Eeeeek!!! Today (Aug 25), I went on my first fishing adventure and had the time of my life! Here’s what happened:
Growing up in Montana, I often watched my uncle head out on fishing trips, but I never had the chance to join him. Fishing always seemed like a valuable skill—a way to connect with nature and a means of self-preservation. So when I stumbled upon a group on Instagram called Hike Clerb, which focuses on getting BIPOC individuals outdoors, I was immediately intrigued. They posted about a fishing event in Ventura; I signed up without hesitation.
Setting Out for the Day
Our fishing adventure was set in Ventura, just off the coast near Anacapa Island. I left home (Inglewood) around 7 AM, arriving at 8:15 AM to meet up with Guppie’s Fishing Adventunes, the tour operator. Fishing licenses, rod rentals, food, drinks, and instruction were all covered. The only thing we needed to do was show up [and sign a waiver]—everything else was taken care of.
After a brief check-in, we boarded the boat, guided by a knowledgeable crew, including the captain and three other helpful men. They ensured we were all set up, from putting the lines on the rods to teaching us how to bait the hook and cast the line into the ocean. With a full group onboard, there were a few moments of tangled lines due to limited space, but the crew kept us moving to different locations until we found the perfect fishing spot.
The Perfect First Fishing Spot
I couldn’t have asked for a more serene environment for my first fishing experience. We were about an hour off the coast of Ventura, right by Anacapa Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park. The setting was breathtaking, with the island as our backdrop and the peaceful sound of waves surrounding us. It was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles—a place where I could truly relax, both physically and mentally.
Fishing in the sea was a whole new experience for me. It took significant effort to retrieve a fish from the ocean’s depths, making it a surprising arm workout! We let the hooks sink all the way to the ocean floor, and once we felt a fish on the line, it was a challenge to reel it in. Despite my initial anxiety and fears—like handling slimy fish—the experience exceeded my expectations, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the challenge.
My First Catch
At first, I wasn’t sure if I would even catch a fish. There were multiple moments when I thought I had something on the line, only to pull in an empty hook. But persistence paid off, and I eventually caught three fish: one flounder and two rockfish. We threw back one of the rockfish because it was too small, but I was thrilled to keep the flounder, especially since it’s one of my favorite fish to eat.
Fishing with a supportive group made all the difference. It felt like a team sport, with everyone cheering each other on and offering advice. The crew helped with the less glamorous tasks like removing the fish from the hook, gutting, and filleting them. The camaraderie and encouragement made the experience even more rewarding.
Tips for First-Time Fishers
For anyone trying deep-sea fishing for the first time, especially in the open sea, preparation is key. The combination of sun and motion can be tough, so I took motion sickness medicine a couple of hours before boarding the boat and again two hours after. This strategy worked perfectly—I didn’t feel queasy at all during the trip.
The sun was relentless, so sunscreen, UPF clothing, and a hat were essential. Staying hydrated was also crucial, both before and during the trip. These small preparations made a big difference in keeping the experience enjoyable. See my full packing list here.
Reflections and Future Plans
Fishing turned out to be an incredibly refreshing escape from the city. It was a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in the busy streets of Los Angeles. I’m already looking forward to my next fishing trip, eager to see what other outdoor adventures await me.
And who knows? Maybe next time, I’ll catch a fish big enough to feed me for two weeks!
