** CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM!
KIDS TRIP FISHING REPORT courtesy of Rick Lane
The kids trip went off without a hitch. We had 26 kids, and with sponsors and volunteers we had 38 on the Californian, out of Ventura landing.
We left the harbor just before 8 a.m. and thought it was going to be flat as glass. Were we mistaken! It was rough and waves came crashing over the boat. The kids loved it! They all piled up on the bow and got soaking wet. I was worried they would get too cold, but the sun came out from the fog and it warmed them up nicely.
We got to Santa Cruz and it was flat and calm next to the island. Fishing wasn’t great, but most kids caught either a bass, whitefish, red, or mackerel. The mac attack was wonderful for the kids, they don’t care. We were hoping to see the two blue whales that have been hanging around but had to settle for dolphins and sea lions. One kid hooked a Cormoran and that was thrilling for him. We had a couple of large sheep head as well.
The kids ate their fill. Joey the cook made breakfast burritos and hamburgers for all. Our galley tab was $705 with fish cleaning – not bad really. Many of the kids were on their second trip with us. Tucker, who owns the landing, let us bring our own water, fruit boxes and snacks. I ate most of the Fritos. Haha. That helped keep the galley bill very reasonable.
I really want to thank our two “anonymous donors” who contributed $2000 for the trip. Without you guys, we couldn’t have done this trip. Overall, with the raffle money and the donors, we easily made the $3600 the entire trip cost. The feedback was just amazing. The Ventura County Foster Program loves us. And those kids are just wonderful. They are polite, sweet kids. The ages ranged from maybe 10 to 17. They all want to go again next year.
I really want to thank Ira Nepus, Peter Syapin, Ralph Richardson, PJ, and the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy members Andy Rowley and Josh Levy. Andy and Josh donated time and cash – their donations I used to tip the crew. Cory, the captain and the two Joeys (the cook and deckhand) along with Tyler worked so hard keeping the poles rigged and the lines untangled. They were amazing.
Special thanks to the Ventura County Human Services Agency. Jaci and Laura make it so easy for me to get the kids and the sponsors! They do the sign ups and make sure the kids have licenses and are ready to go.
The Kid’s trip is the main reason for our club. I am proud to take part. We have such great members!
Report by VCSC Treasurer and long-time member, Rick Lane
Pictured below are club members (the BIG kids!) who instructed the foster kids onboard.
Foster Care is going to send us more pictures after they are approved for public usage.
