Gail Force – Epic Catalina Yellowtail Fishing 6/9/2019

21 passengers boarded the Gail Force out of LA Harbor Sportfishing, leaving the dock at a little before 5:00 AM Sunday morning.  My friend Danny arranged the trip for my birthday.  After doing the same for several years now, it has become an annual event, filled mostly with friends of ours.

We had Captain Jared Malott at the helm, Calvin and Steve on deck, and Mark in the Galley, as well as helping on deck.

Breakfast on the ride out.
Breakfast on the ride out.

We arrived at Catalina Island after a smooth ride out.  Passing Avalon and going around the back side, we stopped at several spots with minimal results.  One nice halibut and a handful of legal calico bass and more shorts, minimal water movement, I was afraid it was going to be another slow trip.

Mike Nixon and Grandson Jayden
Mike Nixon and Grandson Jayden
Terry Flynn
Terry Flynn

A stop while working our way around the other side produced one nice grade yellowtail, then another.   A pick bite turned into a steady bite, and finally at times a wide open bite.  We ended up spending the rest of the day there and leaving a bit earlier than our scheduled departure because we were out of bait!

Patty Rich
Patty Rich

We ended up with 60 yellowtail, most around 18-22 pounds, plus the one halibut.  The crew worked hard to make sure everyone had a fish, ran around like crazy, and broke several gaffs!

Pam Sharp
Pam Sharp

Jackpot went to my friend Mark Ramero.

Mark Ramero, Jackpot winner
Mark Ramero, Jackpot winner

Thanks to all of the crew for a fabulous trip, and to all my friends for coming out!  Also, thank you Mark in the galley for the wonderful birthday cake!  I can’t wait to do it again next year!

Danny Lynch
Danny Lynch

The Gail Force is available for charter, with occasional open party trips!  For information on the Gail Force, visit:

https://gailforcesportfishing.com/

Fighting a Fish!
Fighting a Fish!
Full sacks = happy fishermen!
Full sacks = happy fishermen!