MOVING TO CALIFORNIA NEED HELP ON THE PACIFIC

[BOB DOC]

Hi Y'all.   Been gone for five years, nice to be back.
Bob Doc Chattanooga Tn 1980 Aquasport , 24'6" Family Fisherman "Sláinte". Been mostly in the Tennessee River but fished the Gulf 5 Octobers in a row.
Some of you might remember a complete rewire, and full exterior restoration of a boat that sat (rotted)
on a trailer in Horeshoe beach Fla for 15+years.
Rig is sweet, pretty, and runs like it should, taking the Gulf in stride, even when it got crappy.

We're moving to So California and I don't know anything about the Pacific and am wondering whether if this rig is suitable for those waters. We'll be going out of Dana Point Marina, Orange County between LA and San Diego and probably trailering here and there. It's a pretty stout rig but not knowing the water I thought I'd throw this out for your input.

Can anybody help me out here ??

Tanks, Sláinte, Bobby Doc

[slvrlng]

Icemanbryan is just up the coast at Huntington Beach. We do have a couple of more members in that area. I personally think your boat would do quite well out there!

[gran398]

Agree. Not much different, except for a long, tall Pacific groundswell. Your boat will run with ease. Usually calm there, but be prudent, watch the wind.

[GoneFission]

Dana Point is a nice marina - lots of boats there of all sizes.  You can see Catalina Island off the coast, and it's a nice trip out there.  Your 246 would be right at home there.  Just like you do now, watch the weather and pay attention to tides, but Dana Point is very well protected once you make the buoy.  The water is cold there compared to the east - you will get used to that.  Good fishing right out of the marina in several places - talk to the locals and get the scoop.  Check out Harpoon Henrys and the two main yacht clubs and you will find some nice boaters who can provide advice on local navigation and fishing.  

Good luck!

[BOB DOC]

Thanks guys, that's what I've heard and that's why I'm committed to trailer it across the country unless someone besides my wife tells me I'm crazy. The second reason for that is I'd have a hard time selling a deep V in bass country and probably get nothing for it. Folks here don't know what an Aquasport is!!

If any of you are out there make sure to let me know and we'll get together for a toddy or two and maybe even fish some.

Hey Cap'n John  How ya doin? Maybe we'll have to have that Charlotte beer in Laguna Niguel.
What kind of fish are they after out there Dorado I'm sure but what else?

Thanks again...hoping for more input from some locals out there.
Sláinte, Bob Doc

[KelpKritter]

Boat should fit in nicely here. Easy to follow weather, wind forecasts, tides, swell, etc. with a number of internet resources or phone apps. The most common consistency is afternoon wind. Like anywhere you need to be aware of the current forecast and the prior days wind and swell as it has some residual effect.

Dana Point is a nice harbor with a great launch ramp. However, the Embarcadero is really pushing hard right now to limit boating options for those trailering their rigs. They are trying to increase shopping and other tourist options that are not private boater friendly. With that said Newport, Huntington Harbor, and Long Beach are all still relatively close.

As for the fishing here are a lot of inshore options. The larger harbors, Long Beach and San Diego Bay have outstanding fisheries for a multitude of species. Smaller harbors in the area also offer great opportunities. Inshore coastal species are available year around. We are in the midst of the best offshore season in the last 15 years. Two weeks ago my boat got yellowfin and bluefin tuna, yellowtail, and dorado 15 miles straight out of Dana Point. That does not happen every season but when it does you want to be on the water as many days as possible. Most every late summer early fall season has a run of striped marlin if that is your gig. Catalina is 30 miles offshore and is like a world unto itself and is a must if you have the means, which you do.

I fish a tournament series that runs from San Diego to Santa Barbara and have used every launch ramp between the two. When you get out this way give me a shout and I can give you the lowdown.

DaveB.

[GoneFission]

Great post Dave!  That's what CAS is all about!  

[BOB DOC]

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN ABOUT BABY, as they now say. We used to say HOLY S_ _ _ !

Thanks Dave for your response! I'm having a hard time convincing my wife, that I've never known you before and that there's no bribe involved.

I have been following your hot fishing season in Saltwater Sportsman and the warmer currents closer to the shore line, and salivating a bit. Hopefully we'll sell this place soon and be out there by early fall.
Hopefully also we won't be " a day late and a dollar short".
My e-mail is bobbydoc@epbfi.com and would like to hear from you with your contact info so I can get in touch and learn more from you.
Are you a charter ? Used to help run one out of Mystic Island, NJ until my wifes' sense of humor ran dry. What/who is the Embarcadero and how does that effect taking a boat for launch?

Thanks again, look forward to getting to know you.
Sláinte, Bob Doc

[KelpKritter]

Sorry for the long delay, was on vacation and then came home to do some more fishing? Actually was out of Dana Point again today and is was slower than the past few weeks. Three Dorado and two Yellowtail and as many fish broken off on light tackle.

The Embarcadero is a harbor side touristy type center. Sportfishing landing, restaurant, and small shops.  The launch ramp is right next door and parking is pretty limited.  They are trying to expand the area, but at the expense of the private boater.  Parking would become almost non-existent and it would most likely become a marina only to the boaters who have a slip.  Many groups opposing the plans and fighting for the private boat group so we will see how it progresses.

I do not charter, but I have a number of very close friends who do.  When you get out here I will let you know the names of some great individuals who know the coastal fishery very well if you are interested in learning the ropes quickly from a professional.

DaveB.

[BOB DOC]

I MAY HAVE LEARNED HOW TO DO THIS !!!! GOD TAKES CARE OF IRISHMEN AND DRUNKS!!!
WELL HERE IT TIS, I HOPE