The Coastal Conservation Association of California, South LA
Chapter’s fund-raising event was an exceptional gathering of committed members
supporting conservation and the rights of recreational anglers.
By Derrek Stewart 11/12/24
Highlighting the event, guest speaker Michael Fowlkes “The
History of Sportfishing.”
On a beautiful Sunday morning, 11/10/24, at the incredible Compton
Hunting & Fishing Club, the CCA CAL South LA Chapter took the time to
recognize the invaluable support of its members and supporters. This gratitude,
emphasized in a stellar fashion, underscores the camaraderie, passion, and
shared goals of our sportfishing community, making each member feel appreciated
and valued.
Registration
Attendees started arriving early in the morning. CCA’s Tonie
Bangos and Ron Matsuno are checking in quests.
The Title Sponsor, the Outstanding Marina Del Rey Anglers
The Marina Del Rey Anglers, our esteemed event Title
Sponsor, demonstrated their unwavering dedication by arriving on-site early for
booth set-up.
The MDRA is also the host of the CCA sponsored Marina del
Rey Halibut Derby. The 2025 derby marks the 50th anniversary of the
longest standing tournament on the West Coast. The upcoming event is shaping up to be
better than ever! http://halibutderby.com/
Supporting Sponsors
Event Sponsor, the Los Angeles Rod & Reel Club promoting thier sportsmanship. Since 1951, the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club Foundation is dedicated to children’s fishing, veterans fishing, conservation of the resources, and the preservation of sportfishing. https://www.larrc.org/
Island Fishing Tackle is located in the Heart of Southwest LA County, Island Fishing Tackle strives to blend Old School service with New School gear and concepts. From rod building to Local to Long Range, they carry the best selection of today's newest gear. http://islandfishingtackle.com/
Event sponsor Brian Nguyen, center, of the Cigar
A’fishin’ados Group and Milestone Health & Life Insurance Services. Brain Nguyen has donated a spectacular spinning rod and
reel set-up for today’s Live Auction. The system is perfect for presenting
topwater poppers to foaming tuna. More details are provided below.
Milestone specializes in helping both current and upcoming eligible residents navigate their entire Medicare journey. https://mhlis.com/
We greatly appreciate these fine supporting event sponsors.
The CCA CAL South LA recognizes the value and enhancement they provide.
Casting Golf
The Casting Golf competition was a source of immense joy for
several attendees. Competitors enjoyed earning points over nine holes. The
first-place winner cast their way to a Costa sunglasses pack, a reel bag, and a
bottle of wine. Second place received a multitool, while third place earned
fluorocarbon fishing line.
A golf ball is attached to the fishing line on a bait
casting rod and reel. Like casting a lure, it takes skill to achieve distance
and accuracy. Every participant I observed was sporting a big smile.
Raffle Prices and the Silent Auction
The excitement was palpable as the crowd and buzz grew, with
people eagerly reviewing, bidding, and entering raffle tickets for the superb
raffle and silent auction items.
Raffle Baskets
Twelve Raffle Baskets, each featuring outstanding tackle,
gear, equipment, art, and beverages, await attendees to drop their raffle
tickets. Several baskets include a code for the outstanding 12-chapter
documentary film History of Sportfishing, produced by Michael Fowlkes. https://thehistoryofsportfishing.com/
Silent Auction
Generous event supporters provided ten top-quality Silent
Auction Packages. The starting bid pricing creates fantastic opportunities for
bidders!
Tasty Food and Delicious Drinks / Calabasas Custom
Catering
Calabasas Catering brought their amazing wood-fired grilling
trailer and prepared a tasty lunch; you could eat as much as you wanted!
Calabasas Catering’s Paul with the tongs and Steve in the
straw hat working on Tuna Steaks, yum!
Doris is preparing the barbequed chicken. I received a
preview sample, and it was delicious. It pays to be the photographer. Thanks,
Doris!
Good
food goes well with good drinks. The unsurpassed Bill Boyce serves his light
and dark rum with an orange wedge, creating multiple flavored notes on the
tongue. Magnifico!
Beer, wine, hard seltzer, an open bar including Bill’s rum!
Of course, there were soft drinks and water, so there was
something for everyone; it was a family event.
Record Turnout
Record attendance: Everyone enjoys the BBQ and awaits the
speakers and auctions.
Addressing the Audience
Robby Gant, CCA South LA Chapter President, Event Organizer,
and Master of Ceremonies, kicks off the speaker introductions, highlighting the
event’s goal, and the special moments about to unfold.
Robby also took the time to recognize on this eve of
Veterans Day our great American Armed Forces Veterans!
The mic goes to CCA Executive Director Wayne Kotow. Wayne
does an amazing spot-on dissertation of why we are here, why the CCA exists,
and what we need to do to ensure a positive future for reactional angling.
Premier Guest Speaker
Premier Guest Speaker, the unequaled storyteller Michael
Fowlkes, talks about his History of Sportfishing project. He explains his
motivation for the project, the goal of the endeavor, and the connection to the
common goals of the CCA and what he strives to accomplish to ensure that not
only we have a future fishing recreationally, but our children, and our
grandchildren do too.
The History of Sportfishing is a captivating story covering
the heritage of America's great pastime, fishing. It is a true gem. Check it
out. Your purchase supports this common cause. https://thehistoryofsportfishing.com/
The Live Auction
Next up on the schedule is the always exuberant Philip Friedman,
with the mic, the Live Auctioneer. Philp has a knack for making the bidding
fun!
The
coveted Live Auction items, spectacular rods, reels, combos, Avet Reels Factory Tour,
charters, and estate planning.The CCA CAL South LA truly want to express our heartfelt
gratitude for all the amazing contributions to our event! Your support has made
a remarkable difference, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Summing Up the Successful Day
“I would say the event was fantastic with the amount of
support we received from our local Anglers. This was a record year for
participation. We were able to share with the local anglers what CCA is all
about and what we do to protect our fishing rights. It was a fun day and am
looking forward to talking to people that attended to hear what they thought
about the event,” – Robby Gant, CCA South LA Chapter President.
“The CCA CAL South LA Chapter BBQ was a wonderful event
bringing together our industry, friends and family to enjoy a beautiful day at the
Compton Hunting and Fishing Club. Our message to everyone is that we are a
grassroots organization that is here to conserve our resources and our access
to them. We believe in responsible and sustainable outdoor recreation for all.
We all need to stay vigilant and engaged to be successful. We cannot believe
that the CCA CAL staff is going to do everything by themselves. That just isn’t
practical,” – Wayne Kotow, CCA California Executive Director.
The goal of CCA CAL is to conserve, promote, and enhance the
present and future availability of coastal resources for the benefit and
enjoyment of the public. This includes protecting your freedom to fish.
California’s coastline spans 840 miles. As Wayne Kotow says, CCA CAL cannot
always be everywhere. This is where you come in. CCA CAL encourages you to join
and attend your local public hearings and city council meetings with an agenda
concerning your local fisheries. Your active participation is crucial in
protecting your right to fish.
