by John Shelton | Oct 8, 2015 | Trips
I made a commitment to the wahoo thing. No other fish on my mind. I began at the eastern edge of the middle nine at 9 am. I then trolled south toward the Mexican border. Turning west, I trolled the border to the west edge, then followed the west edge up north. I...
by John Shelton | Sep 1, 2015 | Abalone Prep and Recipes, Prepping and Fabrication
Abalone is a univalve mollusk, meaning it is a mollusk having only one shell. The abalone is prized for its shell as well as its meat. The meat is very tough, though, if it is not tenderized before cooking. After removing the abalone meat from the shell, it may be...
by John Shelton | Aug 19, 2015 | Fishing, Methods, Saltwater Fishing
An East coast classic gaining traction on the West coast. Chunking is a form of chumming. Chunking is where bait is cubed up, not ground, and is dropped into the water. This form of chumming is to attract the target species and is becoming a go to strategy for our...
by John Shelton | Aug 14, 2015 | Cooking Methods, Sea Urchins, Shellfish and Seafood Recipes
Uni is a delicacy, and is actually the gonads of the sea urchin not the actual roe. Some have described uni as an acquired taste, although those that love uni might say it tastes like the ocean. It has a briny flavor and a soft texture, and can be served straight from...
by John Shelton | Jul 24, 2015 | Recipes, Seafood, Shellfish and Seafood Recipes, Shrimp and Prawn Recipes, Shrimp and Prawns
Shrimp Ravioli with Semolina Pasta Shrimp Ravioli Filling5 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)1 piece of white bread (crusts removed)1 large eggSalt and black pepperPaprika to tasteSemolina Pasta1 1/2 cups semolina flour1/2 teaspoon salt2 eggs2 tablespoons water2...
by John Shelton | Jul 22, 2015 | Cephalopods, Recipes, Shellfish and Seafood Recipes, Squid, Squid and Calamari Recipes
Market squid is a common squid found off the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Baja, California. Quick to cook and delicious to eat, market squid is also easy to prep. How to Clean and Prep Market Squid for Calamari Rinse the squid in cold water. Hold the tentacles firmly...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Reels
Bait Caster Vs. Conventional Reels Bait casters will typically have a thumb activated release at the back of the reel that puts the reel in ‘free spool.’ The conventional reel types have a lever. The two types of reels have levers that you pull back to put it into...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Reels
Conventional Fishing Reels or Trolling Reels The conventional reels (or trolling reels) are multiplier reels. They are designed similar to the bait casting reel. These are open frame reels housing a horizontal spool. The term conventional type refers to reels slighter...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Reels
The Multiplying or Multiplier Reel The multiplier reel has dual revolution action in the spin handle and the spool. The spin handle goes in one revolution while the spool will make multiple revolutions, expressed in the gear ratios 3:1, 5:1, 7:1, etc. A 3:1 is a low...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Reels
The Bait Casting Reel The bait casting reel is a multiplier reel. These reels are mounted on top of the rod, and because of this it goes by the name overhead reel, too. Bait casters have advanced gears for a smooth, quiet, and high speed operations. ...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Reels
The Spinning Reel The spinning reel is one of the most popular reels used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It was originally created for artificial lures and lighter tackle. It is a great trolling and casting reel. A spinning reel is a fixed spool reel, and...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Reels
The Fly Reel This type of reel is made just for fly fishing, and is generally a single-action reel. Most models are the same style that carry different line loads, and models are made specifically for either saltwater or freshwater fly fishing. Saltwater fly...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Reels
The Single Action Reel This type of reel is not used often, and has the handle directly connected to the spool itself. The single-action reel is also called the revolving drum reel. Larger models are available for surf fishing. ...
by John Shelton | Jul 19, 2015 | Tackle Lures
One of the plainest looking lures, but one of the most effective. At least in Southern California. Any trip I do offshore, trolling blue water, I always have at least one cedar plug in the spread whether it is a shotgun way back down the middle or daisy chained cedar...
by John Shelton | Jul 11, 2015 | Dorado, Fish Recipes, Recipes
Finely chopped macadamia nuts are used as the coating for these pan fried mahi mahi (dorado) fish fillets. Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa For the Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi6 mahi mahi fillets3/4 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts1/3 cup flourSalt and...
by John Shelton | Jul 8, 2015 | Recipes, Sauces & Condiments
A great sauce for grilled or pan seared scallops, grilled shrimp, or lean fish fillets. This white wine butter sauce contains lemon and grapefruit. California Citrus Butter Sauce 3 sticks whole butter (cut into pats)1/4 cup white wine2 tablespoons fresh squeezed...