FISHING: The Fonz Fishes, Kid Lands Whopper

Henry Winkler, actor, producer and best-selling author of 17 children's books is best known for his role as the Fonz on Happy Days. What you probably don't know is that he is an avid fly-fisherman whose favorite spots to fish are Montana and Idaho.

Winkler's new book, I've Never Met an Idiot on the River, is a delightful collection of humorous anecdotes and heartfelt observations by Winker as he shares the joy and wisdom he's accumulated while honing his skills as a fly-fisherman.

Winkler Is an accomplished sportsman who meticulously records the measurements of every fish he hooks. Winkler learned that his yearly trips to the river are not just about catching trout. More importantly, they are about adopting the proper perspective on life. 

Or as he puts it "the river acts like a washing machine for my brain," recharging him and reminding him that anything is possible. 

This book is about life, family, relaxation and love. Winkler shares his love of angling with his wife, Stacey, and their three children, Jed, Zoe and Max.

Other Fishing News

Rockfishing continues strong with some big halibut taken too. The Laker Girls, Rex Linn from CSI Miami and Adam Kennedy show up to get more kids outdoors.

Fishing remained excellent this week with an abundance of tasty rockfish filling anglers' sacks. Lots of vermillion rockfish continued to be the rule for Long Beach based boats along with a variety of other bottom grabbers. Many think bottom fishing is so good this year because rockfish thrive in cold water and we have had several cold water years in a row now.

The Patriot was out of Newport Landing on Wednesday morning and caught 68 sculpin, 20 sand bass, 25 perch and 4 sheepshead for 14 anglers.

Pam Sharp from Torrance was on board the Outrider out of 22nd St. Landing in San Pedro over the weekend. They headed to San Nicolas Island where fishing was fantastic.

"We pulled limits of ling cod, no monsters, but nice quality fish with limits of rock fish, and lots of nice sheephead and whitefish,” said Sharp.

Same kind a result at San Clemente Island for the Freedom also out of 22nd St. Landing. They had limits of rockfish along with several nice lingcod.

Redondo and Marina del Rey are also on a rockfish role providing angler with plenty of rockfish and a shot at a lingcod or two.  

Dana Wharf Halibut

A fat, 31-lb. halibut was taken by 12-year old Bradley Parr of San Juan Capistrano on Sunday after he had participated in the Dana Wharf Free Kids Fishing Clinic. Parr was not entered in the Dana Wharf Halibut Derby but he gets bragging rights for a flatfish. Moreover, this kid Is a quick study nailing a fish that many anglers dream of just after taking the fishing clinic.  

Baja Update

Captain Steve Lassley was fishing 100 miles from Magdelena Bay on his private boat Monday and raised 60 striped marlin in 6-hours and hooked over 50 of the majestic billfish. It was all catch and release fishing in some of the best marlin fishing one may ever experience.

"Big stripers with 4 around 200-pounds," Lassley said.

Dr. Patel Holiday Party and Toy Drive

What a joyous night as hundreds of giving folks attended the 2011 Dr. Dave Patel/ PFO Holiday Party and Toy Drive last Friday. The stars came out for this event with the Laker Girls, Rex Linn from CSI Miami and Los Angeles Dodger Adam Kennedy all in attendance.

Funds were also raises to get more kids outdoors. More than 300 children will get a day's fishing in February out of Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach with the Philip Friedman Outdoors Youth Program. 

Also, thanks to a generous donation from Friends of Rollo, the girls from the Casa Estrella Orphanage in Rosarito will be headed out on the high seas, too, for a day's fishing on Gamefisher Ensenada.

It was a great night; thanks to all of the wonderful people who attended and the many behind the scenes workers who made this party one for the ages. Most of all, thanks to Dr. Gnyandev Patel for bringing so much joy to so many children during the holiday season.