BUY TRIP CANCELATION INSURANCE THE DAY YOU BOOK YOUR TRIP

Call Katie at 619/224-4088 for all trip insurance needs for all fishing, hunting and other travel

(more info below)

Make Fish Processing Reservations TODAY for all your future trips.

We suggest Fishermans Processing

Fund Raising Success

$38,044 raised in 2023 and $540,583 since inception for Kids and Veterans Fishing Programs. Thanks to all of you who helped.

Click here for: 2023 Accounting

Click here for: Since Inception

You Booked Up for 2024?

Make sure you are scheduled for fishing in 2024. Still great trips available. Click here for Schedule

Photos Recapping 2023 - Just a Sample

Click here for more photos from 2023

Taking Your Wife Fishing

Here's what could happen if you take your wife fishing. Make sure your speakers are on.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/242202235579620?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz

How Much Does that Tuna Weigh?

We've all seen the captain measure the girth and length of a yellowfin or bluefin tuna and estimate it's weight. The formula is girth X girth X length / 800. For example, if a tuna has a 48" girth and the length is 69," the calculation for weight is 48 X 48 X 69 = 158,976. 158,976 divided by 800 = 198.72 pounds.

The super cow tuna I landed on the Game Changer in September was 57 by 77, so the calculation was 57 X 57 X 77 / 800 = 313.  

To perform this estimate yourself have a tape measure handy and measure the girth and length.  The girth is measured all around the fattest part (usually at the dorsal fin). Take half the girth and double it. The length is from the tip of the nose straight down the lateral line to the middle of the fork of the tail. Round down to the closest half inch to generate a "conservative estimate." 

When a tuna is 71 - 72 inches long it's normally going to be a cow, or weigh over 200#. But of course it depends on how fat it is and how full it's stomach happens to be at the time of capture. I've see tuna plugged with sardines or a fresh whole skipjack and those whose stomachs are completely empty.

This formula is not exact but it is generally very close.

You can also click on this link - TUNA WEIGHT CALCULATION TABLE - and copy the link or take a photo or screenshot and retain it for your future fishing trips. Beware the formula (G X G X L / 800) is more accurate than the Table

Mexican Vs California Limits

Most of the 3 -10 day "long range boats" fish in Mexican waters and it is critical to understand Mexican limits. Several months ago I dedicated an article on strategies to optimize limits, with advisories about how keeping dorado or small BFT or smaller other species can screw with your limits and optimizing your net yield and net processing costs.

Frequently boats fish in Mexican waters and then finish up their trips in California or US waters targeting bluefin tuna.

So how do the Mexican and California limits affect you when you are fishing in both country's waters?

I recently asked this question of several professionals and got different answers or that they couldn't answer.

Scenario: We are fishing in Mexican waters. I've caught 10 yellowtail, 10 YFT and 5 wahoo putting me 5 total fish still under my 30 fish limit.

If we find a school of BFT in Mexican waters I'm allowed another 2 BFT.

2 X 2.5 = 5.

But if we target our BFT in US waters, ie, Clemente, am I also restricted to only 2 BFT or am I allowed 2 per day or 6 BFT in total?

California DFW Regulations/Limits:

(b) Bluefin tuna -- The special limit for bluefin tuna is 2, which may be taken or possessed in addition to the overall general daily bag limit of 20 finfish specified in subsection 27.60(a). This limit applies to all bluefin tuna possessed, regardless of where taken.



BUY TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Now buying Trip Cancelation Insurance is EASIER than ever before.

Just call Katie

at 619/224-4088

Katie is an agent/partner with Alliance, one of the largest and most competitive insurance companies in the world and they have great Travel Insurance.

She can connect you with the best policy for all fishing boats and trips and all other travel you are planning.

Prices will vary depending on your age, the value of the policy and the time before your scheduled trips. If you just take one trip just get coverage for that trip. Assuming you take more than one trip per year it's best to buy an ANNUAL POLICY WITH A SPECIFIC $$$ COVERAGE.

Say you buy $8,000 worth of cancelation coverage and have 4 trips including fishing, hunting and an international vacation or cruise. You are covered up to that amount for ANY of the trips.

It's cheap and reduces stress for you and everybody. Just call Katie at 619/224-4088.

Or play around with the Quote Tool Katie has on the Intrepid website: ​https://www.intrepid.net/content/travel-insurance.php

​

It's good for any boat or trip.

Fish Processing

Make Fish Processing Reservations the day you book your trip. The fishing is too damn good and the fish processors are slammed processing fish from the long range fleet as well as the overnight boats and yachts who are fishing all night long for BFT and don't have time to cut fish like they used to. We really need more fish processing capacity but labor (cutters) is hard to find and retain and nobody has yet stepped up and expanded their operations or started up a new facility.

I'm constantly hearing anglers complain they can't get a reservation or they can't get same day service. I have been highly recommending all anglers make reservations with their favorite fish processor the day they book their trip. Do it a year in advance.

Heads Up: Fisherman's Processing is changing their reservations protocol. Click on Reservations to create an account and book your reservations. Please note Fisherman's Processing will be charging a $100 advance deposit to guarantee your fish processing reservations.

Fisherman’s Processing

Estimated yields for Fillet

Yellowtail 10-15#   20 - 24%

Yellowtail 15-40#   24 - 33%

Tuna 10-25#  25 - 30%

Tuna 25-75#   30 - 35%

Tuna 75-100# 35 - 38%

Tuna 100# +   38 - 40%

Ono 10-35#  27 - 35%

Ono 35-100# 35 - 40%

Estimated Yields for Smoked

Yellowtail 15-25#   23 - 25%

Yellowtail 25-40#   25 - 27%

Tuna 15-25#   23 - 25%

Tuna 25-75#  25 - 33%

Kid's Corner

My First Tuna

By Jayson Gutierrez

During a three-day fishing trip aboard the Royal Star with my grandpa, we embarked on a memorable adventure filled with bonding, relaxation, and the thrill of catching fish. This was my very first tuna fishing trip. On the first day, we searched for a fishing spot. My grandfather’s friend, Chris Minnick, helped me catch my personal best a 137 pound tuna which was my first tuna ever. The second day was dedicated to fishing, and we fished hard honing our skills and catching a significant number of fish. The thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of landing each catch brought us joy and a sense of accomplishment. On the final day we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and made the most of our remaining time on the water. We reminisced about the trip, cherishing the memories created and the quality time spent together. Overall, the fishing trip with my grandpa was a wonderful experience that strengthened our bond and allowed us to enjoy the tranquility of nature while pursuing our shared passion for fishing.

P.S. Chris swore me to secrecy about his technique on catching BFT.

Note from Larry: 

Congratulations Jayson and Grandpa Peter Jones. Most of your fellow anglers were nearly as excited as you when Jayson’s giant tuna came over the rail. Good work gentlemen. I wish more grandkids would join their grandpas and grandmas on fishing trips; a great bonding and learning experience.

Jayson's first ever tunas

Fun Links



Spearfishing birdie

https://www.facebook.com/reel/6450998924992015?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz

Fish have no chance

https://www.facebook.com/reel/177862015314192?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz

Giant BFT off England???

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-67132803 

Can fish see prey in the air? 

I've seen tuna track and explode on a flying fish just as it lands back in the water. Giant Trevally snatch sea birds in mid air. I've thrown baits and watched tarpon swim to exactly where they were landing to instantly swallow them. This is a cool demo of fishes' ability to see in air, above the water.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1156951932360794?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz 

Red Rooster 3

Whale Watching

This is YOUR LAST CHANCE. These trips are this month.

Join the Red Rooster 3 crew and guests for a life changing experience to Magdelena Bay to watch the Gray Whales and their calves up close and personal. Pet them, play with them and bond with the mothers and babies. Words can not begin to describe the thrill and excitement of being with these gentle giants. Click on these links for more information.

Red Rooster FB Post

https://www.facebook.com/100064505297555/posts/699452032214967/?mibextid=Nif5oz 

RR3 Whale Watching Brochure

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ql39yaznk6qggrll0c646/Red-Rooster-III-invites-you-to-join-us-on-a-Riviera-Cruise-2024..pdf?rlkey=elx6m9d5oacla1ki10m0j2fjs&dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ql39yaznk6qggrll0c646/Red-Rooster-III-invites-you-to-join-us-on-a-Riviera-Cruise-2024..pdf?rlkey=elx6m9d5oacla1ki10m0j2fjs&dl=0

And call Maria at 619/224-3857 to book your trip.

Speaking of Whales

Here's a really cool video of some Panga eco-tourists saving a whale from entanglement. Let's make sure we do the same if ever called upon. Click on Saving a Whale

Tingley Boots

The Tingley saga is a great story of American capitalism where quality, determination and competitiveness triumph. For several years the major fishing boot company with about a 98% market share began disregarding what had put them in that position. QUALITY. They outsourced their production to China. China makes great quality products but the Quality Controls which had made this old boot company the primary boot of the commercial and sport fishing industry was abandoned.

Tingley recognized the opportunity and against great odds of competing with the giant strategically entered the westcoast fishing boot market. They had a better product and were immediately and eagerly embraced by the professional captains and deckhands on the commercial and recreational fishing boats.

Congratulations Tingley and thanks for bringing us a superior product at a competitive price.

I'm seeing more and more Tingley Fishing Boots on our captains and deckhands. They say Tingleys are more comfortable and last longer than the old traditional Not So Tough Brand.

If you are coming to San Diego to go fishing call Katie at 619/224-4088 and come to the Intrepid office to try on a pair for size and comfort.

The following retail tackle shops also now have Tingley Boots:

Long Fin in Orange

Bob Sand’s in Van Nuys

Rusty Hook in San Pedro

Eric's Tackle in Ventura

Jernigan's in Indio

Cope’s Tackle in Bakersfield

Dana Wharf Sportfishing

 Lemon Grove Bait & Tackle

Tackle Express, Santa Clarita

Performance Tackle, Los Alamitos

Hogan’s Tackle, Dana Point

Bayside Marine, Santa Cruz

These photos show the pros working in their Tingleys.

Larry Brown Articles in Western Outdoor News

All Jacked Up – https://www.dropbox.com/s/1w2ars3ewdpvggs/WON%20All%20Jacked%20Up_Brown%20-2019.pdf?dl=0

Amazing Bluefin Tuna - https://www.dropbox.com/s/41pjsn9elb0bmb3/WON%20Amazing%20Bluefin.pdf?dl=0

Biggest Bang For Your Buck- https://www.dropbox.com/s/okzofa3ddt6xu72/WON%20Biggest%20Bang%20for%20your%20buck.pdf?dl=0

Cow Club Expectations - https://www.dropbox.com/s/siohsg75euowg0w/WON%20Cow%20Club%20Expectations.pdf?dl=0

Deep Dishin – Jigging for BFT - https://www.dropbox.com/s/2t6ou2ctxjoir1c/WON%20Deep%20Dishin%20-%20Larry%20Brown.pdf?dl=0

Fish Processing - https://www.dropbox.com/s/sk9kh8g6x1ng8cu/WON%20Fish%20processing%20article.pdf?dl=0

Going Long or Short -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o6jvvu4bvjo6vrf/WON%20Going%20long%20or%20short.pdf?dl=0

Bluefin Tuna Study – 3 parts - https://www.dropbox.com/s/tho3tenyc0tlexg/WON%20Larry%20Brown%20BFT%20Feature%201-3.pdf?dl=0

My Favorite Fish - https://www.dropbox.com/s/sxgoua37bsrq10r/WON%20LB%20Favorite%20Fish.pdf?dl=0

Tuna ID - https://www.dropbox.com/s/donhdj19j0mu3gm/WON%20LB%20Tuna%20ID%203-26-21.pdf?dl=0

Luck, Persistence, Insanity - https://www.dropbox.com/s/mef60zqgboxlxk7/WON%20Luck%2C%20Persistance%2C%20Insanity.pdf?dl=0

Making Bait - https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw0xkswsux5mvjk/WON%20Making%20Bait%20Jan%202022.pdf?dl=0

Moon Phase and Tuna - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ylwexr1pub9aa3q/WON%20Moon%20Phase%20and%20Tuna%20-%20WON%20Oct%2020%2C%202017.pdf?dl=0

The Future of Fishing - https://www.dropbox.com/s/0u67woes2x9i958/WON%20The%20Future%20of%20Fishing.pdf?dl=0

Sportboat Yellowtail - https://www.dropbox.com/s/hhahofvgo2dh7e8/WON-Larry%20Brown%20Sportboat%20Yellowtail.pdf?dl=0

Yellowtail, The Jack of All Trades

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n48jk2b9g24v201/WON%20Yellowtail%208-19-22.pdf?dl=0

WON Five Tips Section

Critical Accessories - https://www.dropbox.com/s/5xmigqy0cakh2ip/WON%20Five%20Tips%20- %20Critical%20Accessories.pdf?dl=0

Introducing New Anglers - https://www.dropbox.com/s/jl7mrauimtar0f9/WON%20Five%20Tips%20for%20Introducing%20New%20Anglers.pdf?dl=0

Jigging for BFT - https://www.dropbox.com/s/wvsw3dn2co3qw79/WON%20Five%20Tips%20for%20Jigging%20for%20BFT.pdf?dl=0

Long Range Fishing - https://www.dropbox.com/s/nu8ko29gvnvyf9u/WON%20Five%20Tips%20for%20Long%20Range%20Fishing.pdf?dl=0

Yellowtail YOYO Jigging - https://www.dropbox.com/s/lreg49vjbt1efad/WON%20Five%20Tips%20for%20Yellowtail%20YoYo%20Jigging.pdf?dl=0

My Favorite Yellowtail Jigs - https://www.dropbox.com/s/6mi3rrzpg9siz2c/WON%20Five%20Tips%20My%20Favorite%20Yellowtail%20Jigs.pdf?dl=

White Seabass - https://www.dropbox.com/s/spufoesal21ayp8/WON%20Five%20Tips%20for%20White%20Seabass.pdf?dl=0

FishProcessing - - https://www.dropbox.com/s/m64ykt3io0g07lc/WON%20Five%20Tips%20for%20FIsh%20Processing.pdf?dl=0

Key Mistakes to Avoid – Catch more fish

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0uaeehiw4mwopc5/WON%20Five%20Tips%20for%20Mistakes%20to%20Avoid%20-%20Catch%20More.pdf?dl=0

Or feel free to click on this link, Larry's WON Articles, for your own personal listing of links to my articles.

Please use the "view as webpage" feature at the very top of this page. It makes reading easier.  

February 1, 2024

The fishing during 2023 was spectacular. We saw amazing volumes and quality of fish. Not every trip and not every angler enjoyed that experience but by most standards 2023 was a year to remember.

Most of us have no scheduled long range fishing trips between now and Spring or summer. A few of us have a long (15 day) trip to the Bank or Islands but the 3 - 7 day trips are dormant until Spring. This is the perfect time to begin preparing for next season. We can be idle during this off season or we can get busy organizing our gear and minds and skill sets to be more effective killers in 2024.

This newsletter will dedicate itself for the next 3 months to helping any interested angler become more prepared, more skilled and more effective. Some of my fishing buddies fish 50 - 100 days per year. It's no wonder they have developed techniques, secrets, and skills that my buddies who go fishing once a year or every other year just don't have. Dedication and repetition are key ingredients for developing skills.

I've asked my better angler friends to share their secrets. If you see a few guys hooked up all the time there is usually a good reason. So, if you want to be better in 2024 please take advantage of the articles or videos appearing here during the next 3 months.

But before you start your knot seminar be sure to click on this red link and sign up for one or two trips for 2024 before they are all sold out: Larry's Schedule

Perfect knots are critical. Losing fish because of a knot or connection failure is a self imposed or unforced error. It is totally avoidable. It is a cardinal sin. But every trip I witness knots and connections failing. So Knots will be our first lesson.

Chis and Larry Knot Seminar

Chris Minnick is the most scientific, fastidious, and accomplished angler with whom I have the pleasure of fishing. He is also a great teacher. I always recommend anglers learn how to tie one knot expertly for each application. There are many good knots but trying to learn 3 or 4 knots for any one application can likely lead to confusion, incorrect steps and lost fish. Learn a few knots well.

So Chris and I sat down one day last month and recorded videos of our favorite knots. Chris is the master and I was the videographer so I apologize in advance for any bad recording. I'm a better angler than videographer!!!

Chris teaches us our favorite knot for each application. Learn these knots well and you will become a better angler and lose fewer fish. 

Single San Diego Knot with Loop

For finesse live bait fishing creating a fluorocarbon loop in your knot:

https://youtu.be/y0-R-pxMbWE?feature=shared

Spangler Knot 

Very small, strong knot especially good for ringed hooks:

https://youtu.be/J_dGARApYL4?feature=shared

Surgeon's Knot

To connect a short fluorocarbon leader to monofilament main line or top shot:

https://youtu.be/OEwZEydEfcs?feature=shared

Double Blood Knot

To connect two braided lines where one or both are solid braids:

https://youtu.be/4F0gaepZY8Q?si=7fzHgnJ0B4D9ZzIe 

Drop Shot Rig

For deep Yellowtail and BFT. A very effective alternative for dropper Loop. Facilitates a rapid decent of your bait:

https://youtu.be/MJinu7qwvQc?feature=shared

Dropper Loop

For bottom fishing for yellowtail, grouper. Apply slight variations for halibut and white Seabass. 

https://youtu.be/3sL5-CJGJ8I?feature=shared

FG Knot

To connect fluorocarbon or mono to your braided line:

https://youtu.be/UL5u-J74-WI?feature=shared

Minnick Double Improved Albright, aka, RP, Jon Collins with a twist

To connect fluorocarbon or mono to braid:

https://youtu.be/3r3AWzEo2CU?feature=shared

 These Knots and other general and specific tips, lessons and articles will be archived in the Blue Tab at the end of each newsletter under the heading:

Chris & Larry Fishing University.

and by clicking on this red link

CLICK HERE to see MORE PHOTOS FROM 2023.

Note: Don't wait too long to book your 2024 trips. They may fill up and leave you on the dock.

2024 Forecast?

El Nino Losing Strentgh

The NOAA January update of our El Nino suggests the El Nino conditions across the Pacific are persisting but it appears El Nino, while still strong in the Western Pacific, is weakening in the Eastern Pacific and oceanic conditions will likely return to Neutral by late Spring and summer. Darn, I was personally hoping we'd enjoy a strong El Nino locally.

But the fishing has been spectacular without El Nino's help for the past several seasons and let's keep optimistic 2024 will deliver more phenomenal fishing.

Click here to read their latest report

Climate Prediction Center: ENSO Diagnostic Discussion (noaa.gov)

What will 2024 bring?

I can't predict the future. But if the current oceanic trends continue I'm hoping for more big BFT and with the forecasted strong El Nino and warmer water currents pushing north I'm hoping we will see even more yellowfin tuna and dorado visit our local waters. Local waters for the long range fleet are defined as the California Bight all the way down to Cedros Island and even the Northern parts of The Ridge.

I also can't predict the economy or stock market but the hoped for "soft landing" appears to me materializing and the stock market indeces are almost back to all time highs. 401Ks are being restored and some people are feeling back on track. Of course inflation has caused all prices to increase so our "real buying power" is not yet back to the highs. Some folks are still suffering.

But most are better off today than 2 years ago, but not yet back to the real wealth and wages they were enjoying 4 years ago.

Enough about the economy. Did you notice the parking lots at the Point Loma Fishing Landings all summer long. Full, full, full!!! Most of the 3 - 7 day trips were sold out. And the fish processors were turning away customers. So, despIte the high prices of EVERYTHING, folks were still spending money and enjoying their favorite activities, including fishing.

One trend I have noticed is the 2024 Long Range schedules are filling up less rapidly than 2023 at this same time last year. It's not because of bad fishing. Could it be the economy? Could it be folks are tired of BFT? I can't believe that. Could it be folks are selecting to go on 6 overnight or 1.5 day trips which are more crowded but less expensive than the long range venues? These boats don't fill up far in advance as anglers wait for good weather and good fishing reports before they all rush to take their trips. Maybe the hyper inflation is causing some guys to go on these more economy minded trips. I get it. Fishing is fishing and saving money to go on more trips makes perfect sense.

Fishing Updates

Be sure to book your fishing trips early. Check out these recent Fish Reports and call the offices to grab a spot before all the best charters are SOLD OUT.

Fish Reports from Larry’s Boats:



http://www.royalstarsportfishing.com/reports.php

http://www.fishintrepid.com/fish.html

http://www.redrooster3.com/reports.htm

And good luck to you on all your fishing trips too.



2024 Fishing Schedule

Here is my Preliminary 2024 Fishing Charter Schedule.

Click here for 2024 schedule

We have an amazing schedule and amazing groups of regular anglers. I still have a few open spots for 2024 so call the offices and jump on fast. Even when we do SELL OUT we ALWAYS seem to get cancelations through the year. So if you see a trip is full call the office anyway and get on the Standby list. I also want to see some of my buddies who have been AWOL for a year or so. So, be the first to jump on a cancelation and let's go fishing.

You can also scroll all the way down to see my 2024 Charter schedule.  Let's go fishing.

NEWS FLASH - NEW TRIP

We have a brand new 3-day trip.

BFT or Bust

Join us on the ground floor.

Details:

Nov 21 - 24 - Intrepid Trip 46

3-Days --- BFT or Bust

ULTRA Limited Load 15 anglers.

Last November was EPIC BFT

Join us for this new BFT special

Call Katie 619/224-4088

$2,875

www.intrepid.net

Not even on my schedule yet

Awesome ULTRA LIMITED LOAD



LARRC Veterans Fishing

As you know Veterans Fishing Programs are very near and dear to my heart. I helped create two successful Veterans Fishing Programs in partnership with LARRC and MDRA, two non-profit fishing clubs, who also have wonderful kids fishing programs and marine conservation programs. We have raised over $540,000 to support these programs. During 2023 we raised over $38,000 for Veterans Fishing. We don't do it for the recognition or accolades but it's nice when others recognize your efforts and good deeds. Here is a short ABC News piece aired last month. ABC 7 Salutes - ABC7 Los Angeles.

Fund Raising Success

$38,044 raised in 2023 and $540,583 since inception for Kids and Veterans Fishing Programs. Thanks to all of you who helped.

Click here for: 2023 Accounting

Click here for: Since Inception

Note to My Sponsors

Last year we just achieved our major $500,000 milestone of fund raising for our kids and veterans fishing programs we support. Thank you one and all for your generosity and support. Together we have made a huge difference for kids fishing and fishing programs for disabled veterans. Supply chain problems, cost increases, increases in demand have made supporting my sponsorship programs even more challenging. I recognize the burden and am honored and amazed how all of you have seen the value in continuing and prioritizing your support. You are awesome.

Thanks to your support we have collected and distributed 100% of the $500,000 in raffle and grant money we have collected for kids and veterans fishing programs. Let's keep going.

Note to Potential Sponsors

If you are reading this newsletter and are a potential sponsor or know of a potential sponsor please act today. Give me a call or email and let's get you set up. I'll promote your products and you will be helping support Veterans Fishing Trips.

Note to My Fellow Anglers

The best way to thank our sponsors is to BUY THEIR PRODUCTS, and fortunately for us they have some of the best products on the market. Make sure you are all ready for this coming fishing season. Rods, reels, hooks, line, fresh fluorocarbon, fishing apparel, jigs, etc. Go shopping and fill in your empty spaces.

So you can buy $10,000 of fishing gear or do this.......

https://youtube.com/shorts/z48llN3RYCY?feature=share

I suggest go shopping.

Thanks to our generous sponsors

AA Worms/Optimum Baits 

AFTCO 

Avet Reels     

Body Glove & Redondo Dive N' Surf 

Big Hammer/ Sunrize Swimbaits

BJ's Restaurants 

Booyaa

Daiwa Accessories

Fisherman's Landing Tackle Shop 

Fisherman's Processing

Five Star Processing

Izorline

J-Braid

JRI Custom Lures 

Knot-2-Kinky Nickel Titanium Wire

Nomad Lures

Phenix Rods & Braid 

Rude Dog Wahoo Bombs

Seaguar Fluorocarbon and Braid

Steve Abel Quality Gear 

The Wine House

Western Outdoor News

GEAR, GEAR, GEAR

Josh Gerson still has a ton of like new fishing gear he is selling on behalf of the LARRC Foundation or his own account. Call him at 310/845-6669 or email him at [email protected] and ask for his list. 

The Lure

Adventures on the Baja Peninsula

Story by Bill Benson

I would like to share a story with you. Although this story has fish in it, it is really not a fish story. This story is about a lure…a very special lure.

All my fishermen friends have a “Special Lure”. It is the one that takes up the most prestigious space in the tackle box, usually on the top shelf. It earned that esteemed location by showing itself as a fish catcher. It is the “go to” lure when you arrive in a similar situation and the fisherman wants to maximize his chances at attracting a fish to strike. “Special Lures” have always proven themselves in the past.

For decades I was a member of a group of Baja fishermen known as “cartoppers”. These anglers would each load up a 12 to 14 foot aluminum boat on top of their rigs and head down the 760 mile Baja California peninsula to beach launch off some of the more remote beaches of this spectacular coastline. For years I took one of my two kids with me , leaving the day school got out for summer break and spending two to three weeks camping, fishing, and just plain exploring the Gulf and Pacific sides of the peninsula.

Over the years I had several diving, surfing, and fishing friends become interested in joining me on my summer trip. This evolved to the point where we were taking down 4 or 5 “cartoppers” and camping along a beautiful sandy beach north of Mulege. We tried to time our trip with the annual Dorado migration up the Sea of Cortez. Each day, before the sun came up, we would slide our aluminum boats off the sand and head east with our small flotilla. We jokingly called our fleet the “Dorado Armada”.

It was my daughter Julia’s turn to join us on this year’s expedition. She was a teenager, a freshman in high school as I recall, and anxious to experience some of the action her older brother had told her about “The Baja”.

As we prepared for our first day of fishing, I smiled when my long time fishing buddies cackled when I showed them my “Special Lure”. This lure had proven itself over and over the two previous seasons. Our most common “style” of Dorado fishing was to troll the open deep waters until we “found the fish”. By spreading out all the boats we could cover a vast area until one of us located a body of fish. We trolled “feathers”, mostly homemade rubber squid wrapped around an egg sinker, but I was attracted to a very expensive “Jethead Feather” one year and plopped down more cash than I should have to purchase it. Turned out…it was worth every penny. Keeping track of our catch for the previous two years showed that lure to out fish all other feathers 5 to 1. When I went back to purchase several for my tackle box the company that made it had gone out of business and I could not find them anywhere. My amigos were cackling because this lure had reached a new level of “Special” for me. I had gone to a jeweler and asked if I could purchase a small box that fit the lure snugly. When I displayed the Jethead feather in its new purple velvet case they rolled in the sand with laughter.

We were only 2 miles off of camp when it became apparent we arrived in the thick of the annual northward migration of the Dorado. All of our boats were hooking Dorado.

Click here for the rest of the story

Conservation Matters

The following items are gathered and contributed by angler and conservationist Theresa Labriola, Pacific Program Director

Wild Oceans. 

With the new year I've been thinking about large, ecosystem level changes that we’ve witnessed, that we predict, and that impact the balance of our ocean communities and fishing opportunities. Sometimes, we take for granted that which we cannot see, such as kelp forests. Sometimes we don’t know how to listen to ecosystem signals such as seabirds. Only later do we realize how difficult it is to recover what we have lost. Thank you to the LARRC for looking beneath the surface to consider how we impact the balance of our great ocean. 

Turns Out Undersea Kelp Forests Are Crucial to Salmon

A healthy kelp forest is typically a quiet safe haven. They provide complex habitat to hundreds of species, including benthic invertebrates, small fish and animals all the way up the food chain to gray whales. Sea otters twist their bodies into the kelp. That way they can sleep without drifting and wake to breakfast a forepaw’s swipe away. Forests of kelp dampen wave energy and create a physical refuge for marine life. They also store so much carbon that scientists call them the “sequoias of the sea.” Like terrestrial forests, they also bolster oxygen via photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide. In the sea, that reduces acidification that kills more vulnerable marine animals. There are so many benefits—and recently a newly verified one: salmon, those Pacific Northwest icons, also use kelp.

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/turns-out-undersea-kelp-forests-are-crucial-to-salmon

Did the tides turn for oceans at COP28? Climate summit draws mixed reviews

The ocean featured in many negotiations around the climate crisis at the U.N. climate summit known as COP28, which took place in Dubai between Nov. 30 and Dec. 13. The final version of the global stocktake (GST), which served as the main agreement for COP28, referred to the importance of protecting and preserving the ocean and coastal ecosystems, and called for “ocean-based action.” COP28 was the stage for several large pledges to support the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. However, experts say the GST does not capture the necessary urgency to curtail fossil fuel emissions and may encourage the launch of controversial and still-untested geoengineering techniques that aim to lock away carbon in the ocean.

https://news.mongabay.com/2023/12/did-the-tides-turn-for-oceans-at-cop28-climate-summit-draws-mixed-reviews

Seabirds Help Predict the Size of Fish Stocks—If Only We’d Listen

In 2015, fisheries managers monitoring Atlantic herring in the waters off the United States and Canada made a grave miscalculation. Things were looking good for the multimillion-dollar fishery: adult herring in the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy were more plentiful than they had been in a decade, and mathematical models estimated that one-year-old herring were also abundant—a promising sign for future catches. The managers set high fishing quotas for the next three years. Then, the herring population went into free fall.

Researchers have been tracking seabird diets for decades. They were very aware that there were not a lot of herring between 2012 and 2014, Scopel says.This should have been a red flag to herring managers. Terns and puffins are expert samplers of juvenile herring, the little one-year-old fish that will grow big enough to be caught by fishers in a couple of years. Fisheries managers, however, have no dependable way to count juvenile herring and instead rely on the uncertain estimates generated by mathematical models. Seabirds are highly sensitive to changing ocean conditions and prey availability, earning them a reputation as sentinels of the sea. But ornithologists worldwide struggle to get fisheries managers to pay attention.

https://hakaimagazine.com/news/seabirds-can-predict-the-size-of-fish-stocks-if-only-wed-listen

High-value US West Coast stocks may migrate out of reach due to climate change

Recent NOAA research forecasts that three high-value groundfish species will migrate toward deeper offshore waters along the United States West Coast due to climate change in the near future, which will likely require fishery managers to adapt their strategies in response. A NOAA study shows that sablefish, dover sole, and shortspine thornyhead are projected to migrate to deeper offshore waters, posing challenges for fishers that may need to travel longer distances and fish at greater depths or shift their operations completely to target more accessible species. Together, these are a large proportion of the groundfish caught off the West Coast. This may not be good news for the fisheries, but it hopefully provides some foresight into how distributions may shift and gives fisheries time to consider how to adapt to these changes.

https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/premium/supply-trade/noaa-predicts-high-value-us-west-coast-stocks-will-continue-to-move-farther-offshore

Rigs-To- Reefs Update

Here's a Rigs-to-Reefs update from CCA. Please read and take action if called upon to lobby your legislators.

https://www.joincca.org/coalition-voices-support-for-rigs-to-reefs-legislation/

Larry Brown Long Range Fishing

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Larry Brown's 2024 Long Range Charter Schedule

May 13 - 16 - Back-to Back------ Royal Star------- www.royalstarsportfishing.com

Flex time*

3-Days Giant BFT or BUST

Call Tracy 619/224-4764

ULTRA LIMITED load trip. Twelve (12) anglers) will enjoy the their own private cabin.

Stay on board to take following Back-to-Back 3 day trip.

$2,950 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 SPOTS

May 16 - 19 - Back-to Back----- Royal Star-------- www.royalstarsportfishing.com

Flex time*

3-Days Giant BFT or BUST

Call Tracy 619/224-4764

ULTRA LIMITED load trip. Twelve (12) anglers) will enjoy the their own private cabin.

$2,950 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 SPOTS These trips could change back or forward by one day to "game" the weather and conditions.

June 15 - 22 ------------------Royal Star ---------------- www.royalstarsportfishing.com

7-Days

Limited Load - Only 18 Anglers

Call Tracy 619/224-4764

The very best Father's Day celebration. Special gifts for all father/kids together on this trip. Leaves and returns on Saturday so there is NO traffic or stress. Best deal of year.

$4,175 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 SPOTS

June 26 - July 3 --------------Intrepid --------------------------------------www.intrepid.net

7-Days

Limited Load - Only 18 Anglers

Prime time for yellowtail, bluefin tuna, and of course albacore, if they follow the La Nina pattern. Enjoy big Yellowtail at the Ridge or maybe Alijos Rocks

Call Katie 619/224-4088

Doubles $4,645 ---------Singles $5,345 -------------------------------------------------SOLD OUT

July 10 - 14 ----------------Game Changer------- www.Gamechangersportfishingsd.com

3.5 days---------------------------- Call Larry Brown 310/910-7398

Private Charter

Chasing big BFT 0n the big, luxury boat for 6 anglers. ------------------------------SOLD OUT

July 21 - 29 -----------------Intrepid - trip 9 -----------------------------www.intrepid.net

8-Days

ULTRA LIMITED LOAD - Only `15 Anglers ----11 singles + 2 shared rooms

Rocks, Ridge, Banks, Variety trip and Super Upgraded cuisine plan

Call Katie 619/224-4088

Doubles $7,325 ----------Singles $7,825 ---------------------------------------------------SOLD OUT

Aug 15 - 23----------------- Red Rooster 3 -------------------------www.redrooster3.com

8-Days -------Trip #14

Limited Load Only 25 Anglers

Perfect summer trip for offshore kelps, tuna, dorado, yellowtail and BFT. Guadalupe is a strong option.

Call Maria 619/224-3857

Doubles $6,045 Singles $6,725 ----------------------------------------------------------3 SPOTS

Aug 15 - 23----------------- Red Rooster 3 -------------------------www.redrooster3.com

7-Days --------Trip # 18

VERY Limited Load. Only 20 Anglers

Perfect summer trip for offshore kelps, tuna, dorado, yellowtail and bluefin tuna.

Guadalupe is a strong option.

Call Maria 619/224-3857

Doubles $5,085 Singles $5,710 ------------------------------------------------------WIDE OPEN

Sept 19 - 23 ---------Game Changer -----------www.Gamechangersportfishingsd.com

3.5 Days--------------------------- Call Larry Brown 310/910-7398

Private Charter.

Chasing big BFT 0n the big, luxury boat for 6 anglers. --------------------------------SOLD OUT

Sept 28 - Oct 5 ------------------Royal Star --------------www.royalstarsportfishing.com

7-days

18 Limited Load

Leaves and returns on a Saturday so NO traffic or stress!! Guadalupe Island? Great Fall fishing and a GREAT group of anglers.

Call Tracy 619/224-4764

$4,925----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 SPOTS

Oct 28 - Nov 7---------------------Intrepid - trip 21 ---------------------www.intrepid.net

10-days ------------------------------ Saturday departure

Limited Load - VERY LIMITED Only 18 Anglers

Perfect variety trip to the Ridge, Alijos Rocks or Lower Banks for tuna, dorado, wahoo, yellowtail and grouper.

Call Katie 619/224-4088

$6,500 for doubles; $7,500 for singles----------------------------------------------------------OPEN

Nov 21 - 24 ---------------------------Intrepid - trip 46-------------------www.intrepid.net

3-Days ---------------Brand New Trip; get in on the ground floor

ULTRA Limited Load 15 anglers. Last November was EPIC BFT

Join us for this NEW late season BFT special

Call Katie 619/224-4088

$2,875 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CALL KATIE

Dec 18 - 21-----------------------------Royal Star-------- www.royalstarsportfishing.com

3-Days ----------Flex Time*

ULTRA LIMITED load trip. Twelve (12) anglers) will enjoy extra space and private stateroom.

Giant BFT or BUST

Call Tracy 619/224-4764

$2,850-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SOLD OUT

*Flex Time: Must clear your calendar to be able to fish any 3 day days Dec 15 - 23 to "game weather and best conditions."

Always call for Standby List on Sold Out trips. Cancelations happen.

Contact: Larry Brown 310/910-7398 or [email protected]

2025 Game Changer dates are confirmed for 9/15 and 11/19, 2025. Both 3.5 days

* Always call for Standby List on Sold Out trips

Contact:  Larry Brown 310/910-7398 or [email protected]