Hurricane Rick, still 'a major storm,' already being felt in Cabo San Lucas area

Hurricane Rick is tracking toward southern Baja California and although it continues to weaken, the National Hurricane Center still refers to it as "a major storm," and residents and tourists throughout the region are bracing for the worst.

Rick, which on Saturday packed 180-mph winds and was the second strongest eastern North Pacific hurricane on record, is now a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. At 8 a.m. Monday its center was located 375 miles south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas. It's expected to make landfall in that area, still as a hurricane, late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

One man reportedly was killed Sunday after being swept into the water and jetty rocks in San Jose del Cabo.

Flooding and high winds are expected. Airline travel probably will be disrupted. Plans are being made to relocate residents in vulnerable areas to shelters. Fishing fleet operators and private boat owners are still working to remove vessels from marinas or at least into sheltered areas within marinas.

In Cabo San Lucas, this includes more than 100 wealthy yacht owners entered in the Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, which was scheduled to begin Wednesday. Some have already fled toward Southern California. The three-day tournament, which offers about $3 million in prize money, might become a one-day affair on Friday -- if the storm passes quickly enough.

"Please keep your fingers crossed that Hurricane Rick does not hurt us too bad," Capt. George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing implored in a fishing report issued Monday morning. "We just had one huge noisy squall come, part of the feeder bands. Cats and dogs [are] hiding everywhere."

Tracy Ehrenberg, general manager of Pisces Sportfishing, wrote Monday on the fleet's blog: "Heavy rain fell for a while and wind picked up to about 25 mph, with some thunder and more lightning. We all thought, 'Wow, it's here already,' but this was just an isolated outer thunderstorm."

Lesbians claim discrimination at catfish derby

Two women are claiming to be victims of discrimination because they were refused the couples discount when entering a catfish derby.

According to an article in the Baker City Herald, Angela and Tina Corriere-Gooch said that when registering for the annual Huntington (Oregon) Lions Club Catfish Derby, they were denied the $1 entry fee discount given other couples, including to their nieces who entered the contest with their boyfriends.

"It's insulting and degrading that the club treated us like strangers, instead of recognizing our committed relationship," said Tina.

Mike Raney, chairman of the event and a Huntington Lions Club member, said that his decision to deny the discount to the Corriere-Gooches had nothing to do with their sexual orientation.

"I wasn't making a statement against lesbians," Raney told the Herald. "I have nothing against them at all. I was just trying to run a catfish derby."

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament won by father-son team from Japan

The father-son team Kona Game Fishing Club-Bellhope of Japan won the 50th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament this week in Kona, Hawaii.

The team ended the five-day tournament Friday with a total catch of five Pacific blue marlin, enough to put them at the top of the scoreboard. Four of the five marlin were tagged and released, and they boated one Thursday that weighed in at 332 pounds.

"I came to Kona with a feeling that I would win and I am so happy," team captain Kihachiro Suzuki said, speaking through an interpreter. "This is my second time here at the HIBT. It is so enjoyable."

Malibu Marlin Club, the team that had held first place for three of the five days of the competition, finished in third after Team Old South Marlin Club #4 from North Carolina rallied on the final day to propel them from fourth to second place.

The golden anniversary of this prestigious tournament attracted 42 teams from around the world. The 2010 competition is scheduled for July 31 to Aug. 8 and will be in Kona again.

"We want to extend a heartfelt mahalo to the entire Kona community for the warmth and ahoha shared these past 50 years," HIBT founder Peter Fithian said.

Final top-five team standings and points:

1. Kona Game Fishing Club-Bellhope, 1643
2. Old South Marlin Club #4, 1550
3. Malibu Marlin Club, 1467
4. Alii Brothers Marlin Hui, 1350
5. South Africa Protea Team, 1300

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Tetsuzo Suzuki, left, and father Kihachiro won the 50th Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament taking place this week in Kona, Hawaii. Credit: HIBT

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament coming down to the wire

Today is the fifth and final day of the 50th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, a prestigious event that attracts anglers to Kona, Hawaii, from around the world.

The competition is tight, with only 24 points separating the leading team Malibu Marlin Club from second-place Kona Game Fishing Club-Bellhope of Japan.

Day 3 saw the largest fish landed thus far. Malibu Marlin Club angler and team captain Sam Spinello brought in a 567-pound Pacific blue marlin, putting the team into first place.

"This was another very strong, tough fish," said Spinello. "We had the drag on as high as it could go and she still gave us a tremendous fight. The captain and crew did an amazing job with boating this fish. What a day."

The inaugural Great Marlin Race was added as part of the HIBT golden anniversary celebration. Participating teams can purchase a Pacific blue marlin satellite tagging device, which once attached to the fish will track its travels for about six months. The marlin that travels the farthest wins its team one entry for up to six anglers to next year's tournament. So far, three teams have deployed the devices.

The 2010 competition is scheduled for July 31-Aug. 8 and will be held in Kona again.

Team standings and points after Thursday:

1. Malibu Marlin Club, 1367
2. Kona Game Fishing Club-Bellhope, 1343
3. Pajaro Valley Game Fishing Club No. 2, 1250
4. Old South Marlin Club No. 4, 1250

(In the event of a points tie, place standings are determined by the time that the fish is boated.)

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Sam Spinello, far right, with the 567-pound marlin he landed. Credit: HIBT

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Fish and Game Q&A: Can I hunt with arrows that have an electronic tracking device attached?

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: Archery season is starting and before we go out I would like to know if it's legal to use an electronic tracking device that attaches to an arrow. The tracking device separates from the arrow as the arrow contacts the target animal and then enables the hunter to better follow the wounded animal. Thanks for any help. (Jared T., Red Bluff)

Answer: No. There is a regulation that restricts the use of computerized or telemetry types of devices to track big-game mammals, so this device is not legal to use in California at this time. According to Section 251 of the Fish and Game Code (FGC):

“No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile. Additionally, no person shall use any motorized, hot-air, or unpowered aircraft or other device capable of flight or any earth orbiting imaging device to locate or assist in locating big game mammals beginning 48 hours before and continuing until 48 hours after any big game hunting season in the same area. No person shall use at any time or place, without Department approval, any computer, telemetry device or other equipment to locate a big game mammal to which a tracking device is attached.“  

Question: Our club would like to hold a halibut derby in San Francisco Bay and we need information on permits. When and where are they needed and what are the requirements? Do we need a permit for a halibut derby in the Bay or are permits only needed for bass fishing? (Mark S.)

San Clemente Ocean Festival this weekend

Those looking to beat the heat this weekend might want to check out the 33rd annual San Clemente Ocean Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday adjacent to the pier.

There will be a myriad of things to see and do, including fishing clinics and derbies, surfing and body-boarding contests, a woody car show and a pancake breakfast each morning griddled by San Clemente city lifeguards.

The main event will be the California Waterman and Waterwoman Championships, with competition taking place each day in sports such as distance and stand-up paddle-boarding, ocean kayak racing and biathlon.

There will also be plenty of activities for kids. A special pavilion will offer carnival games, face painting, ocean crafts and relay races. The Discovery Science Center and the Ocean Institute will also have booths offering various educational activities and projects.

The finale event will be the Great Rubber Duck Race at 4 p.m. Sunday. Festival attendees can purchase and decorate rubber ducks, which will be turned loose near the pier, with prizes awarded for ducks that reach the shore first.

Parking near the pier is limited, so complimentary parking and round-trip shuttle service will be available at San Clemente high school, located at 700 Avenida Pico.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Katie O'Keefe climbs the portable rock wall at a San Clemente Ocean Festival. Credit: Geraldine Wilkins / Los Angeles Times

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

 

Bass pro Michael Iaconelli fulfills ailing girl's wish, and then some

Michael Iaconelli, one of the world's top pro bass anglers and a former Bassmaster Classic champion, recently complied with a terminally ill girl's simple request to chat with him.

Katie Shockley, 10, is from Shreveport, La., so it's understandable that she's a fan of tournament bass fishing. And Iaconelli (pictured), a five-time BASS tournament winner, is personable and down-to-earth. Of course he complied.

As they gabbed he learned she was a fan of country music (of course) and particularly enjoyed listening to Kenny Chesney, who was scheduled to perform a few days later in Shreveport. You guessed it: Iaconelli phoned Chesney, who subsequently invited the girl and her family to the concert, and even sent a car for them.

“I’m sure he didn't do that to gain any recognition,” said Mary Ann Tice, executive director of the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority. “But with his phone call and with his contacting Kenny Chesney, he sure made one little girl very, very happy.”

Tice had been contacted by the Louisiana State Police’s Grant-A-Wish program, and helped arrange the meeting between Shockley and Iaconelli, through BASS.

Outposts commends Ike for his actions and expresses sincere well wishes toward Shockley.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Mike Iaconelli. Credit: Courtesy of ESPN Communications.
 

Aaron Martens a big winner in Alabama, Kevin Langill the big loser

California anglers have risen to lofty heights recently on the pro bass-fishing circuit. Northern California's Skeet Reese (Auburn) recently won the Bassmaster Classic, which is the sport's Super Bowl. Reese earned $500,000 plus hefty sponsor bonuses.

Aaron Martens, formerly of Castaic but now residing in Leeds, Ala., last weekend edged Reese to win a Bassmaster Elite Series event at nearby Lake Guntersville. The victory — earned with a four-day weight  of 107 pounds, 8 ounces — was worth $100,000.

Reese and Martens, pictured above, are ranked Nos. 2 and 4, respectively, in the Angler of the Year standings.

I've fished with Martens and met Reese a few times. Both are class acts. But the BASS tournament ranks occasionally produce a rotten apple, and the most recent to fall from grace was North Carolina pro Kevin Langill, who has been suspended for the remainder of the season for his actions at Guntersville.

Langill was disqualified from the event and had his two-day weight total DQ'd, for violation of the tour's code of conduct policy. That cost him a spot in the Top 50 and a minimum paycheck of $9,506. The season disqualification was handed down after Langill allegedly ventured onto the lake during the third day of competition, after his tournament disqualification, and aggressively stalked another competitor.

Langill told Bassfan.com: "I didn't plan on giving [BASS] any more of my money anyway. I just can't be a part of it and I'll leave it at that." Langill was referring to entry fees and said the suspension will allow him to focus on his lure-making business.

— Pete Thomas

Photo: Aaron Martens plucks a largemouth bass from Lake Guntersville en route to winning a four-day Bassmaster Elite Series event. Credit: Seigo Saito / ESPN Communications

Ocean fly-fishing tournament Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach to benefit Heal the Bay

 

The OneSurfFly Beach Classic, an ocean fly-fishing contest hosted by Fishermen's Spot fly-fishing store, will take place Saturday morning from 7-9 a.m. at Dockweiler State Beach, North parking lot.

The entry fee is $5, with 100% of the proceeds donated to Heal the Bay.

Check-in for this catch-and-release tournament is at 6 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early, since there will be waiver forms to sign.

Participants must provide their own fly rods, reels and line and possess a valid California fishing license; also, bring eye protection.

Contestants must also bring one saltwater surf-fly pattern with them. All flies will go into a "grab bag," and each participant will pull one out to use for the competition, with no replacements for lost or damaged flies.

Trophies will be awarded in various categories, and each entry fee donation will entitle participants to receive one raffle ticket for a prize drawing to be held at Fishermen's Spot in Van Nuys after the tournament.

For more information, call the store at (818) 785-7306.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Sunset at Dockweiler State Beach in El Segundo. Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

Halibut fishing -- and a spring derby -- take spotlight off Dana Point

Dana Wharf Sportfishing checks in with a report on some fine halibut fishing occurring off Orange County and to remind anglers that there are two Fridays remaining in the landing's spring derby.

The trips are aboard the Clemente, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all participants have to do is catch a legal-sized halibut to secure a spot in a fish-off May 17. The prize money currently stands at $675, but the pot grows each week. The prize money will be split between the person who wins the fish-off and the person who lands the largest halibut through May 10. Click on the link above for details.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Left to right are Mitch Krysiak with a 17-pound halibut, Larry Larson (22 pounds), Hank Zulga (7 pounds) and Warren Zambor (5 pounds). Credit: Dana Wharf Sportfishing

Alaska's Mt. Redoubt spews ash 65,000 feet, placing Kenai Peninsula residents on alert

Alaska's Mt. Redoubt sounded a late wake-up call this morning, erupting at 9:24 local time and sending a cloud of ash 65,000 feet, causing another disruption of service on Alaska Airlines and placing Kenai Peninsula residents on alert.

The explosion produced a swift mud flow down the Drift River and the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the Drift River drainage because of rapidly melting snow and ice. Residents within the drainage area were advised to seek higher ground and those along streams and creeks were urged to "protect life and property."

An ash fall advisory was in effect until 4 p.m. for the western Kenai Peninsula, 50 miles to the east. I just called Mark Glassmaker, who runs Alaska Fishing Lodge on the Kenai, and he said the wind had changed to a southerly direction toward Homer, at the south portion of the peninsula.

"The only sign that anyone on the Kenai Peninsula has felt is just a really light sulfur smell," Glassmaker said, adding that he did not expect Redoubt to seriously jeopardize the upcoming salmon-fishing season.

"I've been doing this for more than 20 years and had volcanoes go off in the middle of season and it has not had much of an effect on the fisheries or wildlife," Glassmaker said. "But if it happens in the middle of July, during our busiest month, and a lot of flights shut down, it'll be a bummer."

Big Bear Lake filling with snowmelt in time for trout-fishing season

The rapid snowmelt in the San Bernardino Mountains is bad news for skiers and snowboarders, but it's filling Big Bear Lake in time for the spring fishing season.

Both public launch ramps will open Wednesday, thus beginning the assault on "pink-meat holdover" rainbow trout and on largemouth and smallmouth bass.

The sprawling lake is nearly at full capacity, which bodes well for a long and productive season. "A fresh influx of water naturally helps fish grow faster and provides a healthier habitat," says Mike Stephenson, lake manager for the Big Bear Municipal Water District. "Not only do we have a full lake, but we have thousands of hungry fish chomping at the bit."

Anglers might wish to note these events: The Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic, May 16 and 17, and the Fishin' for 50k Trout Derby, on May 30-31. Both offer cash prizes, and the latter provides an opportunity to catch a tagged trout worth $50,000.

The water district will stock trophy-size trout before the derbies, to supplement regular plants by the Department of Fish and Game. To learn more click here, or call (800) 424-4232.

-- Pete Thomas

Photos: Aaron Armstrong (top) displays a plump holdover trout caught at Big Bear Lake. Credit: Big Bear Charter Fishing. Second photo by Dan McKernan

Bishop trout-fishing weekend a mostly enjoyable affair

I visited Bishop with my brother over the weekend for some trout fishing and we forgot all about the Blake Jones Derby, which lured 1,200 anglers onto the Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Owens River.

Making matters worse, our room at the Best Western Creekside Inn had rough sheets that literally rubbed our skin raw.

Also, Bishop has been experiencing a counterfeiting problem and many businesses -- including the Eastern Sierra Community Bank -- were not accepting $100 bills, which was all my brother brought, so I had to pay for almost everything.

Then my brother had the nerve to out-fish me.

The Owens was flowing ideally but fishing was slow and every prime spot from Bishop south beyond Big Pine was occupied by 8 a.m. We tried many locations. My brother, Scott, had caught the first trout outside Lone Pine, on our way up U.S. 395. He also caught an impressive bass and a nice brown trout (pictured) at a secret little channel east of Bishop.

In fact, we spent more time fishing there simply to escape the crowds, and aside from turning into mosquito pin cushions we enjoyed ourselves immensely amid the majestic scenery, listening only to wind and birdsong.

My proudest angling moment on the Owens came when I sent a floating green rapala 75 yards downriver, then reeled it beneath overhanging trees to catch a 12-inch wild brown trout.

But by trip's end, it was six to five (as I said, fishing was slow) in favor of Scott. Fortunately, I was able to persuade the woman behind the counter of the pizza restaurant to accept one of his $100s.

-- Pete Thomas

Photos: Scott Thomas (top) and yours truly practicing catch-and-release fishing for trout and bass during a weekend trip to Bishop

Unemployment may provide impetus to enter lucrative Lake Isabella Fishing Derby

Unemployment in Kern County has soared to 13.8%, which is unfortunate. But locals with newfound free time, if they're willing to risk a $20 investment, might want to consider entering the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby April 4-6 at the sprawling reservoir in the Kern River Valley.

Actually, anyone feeling their luck is due to change for the better ought to consider entering the lucrative tournament.

Organizers somehow managed to secure 10 sponsors willing to tag a fish worth $10,000, so there will be 10 of those fish swimming around. All you have to do is catch one, and $10,000 is yours. No IOUs!

Also, to commemorate the 20th anniversary, if an angler uses a rented boat from French Gulch Marina or North Fork Marina and catches a $10,000 fish sponsored by them, it becomes worth $20,000. There's more: If an angler uses YUM TroutKrilla bait and catches a $10,000 fish sponsored by the company, it becomes worth $20,000.

Here's another incentive: The longest trout caught during the event, even if it wears no tag, will be worth $1,000. (Thousands of pounds of trout, including trophy-sized Alpers rainbows, will be stocked before the derby.)

Plus, there will be 989 tagged trout worth from $20 to $1,000.

Many or all of the big-money trout might evade capture during the onslaught, but in 19 years more than $200,000 has been paid to participants. However, if you decide to enter expect  competition. Organizers are expecting more than 5,000 entrants.

May the most deserving angler win!

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A Lake Isabella Fishing Derby volunteer dumps a load of trout into the reservoir. Ten tagged trout are worth $10,000 apiece. Credit: Rex Emerson

Kobe Bryant gives shirt off back for youth fishing program

Kobe Bryant isn't a fisherman but a jersey he signed and donated to the 976-TUNA Youth Fishing Program sold for $775 at last week's Fred Hall's Fishing Tackle and Boat Show at the Long Beach Convention Center.

During the show's five-day run, fishermen were able to bid on various items, including Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia. Former player and current assistant coach Brian Shaw, and ex-player Flynn Robinson, have been ambassadors for the program for the past several years.

976-TUNA founder Philip Friedman said about $10,000 was raised for a program that treats inner-city and disadvantaged children to saltwater fishing excursions.

The top Lakers item was an "MVP Canvass" featuring signed renditions and photographs of Bryant, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal.

Surprisingly, signed jerseys of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Derek Fisher received no bids. Jordan Farmar's jersey sold for $400.

About $4,000 was raised through a wheel-spin for a $5,000 diamond donated by Newport Jewelers. It was claimed by Ventura's Erika Simo.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo courtesy of 976-TUNA

 

Fred Hall fishing show opens today at Long Beach Convention Center

Employers throughout Southern California take note: If you have workers who enjoy fishing and have called in sick today, chances are good you'll find them inside the Long Beach Convention Center after 2 p.m.

Today marks the opening of the 63rd Fred Hall's Fishing Tackle and Boat Show, and for anglers it's not to be missed.

The world's largest fishing show runs through Sunday and features more than 3,000 exhibits and nearly nonstop seminars.

For many, it's a place to choose and book their next big fishing vacation, as concessionaires from Alaska to Argentina, and points far beyond, will be on hand.

For others, it's a place to load up on the latest fishing supplies at a time when springlike weather is beginning to beckon them back onto the ocean and to their favorites mountain streams and lakes.

Eastern Sierra trout activity heating up in advance of fishing openers

The Eastern Sierra general trout-fishing season opener is April 25, and the "early opener," encompassing waters south of Bishop, is March 7, featuring the annual Diaz Lake derby sponsored by the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce.

(Bishop's annual Blake Jones Trout Derby is March 14 at Pleasant Valley Reservoir.)

Meanwhile, fishing is outstanding on the Lower Owens River in the Bishop area and in the Pleasant Valley Reservoir north of the Eastern Sierra town. Both waters are open year-round.

Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters supplied the accompanying photos (without full names) and used words and phrases such as "epic" and "nothing short of spectacular" to describe fly fishing in these waters.

"I recently did three guided drifts that had a combined total to the net or hand of 227 trout for two anglers," reports Loe, one of the region's top guides.

What's more, Loe predicts an active April 25 opener at Lake Crowley because of a diminished ice cover. So things are looking up in advance of a trout-fishing season that is just around the bend.

To learn more, visit Eastern Sierra fishing concessionaires at the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show, which begins a five-day run Wednesday at the Long Beach Convention Center.

-- Pete Thomas

Economic worries won't stop Fred Hall show from ushering in fishing season

Sales might not be as brisk during this year's Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show at the Long Beach Convention Center, but thousands will attend regardless of the beleaguered economy to help usher in the spring fishing season.

The 68th rendition of the show will run March 4-8 and boast more than 3,000 exhibits, and offer almost nonstop seminars. Trucks, boats, kayaks and trailers will be for sale, along with every type of fishing excursion and modern fishing product known to man.

You can subscribe to any of numerous fishing magazines -- Fish Taco Chronicles has nothing to do with Mexican food but is crammmed with stories and photos -- and meet such radio/TV personalities as Pete Gray, Philip Friedman, Dan Hernandez and Ronnie Kovach.

Irvine Lake fishing tournament top catch is 14-pound, 10-ounce rainbow trout

Irvine Lake hosted a fishing tournament during the three-day Presidents Day holiday weekend, with daily prizes offered for the biggest fish landed.

The largest catch overall was a 14-pound, 10-ounce rainbow trout, pictured above, that was hooked Saturday by Art Villa from El Modino using a Power Mouse while fishing at Trout Island.

Fishing overall at the privately run lake was reported to be good, despite the inclement weather. As of Tuesday, however, the road to Trout Island is underwater and will not reopen until further notice. There are also other areas that may be closed due to flooding or muddy conditions.

--Kelly Burgess

Photo courtesy of Irvine Lake

Kim Bain-Moore closing in on history as Bassmaster Classic nears

The Super Bowl is Sunday at Tampa, Fla., but the Super Bowl of bass fishing is Feb. 20-22 on the Red River near Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

And my money's on the longshot: Kim Bain-Moore, an Alabama pro who on Oct. 25 became the first woman in the 38-year history of the Bassmaster Classic to qualify.

Bain-Moore, 28, infiltrated what has always been a good-old-boy network by winning the points race in the relatively new Women's Bassmaster Tour, on which she won the first event and never finished lower than sixth.

Up for grabs at the Classic: $500,000 for the winner, plus overwhelming fame and lucrative sponsorship deals that, in Bain-Moore's case, would transform her into an almost instant millionaire.

"I've dreamed about being in the Classic my whole life, and now it's really happening," says Bain-Moore, who this week tuned up by winning -- on a team with her husband and fellow bass pro Andre Moore -- a saltwater kingfish tournament in Florida.

She seems to possess a blend of luck and skill necessary to succeed at a high level, and it'd be great for bass fishing -- and a humbling experience for the rest of the field -- if Bain-Moore cracks even the top 10.

It would be a truly amazing story if she were to win.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Kim Bain-Moore is the first woman ever to qualify for the prestigious Bassmaster Classic. Credit: ESPN Communications.

PETA's anti-fishing campaign reels in a whopper of a critic

You may have heard about PETA's new anti-fishing campaign, which refers to fish as sea kittens.

The primary goal of the campaign is to steer kids away from fishing by associating fish with cute and cuddly animals. The colorful PETA website shares Sea Kitten stories, sells Sea Kitten T-shirts and implores children to join its Sea Kitten crusade.

An angler might irreverently respond that when a sea kitten grows up it becomes a catfish, which when seasoned with Cajun spice is downright delectable.

Fishermen might also point out that a big old catfish, long past its sea kitten days, is one of the ugliest denizens on earth (see photo).

But PETA has cast its campaign into the mainstream and received more than a few bites.

Ken Kurtis, owner of Reef Seekers dive shop in Beverly Hills, sent out a mass e-mail Tuesday after reading a Canderville comic in Tuesday's L.A. Times pertaining to the campaign.

Kurtis wasn't sure what the cartoon meant so he visited the PETA website "because I couldn't believe someone at an organization like PETA could seriously concoct something so stupid and insulting."

Irvine Lake yielding lunker trout, offers free Saturday morning seminar

I fished Irvine Lake recently with my brother and we caught one fish between us, and lost another. Turns out we missed an early-morning bite by about one hour.

While we didn't see anyone but ospreys catching trout, we did find a big crowd at the cleaning table, with some impressive specimens.

Just once I'd like to be there when the bite is truly on, and maybe someday I'll latch onto one of the monster rainbows they stock in the picturesque reservoir atop Silverado Canyon -- like the beautiful fish Tim Williams of Orange landed on New Year's Day (pictured).

Williams' trout, caught on a Rapala near Rocky Point, weighed 15 pounds, 4 ounces. Since then, the lunker parade has continued. A few examples: Jason Allingham of Corona caught a 14-2 rainbow on a Panther Martin near the dam; Don Tucker of Irvine caught a 14-2 on a Panther Martin at the red clay cliffs, and Ty Wythey of Tustin caught a 13-8 on Power Bait at Trout Island.

Irvine Lake's Pro Staff would like all visitors to catch fish so it's offering a free seminar Saturday from 8-10:30 a.m. Marlon Meade, whom I've fished with numerous times in the Eastern Sierra, is the lead instructor and will cover techniques for trolling, bait fishing and jig fishing.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (714) 649-9111 (I should dial that number right now), and be sure to ask about the Martin Luther King Tournament Jan. 17-20.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Tim Williams of Orange shows off a 15-pound, 4-ounce rainbow trout caught on New Year's Day at Irvine Lake. Credit: Irvine Lake