AFTCO presents La Verdad in association with West Coast
Marine Service, Turtlebox, Kicker, Electric, and WarBaits—a Coastal
Conservation Association of California fundraiser, supporting the CCA
CAL conservation and recreational angling missions.
Reporting by Derrek Stewart, 3/8/25
A Community Gathering
On a pleasant Costa Mesa, California evening, the angling
community, regardless of age, gathered for remarkable festivities, creating an
inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
The well-attended social event featured fantastic street
tacos, delicious beverages, an impressive raffle, and the film debut of La
Verdad. La Verdad is Spanish for The Truth.
Filmed in the breathtaking Sea of Cortez, Baja California,
Mexico, La Verdad presents a vivid display of the stunning, stout inshore fish
species, angling comradery, rugged landscape beauty, contrasted with tranquil
moments depicting what it means to commune with nature.
The Social Hour
The tacos were beyond tasty. If you like a bite from your
salsa, the red sauce didn’t disappoint. This operation is A plus, plus!
Jen and Marc of Webb’s Grainworks Distillery / Brewery
located in Aliso Viejo, CA provided exceptionally delicious brews and spirits - https://webbsgrainworks.com/
A long entry line, developed quickly,
demonstrating the demand, yet moved efficiently while registering attendees for food,
drink, and raffle tickets. Bravo to the CCA staff!
The event was filled with positive energy as anglers,
friends, and family of all ages enjoyed the gathering.
Meeting long-time friends and making new connections added
to the overall joy.
Community Pillar Captain Benny Florentino, left, of Coastal Charters fishing adventures with friends and long-time charter guests Ron Matro, center, and son enjoying the good times.
It’s a small world; it’s a small community. Whitney and I date back to a Bass Federation event at Lake Castaic in the mid-2000s. We drew each other; I was a boater, and Whitney captained the back deck. I learned several things while fishing with him that day.
My friend Parker Wright, the world continues to get smaller. Parker and I have been on numerous saltwater angling adventures with Big Bass Dreams. I was listening to a podcast featuring Parker, and I learned how much we have in common from freshwater bass fishing, specifically FLW co-angler events. I'm looking forward to our next fishing trip and the stories we'll share!
Speaking of competitive freshwater Bass Angling, Professional Bassmaster Elite Series Angler Matty Wong was in the House. It was a pleasure meeting you, Matty. I love seeing California West Coast anglers making an impact on an Eastern US-driven angling sport. Keep up the good work, Matty.
The Raffle
This portion of the night's line-up actually came last after the film debut. Out of sequence, I'm saving the best for last. However, the raffle prizes were spectacular.
As you can see smiles were plentiful!
I scored too!
La Verdad / The Truth
And now La Verdad. The image captures speak for themself. If you missed this premier, stay tuned, you will be able to watch this captavating film soon, another AFTCO film gem.
What a treat, what a fantastic night. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this event happen while supporting the Coastal Conservation Association of California Bravo!
A Great Night for a Great Cause
The CCA California objective is to conserve, promote and
enhance the present and future availability of coastal resources for the
benefit and enjoyment of the public, along with protecting your freedom to
fish.
There are many well organized forces that simply don’t want
you to recreationally fish, while ignoring the true harm placed on our beloved
marine environments. Every day these well-funded entities are working hard to
take your angling rights away. Fortunately, we have the CCA working hard demanding
science-based facts that confirm impacts on our angling future.
I can only image the drastic place we would be in without
the CCA. This event was not only fun, it makes a difference in ensuring that
our fishing heritage, our national pastime, remains intact not only for you,
but future generations.
Please do what you can to support the mission of the CCA CAL.
Be a positive force for the stewardship of our beautiful coast and our beloved sport.
