Passing of a Fishing Icon
This has been a tough week for those of us that knew Del Marsh. Del passed away last Sunday, just 4 days short of his 80th birthday. "I know Del Marsh" stickers can be seen from Alaska to Baja and many places in-between, showing just a peak at the great life this fun loving guy had. Del caught a grander in Kona, 50 pound white sea bass in the surf of Baja, a lake record trout in New Zealand, and so many other great angling accomplishments. He was a regular fixture at the Cal Star Rod and Accurate booths at the Fred Hall show, and was loved by so many people for his ability to entertain and make people laugh. His friend Jack Nilsen from Accurate was at his side on Del's last fishing trip aboard the Tony Reyes in June, and at the hospital bed when he "was spooled", as Del called it. He had a strange fungal infection that came from dirt, and shut down his body. Services for Del have not been announced, but likely will be a small family gathering. We will all miss Del, and I am proud to say " I knew Del Marsh".

Del would want us to go fishing in his memory, so here is the latest on the fishing front. The amazing albacore bite that San Diego 1 1/2 day boats and long range vessels have been experiencing about 100 mile southwest of Point Loma slowed down yesterday. It has been limit style fishing on 30 plus pound albies, and we all hope that this pops back up soon. 5 day plus long range trips are having a banner season with yellowfin tuna at Guadalupe Island, albacore and bluefin tuna. Even the one day fleet has had there chances on 100 pound bluefin.

Coronado Islands had good yellowtail and bonito fishing early in the week ,but it slowed down yesterday. Sea lions are real trouble over there, so pull hard! Private boaters fishing the 9 mile bank have been catching and releasing marlin this week. Wednesday Doug Kern from Fishermans Landing Tackle ( saltwatertackle.com) and Rock Cod Rick had nine jig bites and released a marlin. There is also lots of small yellowfin tuna in the same zone. Dana Point and the inshore L.A./O.C. areas have been very slow. With better water conditions hopefully this will change soon. Check 976bite.com or fishdope.com for more information on the bite.

California Department of Fish and Game is trying to "stick it" again to the recreational angler. At the next Fish and Game Commission meeting they will discuss whether to outlaw the Eclipse style hoop net for the upcoming lobster season. Because this style net catches more lobster, they are concerned that it will impact the resource. Hey- Fish and Game- what about the commercial lobster fishermen! Why not reduce their catch and then there will be lobster for everyone. Voice your opinion to the DFG before they take away yet another great way to fish. We will be discussing this issue on Saturday.

This Saturday morning from 7am to 9am Pete Gray will be in the XX studio with special co-host Captain Bob Fletcher as Rock Cod Rick is fishing in the San Diego Marlin Club's small boat tournament. Our in studio guest will be Rick Carr from Gamakatsu hooks. Rick will go over the latest from Gamakatsu, Bob will have the current issues on the MLPA and of course will will have the best fishing reports on the latest conditions. Sunday from 7am to 9am Pete will be back in the XX 1090 studio with "The Fishin' Physicians" Doctors Ken and Marty Morris. Ken and Marty are avid anglers, and they will be talking about the Make-a-Wish Tuna Challenge tournament coming in September. It will be a great weekend to tune into Let's Talk Hook-up Saturday and Sunday- 7am to 9am on XX 1090AM or listen live on line at www.hookup1090.com You can also listen to our archives from previous shows on our archives page.