“A school went through us at 0430 this morning,” wrote Royal Star skipper Randy Toussaint May 13, “and it was hot and heavy for a few minutes. Unfortunately they didn't stick around long, but it was a nice shot for ten fish 90 to160 pounds with one over 200. The puffers with a one-ounce slider were the key to success.

“After scratching another handful of yellowfin up to 175 pounds by lunch, we bid a fond farewell to the Bank and are enjoying a flat calm ride this afternoon. We will take a look at the big C to break up the ride tomorrow.

“Jim Nakagawa with his first over the mark at 205 is today's shot.”

Nice Counts

Mission Belle fished ¾ day out of Pt. Loma May 13, and returned Monday afternoon with her 21 anglers and a count of 23 Yellowtail, 12 Rockfish, 1 Halibut, 6 Calico Bass, 3 Barracuda. The landing said the boat left Tuesday morning with 34 anglers aboard.

H&M’s Malihini had a similar day, coming back to the landing with 22 anglers and 21 Yellowtail, 3 Calico bass, 1 Lingcod, 39 Barracuda, 15 Rockfish.

Seaforth’s San Diego had 19 Yellowtail, 20 Rockfish, 1 Barracuda for 55 passengers.

Sunday’s overnight trip aboard the Oceanside 95 with 31 anglers scored 2 Calico Bass, 18 Sculpin, 25 rock fish, 12 Reds, 93 Salmon Grouper, 28 Sheep Head, 35 Whitefish, 25 Copper Rockfish, 2 Cabezon, 5 Ling Cod, 50 Johnny Bass, 15 Treefish.

The Local Angler

Three years in the making, Brandon Hayward’s newest book, The Local Angler, comes in at nearly 300 pages and features 100-percent color throughout. The current cycle of local fishing is unlike any of cycles past; the book takes a heavy look at the coastal seabass fishery and everything squid fishing, from making it to pinning it on the hooks. Seasons, styles, tackle and in depth looks at new styles of fishing — like balloons and squid — are discussed at length.

For the private boater there are sections on anchoring, setting up on spots and how to find spots. Zones, tactics and how each region fishes differently makes up the crux of the sportboat section that covers everything from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Fishing with finbait and the art of the flyline makes up a heavy chunk of the sportboat section, which also covers everything from surface iron fishing to how squid fishing on sportboats is different than skiff fishing. For sale at tackle stores and WON, you can buy it here, too:

http://www.fishingvideos.com/shopping.htm