Author: BD STAFF

This week in Tonie’s Sportboat Roundup, if you’ve looked outside you’ve noticed most if not all of our sportboats are tied to the dock due to weather. That being said, the kick-off of the season is within reach. Once we get going the a focus will be on deepwater Yellowtail and this time of the year a key method to targeting them is the dropper loop rig, to be used with a sardine or greenback mackeral. Tonie takes us through rigging in this episode. Please be aware the CARB proposal for the emissions final hearing is coming up and if…

FISHING FOR ROCKFISH IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS NOW OPEN. GET OUT THERE! Pacific Rockfish encompass a wide variety of groundfish that range in size, color, and behavior. Found in the deeper environments off our coast ranging in depths as shallow as 60’ to several hundred feet. They love structure and are quite aggressive when presented with bait or lure. As for locating them, their name is accurate in that they prefer rocky outcroppings and ledges. As a sportfish in California, it is one of the most important to our community. It offers a year-round opportunity (except for Jan and…

Each Fall, fisherman make the migration to Baja in the hopes of escaping winter and extending their endless summer. These trips are a rite of passage for these anglers. The experiences and fishing, fueling their memory banks to make it to the next fishing season. This is a glimpse into one of these special trips.

This week in Tonie’s Sportboat Roundup, she recaps the fishing scene over the past week as well as some upcoming trips to check out if you’re looking to get out on the water. Tonie also discusses CARB’s proposed engine regulations which threaten the livelihood of our local sportboat, whale watching fleets, and more. If you’d like to help out and get involved to save our fleet, visit the website https://www.savefishing.com/petition to sign the petition. Tonie Bangos works aboard the Grande and is a seasoned angler who will be bringing us weekly updates that will include reports, tips, and the most…

The 2022 Long Beach Fred Hall show was officially cancelled earlier today. After taking a year off due to the pandemic, Fred Hall was expected to return this year on March 2nd – 6th. The parent company, Duncan McIntosh Co., officially cancelled the 2022 show and is reaching out to its vendors stating: “Owing to the ongoing pandemic caused by covid-19 and the local governmental protocols requiring masks, proof of vaccination and or at the door testing, we are not able to move forward with the Fred Hall Show at the Long Beach Convention Center. We are truly sorry about…

This week, Tonie talks sinker rig fishing for big bluefin! This is one of the most effective ways to fish bluefin when they are not particularly active on the surface, and are cruising a little bit deeper in the water column than would allow you to fish a flylined bait.⁠ The rod and reel she is using are the same as last week (calstar 770H and Penn Fathom 60) with 100lb braid to a topshot of 80lb mono connected to 80lb fluorocarbon to match. You do NOT want to use anything less than 60lb when fishing this sinker rig setup…

Much of the sportboat fleet and long-range fleet is doing maintenance at the moment, so reports are far and few but not to worry several boats are about to hit the water this coming week. Here’s the latest information served up by our very own Tonie Bangos to give us a report. For this report with the lack of info on the offshore scene, Tonie serves up a little info on how she likes to fish bluefin. Tonie Bangos is our weekly sportboat reporter. If she looks familiar it’s because she’s probably gaffed your fish or helped you make a…

Hook & Tackle Outfitters (HTO) introduces a strong new collection of women’s hi-performance fishing shirts for Spring 2022. The demand for sun protective apparel has grown over the years and Hook & Tackle ( in 1989) was the first brand in the marine/fishing industry to introduce & promote sun protection. With exclusive graphic and printed designs, the fabrics offer UPF 50+ sun protection, quick-dry and is odor-resistant. The shirts & hoodies are great for inshore, offshore and travel. Women’s retail cost are from $40-$45 in sizes XS-XL. For more information, please visit hookandtackle.com

PRESS RELEASE January 5, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Reel Guppy Dockside Learning Center Ribbon Cutting Port Hueneme, CA – We cordially invite the public to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and official launch of the Reel Guppy Dockside Learning Center. Reel Guppy Dockside Learning Center, Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm in the Channel Islands Harbor located at 2741 S. Victoria Avenue, Suite D, Oxnard, CA 93041. The event will take place in the courtyard to the left of Fisherman’s Wharf. We sincerely hope that you can join us for this memorable event!The Reel Guppy Dockside Learning Center will serve…

Acosta is tapped to lead global marketing efforts for the performance eyewear brand. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 11, 2022) – Costa Sunglasses, manufacturer of the first color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lens, appointed industry veteran John Acosta as its Vice President of Marketing. With more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor and fishing industries, Acosta will oversee Costa’s global marketing efforts creating a consistent brand experience in every channel of its business. Acosta brings deep knowledge and connection to the fishing industry, as well as experience in branding, storytelling, and grassroots marketing to his position. He joins the team…

In winter most of our favorite gamefish skirt away with warmer waters, leaving us with a fishing void.  Thankfully for rockfish and an assortment of groundfish species we’re able to scratch our fishing itch over the winter months. They can be a blast to pull on, make great table fare, and for those novice anglers make a great introductory gamefish. As with most species in U.S. waters, there are regulations surrounding the catch and keep of gamefish and it’s important to head out on the water versed on the most up-to-date regulations to avoid what could be a hefty ticket…

AFTCO has been a staple of the fishing industry and a leader in products built to better the sport of fishing. Their additional focus on apparel and accessories has catapulted them to becoming a household name in “fishy” families. Their focus on function, quality, and “eye-catching” style has kept them an industry leader for many years, but the fact that they are a leader in conservation is probably what the family and crew behind AFTCO are most proud of. It’s been a family tradition in the Shedd family to give back to the sport that they personally enjoy and treasure as well…

On December 27th, Santa will be heading to Long Beach, California to fish and help support the much needed improvements at El Dorado Regional Park. COLUMBIA, S.C. (December 14, 2021) – After Christmas, Santa will no doubt be exhausted from delivering presents to people all over the world with only one thing on his mind – fishing! On December 27th, Santa will be heading to Long Beach, California to do just that, and he is not coming empty-handed. Santa’s sleigh will touch down in Long Beach, where he will spend some much needed time on the water, unwinding and fishing…

Have you always wanted to fish Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala? Well now’s your chance! The team at Local Knowledge will be hosting a trip Dec 18-22 and would love for you to join. Don’t miss out on this epic trip! Here are the details: Itinerary12/18 – Travel Day – Fly to Guatemala City (arrive as early as possible) – A van will be waiting to take us to the lodge about 90 minutes away12/19 – 12/21 – Fish, Drink, Eat and have fun12/22 – Depart CVL early AM for return flight home Cost $3000 per person (normally $3500) Includes:…

The Channel Islands are comprised of a group of Islands in the Northern portion of the Southern California Bight. When we discuss the group of islands it can be categorized predominantly in to two sections of North and South. When speaking of the Southern Islands reference is to San Clemente Island and Catalina Island. These Islands have the most fishing recognition as they are more accessible for a larger portion of the coast due to proximity to myriad of harbors. The Northern group of islands referenced as San Miguel Island, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara, Anacapa and San…