Whale War between Japanese hunters and Sea Shepherd to escalate

News item: Japan requests that Australia prevent the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship Steve Irwin from leaving port this December to harass its whalers in the Antarctic.

Reaction: Isn't a similar request made every year, to no avail? Japan may not like it, but Capt. Paul Watson and his ragtag band of whale-loving vegans will remain a proverbial thorn in Japan's side as long as it has funding and, thanks to the popularity of Animal Planet's "Whale Wars," there appears to be no shortage for next season's campaign.

And that Southern Ocean campaign, which will launch Dec. 1, figures to  resemble something out of this world, thanks to a swift new boat that looks like a space vessel, can travel at 40 knots and plow through waves and deflect harpoons.

The boat is named Earthrace and its New Zealand owner/skipper, Pete Bethune, told the Sydney Morning Herald he was lending his support because he can't stand the thought of whales being slaughtered in "my backyard."

When I talked to Watson recently he said he had something special up his sleeve and was planning a seasonlong, rather than partial campaign against Japan, which annually targets about 1,000 minke whales in what it claims is a research effort.

With the extra boat (Sea Shepherd plans on using three vessels for the campaign) the group does not have to worry about leaving the whalers on their own while returning to Australia for a lengthy refueling process. Of course, the escalation might be dangerous because Japan is weary of what it refers to as acts of piracy against its fleet.

At a recent International Whaling Commission meeting, Japanese delegation member Jun Yamashita said, "It can only be described as a miracle that there has been no death or large-scale accident to date."

Yamashita added: "We cannot tolerate such audacity. We ask for all appropriate measures, including a ban on the ship from leaving port, so that we can prevent these acts from being repeated."

In case you're wondering, a film crew from "Whale Wars" will be with Sea Shepherd shooting for Season Three of the series.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Earthrace, which is powered by biodiesel and can reach speeds of 40 knots and deflect harpoons, will be used in Sea Shepherd's campaign against Japanese whalers next season in the Antarctic. Credit: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Zac Sunderland is finally sailing home, no small thanks to dear old dad

Zac Sunderland, 17, is finally in the home stretch. He made his final stop (if the sailing gods comply) last week in the Puerto Vallarta area, where the 36-foot Intrepid underwent extensive repairs.

His return to Marina del Rey, from which he departed on June 14, 2008, on a quest to become the youngest person to solo-circumnavigate the planet, probably will occur toward the end of next week.

I had the pleasure of visiting Zac and his dad and grandmother in Mexico and will share more information in the coming days. One observation I'm compelled to share now is that Zac, as adept a sailor as he has become, would not be where he is if it weren't for the help of his parents -- perhaps most notably from his shipbuilder dad.

I witnessed Laurence Sunderland perform a minor miracle in Paradise Village Marina. He somehow was able to remove and rebuild almost an entire bulkhead, in sweltering conditions inside the vessel's tiny cabin, in less than two days. It was more remarkable considering the location and time spent scouring the region for parts.

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning June 29

 

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of June 29 with rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake. 

ORANGE: Trabuco Creek.

RIVERSIDE: Fulmor Lake and Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake, Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Lytle Creek (Middle & North Forks), Miller Canyon Creek, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork.

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake and Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker Lake, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Norway whale hunting season suspended

Norwegian whalers have suspended this year's hunt of minke whales, citing lack of product demand.

According to an Agence France-Presse article, industry officials state that the suspension is due to capacity problems at processing plants.

"The number of whales killed so far is enough to meet the known demand," Willy Godtliebsen, head of sales at the Norwegian Fishermen's Sales Organization said. "They may resume the hunt later if new buyers turn up."

The environmental group Greenpeace, however, claims that it is proof of a growing disinterest for whale meat among consumers and that the meat is being shunned.

Norway's whaling season, which defies an international ban on commercial whaling, begins in spring and usually runs until fall. With a quota of 885 minke whales, approximately 350 have been harpooned thus far.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Minke whale. Credit: Eric Martin / For The Times

Yosemite visitors rescued from burning vehicle return to thank park ranger

Two Yosemite park visitors rescued from a burning vehicle returned to thank the park ranger whom they credit with saving their lives.

James Bachman and Dorothy Hovland, both from Huntington Beach, returned to Yosemite National Park Thursday to give their thanks to Ranger Dan Abbe and present him with a plaque to show their appreciation.

"If it wasn't for Dan, we wouldn't have been able to get out of the vehicle. The engine started on fire while we were still inside," Bachman said during the presentation. "He is a very special person, and we are alive because of him."

In late May, Abbe was flagged down while on his way to work in Yosemite Valley and told of a pickup truck and trailer that had gone over the side of the highway and was resting 40 feet down a steep hillside.

While attempting to free the two passengers, he noticed a fire in the engine compartment.

Dew Tour begins season with Nike 6.0 BMX Open in Chicago

 

The fifth season of the Dew Tour begins today with the Nike 6.0 BMX Open at Chicago's Grant Park.

Competing will be some of the top BMX athletes, including four-time Dew Cup vert champion Jamie Bestwick, Dave Mirra and Daniel Dhers.

In addition to the vert, dirt and park disciplines, the BMX Open will include a street specialty competition with Garrett Reynolds, Sean Sexton and Van Homan.

Saturday's action will be televised live at 11 a.m. on NBC.

The five-city tour also visits Boston, Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City, culminating with the final in Orlando, Fla.

Competitors are vying for part of a $2.5-million purse based on overall tour standings.

The complete 2009 Dew Tour schedule:

June 26-27        Nike 6.0 BMX Open                                                                     Chicago

July 24-25         Skate Open/ISF Skateboarding World Championships            Boston

Aug. 13-16        Wendy's Invitational                                                                Portland, Ore.

Sept. 17-20       Toyota Challenge                                                                         Salt Lake City

Oct. 15-18         PlayStation Pro                                                                            Orlando, Fla.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Cameron White competes in the BMX dirt finals during the 2008 Dew Tour. Credit: Bo Bridges / For the Dew Tour

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I give my abalone to others in my dive group?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I live in Modesto and occasionally dive for abalone with friends from the Bay Area. It's a long drive though and ends up being a long day, sometimes barely worth the set-up time and effort for just three abalone. Occasionally, I would prefer to just give my three abalone to the others in my dive group (so they can enjoy six abalone) while I drive back to Modesto and catch up on my sleep. How can I legally do this? (Carl W., Modesto)

Answer: You must tag your abalone and fill out your report card immediately upon exiting the water. Then you must keep your abalone in your possession until you officially give or “gift” them to someone else. Keep in mind that whoever you give them to is also allowed to possess only three tagged abalone, whether they have a fishing license or not. Therefore, you may not give them to your dive buddies if your abalone combined with their own puts the gift recipient over their limit of three in possession.

To make sure there are no misunderstandings along the way should your friends be asked, it's also a good idea to write a note for them to keep with your gifted abalone while the abs are in their possession or are being transported home. The note should be dated and include your name, address, telephone and fishing license number so that the abalone can be traced back to you, if necessary.

Question: For the past 25 years I have been weaving rugs using wool and hair from a variety of animals and then selling those rugs. I can obtain some bear hair from a wildlife researcher working out of state and want to know if it would be legal for me to use this in my weavings. (Barbara S.)

Federal and junior duck stamps available beginning Friday

To mark the first day of sale Friday for the 2009-10 federal and junior duck stamps, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host a ceremony at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store in Nashville.

Attending will be the winning artists whose work will grace this year's stamps. Watertown, S.D. resident Joshua Spies' painting of a long-tail duck and decoy (above) was chosen from 270 entries for the federal stamp, and 16-year-old Lily Spang from Toledo, Ohio won the junior stamp contest with her design featuring a wood duck (below).

To continue the 75-year tradition of a postmaster selling the first stamp to the Fish and Wildlife Service director, Nashville postmaster Dave Vale will be at the ceremony to sell the first stamps to USFWS Acting Director Rowan Gould.

The Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga, along with 16 other locations, will hold events and have first-day cancellations and related collectibles available for purchase.

Zip lining course opens at Big Bear Lake

Outdoor enthusiasts now have another local activity available with the opening of a zip line course in the Big Bear Lake area.

One of the first zip lining courses available in Southern California, Flying Bear Zip Lines offers five courses that cross over canyons and through forests on lines as long as 600 feet and as high as 90 feet above ground.

All courses were created to flow with nature and the natural surroundings, with features such as launch platforms on granite rocks and landing platforms on pine trees.

"The one thing we had in mind when designing the course was to make sure our guests experience the sensation of flying through the forest," said Adam Bondeson, owner of Flying Bear Zip Lines. "More importantly, we not only meet but exceed all national standards set for the zip line industry."

Open daily, prices range from $65-$85 for three to five runs. Though reservations are not required, they are recommended.

"Adventure seekers will no longer need to travel to faraway exotic places like Costa Rica or Hawaii to get a zip fix," added Bondeson.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo courtesy of Flying Bear Zip Lines

X Games party Thursday at L.A. Live

The X Games are having a party and everyone's invited.

The X Games 15 Quinceañera party will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday at L.A. Live to herald the opening of ticket sales for the 15th annual X Games.

The street celebration will feature appearances and autograph sessions by numerous athletes, including MotoX stars Todd Potter, Ronnie Faisst and Kyle Loza plus Olympic silver medalist and Winter X Games Snowboarder X gold medalist Lindsey Jacobellis.

There will also be a skateboard street demonstration by X Games boarders Paul Rodriguez Jr., Terry Kennedy, Amy Caron and Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins.

Attendees can check out the world's largest skateboard, which is more than 36 feet long, and also get an opportunity to design their own skate deck.

Correlating with the Quinceañera theme, vendors will be offering churros, tacos and burritos for sale, plus  a mariachi band will perform.

X Games 15 will be held July 30-Aug. 2 in Los Angeles and will feature some of the hottest global athletes competing in MotoX, BMX Freestyle, Rally car racing and other events.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Chad Kagy on his way to another medal at last year's BMX Vert competition. Credit: Pete Demos/ESPN Images/Shazamm

Red Bull X-Fighters freestyle motocross tour hits Texas this Saturday

Above is a promo video for the Red Bull X-Fighters freestyle motocross tour, which comes to Texas Saturday, June 27.

The third stop in the five-round global series, this will be the only X-Fighters event held in the U.S. this year. After Texas, riders move on to Leg 4 in Madrid on July 16 and 17 and then London for the Aug. 22 finale.

Those invited to compete include previous X-Fighters winners Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, Mat Rebeaud, Robbie Maddison and Danny Torres.

Stenberg recently had his motorcycles stolen from his Temecula home and there has been no news as to if they have been recovered, so he may be riding some different bikes.

Also, newcomer Levi Sherwood, winner in Mexico City, had a bad landing during a training session last week and will not be able to ride. His replacement will be Metal Mulisha rider Jeff "Ox" Kargola. Sherwood should be back in time for Madrid.

With the riders coming out of the bull chutes at the historic Fort Worth stockyards in head-to-head competition featuring jumps of 75 to 115 feet, this should be an exciting event.

Enjoy the video.

-- Kelly Burgess

Video courtesy of Red Bull Motorsports

Saltwater fishing update: Albacore counts slowly rising

They aren't impressive scores but albacore counts for overnight and 1 1/2-day (two-night) excursions out of San Diego are slowly increasing.

Here are some weekend tallies:

--Apollo, on an overnight trip from Fisherman's Landing, 18 albacore and five yellowtail.

--Prowler, on an overnight adventure from Fisherman's Landing, 11 albacore and six yellowtail.

--New Lo-An, on an overnight trip from Point Loma Sportfishing, 11 bluefin tuna, 12 yellowtail and one bonito.

--Grande, on a 1 1/2-day excursion from Point Loma Sportfishing, 12 albacore and 10 yellowtail.

--Producer, on an overnight journey from H&M Landing, 23 albacore and five bluefin tuna.

--Sea Adventure 80, on a 1 1/2-day outing, one albacore, six yellowtail and 35 bonito.

These counts ought to improve as summer progresses.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Albacore comes over the rail of the Gallilean in this 2005 file photo. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

Tropical Storm Andres, season's first, eyed by surfers, anglers in Baja Sur

 

**Updated with swell information from Surfline

The first tropical storm of  the season in the eastern Pacific might become a hurricane briefly Tuesday, with sustained winds of 73 mph or stronger, but later in the week, as it skirts Cabo San Lucas and tracks westward, it is expected to diminish and ultimately will dissipate in cooler water northwest of Baja California's tip.

That's the forecast, anyway.

Regardless, Tropical Storm Andres will make its presence known in Baja California Sur. Surfers, however, are likely to benefit only farther up the Sea of Cortez, reports Sean Collins of Surfline.

"There might be some swell opportunities up inside the gulf farther away from the storm, but most of southernmost Baja, like Cabo and the East Cape, will likely have poor, stormy and onshore wind conditions," Collins said via email. "As Andres tries to move farther west off Baja it will run into cooler water and will lose strength very quickly, so it’s very unlikely it will hold its strength to send any waves up along the Pacific coast of Baja or Southern California.

Collins added: "On the good side, Andres will help to push warmer water up closer to Baja, which will help future tropical storms to hold better strength within Baja and Southern California’s swell window. Right now we have a very cold wall of ocean water off the Pacific coast of Baja that will literally shut down any tropical storms or hurricanes from sending any swell father north.

"Once that water warms up over the next month or so storms will be able to maintain their strength within the swell windows to send swell farther north. Currently our only possibility for tropical swell is if the storms stay very far to the south about 500 miles south of Baja over warmer water, but most storms prefer to move farther north at this stage."

Andres might also affect fishing opportunities by forcing the closure of Cabo San Lucas marina and other ports.

Above is a National Hurricane Center graphic that plots the predicted path and development of Andres. Stay tuned for updates.

-- Pete Thomas

Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning June 22

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of June 22 with rainbow trout or channel catfish by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek,  Independence Creek, North Lake, Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Shepherds Creek, South Lake, Symms Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Catfish:

LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Ford Park Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir.

Photo credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

Lobster poachers receive jail time in two separate incidents

Two individuals caught poaching lobsters in the San Diego area have been sentenced to jail. Though the cases are unrelated, both involve repeat offenders.

Jason Bryan Chavez was caught mid-May with 46 lobsters in his possession. Not only were they taken out of season and below the legal minimum size, some of the females were carrying eggs as it is breeding season for the crustaceans.

Chavez pleaded guilty and has been ordered to serve 120 days in jail. He will be placed on probation following his release. This is the 10th time that Chavez has been arrested on poaching charges in the Mission Bay area since 1995.

The other man, Binh Q. Chau, was caught in March fishing with a hand-line at the La Jolla Marine Preserve, where it is unlawful to take any marine life.

When approached by a Department of Fish and Game warden, Chau attempted to toss the line into the ocean, but the spool it was connected to was in his pocket. When searched, he was found to have four lobsters and a cabezon in his possession. 

Volunteer cleanup scheduled for Saturday at Will Rogers State Beach

The Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup is set to take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Will Rogers State Beach, Pacific Palisades.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at a different locales and are an opportunity to lend a hand helping keep our local shores clean and spend some time outdoors.

All supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Liability waivers will be available on-site and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Parking is $1 for volunteers, who should plan to meet on the north side of the Temescal Canyon entrance.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148 to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Children play with their dog at Will Rogers State Beach. Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

Colorado River boaters (who drink) beware Operation Dry Water

Summer is at hand and the Colorado River, long a favored party spot for boaters, is becoming increasingly crowded.

But the era in which boaters could freely drink and operate their vessels without worrying about police has vanished. Law enforcement now treats operating under the influence on the water as seriously as it treats driving under the influence on land.

Why? Because most deadly boating accidents involve consumption of alcohol.

And if there's one weekend that a  crackdown will be evident,  it's June 26-28, when Operation Dry Water will launch nationwide and will include a tri-state campaign on the most popular boating party spot west of the Mississippi.

That's the Colorado River, whose shores are in California, Arizona and Nevada. Though the campaign is designed to promote awareness and responsibility, boaters along the 233-mile system can expect to encounter checkpoints and will land in deep trouble if they've had too much to drink.

Said Raynor Tsuneyoshi, California's boating law administrator: "The reality is, for their safety and the safety of others, if you choose to drink and then operate a boat at or above the legal .08 limit, you will go to jail."

Consider yourselves warned.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Party barges, boats and revelers crowd a sandbar on the Colorado River in Lake Havasu. Credit: Robert Caplin / For the Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can fish be moved from one body of water to another?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I ran into a bunch of guys recently who love to bass-fish and so have been moving bass into the rivers. They think it's OK but I think not because bass eat trout and salmon fry. They say the water is too warm during the summer for trout. Is there anything we can do if we know they are taking a bunch of bass to the rivers to dump? Who do I contact if I know where and when it will be done next? (Anonymous)

Answer: Transporting and relocating live finfish from one body of water to another in California can cause serious environmental problems and is a serious offense punishable by fines and even jail time. If you have knowledge of this activity, you should immediately call our toll-free CalTIP line ([888] DFG-CALTIP, or [888] 334-2258) and provide specific details, including suspect and vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and locations of where the fish are being caught and dropped off.

Aside from the fact that the transported fish may not adapt well to their new surroundings or even die, they can potentially disrupt the balance of existing species through increased predation, competition for limited food sources, disease and parasites.

Pro surfers living the dream at Mentawais -- and it doesn't seem fair!

For those wondering what the Red Bull surf team is up to, or what it's like to surf Indonesia's Mentawai Islands, check out the video and receive affirmation that, a) pro surfers live in a dream world and, b) their showing off in this manner is tantamount to torture for ordinary wave riders who live in the real world and have to actually work and still cannot afford to run off on one of these remarkably exotic and pricey adventures.

But those who don't mind living vicariously through others are sure to appreciate the show and the level of talent among the athletes--and, of course, the ridiculously high quality of the Mentawais' waves.

Featured here are Conner Coffin, Jordy Smith, Julian Wilson, Kolohe Andino, Michel Bourez, Mick Fanning, Sally Fitzgibbons and Sofia Mulanovich. Their trip recently ended but Mulanovich is back at the Mentawais on another boat trip for women only.

Don't you just hate her?  

-- Pete Thomas

Video courtesy of Red Bull

Bass Pro Shops offering free weekend activities for families

Bass Pro Shops is offering free outdoor workshops and activities aimed at children and families each weekend through Sunday, July 5, at stores nationwide.

The "Family Summer Camp" is taking place from noon-6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Children's craft activities include opportunities to decorate a fishing bobber or lure, make keychains, design a birdhouse and create plaster animal-track casts.

There are also outdoor workshops available for family participation, covering fishing, hiking and camping basics, bird watching, plant and animal identification skills, archery and even how to make campfire s'mores. Children will earn a collectible pin for every workshop completed.

Attendees will also receive a free summer guide booklet chock-full of tips, activities and ideas for enjoying time outdoors.

"This is our way of helping families enjoy affordable, fun activities together and create lifelong memories," said Bass Pro Shops president Jim Hagale.

The Los Angeles-area store is at 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane in Rancho Cucamonga.

With so many things to see and do, including a laser shooting gallery, large live-fish tanks, wildlife and fish mounts on display, a fine gun room and the on-site Islamorada Fish Company restaurant, the store is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts even if not participating in Family Summer Camp activities or shopping for equipment.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Children enjoy painting their own fishing lures. Credit: Bass Pro Shops

In wake of Half Dome tragedy, should cables come down?

Monday's report on the death of Manoj Kumar, who slipped and fell 200 feet as he was descending the cables on Half Dome, stirred robust debate.

Some people merely commented on what a wonderful experience it is to achieve the summit of the massive granite shoulder in Yosemite National Park. Others discussed the care required of those who wish to make the daylong climb safely.

Then there were those who strongly suggested the laddered cable system should come down, or argued that the cables should remain in place.

As one who has never climbed Half Dome but hopes to someday, I believe they should remain. This is not because of selfishness and I mean no disrespect to Kumar, his family or friends.

They ought to remain because they provide a reasonably safe means by which careful hikers can conquer a truly majestic landmark within a spectacular wilderness setting.

There is risk, but also reward and presumably a feeling of major accomplishment among park visitors, young and old, who complete the marathon hike and climb.

Supercross champ James Stewart to hold fan Ride Day in Riverside

Supercross champion James "Bubba" Stewart will spend most of Saturday riding and mingling with fans during what is simply called Ride Day at Milestone MX Park in Riverside.

The event is from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be no formal autograph session or any real structure. It's merely a day set aside by the 2009 AMA SX champion to allow fans a chance to get to know him personally.

"During race season, we're busy. There's not much time," said Stewart, who will make his X Games debut later this summer. "I thought it would be cool to have a whole day where my fans and I can ride together and have some fun. I know a lot of them love to ride too.

"This event is open to everyone, whether they want to ride or just watch, so I'm hopeful a lot of people will come out and see me."

The park has a capacity limit so early arrival might be key to actually getting in.

In keeping with the theme, lunch will be served by Chuy's Mexican restaurant of Temecula, owned by Steve Barlow. Barlow is a pro racer in The Off-Road Championship (TORC) series and a Red Bull Racing Team owner. Stewart is among many Red Bull-sponsored riders.

Ride Day is free to Milestone Park members but there's a $10 spectator fee for nonmembers.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: James Stewart catches air. Credit: Red Bull

Sailor Zac Sunderland forced to seek shelter from developing storm

A disturbance in the eastern Pacific is expected to develop into the season's first tropical storm and it's forcing Zac Sunderland to sail for shelter at the Mexican port city of Manzanillo.

Sunderland, 17, who is on the last leg of an around-the-world solo adventure, had hoped to make it home by the end of the month but will spend at least four days in Manzanillo and that will delay his arrival at  Marina del Rey until perhaps the first weekend in July.

Zac's mom said he wanted to continue on a course for Cabo San Lucas but that could be perilous. "He needs to duck for cover. He has got to get into a harbor; there's no question about it," said Surfline's Sean Collins, a forecaster who monitors conditions in a region that he says is becoming increasingly active.

The organizing storm is expected to veer to the north and ultimately the northeast toward land, perhaps making landfall near Puerto Vallarta, which is 130 miles north of Manzanillo.

The red patch in the bottom graphic shows the disturbance, which features strong winds and thunderstorms. It's southwest of Manzanillo and trailing Zac's 36-foot Intrepid, which presently is taking wind on the nose.

Stay tuned for updates...

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Zac Sunderland aboard Intrepid, before his departure from Marina del Rey last June. Credit: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times.

Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center

Half Moon Bay Big Wave Surfing Film Festival opens with spotlight on Greg Noll

The first annual Half Moon Bay Big Wave Surfing Film Festival opens tonight and runs through Saturday night at the Oceano Hotel & Spa in Princeton Harbor.

Sellout audiences are expected for an event taking place a short distance from Maverick's, one of the world's premier big-wave surfing venues.

Greg Noll, a.k.a "Da Bull," is featured tonight as he'll introduce his film, "Search for Surf," which will begin at 7 p.m. and showcase Noll's and filmmaker Bruce Brown's pioneering experiences off California and Hawaii.

Thursday night will be a tribute to Jay Moriarty, a beloved Mavericks's surfer who died while free-diving off India in 2001. Films to be shown are "Whipped" and "Ride On," both produced by Eric Nelson and Curt Myers of Powerlines Productions.

Friday night's featured film is "Year of the Drag-In" by Nelson, Myers and Frank Quirarte. It will largely showcase the Maverick's crew of regulars towing into waves with faces measuring to 70 feet.

Saturday night will feature "One Winter Story" by Frank Films. It will profile the inspirational Santa Cruz surfer Sarah Gerhardt, the first woman to ride Maverick's.

There's much more and tonight's program also includes an 8:30 film titled "The Perfect 10," which showcases the 2008 Big-Wave Africa event at notoriously large and shark-infested Dungeons.

Receptions each night are at 6 p.m. If you don't already have tickets, you might find them difficult to come by.

-- Pete Thomas

 

Saltwater fishing update: Yellowtail make big splash beyond San Diego

The season's first major haul of yellowtail at the offshore tuna grounds is occurring today for anglers aboard the Grande. They've boated more than 100 yellowtail and were still fishing as of 1:30 p.m.

The 25 passengers are part of a two-day 976-TUNA charter and spent Monday in an area 120 miles southwest of San Diego. They caught 18 albacore in the 10- to 12-pound range and 30 yellowtail in the 5- to 10-pound range.

Today they were fishing en route back to Point Loma Sportfishing and encountered most of the yellowtail 65 miles southwest of the landing. The kelp paddies that generally attract yellowtail and albacore were mostly dry; the Grande passengers found their fish breezing in open ocean, reports 976-TUNA founder Philip Friedman. Their most productive stop was 40 yellowtail.

That's a good sign but there remains no indication of albacore moving close enough to become available to anglers on 24-hour excursions. 

Farther down the Baja Calfornia coast long-range anglers are experiencing fair fishing for yellowfin tuna  and large yellowtail. After the Royal Polaris docked this morning at Fisherman's Landing, passenger James Springer, 20, disembarked with the trip's most impressive catch: a 62.6-pound yellowtail caught at Alijos Rocks.

“I saw him hit,” Springer said. “It was crazy; I saw a flash and then he was gone and the line came tight. I almost flew overboard.”

The largest two yellowfin weighed 56 pounds.

--  Pete Thomas

Photo: James Springer (right) and his grandfather, Nobu Oshiro, sit on a curb with a 62.6-pound yellowtail on their lap. Credit: Bill Roecker/Fishingvideos.com

Large Alaska halibut landed by girl, 6, who was hoping for a mermaid

The Homer, Alaska, Chamber of Commerce is promoting the season long Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby while reminding entrants, and tourists, that the daily bag limit for halibut off Homer is two, in reference to a recent controversial reduction to only one halibut per day in Southeast Alaska.

That said, the derby has a new leader: David Moore of Gill., Colo., who landed a 235-pound halibut Saturday aboard the Last Laugh out of Poi Boi Fishing & Wilderness Lodge.

More refreshing: There are some women participating in the contest, which pays monthly cash prizes for heaviest fish in several categories, for specially-tagged halibut and for winners at season's end.

The leader in the Lady Angler category is Tegan Humphrey, 6, who on Sunday boated a 138.8-pound halibut (pictured) aboard the Bear Force 1 out of Big Bear Halibut Charters.

Afterward she told a derby official: "I was a little disappointed that is wasn't a mermaid."

Also somewhat disappointed is a visitor from Canada who last week reeled in a tagged halibut that would have been worth $10,000 ... if he had paid the $10 derby entry fee. Apparently he didn't want the added expenditure.

The derby runs through Sept. 30.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Halibut Derby ladies' division leader Tegan Humphrey, 6, stands between the 138.8-pound fish she caught Sunday and boat Capt. Rob Hyslip. Credit: Homer Chamber of Commerce

 

State parks access pass might be key to preventing their closure

Those following the issue of funding for California's state parks will note there is bad news but some good news this week.

The bad news: The Budget Conference Committee on Monday afternoon voted to eliminate $70 million in general fund money earmarked for support of the state parks system for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The good news: The committee also voted to adopt the State Parks Access Pass and create a dedicated funding source to keep parks open. This still needs to be passed by the Legislature, as part of a budget bill, and approved by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But it makes sense. The access pass would place a $15 surcharge on vehicle license fees for noncommercial vehicles. That won't go over well with those who do not like outdoor recreation and have no plans to enter any of California's 279 state parks, beaches and reserves.

But it's a bargain for those who frequent these vast wilderness refuges, as they'd be allowed free day-use access to state parks. More important, it would prevent 220 of these parks from closing and deteriorating to a point where it'd become extremely costly to reopen them.

With the surcharge the general fund would realize an estimated savings of about $143 million annually.

Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California State Parks Foundation, declared in a news release: "At a time when the state desperately needs to generate revenues for many other critical state services, it makes sense to keep state parks open and available for the public. The Committee recognized that closing state parks won't save money, it will cost the state dearly."

Goldstein cited a Cal State Sacramento study that found park users spend an average of $57.63 per visit and, across the state parks system, generate more than $4.2 billion in positive economic effects.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: The scene within the walls of Sutter's Fort State Historic Park in Sacramento, where the Mexican flag still flies. The park is slated for closure if state parks funding disappeared. Credit: Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times

Death on Yosemite's Half Dome occurred amid 'perfect storm' of circumstances

Late Saturday afternoon, when Manoj Kumar fell to his death while attempting a descent of Half Dome within Yosemite National Park, there prevailed what a park spokesman described as a "perfect storm" of circumstances.

Saturday is the busiest day of the week on a cabled ladder system that enables climbers to negotiate the 425-foot sheer granite dome to and from its summit.

But by early afternoon it had become cold and blustery, with rain and fog and sporadic hail. Many hikers had aborted their climbs but some had not. The granite and the cables had become slippery. Some hikers froze in fear. Others tried scurrying around on the outside edges of the cables.

An investigation continues to determine exactly what caused Kumar, 40, a Northern California software engineer, to let go and plummet nearly 200 feet, but he might have been on the outside edge of one of the cables.

After Kumar fell, 41 climbers were assisted in what the park called a "controlled evacuation" that lasted until dark.

Southern Baja fishing update: Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna reach East Cape

Striped marlin remain the primary target for anglers throughout most of Baja California Sur, but with summerlike weather has arrived summertime species, notably blue marlin and yellowfin tuna.

From Rancho Leonero on the East Cape, resort owner John Ireland boasts of the blue marlin presence: "I personally got spooled on a 300- to 400-pounder. Hotel anglers released seven this week, from 200-300 pounds. All blind strikes on lures, blue and white. Flying fish colors working best."

Ireland's report is too glowing to be true; he states wide-open fishing for just about every species. But fishing clearly is very good and much better than in the Cabo San Lucas area to the south.

The yellowfin tuna, Ireland adds, are being found beneath porpoises and are being caught mostly on trolled hoochies.They're weighing to about 40 pounds.

As for the summerlike weather, it reached 102 degrees last Thursday in Cabo San Lucas and cooled only slightly over the weekend. The fishing action has been in the Sea of Cortez because of off-color water on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula.

Striped marlin are less cooperative that they were in previous weeks but the average is about one per boat, according to Capt. George Landrum  of Fly Hooker Sportfishing. 

Landrum says yellowfin are being caught only sporadically by trollers, and that dorado fishing has improved but is not wide open.

Tracy Ehrenberg, general manager of Pisces Sportfishing, adds: "We're pretty excited about the wahoo right now, as in the last eight days we have had three over 70 pounds, which is a size we have not seen in a several years."

The Cabo fleets have not experienced an influx of blue marlin, so somehow the mighty billfish swam past Cabo to the East Cape region without being detected.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Striped marlin on the hook surfaces off the East Cape region of Baja California Sur. Credit: Jack Nilson

Sailor Zac Sunderland marks milestone: 365 days, and counting

Though it's too early for Zac Sunderland to celebrate, it is not too early to make note of a major milestone.

Sunday marked the 365th day of an around-the-world sailing adventure -- on a 36-foot boat named Intrepid --t hat began June 14, 2008.

As Zac recalled on his blog, from a position halfway between Panama and the start-finish point in Marina del Rey:

"It has been a crazy year: I've crossed three oceans and five seas, crossed the equator twice, and covered over 23,000 nautical miles.

"I have stopped in some of the most remote places in the world making great friends and experienced the fury and beauty of the open sea. It has been a year of amazing adventure which I hope to continue for the rest of my life because I love to live life on the edge and to the max every day. "

Zac, 17, who is attempting to become the youngest person to solo-sail around the world, is due to arrive near the end of the month. His slightly younger British rival, Mike Perham, is due to complete a similar odyssey -- aboard a 50-foot racing yacht -- in mid- or late July.

It's probably safe to assume that, for both sailors, setting or breaking a record is a distant second to the experience.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Zac Sunderland, 17, waves from his 36-foot sailboat as he sails through the Panama Canal near Panama City. Credit: Associated Press

Pat Gudauskas makes like vert skater at Maldives, is runner-up to Wright

Pat Gudauskas could not flip his way past Australia's Owen Wright on Sunday in the final of the Sri Lankan Airlines Pro at the Maldives. 

But the San Clemente surfer, by finishing second in the ASP World Qualifying Series Tour six-star prime-rated contest, vaulted from from No. 27 to No. 7 in the WQS standings and revealed to the surfing universe where the sport is headed.

And that would be skyward.

Gudauskas, 23, made like a vert skater on the four- to six-foot waves at the Maldives. In the fourth round he became the first surfer to nail an inverted 540-degree rodeo flip in a major pro contest. In the final he landed the trick again and again received a perfect 10.

Unfortunately for him, though, surfers use their best two scores and Wright's were enough for him to prevail, 19.23-18.93, in a heat where new-age surfing was on spectacular display.

"I feel like I've won the event even though I lost," Gudauskas said. "It was just such an amazing event and an incredible final to surf in, and I'm really stoked to have pulled those aerials. I think surfing's heading to exciting places with these moves and I'm fully pumped for the rest of the year." 

Gudauskas will need to remain in the top 15 to qualify for the elite World Tour. He has come painfully close twice but he's surfing with more passion this year so expect him to make the leap. As for brothers Tanner and Dane, they have some work to do while sitting at Nos. 20 and 41, respectively.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Pat Gudauskas midway through a rodeo flip in the final of the Sri Lankan Airlines Pro at the Maldives. Credit: Dara Ahmed / ASP Australasia.

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning June 15

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of June 15 with rainbow trout or channel catfish by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek, Castaic Lagoon and Pyramid Lake. 

VENTURA: Piru Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Symms Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).    

Catfish:

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Lake, Tri-City Park Lake and Yorba Regional Park Lake.

Photo: A trout jumps out of a pool at the Mt. Whitney fish hatchery near Independence in this 2007 photo. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times

Giant tuna on Red Rooster III no record, but still worth crowing about

It was not a 400-pounder, as some aboard the Red Rooster III had predicted. Nor did the enormous yellowfin tuna caught by Mike Ashford come close to eclipsing the current all-tackle world record: a 388-pound 12-ounce specimen caught at Mexico's Revillagigedo Islands in 1977.

Having been led to believe that prestigious angling record might finally fall, a large crowd and crews from two TV news stations met the Red Rooster III on Sunday morning when it returned to San Diego's H&M Landing from a 15-day excursion into Mexican waters.

The display of large tuna was impressive, but Ashford's whopper fell about 20 pounds short of Capt. Andy Cates' on-board estimate and weighed in at only 362.1 pounds.

"I'm blown away," said Ashford, who is from Coarse Gold, Calif. "I didn't know how big it was until they brought it aboard through the gate. It was [caught on] the last bait of the trip, and I was first in the water. He fought for an hour and 15 minutes."

Paul Oster of Mammoth Lakes had the second-largest tuna on the voyage, a 304.8-pounder that inhaled a mackerel fished under a kite. Lynn Freed of Winnetka caught a 295.3-pound yellowfin on a flying fish deployed under a kite.

Combined, that's almost 1,000 pounds of tuna.

 -- Pete Thomas

Photo: Mike Ashford stands alongside a yellowfin tuna that weighed 362.1 pounds, well short of on-board estimates. Credit: Fishingvideos.com.

Yosemite hiker dies after fall on Half Dome; 41 others evacuated

The hiker who perished after falling during a descent of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park late Saturday afternoon has been identified as Manoj Kumar, 40, of San Ramon, Calif.

Rain and hail might have been factors. At the time of the 911 call regarding Kumar's fall, several climbers had become caught in a hailstorm and were unable to descend, either because of the incident or exposure to harsh elements.

A team of rangers evacuated 41 hikers. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of Kumar's fall.

This marks the first fatality involving a hiker on Half Dome since Hirofumi Nohara fell to his death in June 2007. Two women died after falls while on the massive granite shoulder, one in April 2007, the other in November 2006.

Yosemite set Half Dome's cables in place in mid-May and, as it does every spring, cautioned hikers to exercise extreme caution in wet weather.

--Pete Thomas

File photo: Climbers clog the cables at Half Dome. Credit: Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times

Jeremy 'Twitch' Stenberg has FMX bikes stolen; Mulisha seeks your help

Breaking news in the freestyle motocross universe: Thieves have broken into the Temecula home of FMX superstar Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg and stolen his bikes and those of Metal Mulisha teammate Taka Takayuki Higashino on Thursday night.

The Mulisha lists the items on its website:

--Twitch's YZ250 Freestyle Contest Bike
--Twitch’s 450
--Twitch’s 250F
--Twitch’s 110
--Twitch’s 50
--Taka’s YZ250 Freestyle Contest Bike
--All of Twitch’s old helmets (If you read his etnies interview then you know how much those mean to him.)
--All riding gear

The Mulisha states: "If you did this please return the bikes … we have investigators on the case right now. If you have any information about who may have done this please email us at metalmulishaclothing@gmail.com, or use the contact form, with any info you have.

"If you see some really nice bikes that look like Twitch's or Taka’s on Craigs List, eBay, etc., let us know. Please, only serious leads so we’re not chasing our tails. If you provide info leading to the recovery of the bikes we will give you a ton of Metal Mulisha gear and hook you up with passes to X Games to hang out with the Mulisha."

This represents a major setback for the riders, with the X Games and other events just around the corner. Hopefully, the bikes will be recovered and justice will be served.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Jeremy Stenberg performs a backflip at the Panasonic Open Dew Tour event in 2006. Credit: Bo Bridges

Two climbers fall to deaths on Alaska's Mt. McKinley

Two climbers who perished Thursday after plummeting 2,000 feet on Alaska's Mt. McKinley have been identified as John Mislow, 39, of Newton, Mass., and Andrew Swanson, 36, of Minneapolis.

They reportedly were roped together when they fell while on the Messner Couloir, from about 16,500 feet to about 14,500 feet.

Both were doctors and experienced climbers, and their bodies were recovered, according to a story in today's Anchorage Daily News. McKinley, at 20,320 feet, is North America's highest peak. More than 300 mountaineers remain on the mountain, which is within Denali National Park & Preserve.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Mt. McKinley as photographed from an airplane in 2007. Credit: Ron Drake

Former President George H.W. Bush skydives on 85th birthday

Fans of skydiving will argue that it's a dying sport only if your parachute does not open.

Whatever its popularity these days, it's a thrilling form of outdoor recreation and former President Bush (George H.W.) can attest to this -- again -- after jumping from a plane today to commemorate his 85th birthday.

Bush, who also parachuted on his 75th and 80th birthdays, negotiated a tandem jump from 10,500 feet with Sgt. 1st Class Mike Elliott of the Army's Golden Knights.

At least Bush was in good hands. He said to the Associated Press of his adventure over Maine, during which he plummeted to earth at 100 mph:

"Just because you're an old guy, you don't have to sit around drooling in the corner. Get out and do something. Get out and enjoy life."

It's a commendable attitude and accomplishment, to be sure. Bush said he had such a good time that he planned to do it again when he turns 90.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Former President George H.W. Bush rides tandem with Army Sgt. Michael Elliott of the Army Golden Knights parachute team as he celebrates his 85th birthday today with a parachute jump. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press
 

Saltwater fishing report: White seabass bite erupts at Catalina

White seabass are among the most sought after saltwater game fish in Southern California. They're popular because of their freight train-like fight and the tender flakiness of their ivory-white flesh -- and perhaps because they're so finicky that when a wide-open bite does erupt it becomes truly special.

Philip Friedman, the founder of 976-TUNA who provides regular reports for Outposts, was at the backside of Catalina on Thursday at daybreak, when one of these phenomenons occurred.

He was aboard Options, a six-passenger sportfisher out of Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach, with sons Philip Jr. and Patrick, Earl McVicar and Arturo Velasquez. They'd obtained live squid from a commercial boat and McVicar got things started by catching a 25-pound yellowtail at first light. 

They then sat and waited, frustratingly, while watching anglers aboard nearby boats battle 20- to 40-pound seabass. This is another typical thing about seabass. If you're not on the precise right spot, you can miss the bite, and when the bite shuts down it literally shuts down.

But the feeding croakers ultimately swept past Options, and each angler and the three crew members  filled their one-fish limits. Philip Jr. also caught a legal-size halibut, and Velasquez, a novice angler, hauled from the depths a 100-pound black seabass, which was released because black seabass are protected in California.

What's good news for seabass anglers is that Options Capt. Tino Valentine and other skippers have been metering thousands of seabass, and on Tuesday the bag limit increases from one to three.

Meanwhile, on the albacore front, Friedman reports that the longfin tuna remain in an area 120-plus miles south of Point Loma, but that a northbound migration appears imminent. Anglers aboard several San Diego-based vessels will be searching for closer schools of albacore this weekend.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: From left, Philip Friedman Jr., Earl McVicar, Patrick Friedman and Arturo Velasquez display Thursday morning's catch aboard Options. Credit: Philip Friedman
 

 

Surfing's impact zone: an occasional glimpse locally and abroad

The video contains Day 3 highlights from the Sri Lankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives, an ASP World Qualifying Series six-star prime contest worth mega-points toward qualification for the ASP World Tour. San Clemente's Pat Gudauskas is through to the fifth round and will face Florida veteran Cory Lopez.

Gudauskas, who has twice barely missed making the elite tour, made history by performing a 540 inverted "Rodeo Clown" flip and rode the wave out for a perfect-10 score that launched him from third to first place in the final seconds of his fourth-round heat. It was the first Rodeo Clown successfully performed during a high-level ASP contest.

"It was there to be done and I had to do it,” said the personable Gudauskas, who can use a good result. He's ranked No. 27 on the World Qualifying Series but will vault significantly upward if he can get past Lopez and into the quarterfinals.  

Unfortunately for the tight-knit Gudauskas trio of  bros, Dane and Tanner were eliminated in the third round. But Tanner, the youngest, remains well-poised on the WQS leader board. He's ranked No. 17  and won't suffer too big a drop. Dane is ranked No. 44. The top 15 on the WQS at season's end qualify for the "Dream Tour," and it's about time a Gudauskas makes the leap.

Mark your calendars:

-- The National Scholastic Surfing Assn. national championships are June 23-27 at Lower Trestles in San Clemente. For those who haven't been, this is total immersion into the surfing culture, and provides a glimpse into the sport's future. Last year's Open Division winners were Santa Cruz's Nat Young and Santa Ana's Courtney Conlogue. Only Conlogue will be back, as Young has turned pro. Nike 6.0 will provide a live webcast June 25-27 at nssalive.com.

Fish and Game Q&A: Is 'noodling' for catfish legal?

 In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I saw a story on a morning news show this week talking about “noodling for catfish” in Oklahoma. This reminded me of when I lived in South Carolina where it was legal to "noodle." I know it sounds crazy but it is a lot of fun. I would like to try it again but cannot find anything in the California fish and game laws covering this. I do not want to be in violation if it is illegal. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. (S. Freeman, Riverside)

Answer: Good question. I have both good news and bad news on this one for you.

First the bad news ... despite how much fun it probably is, noodling for catfish is not legal in California because catfish (and nearly every California fish in inland waters) may only be legally taken through angling. That means: "To take fish by hook and line with the line held in the hand, or with the line attached to a pole or rod held in the hand or closely attended in such manner that the fish voluntarily takes the bait or lure in its mouth" (CCR Title 14, Section 1.05).

The following are the only exceptions allowing for freshwater fish to be taken by hand: 1) bait fish, 2) lamprey, 3) crayfish, 4) live carp in the Colorado River District that will be used for bait, and 5) suckers, but the exceptions only apply to you if you're a registered member of the Pit River Indian Tribe in Shasta County.

Now for the good news ... you get to keep your fingers!

Is 10 too young for children to take up hunting?

The Wisconsin state Senate has approved lowering the state's hunting age to 10, raising an obvious question: Is that too young?

Presently in Wisconsin, children must be at least 12 to hunt. The Senate approved the Democrat-sponsored measure, 27-6. It now goes before the Assembly and if it passes children could hunt with firearms beginning at age 10 if they're accompanied by a mentor within arm's reach.

The intention of the measure is to get children interested in hunting at a younger age. Critics caution that this would invite tragedy because children that young are not mature enough to handle guns.

Each state maintains its own age laws. In California a child cannot hunt deer before turning 12, or bighorn sheep before turning 14. But children can hunt birds and small game at a younger age if they possess a hunter safety certificate.

According to California Department of Fish and Game spokesman Harry Morse, "There's no minimum age requirement for purchasing a hunting license if the applicant can show proof of the hunter education. However, hunter education instructors generally ask that students be at least 10 years of age."

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A dove hunter carries two shotguns across a pasture near Pratt, Kan. Credit: Craig Hacker

Irvine Lake catfish and crappie now available under the stars

The scouting mission began in waning sunlight as others were heading shoreward at closing time. Only grebes and herons and egrets and ospreys were still fishing at Irvine Lake in the rustic hills atop Silverado Canyon.

Marlon Meade, who is on the Irvine Lake pro staff, had been given permission to conduct a post-closing outing in advance of Friday night's opening of the nighttime fishing season. I tagged along, as did Dave Strege, the former outdoors reporter for the Orange County Register.

We embarked at 4 p.m. and by dusk had teemed to catch about 10 crappie and two trout, using white mini-jigs. Meade caught the most but he has more experience at the lake and with this type of fishing, and wherever he goes he possesses some inexplicable ability to hook fish when others cannot.

(Meade on Saturday at 4 p.m. will give a seminar on nighttime fishing for crappie and catfish, at the lake's catch-out pond.)

Under a cloak of darkness and with our pontoon boat ringed by the black silhouettes of jagged foothills, we began to soak mackerel and shrimp and after two hours had not a single taker. Perhaps this is because the water is cooler than it ought to be at this time of year, because of so many cloudy days and the recent influx of new water via Lake Mathews.

Closure of state parks would affect national parks in California, too

To commemorate the beginning of summer, the California State Parks Foundation is urging people to visit their nearest state park June 20 in a show of support for the state parks system.

Cal Parks is requesting that people download or create their own green ribbon, wear it during their park experience, and upload photos or video clips to the Cal Parks website.

It's another measure to show Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger how important state parks are and how devastating it'd be if his announced budget cuts do in fact lead to the closure of 220 state parks, beaches and reserves.

Meanwhile, the National Parks Conservation Assn. has reminded citizens and politicians that the elimination of funding to state parks also would affect national parks in California. Redwood National Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and State Parks. 

Thus, cuts in funding to state parks would place an added burden on the National Park Service to maintain these expansive wilderness parcels. Mojave National Preserve in southeastern California also would be affected because the closure of Mitchell Caverns State Park would eliminate access to parts of the national preserve.

How serious is this issue? Tim Gibbs, NPCA senior program manager, testified recently in Sacramento: "These cuts are so devastating that it would be the equivalent of the president and Congress dismantling the national park system. It would be like our national leaders sacrificing treasures such as Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks."

He's right; it's that serious.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Sunlight filters through trees in Redwood National Park, created in 1968. Credit: Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times

Putting Acapulco shooting in perspective in wake of news reports

News item: Shootout between outlaws and soldiers at a hillside mansion in the Mexican tourism town of Acapulco leaves 16 gunmen and two soldiers dead and causes the evacuation of tourists from a nearby strip of hotels. Media outlets gobble the story. CNN's Anderson Cooper on Tuesday night asks a global audience: "Is anywhere in the country safe, if this place isn't?" He also labels Acapulco "another town gripped in fear."

Reaction: CNN is intent on getting the most out of its "The War Next Door" theme, but this story begs some perspective. The shootout occurred in a safe house for drug cartel members, not in a hotel, and no tourists were reported to be caught in the crossfire. Acapulco is no longer a popular tourist destination for Americans or Canadians. Surfers visiting the state of Guerrero go straight to Puerto Escondido, to the south, or to the beaches north of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, to the north. Fishermen favor Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

Surely, if any of the Hollywood stars who helped make Acapulco famous were still alive, they'd stay away from Acapulco too. It has brutal traffic issues and has long been known to harbor unsavory cartel types. As reported Monday in the L.A. Times, "The area where Saturday's shootout took place is home to budget motels and establishments whose glory peaked decades ago."

So it seems unfair to again toss a blanket over all of Mexico and imply that its drug war has landed in the heart of tourist zones. Cooper spoke of staying in Cabo San Lucas recently, "but in a guarded compound." Presumably he meant an upscale resort with security guards, which resorts have employed for years. It should be noted that Baja California Sur, which includes the Los Cabos area and the capital city of La Paz, has been the site of only one drug war-related killing this year, according to the Mexican newspaper, Excelsior, which keeps a running tab.

And as I type this from my Redondo Beach home office, there's a police helicopter flying overhead, looking for an alleged rapist who tied up his victim and dumped her at a nearby apartment complex. Cabo San Lucas, or anywhere in southern Baja, is sounding pretty good.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Acapulco, which these days caters largely to Mexican tourists, is in the news because of a deadly shooting Saturday, involving drug cartel members and soldiers. Credit: EPA/Marino de Valdez

 

Kelly Slater signs five-year contract extension with Quiksilver

Kelly Slater's competitive surfing career might be in its twilight, but Quiksilver made it clear it wants to hold on to its star athlete for as long as possible.

The Huntington Beach-based surfwear company announced today it has signed Slater, a nine-time world champion, to a five-year contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.

In a news release, Robert B. McKnight Jr., Quiksilver's top executive, commented: “We couldn’t be more pleased than to continue our long-standing relationship with the greatest surfer the sport has ever known. Kelly has been a fantastic spokesman for Quiksilver, a terrific ambassador and promoter for the sport of surfing and a true friend of the company."

Slater, 37, has hinted time and again that he's close to retiring from the Assn. of Surfing Professionals' World Tour, on which he has won titles three of the last four years. There has been rumor that Slater will receive a bonus worth millions if he wins a 10th title, but the Cocoa Beach, Fla., surfer is off to a sluggish start and is ranked No. 25.

How much longer he will remain on tour is unclear, but his visibility in the sport will remain sky-high for years. He is currently working on an IMAX movie and McKnight added, "He’s got some great ideas that we will work on together to enhance the marketability of surfing and bring surf competitions to a broader audience in new and innovative ways."

Slater said in the news release: “Quiksilver’s been family to me for so long it's hard to remember a time before them. It might not come as a surprise to many people that I've re-signed with them but there have been major transitions in my life and many changes within Quiksilver.

"It's a long relationship and things often alter over the course of time. In our case, we've got exciting projects that coincide and are still stoked working and surfing together. These next five years and beyond will end up being our best together."

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Kelly Slater gets vertical during a recent World Tour contest in Tahiti. Credit: Kirstin Scholtz / ASP / CI / Getty Images

Shark anglers who kill their catch may soon be unwelcome in home port

Recreational fishermen in California are well aware of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative, an ongoing and controversial stakeholder-driven process that is working to put in place a vast network of marine protected areas, including no-fishing zones, along the coast.

But many probably have not heard of the fledgling Shark-Free Marina Initiative, which recently launched a campaign to try to prohibit the landing of sharks in marinas around the world.

The SFMI figures to receive more angler support than the MLPAI, but there will be veteran shark anglers who oppose such meddling.

The SFMI is a response by shark conservationists to the perilous plight most species of sharks face because of rampant overfishing on a global scale, commercially.

"Although the number of sharks killed by recreational fishermen each year is dwarfed by commercial catches, the current crisis facing shark stocks requires action wherever possible," Edd Brooks, a scientist on the SFMI advisory board, said in a news release. "We are not asking fishermen to stop fishing, only asking them to start releasing their catch."

It's a worthy endeavor. Killing sharks for sport is increasingly unpopular and harmful to the marine environment. It's worse than killing marlin and other billfish because sharks are so slow to reproduce.

Luke Tipple, director of the SFMI, said there are only six cooperating marinas -- it began with two marinas in the Bahamas -- but six others have registered and recruitment drives are planned for Florida and California. Essentially, cooperating marinas, which can register on the SFMI website, obtain signage and literature that cautions in bright-red lettering that bringing dead sharks back to port won't be tolerated.

It will be interesting to see whether this will catch on and what kind of reaction it garners.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A 1,060-pound hammerhead shark is treated carefully after being caught and ultimately killed recently by Capt. Bucky Dennis off Boca Grande, Fla. Credit: Julie Deibler

Wade Johnson's body found in avalanche debris as climbing tragedies mount

Sad news continues to flow from the Himalayas and surrounding region.

On Monday, the body of Wade Johnson, 24, from Boulder, Colo., was found in avalanche debris on Mt. Gongga, in China's Sichuan province.

A day earlier, the body of Johnson's teammate and fellow Boulder resident, Jonny Copp, was found in the same debris. The search continues for a third teammate, Micah Dash.

For more on this developing tragedy or to donate to the rescue effort, visit Adventurefilm.org. A Facebook memorial page has been set up by Adventure Film Festival. The expedition consisted of photographers and filmmakers.

Elsewhere, news has emerged that Dutch mountaineer Dennis Verhoeve, 52, fell to his death while descending Cho Oyu last Tuesday. It was reported Friday on Mounteverest.net.

Also, Australia's Mick Parker reportedly succumbed to exhaustion and other factors in Katmandu, Nepal, after climbing Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world.

On Mt. Everest, the world's tallest peak, the death toll stands at six.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Wade Johnson and dog Macho. Credit: Adventure Film Festival

Malibu's Johnny Strange, 17, becomes youngest to bag Seven Summits

Three weeks ago, Malibu's Johnny Strange delivered a message from the top of Mt. Everest, stating, "Stop Genocide."

But he carries another message for fellow teenagers: Pursue your dreams and meet challenges head-on.

Strange, 17, after scaling the world's tallest peak at 29,035 feet, flew from the Himalayas to Australia and on Monday (Tuesday in Australia) strolled to the top of 7,310-foot Mt. Kosciuszko to become the youngest person in the world to have climbed the highest peak on seven continents, known collectively as the Seven Summits.

Strange beat a record held by Long Beach mountaineer Samantha Larson, who achieved the Seven Summits when she was 18.

Afterward Strange typed an e-mail to family and friends that read: "Never let anyone stifle your dreams no matter the feat, for if you have the heart and the courage, impossible is nothing."

It helps to have a wealthy attorney and fellow adventurer as a father, but this should steal nothing from Strange's accomplishment. He climbed Antarctica's Mt. Vinson when he was 12 to set this project in motion, and Everest is daunting for climbers of any age and experience level because of its perilously thin air and unpredictable nature (six climbers have died on Everest this season).

Strange reached the summit of Everest two days after Utah's Johnny Collinson stood on top of the world. Collinson also is 17 and he's trying to bag the Seven Summits within a calendar year.

Strange said he chose Kosciuszko instead of  Everest as his final Seven Summits peak because he wanted to tackle Everest "as a lone experience, not part of the Seven Summit goal."

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Malibu's Johnny Strange on the summit of Mt. Everest. Credit: Scott Wollums

Zac Sunderland sails into sweltering Mexican port to provision for home stretch

So close never seemed so far for Zac Sunderland, who for the last several days has been mired in a near-windless and sweltering part of the Eastern Pacific south of Acapulco, a distant 2,000 miles from home.

Early this morning, Sunderland, 17, who has been sailing for nearly a year in an endeavor to become the youngest person to solo-circumnavigate the planet, cruised into Huatulco to check into Mexico, clear customs and provision for the home stretch.

Beforehand, he wrote on his blog, "I just dumped my gun and all of my bullets over the side as Mexico has a zero tolerance policy on firearms. If customs finds it they could seize my boat and throw me in jail which is not really worth the risk."

Zac had hoped to arrive in Marina del Rey June 25-26, but his homecoming probably will occur at least a week after that.

Meanwhile, he and his parents have begun advance sales of Part 1 of the documentary, "Intrepid, the Zac Sunderland Story," available via his website.

The above video clip is a trailer from footage in the Indian Ocean, during perhaps the most perilous portion of his journey, when the forestay -- rigging to keep the mast in place -- of his 36-foot yacht separated from the chain plate at the bow while he was battling fierce wind and 15-foot seas.

While attempting repairs, he risked losing his mast and being swept overboard during an ordeal that played out over three days.

Smartly, the Thousand Oaks adventurer totes a video camera, and his father has been collecting footage in various ports. The family says it isn't seeking to profit from Zac's odyssey, but Laurence Sunderland said they hope to recoup some of the $150,000 spent to fund the project.

-- Pete Thomas

Baja fishing report: Marlin bite improves at East Cape, Cabo San Lucas

For weeks the thousands of striped marlin seasonally residing in the southern Sea of Cortez mostly just teased. Anglers could see them jumping and sunning but experienced great difficulty encouraging them to bite.

That's now changing, according to reports from the East Cape region and Cabo San Lucas. John Ireland, owner of Rancho Leonero Resort at the East Cape, says anglers are averaging at least one marlin per day in a wide-ranging area beyond the hotel, and adds that the dorado bite also is improving, while inshore fishing for roosterfish and jack crevalle remains "strong and consistent."

The marlin are striking lures in bleeding-mackerel and squid patterns, and taking live bait.

In Cabo San Lucas, Capt. George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing, reports: "All those striped marlin that we were seeing last week that would not eat a bait decided to get hungry this week." Landrum said the billfish also moved closer and are biting as close as one mile from Land's End. During the last week, he said, "There were marlin everywhere you looked, tailers here and there, jumpers everywhere and groups of fish schooled up."

Water has warmed considerably off Cabo San Lucas and anglers anticipate an improved yellowfin tuna bite and the arrival of larger blue marlin.