Newport 9/28 bottomfish

[sturgophile]

Last Wednesday morning, I took a buddy on a short bottomfish charter out of Newport on the "Blitz" with Capt. Mike Stow. Ocean conditions were good, though the water was a chilly 47°. We worked our way south, mostly nearshore, all the way to Ona Beach steadily picking up a few Black Rockfish out of each school Mike put us over, but the fish seemed reluctant to cooperate en masse. The Fisheries Council checker aboard was kept busy with the little Blues and Yellowtail throwbacks, and with tallying the occasional Canary hooked and released. Mike kept working diligently to find cooperative fish. Just before time to pull the plug, the sun broke through the clouds, as the air warmed up, so did the bite! In addition to the Black Rockfish, some nice Quillbacks and a beautiful Vermillion Rockfish made for limits for all aboard in a few short minutes. No frowns were seen. :grin:

Thanks for a great trip, Mike. We'll definitely try to hook up with you next year for Tuna and/or Halibut.

[Spoonplugger]

sturgophile--Sounds like a great day!

Those Vermillion Rockfish are unbelievable. A 15 or so pounder is about 100 years old I've heard. That is probably why the taste so good.

Anyway, Great job.

[Zodiac-Fisherman]

Vermillions taste great.. But there is too much guilt behind eating a 100 yr old fish that doesnt reproduce often..

[BrianH]

Vermillions taste great.. But there is too much guilt behind eating a 100 yr old fish that doesnt reproduce often..

I think I have to agree with that. :depressed:

[tracker]

I will happily eat them! No guilt here. Just pleasure! Proof that they are endangered and not wakco sience based on the fact that they are so s;ow growing then I may feel some guilt!