A Close Look at a Ranger 85 2 Day Open Party
April 21/22 2012
The Ranger 85 departed CISC with 30 anglers onboard under a heavy marine layer and calm seas. Destination: the outer Channel Islands.

With ideal conditions, we were able to take advantage of the lack of swell and fish super shallow water. Artificials dominated the action and the results were phenomenal. All onboard put together a quality catch of rockfish and with 2 full days to accomplish this, we really enjoyed ourselves. While foggy most of the first day, when the sun finally broke through (around 4 pm Saturday afternoon) the view of the islands was nothing short of majestic, as this was the first thing we had seen since departing almost 24 hours prior.

We spent the night is Cuylers Harbor at San Miguel Island. The Ranger 85 appeared to be a ghost ship by 9pm, as everyone was sound asleep after a full day fishing and tri-tip dinner. The crew worked tirelessly into the night processing the days catch and preparing for day 2.

Conditions continued to improve by Sunday morning (if that was even possible) and so we headed out in pursuit of our 2nd days catch. Again taking advantage of calm conditions, we fished some of the most scenic and productive shallow water the islands have to offer. I am very fortunate for the customers I have come to serve throughout the years. Fishing these past couple days was like being with friends the entire weekend. Always great to spend a couple days catching up and sharing a few laughs.

While I sit at my desk and write this, forgive me if I leave anyone out, as I am just thinking back over the trip...Darryl, Darryl and Darryl good to see you guys and looking forward to seeing you again the first part of June.
Bridget and Mark, always a pleasure. Bridget, your pictures are ling slayer.
Lloyd and Sheila, thank you for the kind words following the trip. I'm glad Shelia had a good time...we missed her dad however and look forward to seeing all of you again...soon.
Jerry, the silent assassin, we never even know you are there you're so quiet...till we look at the tally board at the end of the day.
Robert, you had way too much fun in the shallows.
Henry, what can I say...you also had your way with the lingcod.
Danny, Ivan and Sarge...always at the rail fishing hard...thanks guys.
And to everyone else I left out and did not mention personally, I enjoyed your company this past weekend. Looking forward to sharing more experiences on the water. Let's keep our fingers crossed the water continues to remain calm, warms a bit, a little bait moves in and we find ourselves targeting Seabass and Halibut soon. Here are a few images from the trip...

Till next time,

Capt. Frank

Photos:

Main Photo, above: Nice one Jerry
Photo #1: Henry improvises with the use of some local live bait.
Photo #2: Bridget was unstoppable.
Photo #3: Just before sundown going into the anchorage, the sun came out.
Photo #4: Day 2 we moved up tight...
Photo: #5 And tighter...
Photo #6: Until we got the results we were looking for...
Photo #7: A great time was had by all.