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.

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.

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!

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!

Jackpot went to my friend Mark Ramero.

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!