fathomiers newsletter - Los Angeles Fathomiers

FATHOMIERS NEWSLETTER
FREEDIVING • SPEARFISHING • COMPETITION
SINCE 1957
John Modugno, 1928 – 2010, He Will Be Missed
A legend has passed away. The southern California diving community, and especially the
Los Angeles Fathomiers skindiving club,
together with his many friends and love ones
have lost an icon in the passing of John
Modugno on April 18, 2010.
He was a good American. He was good
American. He was so very proud cont’d pg 5
Mexico Adventure Results in New
World Record — 155 Pound Grouper
May 2010
Inside this issue:
Competitive scores 4
Club Roots
8-9
Events Calendar
10-11
Upcoming Club
Dive
12
Mentorship
18
Tide Tables
24-25
It was that time of year and I called up a few of my good
buddies to arrange a Mexico trip. At 2 am Erez, Austin, and
Craig Peterson met up at my house, loaded up the truck and
away we went on our Mexico trip. As long as the drive was,
having great friends makes even the drive very enjoyable.
As we finally got to our destination, we met up with our Panguero and lined him up, we then got our hotel with one of
the best views on the coast lined up, then we went to the local
restaurant and had a beer each and had a great seafood dinner.
Wind has been blowing for days but on the very next morning which was the first dive day, the wind was almost non existence and the sea was like a lake. We went out on our boat
ride, and on our way to our spot, we made a deal (like usual)
that if the big fish are in then everyone is allowed to shoot
one big fish and then they would have to just shoot the
smaller fish. We did that for a few reasons, the main one is to
help keep these spots healthy with life, and second, well… we
only have so much room for bringing back fish. Everyone agreed and on we went. We got to our first
spot, anchored up and in we went. Within 15 minutes I already sighted a few big groupers which I
passed up on. 20 minutes into it Craig takes his first personal best grouper which tied up instantly. As
he was working his fish out of the hole, Austin got on a nice fish that also holed up on him, cont’d pg 7
This Newsletter is the official monthly
publication of the Los Angeles
Fathomiers
Next Meeting
Round Table Pizza, Thursday May 13
The Fathomiers is a Southern California club dedicated
to freediving and competitive spearfishing.
Membership is open to the public. To become an Active
Member, you must fulfill obligations and conditions.
Alternatively Associate Membership are available for
$30. Further information is available at
www.fathomiers.net
President: Paul Romanowski
[email protected]
The editor reserves the right to make
spelling and grammatical corrections to
submissions, and may rewrite sections for
purposes of clarity and/or space
considerations. Submitters may request a
preview of their article as it will appear in
the publication and request changes or
withdrawal of the article.
[email protected]
While reasonable effort is expended to
ensure accuracy of the information in this
newsletter, we do not guarantee it. The
editor, and the Fathomiers and it’s officers,
shall not be held liable for errors in this
newsletter.
Recorder: Kelsey Albert
The Fathomiers
advertisements.
Vice President: Joe Farlo
[email protected]
Secretary: Cody Annett
[email protected]
do
not
accept
paid
Submissions are needed. Electronic submissions are preferred. Any hard copies will be
returned to the owner after publication.
Treasurer: Carlos Serret
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please take the initiative to contact the editor directly; do not depend on “word of
mouth”.
Webmaster: Cody Annett
Successful newsletters are a result of your
participation.
Newsletter Editor: Marc Fages
[email protected]
Conservation liaisons: Paul Romanowski
Joe Farlo
THANK YOU TO THIS MONTHS
CONTRIBUTORS
Kelsey Albert
Richard Balta
Erik Banados
Big Fish of The Month
Richard Balta
155 lb Grouper
Joe Farlo
Derek Kimball
Paul Romanowski
Bob Sellers
CONGRATULATIONS
Roy McDennon and Ryan Moore
For graduating from the Maritime Academy on April 30, 2010.
Page 2
Fathomiers Meeting Minutes: April, 8, 2010
Secretary Report not available
I.
Introduce guests and tentative members:
a. Not available
II. Fish stories:
a. Not available
III. Club Business:
a. Not available
IV. Monthly club dives:
a. May Club Dive will held at Palos Verdes on Sunday May 23, 2010.
b. 3 fish limit
c. Scramble format
V. Multiple Club Unification:
a. Watermen's Alliance meet will be held at Dana Point on Saturday May 15, 2010.
VI. MLPA update:
a. Not available
2010 Active Member Annual Dues
The 2010 annual club dues are still pending. All below member’s dues have not been received. The
dues are $40 and are payable to the Fathomiers.
Please provide payment to the Fathomiers Treasurer, Carlos Serret. Please mail checks to:
23306 Audrey Ave, Torrance, CA 90505-3712 or please bring payment to the Thursday May 13 Club
meeting.
Erez Abayov
Georg Aigeldinger
Troy Alarcon
Robert Baker
Erik Bananos
Daniel Carlberg
Scott Courtney
Phillip Di Rocco
Jon Falcone
John Hanson
John Iwanic
Michael Mulligan
Mike Petrusko
Larry Soules
Randolph Lee Weston
Bob Coyle
Tyler Duberly
Thom Fogerty
Matthew Hassoldt
Garry Jones
Mike Oshita
Ryan Pettit
Shane Talbot
Roland Wheeler
Gregory Yakovlev.
Austin Derry
Mark Duhon
Jim Gillen
Kent Hill
Ryan Moore
Eddie Ota Richie Ota
John Rooney
Brandon Wahlers
Joe Whitmore
NOTE: Club competition and medallion standings are impacted. Without dues your points can not
be counted.
Page 3
Laguna Beach – March 2010
Competitor
# Fish
Total Wt
Total Pts
Final Score
Meet Rank
Al Shuck Pt
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
2
26.98
7.12
10.62
7.52
4.78
3.62
1.3
1.18
4.08
12.24
5.28
5.28
6.4
8.18
7.6
29.98
10.12
13.62
10.52
7.78
5.62
2.3
2.18
5.08
15.24
8.28
8.28
9.4
11.18
9.6
100.00%
33.76%
45.43%
35.09%
25.95%
18.75%
7.67%
7.27%
16.94%
50.83%
27.62%
27.62%
31.35%
37.29%
32.02%
1
sheephead – 22.6
# Fish
Total Wt
Total Pts
Final Score
Meet Rank
10
4
5
10
1
1
7
10
10
9
16.74
7.16
5.94
17.3
1.02
1.98
9.78
18.38
26.78
36.64
26.74
11.16
10.94
27.3
2.02
2.98
16.78
28.38
36.78
45.64
58.59%
24.45%
23.97%
59.82%
4.43%
6.53%
36.77%
62.18%
80.59%
100.00%
5
Richard Balta
Ian Maxton
Austin Derry
Derek Kimball
Mike Nguyen
Joe montano
Scotty courtney
Jay Breza
Jeff Renolds
Paul Romanowski
Steve Schur
Kelsey Albert
Patrick Fergusion
Sonny Sethi
Sebastian
3
4
2
5
Malibu Dive – April 2010
Competitor
Derek Kimball
Randy Farmer
Jay Breeza
Paul Romanowski
Ernie Schultz
Marc Fages
Sonny Sethi
Richard Balta
Kelsey Albert
Eric Sochin
Al Shuck Pt
4
3
2
1
Sheephead – 25.58
April Malibu Colony Dive Meet
Page 4
We enjoyed good weather and low winds, but the
visibility was a poor 3-5 feet in many spots, with
some spots opening up to 10-15 feet later in the
day. Eric Sochin shot a massive sheephead, weighing at 25.58# and Kelsey shot a 8.08# cabezon to
earn their rankings. Many types of perch were
breeding and were birthing all over the place at
the weigh in, much to the seagull's liking. Many
sandbass, calico, rockfish, and sargo were
amongst the day's catches. We had a great showing of divers, despite the less-than-ideal water visibility. Kelsey Albert
John Modugno
to have served his country as a Sailor in the US Navy during WWII, and, in both the
Korean and the Vietnam campaigns. Not many of us can boost of doing that and have three different
honorable discharges to show from the military. John would want us to remember this important part of
his life.
I think I was one of the few he ever talked
to about his military days. It meant something to both of us.
John began his skindiving activities as a
member of the Long Beach Dolphins diving
club in 1956. In June, 1963, while
freediving (breath holding) at Catalina
Island he achieved the awesome feat of
spearing the largest white seabass on record
at the time, over seventy eight pounds.
He had already become a well known
spearfishing champion before I had the
opportunity to personally meet him, but, I
remember that first meeting very well.
It was at Charlie Sturgills home in 1968
when my wife and I were greeted by
Charlie. It was “bring the bride and come
on in and meet John Modugno”. It still
sounds just like Charlie! After that, our
paths would cross over the years, usually at
some diving event, and it wasn’t until sometimes later when John became a member of
the Fathomiers that I really got to know the
real John, and to see the famous home
made “broom stick” like speargun used for the record WSB! Was he ever so proud of that gun over the
latest technology! He was always a favorite of everyone; his natural congeniality captured the affection
and respect of everyone. His many contributions to the Fathomiers are deeply appreciated, and no one
has ever been more proud to wear his Fathomier Lifetime jacket than John.
Even though being somewhat “retired” from shooting fish John loved to hang out with the younger and
more aggressive group of people, and he hardly ever missed any of the Fathomer’s meetings; or for that
matter, any of the big events where he could be a spectator. It is here where he could witness all the big
fish stories, etc, etc, and still belong. (There could be a couple more in that category).
There will always be a place in our hearts, and in the annals of the L A Fathomiers, for the name of
John Modugno. Bob Sellers
cont’d from page 1
HALIBUT FEVER
Well, spring is here and the LA Fathomiers underwater hunters are looking forward to
a great start to one of the best years for game fish, with our previous experiences of El
Niño warm water, we are all excited to a good start of the year full of big pelagic fish.
While most of the hunters concentrate on the WSB during the early spring,
Page 5
many forget about the halibut that also come into the
shallows to spawn and feed. Many hunters dislike hunting
halibut because you have to stare at the sand for a long time
but is all the other big critters that keep me going and looking for that big female halibut. Lobsters, mantis shrimp,
sand sharks, string rays, bat rays, and angel sharks are all
fun to watch while you are hunting halibut.
I found lots of fish this season including two large 40
pound females this past spring known as “Barn doors” they
are bigger than body boards. One was fully buried in 8 feet
of water next to a patch of eel grass that meets the sand, I
spooked the fish before I got in range and I watched the
monster cruise to deeper water, I searched and searched but
never found the mama.
Later while diving in the
shallows around a small
pier sand sharks I saw guitar fish and bat rays, but no sign of halibut.
When my dive partner swims to me and says, Erik there are no
fish… guess what? A monster halibut gets spooked by my partner
and lifts off 15 feet in front of my path; this was the biggest halibut I
ever saw, the fish had been next to the pier in 15 feet of water and
well buried under the pepper like sand.
I was able to stack two limits of halibut this last spring and many
others on all of my other dive. The Saturday before the recent
eastern earthquake not only was the water temperature and visibility
perfect but the halibut were stacked up everywhere They were all in
shallow, where the sand meets the rocky beach. We picked up a
limit in one hour!!!! Nice fish up to 14 pounds, great for ceviche and
paella. Well enjoy this summer as it is going to be a special one for
everyone. Erik Banados
Broiled Halibut in Mayonnaise Sauce
Source: William and Mary by the Sea, Cookbook. The Society of the Alumni. 1997. ISBN #0-9615670-7-4
Here is a very simple Chesapeake VA regional recipe for broiled halibut. It is super easy, has a short ingredient list, and is
fantastic with any good flatty; be it an east coast flounder or California fluke.
INGREDIENTS
1. About 4 lbs of freshly speared California halibut. You can pre-season the fish with
salt and pepper to taste; I prefer not to. Some folks like to use lemon pepper.
2. 1 cup mayonnaise. Duke's is best (do NOT use non-fat, light mayo is OK).
3. 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4. 2 teaspoons lemon juice (half of a lemon)
5. 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (try Bayou Blackening seasoning by Virginia's Finest)
DIRECTIONS
1. Place fillets on greased rack of boiler pan.
2. Combine all other ingredients, mix thoroughly, and spread evenly on both sides of fillets.
3. Broil for about 20 minutes 6 inches from heat (door may need to be partially open on electric ovens). You should see
the sauce boil and glaze a bit. Alternatively bake at 350 deg F for about 20 minutes.
Cheers and good eats! Kelsey Albert
Page 6
and as Austin was working his fish out, Erez got on a fish that also holed up in the
same hole Austin’s fish was in. With all the mess around I put my gun away and spent the next hour
and a half helping everyone get their fish out from the bottom out of the caves. After a couple of hours
we had all the fish on the boat and by then we were all so exhausted from trying to retrieve these big fish
from the depth that we all needed a major break.
We took the panga to a nearby beach to relax, weigh
the fish and take pictures. After weighing all three
fish, it turns out that all three fish where all three of
my buddy’s personal best fish ever. Craig with a nice
67 pounder, Austin with a nice 85 pounder, and Erez
finally achieving his goal and broke the 100 pound
mark with a grouper that came in at 104 pounds.
The trip could not get any better as we hung out on
the beach and took plenty of amazing pictures and
just celebrated. We went back out to the spot and
by then the current was ripping. I dove for a little
while and took a nice yellow tail that was cruising on
the bottom and then called it a day as we had plenty
of fish to clean and get on ice. That evening we took
some of our fish to the restaurant and ate and drank
like kings. Next morning we took off for another journey and we went to a different spot that I know.
As soon as we got there, we anchored up and in we went. I made a few dives to try and find the right
ledge to hunt on. After the third dive I find exactly where I wanted to be, I took a few nice deep breaths
and down I went. Austin decided to film me using his new HD camera in hopes of getting some good
footage for his next big DVD that will be out in the future. I got to the ledge and just hung there observing all the signs that were around. Out of the distance here comes a very nice grouper closing in on
me to check me out. I waited and waited until it came within about 15 feet and then the fish turned, a
perfect broadside, I extended my gun and BAAAAAMMMMM, shot the fish perfectly in the neck but
missed the spine by less than an inch. It wasn’t a stone shot but definitely put the hurting on the fish.
The fish took off like a freight train, I took off for the surface, and both of us played tug of war. After I
reached the surface I felt that the fish was holed up. I grabbed my Sporasub float and little by little
started working the float line in. Every time I was ready to make a dive to get the fish out of the cave
the float kept on working the fish up on its own, a couple of feet at a time. So I just worked the float
for a little and all of a sudden I felt the float line release all the main tension but still had that unmistakable heavy weight at the end. I kept on pulling my float line in until I finally saw my fish coming up on
the other end. I brought it up all the way to me and grabbed the monster on the outside part of its gills
and instantly I knew this was a very big boy.I swam the fish to the panga and along with the Pangueros
help we pulled the beast in. When I got into the panga I tried to lift the fish but every time I got it half
way up it just stopped as if it was glued to the floor. I knew then that this might be my biggest grouper
ever. We kept the fish cool and went to a few other spots. We shot some pargos and very nice cabrillas;
one being a personal best of mine that came in at 25 pounds. With plenty of sunlight left in the day and
plenty of fish we called it a day. We went to the Pangueros house and brought out the certified scale.
We lifted the beast onto the scale and confirmed what my feelings told me. The monster was a personal
best and a new world record breaking my previous record of 148 pounds with a new weight of 155
pounds. We went back to our hotel, showered up, got some rest, packed the truck, picked up all our
fillets of fish from our panguero (the fillets fully filled a 150 quart ice chest), and then hit the road to a
nearby town. We partied all night long celebrating this once in a life time trip that was as perfect as a
trip can be. That’s what life is all about; journeys that last forever. Richard Balta
cont’d from page 1
Page 7
Spearfishing History - Our Roots
Here is a bit of history from the California South Bay area. An article from the local newspaper documenting one of the most famous spearfishing legends, Charlie Sturgill, rescuing another well known diver of the
day.
Page 8
I have dived lots of times with Hank
Nunokawa and we've come in with some
good fish together. He's the only diver I
know who has speared three WSB over
seventy pounds. Bob Sellers
Page 9
2010 Fathomiers Club Calendar
May
1st Saturday
NorCal Big Ab-Ling tourney.
5th Wednesday
Neptunes club meeting
9th Sunday
Mothers Day
13th Thursday
Fathomiers club meeting- Round Table Pizza
15th Saturday
Third Colorado River Series Tournament, Bullhead City, AZ
23rd Sunday
Fathomiers Club Dive-Palos Verdes scramble, weigh in Carlos house
(3 Fish)
31st Monday
Memorial Day
June
2nd Wednesday
Neptunes club meeting
3rd to 6th
Hell divers Rodeo, Louisiana
5th Saturday
Neptunes Blue Water Meet
5th to 6th
Blue Wild Expo- Ft. Lauderdale
10th Thursday
Fathomiers club Auction-Round Table Pizza
13th Sunday
Fathomiers Club Dive-County Line Malibu (10 fish)
20th Sunday
Father’s Day
21st to 25th
La Paz World Cup invitational-Mex
July
7th Wednesday
Neptunes club meeting
th
Independence Day
th
Fathomiers club meeting-Round Table Pizza
4 Sunday
8 Thursday
th
11 Sunday
th
th
15 to 19
Fathomiers Club Dive- La Jolla, San Diego (3 Fish)
Mid Atlantic Long Fins tournament. (Hatteras)
August
Page 10
4th Wednesday
Neptunes club meeting
5th Thursday
US Spearfishing Nationals-Greers fairy lake, Arkansas
12th Thursday
Fathomiers club meeting-Round Table Pizza
14th Saturday
Fathomiers Scramble Meet (3 fish)
21st Saturday
San Diego Blue Water Meet
2010 Fathomiers Club Calendar
September
1st Wednesday
Neptunes club meeting
4th Saturday
Labor Day
9th Thursday
Fathomiers club meeting-Round Table Pizza
12th Sunday
Fathomiers Club Dive- Point Vicente (10 Fish)
October
2nd Saturday
Lobster opener
th
Neptunes club meeting
Th
Neptunes Fall Classic/ PCCs
6 Wednesday
9 Saturday
th
Fathomiers club meeting-Round Table Pizza
th
Fourth Colorado River Series Tournament, Bullhead City, AZ
th
Fathomiers Charlie Sturgill-Monica’s house/Glacd#1 (20 fish)
st
Halloween
14 Thursday
16 Saturday
24 Sunday
31 Sunday
November
3rd Wednesday.
Neptunes club meeting
11th Thursday
Fathomiers club meeting-Round Table Pizza
14th Sunday.
Fathomiers Club Dive- Cress St, Laguna/ GLACD # 2 (3 Fish)
25th Thursday
Thanksgiving
December
1stWednesday
Neptunes club meeting
9thThursday
Fathomiers club meeting-Round Table Pizza
12thSunday
Fathomiers Larry Stat Handicap Pole spear Meet/ GLACD # 3Point dume (10 fish)
Page 11
May Dive Meet – Palos Verdes Scramble
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Rules:
Meet starts at sunrise! The boundaries are from Redondo Beach break wall to LA break wall.
Divers may beach dive, use kayaks, or paddleboards.
The meet has a 3 fish limit, no more than 1 fish per species.
There is a 12 inch size limit for all fish except Bass, which will is 14 inches. Sheep Head must be a
min. of 18 inches; all DFG rules apply.
Scoring will be one point per fish and one point per pound.
Weigh-in is located at Carlos Serret’s home!
23306 Audrey Ave., Torrance CA 90205
Competitors and game must be in the weight-in circle (Carlos’s backyard) at 1:30pm or be disqualified.
We look forward to seeing you there… LA Fathomiers Derek Kimball
“Shooting” Ghosts
Well, trying to film these stupid croakers is driving me crazy. I am really stoked I got a nice sequence of the shot/landing of
this beautiful big fish.
The sardines were going mad and I could tell they were in prey mode by the way they were balling up tight and darting
around the kelp.
I made a few dives and was hanging out at around the same depth as the bait. After about 20 mins down on a dive hanging
out and filming the sardines balling up in the murky green water. All of a sudden this big black figure appears and I position
my camera to frame the fish as I slowly bring up my right hand to line up on the fish. As soon as I get my gun about level, the
fish turns away from me and gives me a behind shot. I’ve shot a few fish from this angle and it’s not the best if you are not
dialed in on your gun. Last year I shot that 55 pounder on camera from the same angle and this fish was closer so I let her
have it and it she off like a bat out of hell with the reel screaming. This fish headed to open water and I handed off the camera to Mike as he filmed the fish, all lit up and barred, fighting as I fight it up. Pretty cool stuff! I am filming every dive this
year to document as much spearfishing action as I can. It is a new discipline learning to dive with cont’d pg 22
Page 12
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Page 15
GLACD PHOTO SHOOTOUT
Sunday August 1st, 2010
Point Vicente, Palos Verdes
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ANYONE, FREEDIVERS AND SCUBA DIVERS
When:
Where:
Check In Time:
Cost:
Start Time:
End Time:
Prizes:
Sunday August 1st, 2010
Point Vicente Parking Lot, Palos Verdes, CA
7:00 am Sign in at Parking lot
$10 GLACD Membership Fee, GLACD is a non profit.
8:00 am You can enter the water
1:30 pm Check in at Parking Lot
1-5th Place most points and most artistic picture
— BBQ and Raffle at 2:00 pm at the parking lot.—
Equipment: Any digital underwater camera. Freediving and Scuba diving equipment, muscle power
only, kayaks, and any dive boards are ok. No boats allowed, this is a shore dive.
Rules:
OPEN TO EVERYONE. Freediving and Scuba diving. Sign in on site between 7am and
8am at the Point Vicente Parking Lot. All divers must sign in and date waiver in the back of this form
prior the event and pay a $10 GLACD membership fee and agree to terms of participation. The competitor and his camera equipment must be at the staging area at 1:30 p.m. SHARP! No exceptions! To
download his/her pictures for scoring.
Scoring:
1 point per fish. 1 fish per species, 5 points for Steve redding memorial underwater
plaque. Fish List: Calico Bass, Sand Bass, White Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Halibut, Barracuda, Yellow Tail,
Garibaldi, Black Sea Bass, Opaleye, any species of perch, any species of rockfish, Sargo, Cabezon, Lingcod, corbina, croakers, scorpion fish, kelp fish, black smith, any type of smelt, mackerel, sardine, white
fish, halfmoon, sharks and eels are ok. Pictures must be clear and easy to ID the fish species.
Page 16
Page 17
Sponsors and Tentatives - Showing your Tentative
how to Spearfish with the Fathomiers
The three of us - me, Paul, and his tentative Patrick Ferguson, went to Palos Verdes a few weeks ago to
show Patrick how to spear halibut, as he had never done so before. We took him to Flat Rock, as it was
easy, shallow diving, and relatively calm. Paul began by explaining the basics to Patrick and then I
showed Patrick how to begin scanning specific types of areas. Soon enough, Patrick yells to me " I got
one!!!" They guy pulled up a 33" fish for his first halibut! After that, Paul and I each limited and Patrick
got yet another fish. We had a spectacular dive and it was really good to show a tentative more skills to
make him a successful spearfishing diver. Patrick was so stoked to shoot his first halibut, but even better, I sent him home with a broiled halibut with mayonnaise sauce recipe
that he cooked up for his folks.
If there is one thing that separates the Fathomiers from most other dive
clubs out there, what we are in fact known very well for, is that we really
emphasize mentorship and diving with our tentatives. It is important for
prospective members to have sponsors in the club that make the effort to
take them diving - be it during club dives or outside of those times. Effective mentorship not only keeps new interest alive, but also serves to promote cohesiveness within the club. Diving with your tentative during a club
dive is an excellent way to bring new, quality divers into the club. Even if
they are not serious about the competition, it teaches them fish identification, hunting techniques, and gets them socializing with many members.
So sponsors - take your tentatives diving! Kelsey Albert
Page 18
Here’s a great opportunity for you to get more involved in our great sport. The IGFA is offering Observer Training Courses here in Southern California. By becoming an IGFA Trained Observer you will receive invitations to observe aboard some of the finest boats in the some
of the premier fishing areas in the world. The benefits to becoming an observer include: Invitations to observe tournament fishing in
dream locations like Costa Rica, Mexico and the Bahamas.Watch and learn from world class captains and crews.Take an active role in
conservation by documenting catches instead of killing fish. This really is a unique opportunity to learn and give back to our great sport.
More information is below. We hope to see you at the class!
OBSERVER TRAINING Over the years, billfish tournaments have transformed into big business enterprises. Many prestigious tournaments now have enormous calcuttas and purses as well as large numbers of participating anglers. With huge purses and egos on the line,
concern often arises whether all participants are adhering to the letter of the rules. This causes turmoil for tournament directors and, at its
worst, prevents tournaments from adopting release formats. An obvious solution is to have observers on boats to ensure a level playing
field. But how do you know if observers have been properly trained and where do you go to find them? The answer is simple; IGFA.
The International Game Fish Association’s Observer classes began as a conservation initiative to allow offshore billfish tournaments the
option to go to a 100% release format with trained and experienced observers on board to verify catches and educate anglers about IGFA
angling rules. With the decline of many billfish stocks, the importance of release formats in tournaments has increased. As release tournaments become more common and cash payouts increase, unbiased observers become vital in reporting rule infractions as well as for identifying billfish species. Observers can often benefit anglers by preventing inadvertent rule infractions before they even happen. Having observers that are trained to identify billfish species under frantic tournament conditions virtually eliminates the need to bring back dead fish
to the dock for official scoring. Observers also raise the prestige level and credibility of tournaments while contributing to conservation
efforts with the safe release of tournament billfish.
With the aid of the National Marine Fisheries Service, IGFA has had over 1,000 individuals complete the IGFA Observer Training
Course. The IGFA Observer Training Course trains Captains, Mates, and experienced anglers worldwide in one day training classes. During the class, subjects covered include species identification, IGFA saltwater angling rules, boating safety, and observer responsibilities and
etiquette. Once an individual has taken the course, they have the ability to observe in numerous exotic fishing destinations. Tournament
locations that are presently utilizing Observers are Costa Rica, Virgin Islands, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Bermuda, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Turks, Caicos, Bahamas, and Florida.
Through contributions and sponsorship, IGFA endeavors to provide more training opportunities so that more tournaments can utilize
observers. IGFA trained Observers and the tournaments that use them play a leadership role in billfish conservation and act as stewards of
the sport. The overall goal is to contribute to billfish conservation through the promotion of catch and release and to uphold IGFA angling and tournament rules. Using observers that have been IGFA trained will provide prestige and credibility to any tournament, encouraging more participation.
UPCOMING OBSERVER CLASSES: IGFA to Hold an Observer Training Class in Balboa, California May 15
The Balboa Angling Club is hosting the IGFA Observer Training Course at the Newport Dunes Marina Clubhouse on Saturday, May 15
at 9a.m. The address is 101 N. Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. The class instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew
members as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe. The IGFA OTC covers topics such as species identification, IGFA
saltwater fishing rules and tackle regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. Space is limited and IGFA OTC applications are available
online here. Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership
in the IGFA. Please contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or email:[email protected] for additional
information.
INTERESTED IN TAKING THE IGFA OBSERVER COURSE? Training classes take roughly an entire day and typically start at
9:00 am and end at 3:00 pm. Individuals that are interested in taking the observer course are encouraged to contact Jason Schratwieser at
[email protected] or 954-924-4320. The cost of the class $150 and includes a one year IGFA membership, training manual and two
instructional (IGFA Rules & Billfish Identification) DVDs. Individuals that have completed the IGFA Observer Course are notified of
tournaments requiring Observers by email blasts and posts on the IGFA Observer Talk Forum. There is no annual fee to receive these
notices, but Observers must keep an up-to-date IGFA membership.Click here to download the application
INTERESTED IN HOLDING AN OBSERVER TRAINING CLASS IN YOUR AREA ? In addition to holding OTCs at IGFA,
we’ve held classes in six different countries, two US territories and a slew of states. Arranging an OTC in your area is a relatively simple
affair. IGFA needs a point person to correspond with in planning and promoting the course. That person is responsible for helping recruit
interested individuals and for securing a venue to hold the course. Before IGFA can travel to hold a course, we need a commitment, in the
form of signed applications, from a minimum of 20 people. This is a great opportunity for angling clubs. If you are interested in holding a
course in your area, contact Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or [email protected]. taken from Bloody Decks
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Fathomiers Dive the 4th Annual Big Ab Big Ling
Event in Manchester CA - May 1st
Paul Romanowski, Nathan Byron, and Kelsey Albert made the long trek up north to dive the 4th Annua Big Abalone Big Ling Dive Tournament, held by Tino Bernazzani to raise money for fishing rights
organizations such as the Recreational Fishing Alliance and the California Fisheries Coalition. The
event sees over 100 contestents competing for the
biggest Abalone and biggest Ling Cod/fish
stringer. The details of the event can be found
at: http://www.irishbeachhouse.com/
Event/2010/
BABL2010EVENTHOMEPAGE.htm
The event was an absolute blast, despite the crazy
dive conditions - avg 30 kt winds blowing for several days really churned things up and made many
places undivable except for the most sheltered of
coves. Visibility in many places was less than 5 feet,
with overhead sets and rollers challenging even the
bravest of divers. The day of the tournament, Paul decided
that he wanted to dive a spot that was productive for him
during the 2000 Nationals - an area at the North part of Russian Gulch where divers had done well in the past for both
big abalone, rockfish, and ling cod. Well, we paddled out of
the Russian Gulch river mouth and the angry ocean greeted
us roughly. We paddled against the wind stubbornly. Paul
says to me "did you bring your guts?" I feigned being insulted
in a joking way: "Do you know who you are talking to?!?" and
rubbed my belly. "I brought my balls too in case you were
wondering, and I'll need to lighten up my weight belt because
of them!" Then I realized he was referring to the abalone guts
- derrr!!! So we get to the reef we were after. We looked at
the waves EATING the shoreline and Paul starts off:
"Well, lets anchor here and see if it holds. It looks like
hell." Nathan, already seasick at this point, the poor guy,
says to me: "That's the kinda crazy guy your dating." I replied: "Its a good thing I'm just as insane." Nathan put
forth a good effort, but headed back to the cove to get his
big abs. Paul and I stuck to our game at that reef. One
rogue wave ate my board and knocked me in the face as I
was adjusting my gear. Down in the abyss goes some of
my gear. Balls. So I dive down to retrieve it. I drop down
more than 70 feet and left all light behind before ending
that effort. I carried on with my dive to at least get my
abs and fish - its the best you can do when that happens.
And it will happen up there - despite all preparation you
can do, the North Coast is unforgiving and merciless
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when the weather is
up. Many divers lose their lives up
there every year for seemingly innocuous reasons compared to our easy south coast diving.
The fish were not be be had at that reef on
that day, but we got some good sized abs to
enter at the weigh in.
At the weigh in, we enjoyed hot chili, home
brewed stouts & lagers, and the best hospitality the north coast divers deliver. Several divers, including Dennis Haussler got on some
ling cods and a few people come upon some
10" abalone - the winner being Brian Ishida.
There were women's and junior categories. I
was personally excited to compete against 4 other
women, including Jean Lundeen - a speara of more than
20 years
and a long time competitor. I placed top in
women's - even with a moderately sized abalone of just over 8 inches. If we had visited the
same reef we dove before the day of the tournament, I am sure I could have challenged
Brian with a 10" ab. I'll save that spot for
when I return for Matt Mattision's Abalone
Cookoff in August later this year! Paul, Nathan, and I stayed for a while in the communal area to enjoy abalone cooked in 100+ different ways and some rowdy company. The
KOA campground there in Manchester has
hot showers and is very diver friendly. I look
forward to next year's event. The Fathomiers
will be up there again for sure! Kelsey Albert
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Spearfishing Porn
Starring WSB & Special
Guests
my big HD camera in one
hand and camera in the other while trying to frame
the subject, line up gun and camera, and still land
the fish.
The DVD will be sold and should be out by
Christmas. It is being produced in association
with In the Zone Productions out of South Africa. We have joined up to make a California /
Baja spearfishing adventure production. I have
been stock piling a few years of HD footage
that has not been released. I am working
cont’d from page 12
throughout this year to finish production. So far
there is quite a bit of entertaining footage including
the entire hunt of Balta's new world record Gulf
Grouper but I don’t want to give too much else
away.
submitted by Joe Farlo
written by Austin Derry
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