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JUNE- 2014

DAC REEL TIMES

BREAKING NEWS – IT’S TUNA TIME!!!!

At the end of June we had an early push of local Yellowfin Tuna within range. Multiple club boats limited or nearly limited on Yellowfin Tuna! What a great start to the year. Congratulations to Stan Mahler on Shared Dream for the 2014 DAC 1st Flag Tuna was caught on Saturday June 28th!!! These fish were moving fast and continued to move north every day. With our local waters staying warm, at the time of this newsletter we have 70° to 74° waters between the nearshore and the islands we should have an epic summer of fishing.

Holmes

Pat Holmes, Geoff Heldoorn, Chris Bailey and Mike Masuhr spent the day down at the 425 and loaded on Yellowfin Tuna. John Tully on “At Last” was also out on the water with good scores of tuna. These fish were all caught trolling Tuna Jigs, Cedar Plugs, Swim Baits, Rapalas and Mega Baits. Don’t leave home without these in your bag of tricks!

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Dana Angling Club – Fishing News:

2014 DAC FIRST FLAGS (As of 6/01/14)

Species: YELLOWTAIL 28.8 lbs. Angler: Pat Holmes Date: 01/11/2014 Location: Coronados – North Island Tackle: 50#, Yo-Yo Iron Species: WHITE SEABASS 54.19 lbs. Angler: Dan Gorman Date: 02/17/2014 Location: San Onofre Tackle: 80#, Squid Species: Jr. WHITE SEABASS 25.6 lbs. Angler: Logan Tom Date: 05/31/2014 Location: Catalina Tackle: 12#, Squid Species: TUNA 15.5 lbs. Angler: Stan Mahler Date: 06/28/2014 Location: 238 Tackle: 30#, Jig Fish

DAC Note: The 1st Flags for Junior Yellowtail is still open. With the near-shore and Islands producing quality fish, now is the time to get your Junior Anglers out on the water and on a fish!!!

FISHING SUMMARY:

While our waters continue to warm up and stayed clean, the near-shore fishing is really good right now and the offshore waters have come to life. Coastal fishing has slowed a little due to boat pressure and the commercial squid seiners. But reports of nice grade and quality White Seabass, Yellowtail and Halibut can be still found on the squid beds at Newport Reef / Huntington Flats, San-O, Barn and Box Canyon have all produced fish. Calico Bass are active along the kelp beds, anchovies and sardines are key. With the upcoming full moon, we should start seeing new reports coming in. The local islands (Catalina, Clemente and Coronado’s) have been producing good fishing for those making the trip across or down below the border… On for a couple days, then off for a couple days. Wind, Weather and Crowds play into the action. Offshore water temperatures ranging from the upper 60’s to mid 70’s, we’ve seen nice grade yellowtails on paddies and Yellowfin Tuna being caught. It’s only a matter of time before we start getting reports of paddies holding the rest of the pelagics. The 1st local Marlin of 2014 was caught down around the 181 on July 3rd. Time to start getting your gear ready and make sure your boat is in good shape. Everything looks to be coming together for a great fishing season.

Have any GoPro editing or set up questions?

Ask Geoff @ Heldoorn Productions

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DAC WHITE SEABASS TOURNAMENT SUMMARY – May 24th thru June 8th OFFCIAL RESULTS

1st- Dave Herrera 45.7lb on 20#-45.70 pts 2nd- Chris Bailey 52.2lb on 30#- 39.150 pts 3rd- Pete Dirado 29lb on 20#- 29.00 pts

1st Place Junior- Logan Tom- 25.375lb on 12#- 38.060 pts Top Boat- Teaser with 45.7

Congratulations to the winners and to those who participated and caught fish during this tournament.

DAC 3-B Tournament Summary – June 22nd Target Species for this tournament was the 3 B’s: Bass, Bonita and Barracuda ONLY. With a 6:30am shotgun start at the harbor entrance and lines out at 1:00pm and Weigh-In by 3:00pm, this was an exciting tournament for the DAC Members to participate in. Followed by a DAC hosted BBQ and Party at the Dana Point Yacht Club. While most stayed close and fished the local rocks and kelp lines, others made the long run looking for the Grand Slam. As it turns out, the only species not caught during the 3-B was a legal Barracuda.

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3-B OFFICIAL RESULTS: 1st Place- Craig Jacobs- 3.6lb Calico plus release- 5.6pts-5 2nd Place- Geoff Heldoorn- 5.5pts-3 1.3lb Calico plus release 2.2lb Bonita 3rd Place- Chris Bailey- 5.4pts-1 1.4lb Calico plus release 2.0lb Bonita 1st Place Guest- Bill Paddock-3.4pts 1.4lb Calico plus release TOP BOAT- KINGPIN

Congratulations to the winners and to those who participated and caught fish during this tournament.

NEW WEBSITE SUMMARY: What’s new, membership access, pictures and current Fish Reports!!!!! If you are having any issues accessing the website, reading or posting reports, contact Mike Webster

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THE DAC FISH LOG: Here is the summary of the fish posted on the DAC Website.

DAC 2014 Fish Log by Date

# ANGLER DATE BOAT CAPTAIN SPECIES WGT TACK ET

33. Chris Bailey 6-29 Hawk Pat Holmes Tuna 17.25 Jig 8 lb

32. Geoff Heldoorn 6-29 Hawk Pat Holmes Tuna 16.7 Jig 8 lb

31. Chris Bailey 6-29 Hawk Pat Holmes Tuna 23.4375 Jig 16 lb

30. Geoff Heldoorn 6-29 Hawk Pat Holmes Tuna R Jig 30 lb

29. Stan Mahler 6-28 Shared Dream Stan Mahler Tuna 15.5 Jig 30 lb

28. Bill Paddock 6-22 Teaser David Peter Calico Bass 1.4 Bait N/A

27. Geoff Heldoorn 6-22 Kingpin Chris Bailey Calico Bass 1.3 Bait 16 lb

26. Chris Bailey 6-22 Kingpin Chris Bailey Calico Bass 1.25 Bait 16 lb

25. Geoff Heldoorn 6-22 Kingpin Chris Bailey Bonito 2.2 Bait 16 lb

24. Chris Bailey 6-22 Kingpin Chris Bailey Bonito 2.0 Jig 16 lb

23. Geoff Hersch 6-9 Hooked Geoff Hersch White Sea Bass 25.5 Bait 16 lb

22. David Herrerra 6-7 Teaser Dave Peter White Sea Bass 45.7 Bait 20 lb

21. Logan Tom 5-31 Black Fin Jeffrey Tom White Sea Bass 25.375 Bait 12 lb

20. Jeffrey Tom 5-31 Black Fin Jeffrey Tom White Sea Bass 19.1875 Bait 12 lb

19. Peter Dirado 5-31 Black Fin Jeff Tom White Sea Bass 29.00 Bait 20 lb

18. Geoff Heldoorn 5-26 Hattaboy Geoff Heldoorn White Sea Bass 25.8 Bait 20 lb

17. Chris Bailey 5-26 Hattaboy Geoff Heldoorn White Sea Bass 52.2 Bait 30 lb

16. Michael Webster 5-24 Hooked Geoff Hersch White Sea Bass 28.85 Bait 50 lb

15. Chris Garcia 5-24 Mako My Day Chuck Oltmann White Sea Bass 53.7 Bait 80 lb

14. Paul Lepore 5-17 Free Spool Paul Lepore White Sea Bass 45.0 Bait 80 lb

13. Dave Peter 5-16 At Last John Tulley Yellowtail 33.0 Bait 50 lb

12. Geoff Hersch 5-3 Hooked Geoff Hersch Yellowtail 30.97 Bait 30 lb

11. Chris Bailey 4-19 Hattaboy Geoff Heldoorn Halibut 35.6 Bait 16 lb

10. Rodger Healy 3-23 Blackflag Rodger Healy Sand Bass 5.50 Jig 30 lb

9. Chris Bailey 3-22 Little Hawk Pat Holmes Yellowtail 20.2 Iron 30 lb

8. Brendan Covern 3-22 Blackflag Rodger Healy Calico Bass 1.4 Jig 20 lb

7. Scott Blades 3-22 Blackflag Rodger Healy Calico Bass R Jig 20 lb

6. Ron Vangell 2-17 Determined Jim Kingsmill White Sea Bass 37.5 Bait 80 lb

5. Dan Gorman 2-17 Determined Jim Kingsmill White Sea Bass 54.2 Bait 80 lb

4. Geoff Heldoorn 2-15 Little Hawk Pat Holmes Yellowtail 25.1 Iron 80 lb

3. Chris Bailey 2-15 Little Hawk Pat Holmes Yellowtail 21.1 Iron 80 lb

2. Geoff Heldoorn 1-18 Little Hawk Pat Holmes Yellowtail 23.0 Jig 30 lb

1. Pat Holmes 1-11 Little Hawk Pat Holmes Yellowtail 28.9 Iron 50 lb

Please make sure to turn in a DAC Weigh Slip (online), these will be used to auto-populate the DAC

Fish Log. If you have any issues with the online weigh slips, contact Geoff Hersch – DAC Fish Chair

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Upcoming Events / Calendar: Yellowtail Tournament July 12 & 13 Pre-Tournament Social: July 10th

Shark Tournament July 26 & 27

2014 DAC Calendar of Events

2013 Awards Banquet March 1, 2014 General Membership Meeting March 20th

Nearshore Species: Guest Speaker(s): Artificials Tournament March 22 & 23 All Species Tournament April 12 – 27 Pre-Tournament Social: April 10th Halibut Tournament May 3-4 Pre-Tournament Social: May 1st DAC Boat Show May 17 White Sea Bass Tournament May 24 – June 8 Pre-Tournament Social: May 22nd 3-B Tournament and Picnic June 22 General Membership Meeting June 26

Offshore Species / Guest Speaker(s): Yellowtail Tournament July 12 & 13 Pre-Tournament Social: July 10th Shark Tournament July 26 & 27 Pre-Tournament Social: July 24th Albacore / Tuna Tournament August 2 & 3 Pre-Tournament Social: July 31st General Membership Meeting Aug 7

Marlin / Guest Speaker(s): Ladies Tournament / Junior Tournament August 16 & 17 Pre-Tournament Social: August 14th Cherry / El Niño Tournament August 23 & 24 Pre-Tournament Social: August 21st Dick Tonks Memorial Tournament September 6 & 7 Pre-Tournament Social: September 4th Masters Tournament September 12 & 13 Pesky’s Tournament (estimated) September 19 & 20 DAC Marlin Tournament September 27 & 28 Pre-Tournament Social: September 25th

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DAC General Meeting Summary – June 26th We had good attendance at our June 26th General Meeting held at the Dana Point Yacht Club where our Guest Speaker John “JD” Doughty, JD’s Big Game Tackle discussed THE GREAT MARLIN RACE during the 2014 Master Angler Billfish Tournament and DAC’s participation. As most of you already know, the Dana Angling Club raised enough funds benefiting the International Game Fish Association to receive ONE ARCHIVAL SATELLITE TAG. We are LOOKING FOR MORE support and are re-launching this fundraising campaign to help raise more money toward another Satellite Tag. Please help raise another $4,500 toward another tag. Remember that your donations are tax deductible as donations to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP. Click on the link below. Once on the main fundraising paid, you can click on the orange DONATE TO A FUNDRAISER box, select a specific boat team or donate in support of the DAC in general. Every dollar counts. You can also share this link with your family and friends to support your club in its pursuit of earning enough toward another tag. https://www.crowdrise.com/THEGREATMARLINRACE With your help, we can achieve our goal and participate in this great research and conservation effort. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Geoff Hersch, DAC Fish Chair and Treasurer.

DAC Angling Rules, Tournament Tackle, Line Samples & Testing Requirements

If you have any questions or need clarifications on DAC Angling Rules or Tournament Regulations please refer to your DAC Yearbook for details. If you need any help to make sure you are fishing within the DAC Tournament Fishing Rules, Tackle Set-Up / Recommendations, Line Classes, Rigging, Fish Handling and Weighing, please or contact Geoff Hersch – 2014 DAC Fish Chair or Chris Bailey – 2014 DAC President. Remember Weigh Slips must be submitted via the website or postmarked by the date specified on the DAC Tournament Flyer. Reminder ALL fish entered into competition for button awards, trophies, tournaments and club records must be weighed using a Certified Scale and recorded by submitting a Weigh Slip. DAC maintains a Certified Scale for use by the DAC Membership located at the Dana Point Fuel Dock. Line Samples must be submitted as required, submit clean 15’ sample of the line for testing.

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When at the Dana Point Fuel Dock and weighing in your catch, make sure to

use the DAC Weigh Scale and Weigh Station Board to record catch.

Post a report with the details of your catch along with a photo on the DAC

Website – Fish Board 2014.

Be the first angler in 2014 to weigh in fish using the DAC Weigh Scale and

Weigh Station Board to record catch and win a DAC T-Shirt. Website posted

report and photo required.

THIS OFFER IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ANY CURRENT DAC MEMBER.

DAC BUTTON AWARDS

Take the challenge, make 2014 the year to work on DAC Button

Fish! With 47 Buttons to be awarded for fish caught on specified line test

and weighing over the specified minimum weight for that line test. The

ultimate goal of this lifetime competition is to receive all 47 buttons.

Recent Button Fish caught by DAC Members: Geoff Heldoorn – 16.7# Yellowfin Tuna on 8# Line Chris Bailey – 17.4# Yellowfin Tuna on 8# Line Chris Bailey – 23.7# Yellowfin Tuna on 16# Line

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Available Buttons for the following game fish: Albacore, Dorado, Yellowtail, Tuna, White Seabass, Marlin, Thresher Shark and Broadbill Swordfish. Albacore, Dorado, Yellowtail, Tuna, White Seabass Button Fish Weight Requirements: 8# Line – Fish Weight of 12 Lbs 12# Line – Fish Weight of 18 Lbs 16# Line – Fish Weight of 21 Lbs 20# Line – Fish Weight of 24 Lbs 30# Line – Fish Weight of 27 Lbs Marlin and Thresher Shark Button Fish Weight Requirements: 8# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight 12# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight 16# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight 20# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight 30# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight 50# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight 80# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight Marlin Release Buttons: 8#, 12#, 16#, 20#, 30# and 50# Broadbill Swordfish: Maximum 130# Line – Fish Weight of Any Weight.

Refer to the DAC Yearbook for Button Award requirements and specified minimum weights. If you

have any questions, Geoff Hersch – 2014 DAC Fish Chair.

Dana Angling Club – New Member Profiles:

Member Name: Jeff Acampora – Member since 2014 Boat Make Length & Name: Grand Banks 32’ – Passatempo Favorite Species: Marlin Proudest Catch: Striped Marlin on a bare hook at the Golden Gate Bank Species you’d like to learn to fish better: Bluefin Tuna Who introduced you to fishing and when: Dad, 3 years old Why you joined DAC: To meet friends with the same passion Member Name: Bob Weiss Boat Make Length & Name: No boat at this time. Last Boat was 32 Trojan on 'L' Dock Favorite Species: Pelagic Fish Proudest Catch: 250lb + Thresher Shark off Dana Point. Aprox. 12 feet, I had to wrap and tie it around the back of my boat to bring it in. Species you’d like to learn to fish better: White Sea Bass and Halibut Who introduced you to fishing and when: We Moved to Florida when I was 5 and I started fishing with my Uncle. It has been a passion ever since. Why you joined DAC: To fish more, learn more about conservation--which is really important to me, meet interesting local people and learn. I am a grateful person and will be always be one to chip in financially and clean up at the docks. I look forward to the new friendships.

Please make sure to meet these new DAC Members and welcome to the Club!

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DORADO / MAHI-MAHI Creature Feature:

Dorado fishing is about to turn epic off the coast of Southern California this summer. Offshore water temperatures off the coast of Southern California have skyrocketed in the last two weeks, that will ultimately usher in a wave of exotic gamefish, including the ultra-popular dorado. On a recent offshore trip aboard our boats, we found water temperatures as high as 73 degrees, an indicator of El Nino conditions. Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi (Hawaii), dolphin (Florida/East Coast) or dodos for short, are found under floating kelp paddies as close as six miles from Dana Point Harbor. These fish typically range from 10 to 15 pounds and offered awesome action. Dorado are relatively scarce off Southern California during most of the year, only coming up this far north when the water warms into the high 60s or low 70s. So when they do come into range, anglers go into a frenzy we like to call “mahi madness” in which they race their boats “paddy hopping” looking for fish.

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Dorado Description: Dorado (or Mahi-Mahi as they are called some places or dolphin fish as they are called in other places) are one of the world’s most popular gamefish. This article focuses on the Southern California and Northern Baja Dorado fishery. Dorado or Mahi Mahi are brightly colored, hard fighting, acrobatic fish when hooked. They are one of my favorite big gamefish to eat. Dorado are abundant in most tropical area and because they are a fast-growing, short-lived fish they feed often. They die of old age around 5-6 years and attain a maximum weight of around 90lbs. Dorado or Mahi Mahi can change the intensity of their colors, which usually fades almost immediately after they are brought on board a boat. Male Dorado or Mahi Mahi, often called “Bulls”, have a large distinctive flat forehead. They grow bigger than the females, which are called “Cows”. Most fish over 25lbs or so will be male. Dorado fishing is like a trip to the rodeo - hang on for the ride and prepare for some wild acrobatics.

Late Summer Southern California Dorado Fishing: Around mid-July every year Dorado make their way into the warmer waters off Southern California and the Pacific Ocean comes alive with gamefish action, a seasonal rare treat for local angler's. Local sport fishing vessel's and private skiff's run trips targeting tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado and other big gamefish species. Usually boats "paddy hop", fishing loose kelp paddies or any other floating objects or trash in the water as these typically are holding Dorado. Signs of these areas holding Dorado and other gamefish usually have birds working the area feeding off bait balls (small bait fish that group into a large school in the shape of a ball) caused by bigger gamefish in a feeding frenzy. These are prime conditions for a shot at hooking a Dorado for the focus of this article but other gamefish as well including Yellowtail, Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Bluefin Tuna, Big Eye Tuna.

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Dorado Tackle: Any medium weight conventional set up should work fine. Sometimes it takes a long cast with small, live anchovy and little to no weight so proper technique is crucial. Bottom line is match the tackle to the conditions and the Dorado or Mahi Mahi. Dorado are often hooked when trolling with heavy tackle meant for larger fish such as Marlin and so they are totally outmatched and really don't get a chance to show what they are made of. If you hook a 30lb+ Dorado on a lighter saltwater bait casting rod and reel you are in for quite a fight. Dorado Techniques: Dorado are an open water species that often associates with floating debris and kelp paddies. If you are in an area with Dorado any floating object is worth a look as it may concentrate the fish. If you have anything to chum with that can really get them going. They are considered a pelagic fish but have been caught from shore on rare occasions. Dorado Lures: Most Dorado are caught on trolling lures meant for Marlin or feathers meant for Tuna. They also hit trolled plugs such as Rapalas. If Dorado are concentrated in an area, either through chumming or because there is a piece of floating debris, a wide variety of lures may be cast to them. If they are fired up they will pretty much eat anything. Whatever you cast to them, make sure you watch out with heavier lures as Dorado jump wildly when hooked and the lure could come flying back at you at a high rate of speed. Dorado Baits: Dorado mostly eat fish so traditional baitfish such as sardines and Pacific Mackerel, squid all work well. Sometime you can use chunked bait that will result in hooking a Dorado. Larger fish will eat larger baits. Dorado have relatively small mouths but it always amazes me how they can somehow still engulf relatively large baits. When they are fired up they will eat almost anything.

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Get your 2014 DAC Gear!

Dana Angling Club T-Shirts with front pocket w/ DAC Logo front and back. Available in White, Grey, Navy and Black: Short Sleeve: Medium – XL: $15.00 XXL $18.00 Long Sleeve: Medium – XL: $20.00 XXL: $24.00

Dana Angling Club Sweatshirts (Hooded or Crew) w/ DAC Logo front and back. Available in White, Grey, Navy and Black: Hooded: Medium – XL: $45.00 XXL $48.00 Crew: Medium – XL: $35.00 XXL $38.00 DAC Burgees: $25

To order any DAC gear go to the website under DAC Clothing, post a request or email to: info@danaanglingclub.org

From the 2014 Dana Angling Club Board of Directors: We thank you all for your participation during the 2013 Season. We look forward to seeing you all out on the water in 2014.