Departure on the annual Ventura County Anglers 10 day voyage was poised for excitement in the wrong kind of way, especially right out of the gates. Sloppy conditions – abundant wind, swell, and seas behind last night's low pressure, were the order of the morning. Not nice. Prepared for the unpleasant reality check of an unwelcoming ocean we baited up and headed out into the morass. And, happily, we found conditions to be easy to traverse, and rapidly diminishing. By late afternoon, a mere six hours after our departure, it was all over; seas were spread out and the ride was fine; not perfect, but fine. So we head forth in fine spriits enjoying the company of this veteran group while preparing for fishing tomorrow and beyond. Reports from below are full of promise; and an improving weather forecast, slated soon to be flat calm, beckons to our experienced nature. Years of practice have convinced all of us that it's far better to be out here when conditions are right; we'll take it. Daily fishing reports are soon to follow.