The MDRA Club Returns for Their Second Charter Aboard the Incredible Apollo, 9/22 - 9/24
By Derrek Stewart 9/29/24
Chapter One – Meet Me at the Dock
The day kicks off with a buzz of excitement, at the marina
before the sun rises.
Everyone has gathered at the Seaforth Landing in San Diego,
anxiously awaiting to board the outstanding Apollo Sportfishing Vessel.
A Snowy Egret also patiently awaits to fish.
What I think might be a perfect private fishing boat, except
for the Pier Pressure of course!
It’s time to load up and get this show started.
This is the only emotional baggage allowed onboard.
Chapter Two – Under Way
The sun breaks through the clouds to greet our departure.
The Apollo Crew loads the bait tanks.
Paddle Boarders enjoying themselves as we leave
the marina.
As we departed the marina, the camaraderie among the anglers
is palpable, adding to the excitement of the journey. Everyone is diligently rigging
as we head to our first stop, the Tanner Bank, approximately 100 miles west of
San Diego.
Chapter Three – The Charter Briefing
In the galley, Captain Ryan Block, center, conducts a safety meeting
and discusses expectations for the next two and a half days of angling.
Next, Marina Del Rey Anglers Club President and Charter
Master Myles Blatt, center, reviews club business.
Blatt has also assembled a stout swag package featuring four
Avet Reels, a United Composites Rod, and more. Each angler received an
Avet fishing hat, Blacktail hooks, an AFTCO beer koozie, stickers, and a bottle
of Louisiana’s Pure Crystal Hot Sause. The Avet Reels and AFTCO face masks were
randomly raffled. The United Composite Rod was awarded to the trip’s Jackpot
Winner, big fish honors. Once again, an impressive prize package has been
assembled, and the galley rang with clapping approval; thank you, Myles!
Chapter Four – Let’s Meet the Apollo’s Charter Passenger
Manifest
In no particle order, a great group of talented anglers!
The always fishy Jeff Compton. Jeff would win the Jackpot
Prize, the United Composites Rod. It’s not just a wet line that gets bit; it’s
the right wet line. Exceptional fishing, Jeff, congratulations.
David Morris is always at the rail, putting in quality time
and getting bites. Good job. It's nice fishing with you, my friend.
Chris Wheaton has plenty of mojo and holds multiple
world-record catches. He is a walking encyclopedia of fish identification,
records, and fishing facts. I loved listening to his fascinating stories and
knowledge. He's also incredibly fun to fish with! Amazing. Thanks for being on
this charter, Chris!
Jim Degner and I have crossed paths on several boats. I have
never heard Jim say one negative word. He is an amazing angler, always ready to
give his time to help others. Bravo, Jim!
Jim and his son Darrell Degner are two incredibly nice guys.
I enjoyed spending time with both of you.
Ted Cotter is one of the fishiest guys I know.
Dennis Yamamoto has a knack for walking right on deck,
straight to the rail, and immediately catching a fish. It was amazing, and it
was nice meeting you, Dennis.
I wonder if Ted and Dennis wear Hunter Orange clothing so
that if they go overboard by chance, they'll be easy to spot. I'll have to ask
next time.
Tom Handzus is always quick to come tight with a Tuna. Tom
and I love Kelp Bass. I enjoyed meeting Tom and sharing stories. It was a good
time!
Two good friends and charter guests, Anthony Tran and Dai
Ngo. Anthony is a stout angler, always on the rail, and caught some of the
better Tuna this Trip. Dai has a fantastic story to share, which we will get to
later. It was nice meeting you both.
Chris Perry and an enthusiastic Ted Cotter. Chris is a
sharp, quick wit and a talented, skillful angler who is always hooking up,
regardless of the pursuit!
Our fearless leader! Myles Blatt loves to separate himself
from what the pack is doing. Here, he employs a light jigging setup.
Myles shares some galley time with one of the MDRA OGs, Ron
Hasson. Ron is always cheerful, has a sharp, fast sense of humor, and is fun to
hang out with.
Left to right, the incomparable, always smiling Keith
Lambert, with Anthony Tran, and William Dunn. These talented anglers are
fly-lining live sardines at the windward stern corner.
Just past Keith is Stefan Smith. Stefan never leaves the
rail, puts his time in, and always gets his catch.
More galley time while the boat heads to new water. Left to
right, John Szymura, Jeff Compton, and William Dunn. You must be a 'stick' to
sit at this table. Good luck keeping up with these three.
Some post-meal social time. From left to right, William
Dunn, Ron Hasson, the very funny Richard Berkowitz, and David Morris. Richard
and I shared a few laughs together on this adventure.
Chapter Five – Let’s See Some Fish
Enough of the pleasantries; we're here to fish!
On this trip, the fishing was challenging. You had to be
constantly on the rail, and your techniques required perfection to produce a
bite. Angling and striving for perfection is something one should do regardless
of how the bite is. If that is what it takes to achieve a bite when
conditions aren't ideal, imagine what might happen when your game is excellent,
and a good bite is taking place.
For me, there is a sense of higher satisfaction when you
catch, and fishing is demanding. So, never stop learning; only a wet line
gets bit, and never give up; keep casting.
Fly-Lining Keys to Success
25 lb. leader
Distance between the hook/bait and the braid
mainline
#4 Mutu circle hook
Clean, lively, strong swimming bait
Distance between the bait and the boat
Two-speed reels
These fly-lining tips were the same on the previous trip
last month.
Knife Jigging Keys
Metered braid
Listening to the Captain as he monitors fish/school
depth
Understanding the effects of jig weight, current,
the amount of metered line and the angle of your line as it relates to actual
depth
Vertical, straight up and down is what you want,
don’t ‘scope’ away from the boat
Knowing when you have dropped under the school, when
to ascend, and when to drop again, is a result of the four tips above
Flash and or photoluminescent paint schemes
Speed, getting to the school quickly, and first
Two-speed or three-speed reels
Chris
Weaton left, Captain Block and Dennis Yamamoto top center, Dennis Yamamoto
right, Ted Cotter and Jeff Compton bottom center.
Anthony Tran top left, Captain Oscar and
William Dunn top center, Ron Hasson top right, Jeff Compton bottom left, the author bottom
right.
The Highlight of the Trip the Big Bite
Myles, Shad the Chef, Dai, Captain Oscar, Deckhand Jordan,
left to right. This catch represents many spectacular achievements, including
teamwork, selflessness, a tireless pursuit, midnight oil, camaraderie,
enthusiasm, and a 175 lb.—Bluefin Tuna. Extensive details
will be available in a companion follow-up DSF article.
The bounty, the blue bags are Bluefin Tuna already filleted
on board.
Chapter Six – The Unparalleled Apollo Crew
Without the Apollo crew, this adventure wouldn't be
possible.
We've already met Captain Ryan in Chapter Three.
Chef Shad is the hardest-working man aboard the Apollo. In addition to creating tasty meals, he
is also an incredible angler and a valuable backup deckhand. Shad, you're
terrific.
The deckhands, left to right, Jordan and Ryan, were
extremely observant and responsive, too. We truly appreciate your hard work and
assistance. Ryan I appreciate your sense of humor!
Last but never least, Captain Oscar. In the galley, you will
encounter no-nonsense Oscar. Out on the rail next to a hooked-up angler, a
unique trait of Captain Oscar takes over. He is a smooth, angling guide whose
calm teaching demeanor provides outstanding, reassuring focus. Like Captain
Ryan, Captain Oscar is an exceptional leader.
Chapter Seven – The Finally, Heading Home
Heading back to port.
Trip organizer Myles Blatt presents jackpot winner Jeff
Compton with the United Composites Rod. Everyone agreed the 175 lb. Tuna as a group
effort, the rod was handed off several times, would not be considered a jackpot
contender.
Another successful MDRA charter is in the
books. Thank you to everyone involved in planning and executing this trip,
especially our esteemed Charter Master and Club President, Myles Blatt.
This group is one of the best ensembles of anglers I have
fished with in a long time. It was a pleasure to be on board with each one of
you. Thank you for sharing this quality time on the water: tight lines and good
times.
The Marina Del Rey Anglers is an amazing premier fishing
club with great people, excellent adventures, community support, a drive to
support conservation, and numerous opportunities. Join us, learn, teach, and
expand your fishing horizons. https://www.mdranglers.com/
Photo Credits
Collage Number 1 – Dennis
Yamamoto; left, top center, right. Jeff Compton; bottom center.
Collage Number 2 – Keith
Lambert; top right, top center, top left, bottom left. Derrek Stewart; bottom
right.
Stefan Smith photo – Keith
Lambert.
All others,
including the big bite, Derrek Stewart Photography.
