07.29.21 The Fish Village vibe is a thing Pt. 1

One thing that has remained consistent across almost all of our trips, international and domestic… there is vibe to Fish Village trips. Sure, you can argue that there is a vibe to any trip, but multiple experiences throughout the June/July kayak mothership season really drove this point home.

For starters our season kicked off with shit kayak fishing weather, bad enough to cancel the mothership trip. The Islander offered to take us bluefin fishing instead… an option that had not presented itself in the past. Did our group of anglers want to say no and throw in the towel? F*&* NO. Each and everyone of them said… let\’s go offshore in terrible conditions and fish for a fish of a lifetime with Captain Pete at the helm of the Islander and Fish Village.

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This group had a freaking blast. I saw people get worked by pissed off bluefin, I saw people tear up when they landed a 20 pounder and then I saw people literally cheering on their compadres when hooked up to a bluefin for the first time. Foul fishing weather… no one except me and Charlie noticed (LOL). I was able to fish with Fish Village team members Ryan Howell of CCKF, Jesse Landry and Charlie Wardle… if that wasn\’t enough our friends Andy O\’Brien and Zach Clift joined in on the fun as well. We laughed as much as we fished… but that didn\’t stop Andy from landing a beast, Jesse sticking a few including a big one and Ryan showing us how to stick em and land them. The Fish Village vibe was mentioned by others multiple times. I left this trip worked, but so satisfied.

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Onto the following week when the Fresh n Salty crew rolled into San Diego and took over the landing for a short bit before heading off to San Clemente Island for the 2nd trip of the season… but the first kayak mothership trip of the season. One of the first things that Robert Field said was… \”they are so organized.\” For reals. Fresh n Salty knows how to roll. They show up in the same shirts, organized, minimal gear and HAPPY AF to head offshore with the host of Field Trips. Everyone was vibing hard… and that was just at the docks. Once they got to the island they absolutely killed it. Set a record for most halibut caught by a kayak group and put 50 yellows on the deck. If that ain\’t vibing… I don\’t know what is.

So is the Fish Village vibe a real thing? Apparently so. The vibe continues through four (4) more trips, culminating with an on the water kayak fishing wedding… WHAT? Stay tuned for Pt. 2.

I appreciate every person that helped reignite the passion for what we do and every person that shared what the Fish Village vibe means to you. Thank you!

Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament Series 2021

This is our hometown favorite monthly tournament. No big egos, just a small friendly tournament amongst locals and friends…. with a big cook-out at the end. This is a good way to connect with the local Orange County kayak fishing scene.

When

  • Saturday June 19th
  • Saturday July 17th
  • Saturday August 14th
  • Saturday September 18th
  • Saturday October 16th
  • Saturday November 13th
  • Saturday December 11th

Where

Dana Point California

Registration

Sign-in on the day of the tournament directly at the shop. If you are launching on your own at a different location, please be sure to sign up before heading out.

Event Details

Format is very simple: Entry fee is $10 with the largest legal fish taking all. No sharks, rays, skate’s, etc. Very simple rules: no sponsors, no raffles, no prizes, no points, NO HASSLE.  An optional $5 big bass side pot is offered for those that are going to target bass.

Start time @ 7 A.M. with weigh-in @ 2 P.M. Weigh-in and post tournament pot luck at Pure Watersports. Parking will be available for those early launchers. Gate to launch will open at 6:30 A.M., and will close at 7:30 A.M.

Pure Watersports relocated our business earlier this year and will be testing how the new facility will work for this tournament.  Parking is much better, but can still be problematic.  Access to the new facility is through the Embarcadero gate off Dana Point Harbor Drive.  There is a fee for this access and you will be able to use the commercial launch ramp and parking area.  The alternative is to park in the \”Employee/Retail\” parking lot that is accessed off Golden Lantern in the harbor.  Once you launch your kayak, check in at the store which is directly across the water.

Post Tournament Potluck

The owners of Pure Watersports host a potluck after the event with the main course always provided by them. They rely on us to bring drinks, sides and desserts, please no alcohol.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps?q=Pure%20Watersports%20Dana%20Point%20California&output=embed&hl=en-US&z=16&w=425&h=350]

Dana Point Related News

07.14.21 Congrats to the Miller family

As you all know, we have been busy with our annual San Clemente Island kayak mothership trips. We have so much to share with you… so many incredible moments that we were blessed to be a part of. One of those moments was particularly special because I was honored to perform my first wedding as an officiant. Not just any wedding… a kayak fishing wedding.

The story starts off with a conversation with Steve Miller. First, he wasn\’t able to book two (2) spots initially because we sold out so quickly. As fate would have it… a spot opened up for him and Felicia and they took it. From there Steve asked if they could get married on the Islander. A few emails and calls later we had a wedding plan.

If a kayak fishing couple wants to get married on one of our kayak mothership trips… you better believe I am marrying them. An online application, a few questions later… I was ordained.

Weather has been threatening just about every trip we ran this year. Winds at one point were un-safe to launch kayaks, so we converted to bluefin tuna trips. This trip looked doomed at one point… but thanks to the hard work and dedication of owner John Conniff and Captain Pete, we had three great days of fishing culminating with one of the nicest days I have ever had at San Clemente Island. They found the only spots not blowing and gave all of us a chance to catch fish. This also created the best window and backdrop for a kayak fishing wedding.

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Thank you Theresa for the great shot!

I wasn\’t the only person that recognized the special moment… the Islander crew went out of their way to make Steve and Felicia\’s day special. Shortly before sunset we all gathered at the stern for a quick reading and vows. My Dad was the official witness (super cool), Jake (Islander crew), took photos, Theresa (Fish Village customer), helped with her dress and filmed the ceremony, Mike (Islander chef) prepared the absolute best meal I have ever eaten on the Islander, duck breast with some crazy orange sauce (that was AMAZING) and made a freaking cake!!! Champagne and bourbon flowed throughout the evening.

I was overrun with emotions and I wasn\’t the one getting married. Seeing everyone come together for a stranger\’s wedding was a gift. I was hearing hooting and hollering from all over the boat. I know with conviction that I am surrounded by the best customers and partners like Islander Sportfishing. Thank you to each and everyone of you for making this moment special for Steve and Felicia.

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Today I got a text from Felicia stating that the county accepted their finalized marriage certificate which makes this official! I am super proud to introduce Mr. Steve and Mrs. Felicia \”Fish\” Miller. May you have endless years of happiness and never stop fishing! I could never thank you enough for this honor!

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