Tag Archives: California

01.14.21 Charlie\’s dumb luck stole my money

Re-told from the events that occurred on July 15th back in 2017.

I\’ll set the stage for ya… it is the July Fishing w/ Friends kayak fishing tournament that is held out of Pure Watersports in Dana Point, California. The event is merely a small gathering of like minded individuals that like to place a small friendly wager to see who can catch the biggest fish. Truth be told… we probably all do it for the feast afterwards.

So Charlie, Tommy, Joe and I started our day like usual… late, slow and always annoying Charlie. See… I am an anxious person, but I am nothing compared to Charlie. No matter what we do… he is annoyed with us, yet he likes to hang out with us. We don\’t get it.

We lazily pointed our yaks towards the \”Pipe\”, a known underwater rock structure just outside Dana Point harbor and Doheny Beach. We fished it with our usual amount of banter, breakfast beers and Pop-Tarts. At some point we were over it and moved on to another spot closer to shore. As we worked our way back towards the harbor mouth we stopped to bullshit some more.

An extremely lazy Charlie had a Shimano Waxwing dangling just below his kayak when something started to happen. Now… let me be clear. Charlie was NOT fishing. Now the photos may suggest otherwise, but this f\’n guy wasn\’t even fishing.

Charlie was screaming, cursing, laughing and perhaps in a slight panic (we all know the truth). He was hooked big. We all backed away and let him do his thing. A short fight later… this freaking guy has a giant White sea bass draped across his lap with that shit eating grin on his face.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I mean look at that freaking tail.

Though we may be talking shit on Charlie and making fun of how he landed that giant White sea bass… he got the last laugh that day as he giggled all the way back to the dock and took all of our money.

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12.29.20 More 2021 SCI Kayak Mothership Trips

Would you believe me if I told you that we sold out of that newly added San Clemente Island 3.5 day kayak mothership trip? For realsies…

That means that we have sold 110 spots in less than two (2) weeks. This blows my mind. You wanna hear something else… there is still demand for these trips. We have over 60+ people still interested in our trips, including waiting list people and returning customers. So we have a proposal.

We have a sixth (6) and final San Clemente Island kayak mothership trip tentatively scheduled, creating the most opportunities EVER for southern California kayak mothership trips.

2.5 Day Kayak Mothership Trip

Sun 6/20 – Wed 6/23
2 full days of fishing

  • A $100 deposit is due within seven (7) business days of billing
  • The remaining $200 deposit is due on or before 1/29/21. You can make payments against your invoice  at your leisure.
  • Your remaining balance is due on or before 4/30/21. 

We are opening up booking once again. However, we will not bill nor collect money until we hit our minimum of sixteen (16) anglers booked. If we do not reach the minimum number of bookings in the next couple of weeks, we will be forced to cancel the trip. If we are successful, we will notify you and proceed with billing.

The time is now to book… don\’t wait until we are all booked up. Click on the trip links below to book or to be placed on the waiting list.

Trip DatesTrip LengthStatus
6/10 – 6/13 (CCKF)2.5 daysWaiting List Only
6/17 – 6/20 (Fresh n Salty)2.5 daysWaiting List Only
6/20 – 6/232.5 days12 spots open (as of posting)
6/24 – 6/272.5 daysWaiting List Only
7/1 – 7/42.5 daysWaiting List Only
7/4 – 7/83.5 daysWaiting List Only

12.17.20 Wow, that was fast!

Well… we said these trips would be highly contested and we also said that we expected to sell out within 24 hours. We are just about there with only a few spots left.

Last night we received over 250 emails (all after 6:00 PM). We have never seen a response like this. We were floored. This tells me that people love this trip, NorCal\’s Fresh n Salty rolls deep and that people want to get out there and live. This makes us so happy.

We are in the process of responding to every single person that attempted to book. We expect to get to all of you today. For those expecting confirmation emails after we you completed your form… we cannot automate that because we have to ensure that we process them in the order they were received. We would hate to confirm that you have a spot or worse don\’t have a spot and we were wrong. This is sort of like when you order something online and you have to wait to get the confirmation email that they have it in stock and will be delivered.

Sooo… what are we going to do? First, we need to talk to the Islander and get more dates (STAY TUNED). Second, we need to close out the remaining few spots.

We heard rumblings that some people that subscribed to our list did NOT receive the email. First let me say this… It is our intention to include everyone. There is no one that we want to exclude. Next I want to say that we literally want to book you all. So when we hear that people missed out because of a failure with technology… we got really bummed out.

Unfortunately we cannot control whether or not your email server thinks our email is spam. Our process includes a SPAM test and a compliance check. It passed both tests before we sent this out. We literally tested multiple times before sending right at 6:00 PM. Nonetheless, we are bummed that people felt that they missed out. Based on the 250+ email response, we had no idea that some of you were having issues until we started receiving text messages and DMs.

We will be looking into this problem and determine if we can improve upon this process. We want you all to have the best chance possible to fish with your buddies.

12.15.20 2021 SCI Kayak Mothership Trips Coming At Ya

We are suuuuppper excited about the 2021 season… the idea of wiping the slate clean, disinfecting ourselves from COVID and getting back out on the water. It\’s where we all want to be… sounds soooo damn delightful. We all need this!

Every year we see incredibly high demand for these trips. If it weren\’t for COVID-19, we would be launching at least six (6) dates for the 2021 season. With a great initial response to our trip marketing campaign and over one hundred (100) new email subscribers over the last two weeks we expect to see the highest demand for these trips we have ever seen. If we are right, this means we will be adding more trips to the 2021 schedule to meet the demand.

We want to create opportunities for you to fish with people that you know or to forge new relationships with people in your community. Last year we tested out the concept of \’community based\’ trips with the Central Coast Kayak Fishing (CCKF) trip. With more trip inquiries than any other trip… I would say that the community concept was very well received. So we are doubling down.

We are serving three communities aka California regions:

  • Southern California
  • Central Coast (Central Coast Kayak Fishing)
  • Northern California (Fresh n Salty)

We really like this approach as it is centered around communities, which something we believe strongly in. We think 2021 will be a breakout year for these trips. What is the best way to get on these trips? SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE!!!

It is simple, we have a mailing list that is free to join. You do not have to sell your soul to gain access. We do not spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.

To learn more about these trips, check out our trip page.

12.4.20 The final push through the Southwest

The final stretch through El Paso, Las Cruces and Phoenix… then the greater Los Angeles area.

Sunday 11/22 – 550 + miles

We knew that we would gain an hour in El Paso so we opt\’d for an extra hour of sleep and started the day a little later than the last few days. We made the short haul to El Paso where we would stop to grab more dry ice, fuel up and grab something to eat.

Joe had taken the reins on making decisions on where we would eat. Normally I wouldn\’t trust anyone else with my food… but Joe is different. That dude can sniff out a good meal anywhere on this planet. It is a true gift and we will follow his nose anywhere. His latest recommendation took us to this incredible place that makes gorditas… not the Taco Bell kind. This place smelled like fresh tortillas, smelled of grandma\’s delicious stews and meat goodness and no one spoke English. La Gorda… WE ARE AT THE RIGHT PLACE!

After figuring out which meat concoction we wanted to sample… we placed our orders and watch them go to work. A few minutes later we had our gorditas and the three (3) of us started a familiar cycle of sounds and sayings…

\”This is bomb\” – Pop\’s

\”Holy shitballs this is good\” – Me

\”Joe, try my meat\” – Also me

\”Only sounds and no words\” – Joe

\”Thanks Joe\” – Pop\’s and Me

After we finished stuffing our faces… we pushed on to New Mexico where we would make a pit stop literally to get gas and to drain the main vein and low and behold… we find the firework motherload.

Like two (2) little kids with their parent\’s credit cards… Joe and I loaded up on some fireworks. The people that worked there were so helpful and encouraged our bad financial decisions. The next time the earth shakes… it was probably us.

From there we just kept pushing until we hit Glendale Arizona, part of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. My Dad left his toiletry bag at the Best Western on our way out and wanted to get it back (it was my grandfathers bag). Luck was with us and they saved it for him. We un-hitched the trailer for the night and grabbed some dinner at Bobby-Q\’s again. The first time we came was such a hit that we had to do it again. We avoided a lot of restaurants on our trip back due to high COVID risks… so it felt good to enjoy a proper dinner.

Monday 11/23 – 360 miles

Our final run was our shortest run… so we slept in. We were highly motivated to get home and see our families but with any true California story you have to mention something about the traffic. Heading into the Coachella Valley we hit some \”put the brake on and turn off your car\” traffic. Of course… we are so close.

Fortunately it was about an hour delay… once we got past the obstruction we understood why. A semi was overturned with hazardous materials and no more to go. It looked bad… we could only hope that the ones involved were OK.

Some fuel and breakfast stop later… we were on the final run to my house in Diamond Bar. I got a bit emotional thinking this whole #shitshow was coming to an end. I loved just about everything we did… all the good, the bad and the yummy. What a treat. This will NOT be our last road trip as we loved the discovery aspect of it and the opportunities it provided us.

Keep an eye out for a full trip recap with intimate details about our trip and what I got out of it…

09.13.20 Our Dana Point Sept schedule filled up quick

Our September schedule filled up quicker than we expected with multiple trip requests coming in over the last couple of days. This means our guide Tommy Ponce will be busy… don\’t forget about Fish Village during Christmas time Tommy!

Thank you to all that have expressed interest in these trips. With a little luck this trend will continue into the fall.

07.10.20 San Clemente Island Season Recap

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My initial thoughts… WOW.

Re-wind to three (3) months ago… I was in a dark and gloomy place. I thought every trip in our arsenal was about to be cancelled. Sadly, that became a reality for most of our trips, however the one bright spot was the San Clemente Island 2.5 Kayak Mothership trips.

For starters, these trips almost didn\’t happen. The first trip was down to the last few days before we got the official go-ahead call that our charters were going to be able to run. Sylvia, Joe and I were frantically sending emails out to our groups trying to keep them informed.

I am so glad we fought for these trips… primarily because these trips were ultimately able to run and our guests just love them.

This year we ran four (4) mothership trips during the short six (6) week spring season and had a lot of first time anglers. People from all over California from San Diego to Redding made the trek down and even a few from out of state.

The primary takeaway that stuck with us was that this trip is essentially the gateway drug to our style of fishing trips. These trips are fun, well organized and create memories with anglers that are impactful.

My favorite part has to be the people… we have forged so many relationships as a result of these amazing adventures. Jesse Landry (Fish Village Pro Staff) drives eight (8) hours to join our little getaway… for the same reasons as we do. Friends like Charlie Wardle, Jesse Landry and literally hundreds more make these trips extra special.

The Islander creates a feeling of nostalgia that anglers immediately latch onto. Once they lived this adventure for the first time they realize what is possible. I have had people tell me… \”I can\’t do that.\” I have also heard that only serious anglers can do what we do. Well guess what… you too can do it.

If you told me that you did something for the first time on this trip… IT DID NOT GO UN-NOTICED! That comment is music to my ears. My first yellowtail ever! My first yellowtail on a kayak! My first mothership trip! My first sheephead! My first halibut! My first chunky monkey calico bass. Keep telling me/us, it fuels me/us to keep charging!

What do I love about these trips?

  • I love that my stomach hurts from laughing and that my cheeks hurt from smiling all day…
  • I love that people experience something new and push their boundaries of what they think they can do…
  • I love that people experience something new and push their boundaries of what they think they can do…

Oh… and we eat good too!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for fishing with Fish Village. We will continue to build the best fishing adventures so that you can continue to push your limits on what fun means to you!

Mike

03.06.20 Fred Hall Long Beach is where it is at today

Team Fish Village will be on-site at the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach California today. We scaled back our tradeshow schedule this year to help us get ready for a big year in trip development.

If you want to see us, we will be helping the Pure Watersports booth out today and tomorrow 3/7. Their booth is right next to the Hobie Seminar area where Fish Village guide Tommy Ponce will be presenting on our San Clemente Island 2.5 day trips and calico bass tactics.

Fish Village partner Robert Field is also at the show in the Los Buzos booth. He will swing by the Pure Watersports booth periodically throughout the show.

02.26.20 2020 Fishing with Friends schedule is out

We are excited to announce the 2020 schedule for the Fishing with Friends tournament series presented by Pure Watersports of Dana Point, California. This fun series is simple and a perfect place to test your competitive spirit without having to get too serious about a tournament event.

Come on down and enjoy the fun with us. Fish Village often has more than one team member present at each event. The format is simple, it is $10 to participate with an optional $5 big bass buy-in. Winner take-all for largest fish excluding sharks, skates, rays and whales (you gotta leave the whales alone). All events are hosted on a Saturday.

You can launch from wherever you want, including the Pure Watersports dock, just sign-in before 7:00 AM at:

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps?q=Pure%20Watersports%2034671%20Puerto%20Pl%20Dana%20Point%2C%20CA%2092629&output=embed&hl=en-US&z=15&w=425&h=350]

Sat 21st
March2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #1
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 18th
April2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #2
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 16th
May2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #3
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 13th
June2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #4
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 18th
July2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #5
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 15th
August2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #6
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 19th
September2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #7
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 17th
October2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #8
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 14th
November2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #9
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point
Sat 12th
December2020
Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament #10
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMPure Watersports – Dana Point