ANGLERS IN UASC “NO MOTOR” TOURNAMENT ENJOY SUNNY SKIES, FLAT SEAS AND CHALLENGING WINTER FISHING
ANGLERS IN UASC “NO MOTOR” TOURNAMENT ENJOY SUNNY SKIES, FLAT SEAS AND CHALLENGING WINTER FISHING
Inaugural Event Raises Awareness of Carpenteria Marsh
Kayak anglers, float tubers and at least one shore angler waded and paddled into the calm ocean waters near Santa Barbara on Saturday, December 15, hoping to catch and release a bunch of fish that could win them valuable prizes, as well as bragging rights among this close-knit fishing fraternity. In contrast to the event’s original planned date in October — when fierce Pacific storms kicked up huge swells and wind — this was a picture-postcard beautiful Southern California winter morning.
Two No-Motor Tournament anglers launch their kayaks through the surf
Shortly after the sun chased the remaining pre-dawn chill out of the air, most anglers set out to fish the local kelp beds and reefs just offshore. One lady angler opted to try her luck in the surf. As participants in the first United Anglers of Southern California No Motor Tournament, they were all vying to earn points for hooking and landing bass, rockfish, halibut, seabass or other gamefish. They could fish from any “people-powered” craft, or prowl the shore if they preferred.
The tournament was created to bring attention to the Carpenteria Marsh, a nondescript physical feature of the California coastline — but an extremely important one to the future of halibut and other coastal gamefish. The mud flats and grass beds of the marsh are vital nurseries for fish, and excessive siltation problems are slowly choking it off. “We need to improve this habitat to improve fishing,” said UASC President Tom Raftican. “The first step is to raise awareness of the problem and identify funding partners for help in a dredging project,” he added.
As anglers bobbed just offshore in their colorful craft — clearly visible to passersby — their presence alone was raising awareness. The cold water temperatures put the fish in a chilly mood, but these were expert anglers one and all, and not surprisingly, they caught more than their share of bass, rockfish, sheephead and other species.
“We’re grateful to the anglers who came out and fished with us so close to the Holidays,” said Raftican. “We’re also thankful for all the great sponsors and volunteers who worked hard to make this all possible.”
Inaugural Event Raises Awareness of Carpenteria Marsh
Kayak anglers, float tubers and at least one shore angler waded and paddled into the calm ocean waters near Santa Barbara on Saturday, December 15, hoping to catch and release a bunch of fish that could win them valuable prizes, as well as bragging rights among this close-knit fishing fraternity. In contrast to the event’s original planned date in October — when fierce Pacific storms kicked up huge swells and wind — this was a picture-postcard beautiful Southern California winter morning.
Two No-Motor Tournament anglers launch their kayaks through the surf
Shortly after the sun chased the remaining pre-dawn chill out of the air, most anglers set out to fish the local kelp beds and reefs just offshore. One lady angler opted to try her luck in the surf. As participants in the first United Anglers of Southern California No Motor Tournament, they were all vying to earn points for hooking and landing bass, rockfish, halibut, seabass or other gamefish. They could fish from any “people-powered” craft, or prowl the shore if they preferred.
The tournament was created to bring attention to the Carpenteria Marsh, a nondescript physical feature of the California coastline — but an extremely important one to the future of halibut and other coastal gamefish. The mud flats and grass beds of the marsh are vital nurseries for fish, and excessive siltation problems are slowly choking it off. “We need to improve this habitat to improve fishing,” said UASC President Tom Raftican. “The first step is to raise awareness of the problem and identify funding partners for help in a dredging project,” he added.
As anglers bobbed just offshore in their colorful craft — clearly visible to passersby — their presence alone was raising awareness. The cold water temperatures put the fish in a chilly mood, but these were expert anglers one and all, and not surprisingly, they caught more than their share of bass, rockfish, sheephead and other species.
Second Place angler Mark PierpontWhen the morning was over, participants gathered at the Artful Angler, a nearby local fly shop and fishermen’s hangout, to receive their accolades and congratulate each other. A variety of valuable prizes were awarded by UASC tournament director Victor Mendez, including an awesome Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 for grand prizewinner Jeff Krieger. There where other anglers who also made their “marks” – second place finisher Mark Pierpont, third-place finisher Mark Olsen and fourth place angler Mark Johnson.
“We’re grateful to the anglers who came out and fished with us so close to the Holidays,” said Raftican. “We’re also thankful for all the great sponsors and volunteers who worked hard to make this all possible.”
Grand Prize winner Jeff Krieger with his new Prowler 13 from Ocean
Kayak
