SOON!
Juanita, Rick, Patti and Nick(for the last time)
There is
just one week left of June and that means that time is running out to claim your
share of cash & prizes in the new Bishop Creek Canyon Summer Classic Trout
Derby!
On the first
of June, thirty-six tagged Alpers Trout were placed in the still water fisheries
of the
The new
Summer Classic Derby represents a collaborative effort between the Bishop Area
Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, local resorts, tackle shops, and the
Winners list
so far….
Registration
is just $5 (free for kids under 12).
Sign up at the Bishop Chamber, local tackle shops, or any of the resorts
in the
Even if you
don’t manage to catch one of the tagged fish, you could still be in luck as all
registered participants will automatically be entered in the grand raffle to be
held at the end of the month.
Raffle prizes will include more cash, a 3day/2night fishing package, plus other
great prizes. Not bad for a $5
investment!
For more
information, contact the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau,
Bare essentials Kayak
fishing
It has been a while since my
last installment. I would say not that anyone cares but I have received a few
emails over my lack of attention to this matter. Oh so Sorry.......
Decided at the last minute on
Monday the 16th (June) to take my kayak out in Huntington Harbor. It is close to
where I live so easy to get to. There was going to be a good tide late in the
evening so I got a late start. From the place I launched to my final destination
was over a mile. On my Hobie pedal kayak that is pretty easy..about 20 to 25
minutes. I wanted to try some GULP worms so before I set up I rigged my pole up
with a Carolina rig and a hook. I also was going to bring some leadheads in case
the worms were not working along with some Big Hammer and Gulp plastic.
Well when I finally got to my destination I had about an hour an a half of light
and was ready to do some damage. One problem....I left my small tackle box with
leadheads, plastic, towel, pliers and worms at my launching site. Brilliant eh?
So now I was over a mile away with nothing but a weight and a hook. I thought
about going in and saying screw it...but decided to go to the core basics. I
paddled over to a dock, took some mussel off of it and put it in my kayak. I
cracked a few of them open on the dock as I had no pliers. Did not know if I
would catch any fish like this, but I really had no alternatives.
My first drift I caught a spotfin croaker--about a pound. Luckily I lipped him
as I had no other hooks...or pliers. Oh did I mention I was fishing with a trout
rod and
two pound test?? I quickly cast again and with in minutes was hooked
up to a sargo. The only one I have ever caught in the harbor--in 12 years of
fishing it.. Once again it was lipped so easy to get out. The next drift I
caught a sand bass who put up quite a struggle. He was not a legal but pulled
hard none the less. Once again I got lucky and he was caught on the lips. I
retied after this fish as he flopped around quite a bit as I got the hook out.
With in five minutes I caught another spotfin. I was able to retrieve the hook
again but was know out of mussels.
I paddled back to a dock, got
some mussel and began to fish again. The bait was not in the water more than 30
seconds before a violent strike happened. This guy took some line and I really
played him loose on the two pound test and no back up hooks. After a little
tussle I brought on board a near legal spotted bay bass. These are feisty mean
little mothers and this guy swallowed the hook. I tried a little to pull it out
but did not want to harm the little bugger. I then tried something stupid...I
stuck my finger down its mouth to retrieve the hook.....did I mention spottys
have teeth?? He got me fairly good so I put him over board with the hook in his
throat. The myth is that the hook will rust out in a few days...so he had a
better chance of surviving that way than if I was to rip the hook out.
After that it was time to peddle
back which I must admit was easier knowing I caught some fish and had a blast
doing it. And when I got back to my launching spot my tackle was still there.
All in all it was a good day and a very memorable experience.
(side note) should've done this
on Tuesday night instead of staying home and watching the Lakers get there butts
handed to them.... any questions about Fish Taco the magazine or this web page
please email me at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
Pretty good eh?? the time between my last two prior blogs was more than a year--this one is less than a month. Lets face it--I don't have that much interesting to say but....I have had people email me about the last one. In the last blog I asked readers to give an opinion on my story in the Fall Fish Taco Chronicles about A Day In the Life. I had Brent White of Washington email me--and I must admit I thought it would be bad--as he started off with--About your story in the last Fish Taco about the Alaska captain. Well you asked for an opinion and opinions are like a-holes--everyone has one and most stink. Right about there I thought I was in trouble but Brent went on to say...." I thought your story was right on the mark. I know some charter guys in Alaska and no one realizes how hard they work and if there is a bad day fishing then all of a sudden they are bad captains. I read the last issue cover to cover with my son and he loves listening to me read to him about fishing" Well thank-you Brent!! Tomorrow morning bright and early there is the Albackore Surf Slam--which is a surf fishing tournament that Fish Taco Chronicles is a sponsor of. I have to be there (Huntington beach) at 5 am to put up my banner, get about 150 magazines available to participants and then go on the Ronnie Kovach radio show for about 3 minutes. Of those 3 minutes Ronnie usually talks for about 2 of them--which is probably a good thing. They have had two of these tournaments in the last year and each one had over 300 participants which is awesome for a surf fishing tournament. The first one was great fishing the second was windy with big swells and to put it bluntly--the fishing Sucked. Hopefully the wind will hold down on Saturday morning. If you are at the tourney look me up and say hi. I will be the real tired looking guy. This will be the first year in about 8 that I will not be going to the eastern sierra to fish in October. Major withdrawals. If you have a chance to go up there in October do it. The crowds are light, the colors in the leaves are beautiful and the fishing is usually good. Visit the Bishop Chamber of Commerce web site for info if you want to go up there and I will help in any way I can. Tight lines. Shawn September 6, 2007. More than a year later after my last blog--a new one. I know you all have been waiting for my revelations. Well first thing first--if you read the last blog about Africa you know about my wife's lost luggage. She did get it back a few months later with all the good electronics missing and the suitcase ripped to shreds. It would not have passed those old commercials with the gorilla throwing the luggage around. British Airways did send $1500 in compensation so we really don't have much room to complain. As for this summer--went to Alaska 2 times-once by my lonesome to fish, fish, fish and once with Linda to fish a little and be a tourist a lot. My trip solo to Sitka went great. Caught some nice Kings, a nice lingcod, big yelloweye but the halibut fishing was way slower than normal. Had to settle for small ones which tasted great on the Bar-b-que all summer long. I put a story in the latest print copy of Fish Taco Chronicles about my trip called A DAY IN THE LIFE. It was more about my buddy Mike Keating and his operation than about fishing. I hope people like it. If you read it please let me know your thoughts.Even if you thought it sucked..I am always open for constructive criticism. Well maybe not always open........ The trip with Linda was awsome as well. We went to Homer which I had never been to before. Great little city. Caught some nice halibut on a 1/2 day boat then came in and we took a 45 minute boat ride to a small village called Halibut Cove and had a gourmet dinner. They have one restraint in town and two art galleries. You arrive via boat at 6 and either have a 6-7:30 seating for dinner or a 7:30 to 9. The other hour and a half you can walk the village to the art galleries or just check out the beautiful scenery. The boat leaves around 9:15 pm and you get home about 10 as they stop and look for animals on the way in. When you get in at 10 or so you still have about 2-3 hours of light. crazy!! Went bear viewing at Brooks National Park--and it was awesome. After an hour float plane ride you land at Brooks National Park. Once there you get a 20 minute bear safety class and then you are on your own. Lots of bears all over the place and some were oh so close. Your heart beats a few beats faster walking around there. We saw people fishing in the river and the rule of thumb is if you have a salmon and a bear starts coming at you , let the fish go. Cut the line if you want. And if a bear gets within 50 yards it is time to pull up stakes and move.. This will be my dream trip in a few years. I wrote in the Fall FISH TACO CHRONICLES that I promised to do a better job with the bog--after a year that is not hard to do--I appreciate those that emailed me asking to update. Hope you enjoyed..more to come soon August 18
Well it is August 18 and Linda still
does not have her luggage and British Airways is being kind of
an ass about it in my opinion. At least show some sympathy
people.
Got that off my chest. Now to the
Indian Ocean. We took our small plane to the Mombasa area which
is where Jennifer lives. Actually she lives in Kwale about 45
minutes away. She has to take 3 busses to get where we were.
Taxis are a little expensive there...especially on Peace Corp
wages.
Our resort on the Indian Ocean was
quite nice. We had a nice cottage overlooking the white sand
beach. We had plans to do some walking and playing on the
beach, me to do some fishing and to visit Jennifer and her
school in the 3 days we would be there.
To make a long story short--I did
not fish and had a melt down in the process, but it all worked
out for the best in the long run. I would rather not go into
details about the fishing but I will keep it short and sweet.
Seems in Kenya there is a prevalent attitude of
(A) white people have money--lets
try and get it from them and (B) No Problem. Well I got jerked
around by about 3 people on my fishing trip and each time when I
called the people on it they would just say "no problem". Well
after awhile it was a problem and I let them know it. Looking
back though, that was the day I went to Jennifer's house and
would not have had so much time there if I fished...so it all
ended out for the best.
ABOUT JENNIFER'S HOUSE
My little OC Girl niece is now
living in a village. And by village, I mean village. She lives
in a duplex with the owners living next door. The owners are
Kenyans and treat her like family and have really helped her. It
was rough in the beginning as she is the ONLY white person in
the village of a few thousand. To say she stands out is an
understatement. While most are very friendly, people can't help
but stare. As we walked through town we went to shop a little.
All the shops has thatch roofs and dirt floors. Except for the
main road through town all roads were dirt. Dogs and goats were
running around every where. She has been accosted by baboons as
she walks around. Man is it a different world. And she LOVES it.
We went to her school which is for
deaf children. We had 50 kids run up to us and touch us and try
to give us their name in sign language. It was weird, wonderful
and heartbreaking all at the same time. These kids were starved
for attention and they got it.
The kids all love Jennifer.
That night she made us dinner and
since she has no stove she has to cook on something like a
hibachi--every night. It took 5 hours to make basically beans
and tortillas. No wonder all the people over there are slight of
build--it takes for ever to eat.
MOMBASA
The road to this port city from our
posh resort was unlike anything I have ever been on. There were
pot holes every where and hundreds of people walking on the side
of the road so the driver was avoiding potholes AND people. And
the driver was scared of the people and had us roll up our
windows. It was like a Disney ride with people trying to steal
things from you as you drove. Linda uses the term war zone.
People were driving on the sidewalk and barely missing the
passersby's. It was wild. It was a highlight/lowlight rolled into
one.
Once in town----it made the drive
seem like a piece of cake. Thousands of people were walking
around and it was very crowded. Once again 3 white people were
getting lots of stares and comments. I felt safe though on the
busy streets but we took some short cuts down streets that were
downright scary. And Jennifer had NO Fear what so ever. She said
she goes there a lot and that the people in this mostly Muslim
city are mostly friendly. Of course it only takes one.....and I
found him. As we were walking down this scary street with goats
every where , trash piled high on the sidewalk, people sitting
on the sidewalk, a stench in the air, I saw an Arab guy staring
at me. This was not unusual where we were but this was a glare
not a stare. As we walked by him he was giving me the death look
and as we passed him I felt something whiz by my head. I looked
on the ground and there was an old smelly tennis shoe. The guy
had taken his shoe off and thrown it at me. I turned around and
he was screaming at him. My first reaction was to yell back and
approach him but then I realized there was one of me and about
20 Arab guys with him. Jennifer said something to them in
Swahili and we just kept walking. A young Arab boy looked at
Linda and said--"don't worry about him, he is crazy" which made
me feel a little better.
From there we went to Jennifer's
favorite restaurant owned by some Arab Muslims and you could
tell they really liked Jennifer and went out of their way to
come talk to her. We had goat and rice and I could not help but
think about the goats roaming the streets. I also had the
Mombasa trots for the next few days when I got home.
We went home that day with memories
that will never be forgotten. I saw things I had never seen
before but I won't say that I won't see them again......We both
really want to go back.
Kenya Blog Part 3
Now for Part 3 of the journey. And
as a recap in case I did not state my case strong enough...I
have had a couple of people email me and ask if I would do the
safari again. The answer is yes!!!!! I would go back
tomorrow for a couple of weeks if I could.
Some one else asked about the
tents--and how nice could they be. Well I have some pictures on
this blog that go with the safari. One is of the tent and they
King size bed in it. The other two were the shower and toilet
that were attached to the tent. This was not roughing it--far
from it.
Mfango Island and Lake
Victoria
Next on our adventure was the 2nd
largest lake in the world Lake Victoria which is home to the
giant Nile Perch. Lake Victoria is one of only 3 places in the
world where you can catch these huge fish. They can get up to
300 pounds. I caught one and mine was only 295 pounds or so off
the mark, but hey at least I caught one.
Mgango Island resort is owned by the
same company that runs the Governors Camp and my safari. It is
billed as a fishing resort though I must admit....the fishing
was not too good. I trolled around for a day and a half and
managed a Nile Perch that was around 2.3 Kilos which is about 5
pounds. I also hooked into a nice one but it got tangled up in
the many, and I do mean many, nets that are on the bottom of the
lake set by local fishermen. I don't think we trolled for more
than an hour ever without hooking a net. And that is one of the
reasons that the fishing is below par---just like here in the
states, the damn gill-netters.
I did manage a nice Tilapia with a
trout trap mini jig on the dock. I also had cichlids chase the
lure almost every cast but they were too small to bite it.
Tom and Simon
As I mentioned the fishing was bad,
but let me state it was an awesome experience. Buzzing around
the lake with my two captains Tom and Simon was a real learning
experience. You see Mfango Island is about the size of Catalina
island in California. It has NO electricity-other than
generators, NO cars and most people who were born there live
there for the rest of the their lives with their families. And
they are the HAPPIEST people you could ever meet.
Tom and Simon thought they had the
best jobs and lives in the world. The got paid to fish 6 days a
week. Had company clothes, use of a boat and fishing equipment,
lived on a tropical island, bathed in the lake, their wives did
the laundry by hand in the lake, it was wild. Kinda puts things
in perspective. They were really bummed we did not catch more
fish as some how they think I am a famous American writer. They
can't wait to get the print copy of the next FTC with their
names in it. As we trolled around they showed me a lot of neat
sites and we saw monitors sleeping on rocks, snakes in the water
and went into Uganda and fished around there. They were great
tour guides. There English was pretty good.
max and Murray
Max was our pilot who brought us to
the island from our safari. His nick-name is Mad Max and he
deserves it. He left the Ukraine 10 years ago as his father
wanted him to become a scientist and if he did that he would
never be able to leave the Ukraine. max loved to fly and travel
so he became a pilot. So now he is in Kenya as a bush pilot
flying people around to exotic locales. He had it bad for
Jennifer...which I guess I understand but I am her uncle and
felt uncomfortable watching a 40 something year old man try to
hit on my 25 year old niece. For dinner on our one night there
we feasted on Nile Perch and tilapia (which yes I caught on the
dock) with other great offerings and waaaay too much alcohol.
Murray who is the manager and is English born but Kenya raised
put on a show as he did most the talking and it was a riot. I
remember at one point he said I was very quiet and what was on
my mind to which I replied " I am eating a great meal in the
outdoors in Africa listening to a Ukraine and Kenyan argue. Who
could have ever imagined. It is a great experience. I am just
taking it all in"
the resort itself
was magnificent. We got the
honeymoon suite which we did not ask for but hey we took it. It
was a huge cottage right on the lake--which looked like an
ocean--wonderfully decorated--with a Jacuzzi tub overlooking the
lake and all the windows were wide open so we could hear the
birds singing, lizards playing....it was awesome. Now I want to
be nice so I won't complain but those open windows came with a
price. Seems after dinner when they rolled the windows down and
left a light on in the room, every bug in Africa managed its way
into the room. We had 6" millipedes, spiders, this,that but
thank god no mosquitoes. Lets just say it is a night that Linda
and I will never forget.
Next week I will talk about Diani
Beach, Mombassa and Jennifer's school.
Kenya blog--part 2
Well now for the good part of the
journey. And by the way Safari means journey in Swahili. The
trip to Governors Camp and the safari there was phenomenal.
Great scenery, gourmet food, 1st class service....I would go
back there in a heart beat.
I truly did not know what to expect
when we were going to be staying in tents in the plains in
Africa. I can say the tent fit a King size bed and a dresser and
chair AND had a bathroom with a toilet, shower and sink. What
more could you want?? And was very clean.
The most exciting part of the tent
experience came our last night. I heard a noise outside my tent
and when I looked outside there was a hippo about 10 feet from
the tent. Hippos are supposedly the meanest animals in Africa
and I had one the size of a SUV 10 feet away from me. I tried to
tell my wife what was outside and when I whispered she said half
asleep 'WHAT?' I then shushed her louder than she said what. at
that moment my stomach fell as I saw the hippo look at me. It
had no interest though and keep being a lawnmower and grazing on
the grass.
Now supposedly there are guards
outside the tents to protect people from things like this but I
found out the next morning that the reason there was no guard
was that the guards were trying to scoot away some elephants
that wandered into camp and knocked over a fence. At 7 am these
elephants were no more than 50 feet from my tent. I tried to
take some pictures but the guard would not let me stand outside
the tent.
The safari was broken up into 3
drives, a morning, a mid day and an afternoon. In between you
ate like a king overlooking the river full of crocs and hippos.
I brought a 5 piece rod and reel for just in case situations.
When I asked the manager if it would be OK to fish, he thought I
was joking. When he realized I wasn't he explained that I would
not last 5 minutes there. The hippos would kill me then the
crocs would eat me. I had a fishing adventure scheduled later so
I passed.
On the first drive within about 10
minutes we hit a spot that had water buck, gazelles, impalas,
hunter gazelles and bongos--which look like hairless deer. We
stopped the Range Rover took pictures and were all excited to
see wildlife......by the 3rd day it was yawn another
impala..keep going.
I won't bore you with all the
details but the highlights included a dead hippo being eaten by
hyenas. There were 5 of the yappers just tearing away and
actually getting inside the hippo and coming out with everything
that they could pull out. Linda grosses out pretty easily but
found this fascinating. The funny thing is I could not believe
that it did not smell. I have been around dead whales before and
that was bad. Well when we moved to the other side of the hippo
for a different view I quickly found out we had be up wind. Down
wind was NOT where you wanted to be. The worst smell of my life
and one I will never forget.
We also found a lion eating a
wildebeest and I have a good picture of him coming up from
eating with blood on his mouth. We got real close to lions and
they never seemed to care. And when I say close--maybe 10 feet.
They might growl but they are lazy. One gave me a look that kind
of frightened me. The bottom line is that I was in a car with no
top or sides and if the lion wanted to could take 3 steps and
jump in the car and I would have been the main course for the
day.
We also tracked a cheetah which was
cool. It is a magnificent animal up close.
The animals that the driver did not
like getting close to was elephants. He said they will charge
the car and we had one do 3 steps towards us from 50 feet.
The great migration had just started
and we watched zebras cross a river as crocs watched. I guess
they were not hungry as I saw about 500 zebras cross in two
stops to the river with no mishaps.
Off the top of my head and small
memory this is a list of what we saw on the safari:
Elephants, hippos, hyenas, vultures,
cheetahs, giraffes, bongos, impala, gazelles, hunter
gazelles--smaller and cuter, mongoose,lions,ostrich, eagles,
water buffalo,baboons,zebra, wildebeest, --very cool looking and
very crazy--they run around like mad men,warthogs and I am sure
I am forgetting much more.
Our driver did a great job of
finding the animals as sometimes we were just four wheeling it
but like a captain of a fishing ship--he knew what he was doing.
I was going to clump the Lake
Victoria trip in this one but will do that one on its own. Look
for that next week as I am going to ICAST tomorrow. This is an
industry only fishing show that somehow I have managed to sneak
into.
Just got back from Kenya a couple of
days ago.I got to see Jennifer my niece who used to work on the
Fish Taco Chronicles. It was great to see her. There is soooo
much to write about and tell about I will do it in 3
installments.
The first installment will be about
Nairobi, the largest city in Kenya. This is where the journey
started. The second will be about the Safari I did and the
animals I saw along with my one night in Lake victoria and my
attempt to catch a Nile Perch.
The 3rd and final will be about the
coast where my journey ended. I promise/hope to do all 3 about
3-4 days apart.
Nairobi/Nairobbery
  
Nairobi is considered the 2nd most
dangerous city in Africa right after Johanseburg. I spent 2
nights there and while at some times did feel uneasy never felt
threatened. Without trying to sound racist the bottom line is
when you are walking in a city that is 85% black, 13% Arab and
2% white you get LOOKED out while walking around.
And you know everyone is looking at you and it is kinda wierd. Most people were very friendly and if you said JAMBO (swhailli for hello) with a smile you would get a JAMBO back with a smile. Also english is taught in schools in grades 1-8. These grades are free in Kenya so most people speak pretty good english. Grades 9-12 have to be paid for which is why there are so many uneducated people in Kenya. Most people are poor and since they can't afford to send their kids to school the cycle never ends.
When we landed in Nairboi a bad
thing happened. I got my luggage off the conveyor belt......my
wife STILL does not have hers, 2 weeks later. But we keep
getting assured that there is NO Problem. That seems to be the
slogan in Kenya...No Problem.
Actually Linda dealt with it better
than I thought she would but still be a little damper on the
trip. We learned a valuable lesson...put part of each others
clothes in both suitcases. I had all my stuff and she had none.
And since I out wiegh her by 75-80 pounds switching clothes was
not an option. So she had the clothes on her back and a pair of
sweats I bought her as we were getting ready to go on safari.
She kept insisting she would get her luggage---the people at
British Airways told her NO Problem, we will find it and get it
to you soon.. She bought it, I didn't.
There are 4 things of note about
Nairboi and I will tell you about them and then you will have to
wait till part 2.
1) Carnivorre Restaurant....This is
one of the most famous restaurants in Africa. it is kind of a
tourist trap but well worth it.
They serve food Brazillian style.
that means they have meat on a skewer and bring it to your table
till you say uncle or raise a white flag. Seriously. The meat
that was presented to us that night (it varies) was Camel--not
bad, tasted a little like roast beef, Crocodile-not good--can't
desribe the taste, Ostrich--very good. I try to stay away from
red meat so if I ever get a hanger for some I usually go to
Whole foods and get some Ostrich. Very low in fat and tastes
good. Chicken wings-good, Chicken breast--very good, Beef--what
kind they did not say, so so, chicken gizzards--passed, and I
forget the rest. Also came with a salad and baked potato. We all
had 3 drinks and enough food for 3 days. With tax and tip
included it came to $120. I figured that was pretty good for
what you got.
2)--Daphne Sheldrick animal
orphanage. Very cool place. This English lady Daphne Sheldrick
finds rhinos and elephants that have been abandoned from their
mothers and raises them till they are old enough to go out on
their own. Every day between 11-12 visitors can watch as they
bring the annimals out to play. This is all free but they do ask
for donations which is more than fair. I did my part by buying a
hat which you will see in a photo. Kinda dorkey,but I feel good
knowing I did my part. Plus my bald head was getting burned by
the Equator sun. The hour presentation was wonderful and
watching the elephants play was a real treat. They are very
playful. They had 7 elephants and one rhino. At about age 3 they
are ready to be set free again. Without Daphne doing this these
animals would all die so I give her my kudos. 60 Minutes did a
piece on here this year.
3) Giraffe Center--a little more of
a zoo atmosphere than I would have wanted. It was kinda cool to
feed the giraffes. This cost about $10 a piece to get in to.
That included the cost of pellets that you could hand feed the
giraffes with. I am glad I did it but would not do it again. I
would do 1 and 2 again in a heartbeat.
4) The driving. I have not made my
mind up if Kenyans are the Worst drivers in the world OR the
BEST. There are NO traffic lights or stop signs in Nairobi..a
city about the size of Long Beach, CA. It is a free for all with
lots of round abouts. They also drive on left side of the street
which meant I kept thinking we were going to hit other cars head
on. They are verrrrry agressive, it is a lot like playing
chicken while driving. But I only saw one wreck in 3 days
driving. I know I would NEVER want to drive there on my own.
That is all for now. Enjoy the
pictures and the next installment should come next week.
Comments? email me at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
JUNE 30 BLOGAm I the worst Blog keeper of all time or what. It has been two months since my last entry. My intentions have been good but they say that Hell is paved with good intentions.
My last blog featured my upcoming
Opening Day trip. I can say the trip was a success as I caught
more than my limit and had a 3-3/4 rainbow to boot. There were
lots of 3 plus pounders coming out of Gull Lake that day so it
was really nothing special.
A few weeks later I went to Sitka
where the fishing just plain ole died when I got there. The day
my plane landed, Big Blue Charters who I fished with caught a 51
pound King Salmon. The two days I fished, I doubt there was 51
pounds of salmon caught by ALL the boats fishing the city. I did
manage my share of chicken halibuts which I have been barbequing
2-3 times a week. And I got to hang with Mike and Karen Keating
of Big Blue Charters who are two of my favorite people. So it
still was a great time.
In about 30 hours I will be on a
plane to Kenya Africa. I will see my niece Jennifer who is there
in the Peace Corps. Just a sampling of things I have on tap
include: A photo safari in the Mara. The great migration should
just be started and they say I should have a great chance to see
zebras, wildebeest, impalas, hippos, crocs,lions, elephants,
cheetahs,buffalo and if I am real lucky a rhino.
I will also get to fish Lake
Victoria for 2 days. Lake Victoria is fed by the Nile River and
beside the Nile is the only place where you can catch Nile
Perch--which can get up to 300 pounds.
After that it is off to the coast in
Mombassa.We will be there for 3 days. I will visit the school my
niece is helping out. I hope to fish one day there also. This is
the area where Hemmingway wrote Old Man and the Sea about. I
plan to read that on my flight there. Of course I could read
that, War and Peace and the whole encyclopedia on the trip
there. 10-11 hours to London, then a 4 hour layover then 8 hours
to Nairobi. Can't wait. That is the only negative I can think
of...but it is a doosey.
I hope to have some good pics for
this site when I come back. Hopefully I will post them sooner
than I do my blogs.
And those of you who emailed me
asking where the blog is----Thank-YOU!!
Back in a few weeks.
shawn
comments? email me at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
April 13, 2006
Just got off the phone with Cathy at
the Carson Peak Inn which is where my group of guys I fish with
have dinner every Saturday night on the Opener. She informed me
that June, Crowley, Silver and Grant are wide open. She also
said Grant is the fullest she can ever remember seeing. She said
it snows almost every day but it melts instantly. As far as Gull
Lake is concerned---it has ice on it but it is all rotten and
should break up easily via any wind or by Gull
management putting a boat out there and ramming it and breaking
it up.
What this means is all lakes should
be open for the opener and since they will be open next week the
DFG should have no problem stocking before the openers. By the
way...Crowley Crew...dinner is at 7:30.
Will let all you know more when I
know more.
comments???
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
April 20,2006
Well sports fans, I will be
leaving for Fishmas one week from today. I look forward to
fishing the Owens with some buddies and closing down the
pizza parlor in Bishop. On Friday I think I will fish the
Owens some more and explore for some bass ponds I have heard
about. On Saturday--that is Opening Day aka Fishmas. I
will have my good friend Joe Trgo in my boat and there will
be at least 10 other boats with people I know or friends in
close proximity.
Now I rag on Joe a lot in the
magazine and have done so recently in this blog. Let me tell
you the greatest thing that Joe has done for me on this
trip. It used to be a tradition to get up at dark O'Thirty
and get out on the water and freeze my arse off till the
time you could legally make a cast. Sometimes we would be on
the water for over an hour. A few years back Joe talked me
into waiting just before 1st cast to go out there. I fought
him for a few years.....and I wish I would have listened to
him earlier. Did I just say that??
It looks like the weather is
cooperating and all lakes should be fine for the opener.
Jarred Smith the new owner at Parchers Resort in Bishop
Creek Canyon told me the other day that the road to South
Lake will probably not be open and the road to North and
Sabrina will NOT be open. I guess if you want to hike
through the snow to one of those lakes and drill a hole in
the ice and ice fish--have at it. Not for me.
The Top 10 Memories I have of Opening Day
First off all of these are not fishing
related and some are not a reflection on something I would
do now in my life.( I think I am smarter) But I do look back
and chuckle sometimes on some of these.
10-----In the days before I had
a boat at Gull I went up with friends and we would fish from
shore at various lakes. One year maybe 18 years ago I was up
with two friends Steve Cooper and Kent Bickell. At lunch
time none of us had caught a fish yet and were having a
burger in McDonalds in Mammoth. Kent and I were just
shooting the breeze taking our time, when Steve who is wound
tightly slammed his fist on the table and screamed at us " I
did not drive 7 hours here to chit chat in a freaking
McDonalds! Lets get fishing" Kent and I were in tears.
9-----Maybe 15 years ago while
driving home Scott Williamson--the fly fishing guy in FTC
pulled next to me in his Porsche. I rolled down my window at
75 mph and Scott proceeded to chuck a trout at me. It hit my
window and he then speed off at about 100 mph and I had no
chance of catching him. Now I don't condone doing this to
trout but it caught me off guard and was not Scott's
personality. And Scott has become a big proponent of catch
and release fishing. I think he gives the trout mouth to
mouth when he now releases them.
8-----Another time when fishing
from shore from Grant a friend Chris Peterson got his lure
caught on a rock about 20 feet out. Despite our warnings
Chris was determined to get his $3 lure back. Chris took off
his shoes and was in his underwear. He figured the water was
about 3-4 feet deep and he could reach down and get his
lure. Wrong!!!. Right where the lure was, was a huge
drop-off. Chris walked gingerly in the water and he quickly
went from waist deep to having his Cal State Fullerton hat
float in the water as the water was about 7' deep
7----Having my friend Joe who
was living in New Jersey at the time surprise me and go to
opening day. It is important to him also I guess. Now
matter how much he complains about me to others.
6---In 1976 as a senior in High
School I made my first trip to the opener. I went with my
older brother and some of his friends. On the way there I
think I was bragging about girls. One of the older guys says
there is a big difference between a girl and a women. Out of
the blue this guys take me and another high school senior
for an hour or so drive to Hawthorne Nevada. In this state
they have ranches unlike the ranches in CA if you get my
drift. I can't speak for the other guy my age but I
proceeded to hook up with a "women" and give her the best
30-45 seconds of her life. At least it was that way for me.
And all it cost me was about 2 days pay at minimum wage.
Can't tell you if I caught any fish the next day. And no I
have never been back.
5----4 years ago I caught a 4.1
rainbow to win the Bill Becket award in our group. Now this
was big as I was one of 2 or 3 guys who had been going to
the opener for such a long time and had not won. This is
awarded to the biggest fish in our group of 40 to 50 guys. I
proceeded at dinner to give a 30 second acceptance speech
where others give a twenty minute speech. It felt good to
get off the schnied. Is that a word??
4---Two years ago I caught a 4
pound Cutthroat which was the biggest cutty in the sierra
that day and some have said for the year. I have a way too
long story that goes with this but lets just say I was real
fortunate to catch it.
3---In 1977 my second year I was
fishing Crowley with my brother and his friend Rick Denman.
It was freezing cold out. It could not have been over 30
degrees. At about 9 am Rick puts his pole down to keep his
hands in his jacket pockets. Right about that time a trout
takes his bait like a freight train and pulls the outfit in
the air. As it was going in the water Rick's reflexes take
over and he dove after his gear. Mid air he was like a
cartoon character who says oops and it seemed like time
stood still. Rick went in the freezing water and after we
pulled him in the boat had him undress and had to rush him
to emergency as he was shivering and my brother and I were
worried about hypothermia. That is we were worried in
between laughing bouts.
2---Oklahoma chili dog. I can't
really go into to much detail but all I can say is that Joe
and I and others laughed till we cried. I DON'T even want to
go into details as it is very very very crude.
1---My favorite memory involves
the above mentioned Kent Bickell. In the mid 80's we were
fishing Silver lake in the morning. Kent was having some
casting problems and I was busting his chops about it. He
then challenged me to a casting distance contest for $$. I
took him up on it and said he could go first. Kent takes his
lure and winds up to cast and as he lets go I looked in the
water to see where it would land. My friend Steve Cooper
looked at me and said "Shawn I think you are in trouble.
That went so far I did not see it land". I agreed and was
thinking I was going to have to fork up $5 to Kent. About
that time I looked at Kent and he was bent over and he
whispered to me...."Shawn......can you help me get this lure
out of my ear???. Seems the bail went over and the lure went
right into his ear. It did not even break skin but I was
laughing so hard I almost ripped his ear as I pulled it out.
I then proceeded to cast my lure about a foot and said "You
owe me $5"
The next year Kent showed up at
the Chalet where most of us were staying at the time and the
25 guys who were already there had lures in their ears. Kent
did not go back for about 15 years after that.
Comments???? email me at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
April 10,2006
Opening Day for trout season is
less than 3 weeks away and I can't wait. It hard to explain
why I have this love affair/passion for opening day. Most
likely it will be colder than a mother and it is a 6 hour
drive for a short weekend. For whatever reason though I love
it. In fact I have a trip to Sitka Alaska booked in mid-May
and in July I am going to KENYA on a safari and will fish
for Giant Nile Perch and as of now my mind is mostly on my
Opening Day trip. My wife thinks I am a little crazy and she
may be a little right.
Speaking of Opening Day I go
every year with my good friend Joe Trgo. This is about the
time every year when Joe starts whining to me. It goes like
this.
JOE " I hope you are going to
write the truth this year about our trip. The pen IS
mightier than the sword and every year you make up stuff how
you out fish me and you rag on me in your magazine and I
want justice!"
ME: Joe--I HAVE out fished you
every year. And the once or twice that you caught a bigger
fish than me or more than me I write about it
JOE: First off you don't know
how to count. I think you count 2 fish for every one I
catch.
ME--Joe that is because I
USUALLY catch 2 fish to every one you catch. And as far as
bigger fish, I have documented proof (trophies) that I have
caught bigger fish than you.
JOE: If it weren't for me
guiding you when you get lucky and hook a big blind fish and
coaching you as you reel it in you would have farmed most of
those trout.
ME: I know Joe and I have
mentioned what a good netter you are.
JOE: I swear this year if you
get lucky enough to hook a big fish I am NOT going to help
you. You can net the damn thing by yourself and I hope it
gets off. And when it does maybe you will realize how lucky
you are to have me on your boat and maybe you will stop
telling lies in your crappy magazine. Or maybe this year you
will have the courage to let me write the opening day story.
Me--(To Joe) well maybe, (to
self) fat chance in hell
I will give an update on lakes
later this week. I noticed on the 10-day that the day after
Easter it is supposed to be SUNNY and 35---break out shorts
and tank tops.
On the next blog I will tell you
some of the reasons I think I enjoy opening day so much.
Comments??
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
APRIL 5, 2006
The opening of trout season in the
eastern sierra is just 3-1/2 weeks away. In February it was
looking like I might be fishing in shorts as we were having such
a mild winter. Now my shorts which will be under long johns AND
pants AND a pair of sweats will be frozen. Hopefully this
weather will shift soon as the 10 day forecast for June Lake is
not too pretty. The high temperature will be around 35 degrees.
Most days will be in the 20's. Brrrrrrrr.
Later this week I will give an
updated look at most of the lakes in the eastern sierra and will
do so weekly until the opener.
I WILL be back soon.
shawn
comments???
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
2006 is upon us and if like most
years I will be dating things 2005 until about March. I usually
spend New Years day watching college football but this year it
was on a Sunday and watched some pros. I had a little cabin
fever by Monday--but it rained like a mother so was not able to
get out and do much, so I sat around watched more football and
ate.And ate. And ate some more. New Years resolution #1--stop
eating. Why is it that I spend 10-11 months trying to get myself
in relatively good shape for an old man and just spiral downhill
come about mid November.
Tonight I will watch the SC vs.
Texas game with my friends....and that I hope will be the end of
my laziness and non stop eating. Should be nice weather this
weekend so maybe I will take the kayak out, get a little
exercise and try to catch a bass or two.
EAST CAPE OFFERINGS
A friend of mine talked to John
Ireland of Rancho Leonero in the east cape today and told me
that he said the fishing for tuna was excellent. The boats were
following dolphins and only had to go about 8 miles north. The
fish are not big and are in the 30 to 95 pounds range. They are
all being caught on lures while trolling and once a boat gets 11
they are off to another spot. Ireland says 11 is the perfect #
as that will get the customer some meat to take home and will be
a perfect amount for dinner that night for all the customers.
FISH TACO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
GUIDE
I did the 1st ever Seafood
Restaurant guide in the Winter FTC. I put restaurants names down
and for a measly $30 would put the companies address and phone #
in. As I said in an earlier blog--it did not go as well as hoped
or planned. A funny thing though happened as I dropped off a
magazine at a Huntington Beach Restaurant that DID NOT pay the
$30. They called and wanted to know where their address and
phone # was. They said some restaurants had it and wanted to
know why theirs did not. When I explained that it cost $30 they
said that was no problem that they would have paid it. That's
great but I REMEMBER talking to the guy and him telling me that
he was not interested. I could not tell him that..the customer
is always...ok usually right so I apologized for the slip up and
promised to contact him next issue. Jeez...............makes me
want to pull out what little hair I have.
Have a comment? email me at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
DECEMBER 22
THE READERS WRITE
This is probably my last entry
before Christmas. I will start off with answering a few emails I
have received to previous entrees. When I put my email address
on these I really wondered if anyone would respond. Well in a
month or so--5 have. Two have been from friends just saying hi,
so I don' t know if they count.
One was from a Kent with a yahoo
address who asked " Why are you doing this blog on personal
stuff? Nobody reads it or cares. Stick to what you know--and I
mean that loosely-and that's fishing"
First off Kent--if nobody reads
it--how do YOU know what I am writing about. YOU must be reading
it. And YOU must care other wise you would not have responded.
And by the way that was a funny line on the stick to what you
know.
Another was from a James in Downey
with a company email address. "I enjoy the blogs but what might
help the site some more is more articles from the magazine"
James good thought. The only thing is I want to tease people on
the web so they SUBSCRIBE to the magazine. I will give thought
to putting a web only article on each month though. Great
idea.Thanks James.
The other was from a Jenny in Costa
Mesa who said she enjoys the site and wants to find out more
about women and fishing. Well Jenny there are some women angling
clubs like the South Bay Lady Anglers. You might want to
consider joining a club like that.
LAST MINUTE SHOPPING
I went to the new mall in
Huntington Beach last night. It is called the Bella something.
They have been building it for about 4 years and to me they have
another 4 years to go. I was not impressed. In my opinion all
the hoopla is unwarranted. I went to buy something for my mom
and went to pay for it and noticed there were about 50 people in
front of me in line. Why do these idiots wait till the last
minute to do their Christmas shopping?? That was a joke by the
way.
HAD TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT
A friend of mine Joe Trgo just
called me to say he just witnessed the most amazing thing he has
ever seen. He was driving down La Palma blvd in Anaheim by Santa
Ana River Lakes. He said a seagull was flying by with a trout in
its claws and lost its grip and dropped the trout on his car. I
have fished with Joe a lot and realize that this is perhaps his
best method of getting a trout.
Happy Holidays and New Year to All
Comments?? email me at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
DECEMBER 15,2005
Well the year is winding down and
Christmas is around the corner. Hope you all get the gift you
wanted for Christmas...or what ever it is you personally
celebrate. I wanted to take tomorrow off and fish the media day
at Lake Wohlford in Escondido but it does not look like it will
happen. Not enough time to do all that I have to do, work and
personal. It has been a while since I have felt the tug on the
line and I really miss it. Right about now I would be happy with
a bluegill.
COW TOWN
I get daily reports from the long
range boats when they come in and most of them are doing great
on the big tuna. I am sure it has been a few years since so many
200 pound fish have come in. These are 8,10 and 15 day boats.
The Royal Polaris had a 10-day trip recently and they scored 68,
yes sixty-eight tuna over 200 pounds. Owner/Operator Frank
LoPreste said that has to be a record for a 10-day trip.
LOCAL TROUT
The local trout bite is excellent at
Irvine,Santa Ana River Lakes and Laguna Niguel. SARL had two
fish over 20 pounds last week. NICE. At Irvine they have not
been stocking the huge fish like SARL but I have heard they
stock more (??) and there a lot in the 3 to 4 pound range.
Limits are common. I have never been there and don't know if it
is true but Hesperia Lake in Hesperia claims in an ad in WON
that they are the most heavily stocked lake per surface acre in
southern California. Might be worth checking out.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
I am way behind this year on my
cards. Don't know, I just am. I brought this up as I got a card
today from an old friend Jeff Klassen. Jeff has run resorts in
Costa Rica and Alaska and had a shore fishing service in Cabo
along with his own TV show (that I was on twice) called Surf
fishing the world with Jeff Klassen--or something like that.
Jeff said he looks forward to seeing me at the Fred Hall show in
Long Beach this year. Jeff was not there last year and I
wondered if he got out of the biz. Guess not. It will be good to
see him. Jonathon Roldan of Tailhunters Int'l and the baja
writer for WON sends out pretty cool cards. I also got one from
Echo Davenport yesterday. Her husband Leonard started the
magazine with me 11 years ago. He passed away in March. It was a
tragic death for such a young man,56. She sounded like she was
coping ok. I know the holidays are probably a tough time for
her.
ADVERTISING MAKES THE WORLD GO
ROUND-LIKE IT OR NOT
The print version of Fish Taco
Chronicles has recently lost a couple of HUGE advertisers but
has also gained some excellent advertisers. One step forward and
1/2 step back. At least that is progress. Del Taco hired a new
marketing person and SHE does not see the relevance of a company
that is promoting fish tacos advertising in a magazine called
Fish Taco Chronicles. Also Burch Ford is stopping there Team
Barrocho ads but may come back with something else. On the good
side, Okuma just increased their ad size with me, Pure Fishing
and Daiwa have more scheduled and Diamond Valley Lake said they
will do something with us next year.I have never done much with
boats but that is about to change. I will keep my mouth
shut until it happens though. I know that most anglers hate to
be spammed in magazines or TV shows but like I said--some one
has to pay for the print job or the airwaves. I do think there
is a limit though that some go way over. Let me know if I do,
please at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
December 7,2005
POWER OF THE PRESS
In yesterdays Orange County
Register, the outdoor writer Dave Strege suggested that the Fish
Taco Chronicles fake covers would make an excellent Christmas
present for the angler on your list. Today I have had 8 inquires
about the covers. In one day...not bad. I had no idea he was
going to do this and as you could imagine was pleasantly
surprised. Thanks Dave.
JENNIFER IN KENYA
Jennifer Hallman, my 25 year old
niece who basically did the production work for Fish Taco
Chronicles for 4 or so years is in Kenya now with the Peace
Corps. Jennifer is a cute, smart, blonde Orange County girl and
because of that I wondered if she would be able to hack it
there. I doubt if I could. SHE HAS PROVED ME WRONG AND I AM SO
PROUD OF HER. I just received an email from her saying that she
was officially sworn in after 3 months or so of training. She is
now set up with a computer so I hope she reads this and does not
mind if I put updates of her from time to time. A few people in
the industry knew her and she usually worked a day or two in my
booth at the Fred Hall Show.
976-Tuna IS NOW DOING THE L A
TIMES FISH REPORT
The popular fish information site
976 tuna is now providing fish reports daily for the LA Times.
The Times stopped providing them for readers about a year ago
and it really ticked a lot of anglers off. Between that and
their horrible Outdoor section (which will shut down by the end
of the year) the Times made few friends in the fishing
community. By shutting down the Tuesday Outdoor section and
having 976 Tuna do the fish report, they just need to do one
more thing to bring back Southland anglers confidence.....Get
Pete Thomas back doing outdoor stories. Mr. Thomas was by far
the most talented outdoor writer they have had on staff in
years. For some reason he has been doing basketball, golf and
football but I think his love is for the outdoors. I know the
angling community loved him.
SHOUT OUT TO BENNY FLORENTINO
Benny is on the pro-staff of Shimano
and is an excellent inshore fishermen. He also is the manager at
the Chilis in Lakewood. I am having a small get together next
week and Chili's is providing most the food. I don't know if he
gives me a deal or not but he makes everything so easy. If you
are in the Lakewood/long Beach area and want some good
grub...stop by Chilis and ask for Benny. He can give you a tip
on how the fishing is locally.
Well those shopping days till
Christmas are dwindling down.....so I have to hit the road.
Until next time....
Got a question or comment? contact
me at
sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
December 2, 2005
It is an ominous looking sight
outside as I think it is getting ready to rain. Hope it does not
ruin the Wallbanger tournament on Saturday night. As I mentioned
the other day there are some good sticks (fishermen) in that
tournament. Jack Sowell is one of my favorite characters and he
is fishing with Benny Florentino which should make for a
formidable team. Tournament director Chris Hurley and the
winter edition of Fish Taco Chronicles cover boy, Bobby Peck
could do some damage also.
FISH TACO CHRONICLES PRINT EDITION
Speaking of Fish Taco Chronicles
winter edition....................I tried thinking outside the
box a little with the Seafood Restaurants of Southern California
Guide.I must admit I was not happy with the results. This thing
is not the norm in a fishing magazine, but I know that most
fishermen love to eat fish. The GM at Gladstones of Long Beach
was all over it and besides being in the listing section also
took a 1/2 page ad. He went to the Long Beach Fred Hall Show in
05 and knew that a fishing magazine was a great fit for him.
Others were not so ready to step up,
though about 10% of those contacted at least were interested in
paying the small fee to have their address and telephone # by
their name. I have a friend who owns a restaurant (Kenos in
Anaheim Hills) and told him of the problems I was having getting
anyone to commit. He told me that he gets hit up for
advertising about 3-4 times a week by internet, newspaper,
inserts, radio etc., etc.,etc. And that he does not know 90% of
them and usually does not give them the time of day. And since I
run 3 magazines-(-for those who care they are, CNC WEST AND
MACHINE TOOLS WEST for the metalworking industry and FISH TACO
CHRONICLES) I do know that selling ads is a lot about
relationships. So my idea might not be a bad one......just gotta
give it some time I guess.
GARAGE SALE
If you can this Sunday go to
Shimano in Irvine for the United Anglers Garage Sale. There will
be great deals on all types of outdoor equipment. Shimano
graciously let United Anglers have it at their facility in their
way to help the popular non-profit organization. If you sign up
to be a member or already a member you get to get in a half hour
early to get some of the best bargains.
FISHING
Not much going on, but I was at Dana
Wharf on Wednesday and on the 1/2 day boat 9 anglers caught 41
sheepshead including one big boy that went 12 pounds. There were
also a few bass mixed in the total.
The local trout scene is doing well
as the pay-to-play lakes are stocking heavily. A lot of big
trout are being taken at all 4 local southern California lakes.
Another good trout lake that is in the San Diego area is getting
ready to open up on the 17th. Lake Wohlford in Escondido is a
scenic lake minutes from suburbia.
They are having a media day on the
16th that I hope to go to. Last year I could not make it and
gave my pass to trout fishing legend Marlon Meade. Marlon ended
up catching a nice trout and making the cover of Western Outdoor
News.....as a rep of Fish Taco Chronicles. That was never
mentioned in the article.
Hope you all have a nice safe
weekend. Only 23 more shopping days till Christmas. Ugh.
The World According To Shawn
November 29, 2005
I have been told by many that I have
to have a daily or weekly blog on my site to get people to come
back. I guess these people don't realize that after people start
reading my thoughts--they MIGHT STAY AWAY! As hesitant as I
am---I will try. I will mostly write about fishing but this is
my blog and I guess I can write about what ever I want to. I
might rag some friends, complain about store clerks, talk about
a vacation or let you know about a good or bad dining
experience. You just never know.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Well it is almost Christmas time---I
don't know if that is politically correct to say anymore but
damnit I will---and it is time to try to figure out what to
give the angler(s) on your list. Now the smart/cheesy thing to
do on my part would be to start plugging Fish Taco Chronicles
subscriptions, hats, fake covers, but I am better than that.
Barely. And I do mean barely.
Lets start with what I ask my wife to get me every year. A fishing license. That necessary evil. I hate to get them after the 1st because usually the tackle shop is out of them. And I hate to admit it but I hate to pay the increasing price each year. I would not mind so much if this money was going to improve fishing but sometimes I wonder about paying $$ to the DFG as they try to take fishing spots away from us. I know they do good--lots of it--but some how I only remember the bad.
Another thing would be a gift
certificate to their favorite tackle shop. I don't suggest lures
or rods or reels unless you really know what they like or need.
Let them buy what they want and I bet they will be pleased.
Does your angler friend ever fish in
the cold?? Look at the banner on this website for the Heat
Factory. Lots of cool stuff to keep you warm while fishing or in
the outdoors.
The local pay
to play trout lakes i.e.: Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Santa Ana River
Lakes and Corona all have gift certificates available.
Did I mention the Fish Taco fake covers and subscriptions? That's right, I was not going to stoop that low. UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
There is a tournament coming up put
on by Chris Hurley called the Wallbanger. Contestants fish the
breakwater wall in Long Beach for big calicos. This is a small
event--and privately ran by Hurley. A lot of the big time
inshore saltwater bass fishermen fish it each year. This years
event is on December 3. Good luck to all.
There is another BIG tournament for
San Diego bay bass fishermen in late January. I will get you
more details later. I think--and that gets me in trouble some
times--that there are 100 two person teams that fish this one.
The tournament people put up huge tents in Shelter island for
vendors like myself to show their products. I love to hang
around that day and talk to San Diego anglers and I always have
friends like Benny Florentino, Becky and John, Bill Schaefer,
Lawrance Quigley and Wendy Tochihara stop by and say hi or hang
around the booth.
ARE YOU STILL WITH ME???
That is it for my FIRST blog. Hope it had some interest to you. Want to comment on anything I said, rag me or just say hi--do so at sarnold@fishtacochronicles.com
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