Today we had our first surface fishing trip aboard the Island Spirit during the annual Al Welle Memorial Trip. Great weather plus 2 early halibut to get everyone excited. They ended the day with an epic hour of calico bass fishing. All nice fish said captain/owner Greg Ewart. Average calico was 4lbs and Dave Kiel of Thousand Oaks released a nice 8lb calico. Greg said his only wish was that he had moved into the kelp earlier for bass.. but there is always tomorrow!

Jackpot today was of course a halibut caught by Mike McClanahan, and runner up with also a halibut caught by Todd White of Ventura. Both fish between 15-20lbs, caught using live anchovy. Water warmed up and by mid day was 62 degrees and clean! The bass were eating the baits and rubber just the same. A steady chum line of anchovy kept the fish popping at the corner.. good times!

Obviously, we will have to keep with it.. Island Spirit is now Surface Fishing until further notice. Bring the bass rods and be ready for anything.. calico bass, halibut and white seabass. Its time!