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Sports

Baja Fishing 'Epic,' Says O.C. Angler

The latest in fishing news. Plus, your chance to meet the Lakers Girls and a "CSI: Miami" star.

Fishing has been great in Northern Baja California—at least according to Orange County police helicopter pilot Tim Starn. His first private boater journey on The Phoenix to Cedros Island—a 600-mile ride from Newport Beach—proved memorable in many ways.

“The fishing was epic,” Starn said. “We caught and released giant calico bass and had incredible yellowtail action. We got to meet and become friends with some of the local Baja panga anglers too.”

Starn and his friends fished near the San Diego long-range sportfishing boat Qualifier 105 and could see it was catching lots of fish too.

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“I have been coming to Baja for many years and enjoy the people, the food and the great fishing,” Starn said, calling this first trip by boat a great success. He took advantage of Baja’s lower fuel prices by purchasing diesel at the Hotel Coral in Ensenada on the way home, saving nearly $1 per gallon.

“We took on over 1,100 gallons, so that move saved us a bunch,” he said.

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Starn not only loves traveling and fishing in Baja, but he likes the idea of contributing to the people there. “Things are tough all over, so coming here and spending some money in Baja just feels good,” he said. “These are great people, so it’s great to be able to contribute to the local economy.”

Philip Friedman Outdoors hosting holiday party

Dr. Dave Patel and Philip Friedman Outdoors invite everyone to a holiday party Dec. 9 at the Tandoor Restaurant at 1132 E. Katella Ave. in Orange. Just bring an unwrapped gift for a child and you can enjoy an open bar and all you can eat.

Partiers can meet and take photos with the Laker Girls between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Rex Linn from CSI: Miami will also be there.

More than 100 fishing trips will be up for bid in a silent auction, and attendees may be able to get some great Christmas gifts at a steal while helping to get even more kids out on the water.

Live-auction items include a private flight and lunch on Catalina Island with Ashton Smith, signed Manny Pacquio gloves, a day on the set of CSI: Miami and much more. A deejay will be on hand for more fun and dancing. For more information, please email PhilipFriedmanOutdoors@gmail.com.  

Quick bites

  • Rockfishing remained steady for most Southern California landings, even as new rules took effect. Although the lingcod season has been extended through Dec. 31, the size limit for lingcod was decreased from 24 inches to 22 inches. The Native Sun out of Long Beach Sportfishing caught three nice lingcod and some other bottom grabbers Tuesday on the local banks.
  • Bottom fishing has also been good off Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. Santa Monica Bay anglers have been catching some lingcod, vermillion rockfish and lots of fine-eating salmon grouper. Some sand and calico bass have also been caught.
  • Anglers have been seeing excellent surface fishing. Carlos de los Santos caught a beautiful 42-pound halibut this week out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Scott Buchert from Corona del Mar nailed a 6-pound sand bass on the Clemente out of Dana Wharf on Tuesday. Capt. Jeff Jones from Newport Beach has also had some excellent halibut fishing inside Long Beach Harbor this week.
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