'Meet the Grunion' program Monday evening at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will be holding its "Meet the Grunion" program Monday evening.

The aquarium exhibit hall will open at 8 p.m., with a film on grunion to be screened at 9 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 for adults and $1 for seniors, children and students.

Afterward, those who wish to participate will head to the beach to await the spawning run, which has a projected two-hour window of 11:10 p.m. to 1:10 a.m.

Grunion runs are a sight to behold. For four consecutive nights, beginning on full and new moon phases during spring and summer, the small silvery fish leave the water to spawn on beaches. The shoreline may glisten with fish as the silversides attempt to lay and fertilize their eggs.

Grunion may only be caught in the months of March, June and July, and only by hand. Catchers 16 and older must possess a valid state fishing license.

There is no limit to the number of fish that may be caught, but the state Department of Fish and Game asks that people only catch what they will eat.

Preparing the fish in a simple manner seems best. After cleaning and scaling, they should be coated with a mixture of flour and yellow cornmeal (plus a pinch of salt or seasoning) and then sauteed or deep fried (if anyone has any other preparation methods, please feel free to share them!). Though bony, the fish have a very delicate flavor.

The program will be offered again on June 28 and July 13 and 27.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro. Directions and parking information is available on the aquarium's website.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Grunion come ashore twice a month from early spring to the end of summer. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

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Gulf oil spill: Poll finds anglers concerned about the long-term health of fish populations

A recent poll conducted about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill showed that the majority of anglers put conservation concerns first. More than 67% of anglers who participated in the poll said the long-term health of fish populations as a result of the oil spill in the gulf was a major concern. The poll was commissioned by Pure Fishing and conducted May 14-28.

Those responding to the AnglerSurvey.com poll also revealed the gulf crisis will change their fishing behavior in many ways. Slightly more than 40% of anglers who said they planned to fish the gulf, Florida Keys or east coast of Florida in the next 12 months anticipate their fishing activity in those areas will decrease as a result of the oil spill.

When asked if the number of trips they take to fish for certain species will change, a third to nearly half of anglers predicted a decrease in the number of fishing trips for saltwater species because of the spill. However, anglers indicated freshwater fishing may be a viable alternative -- approximately 26% of respondents anticipated an increase in the number of trips to fish for largemouth bass, and 27% expected to take more fishing trips for other freshwater species.

A concern about government restrictions that would ban area fishing also was high on anglers’ minds, with 62% rating this as a major concern.

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I use a beach net in San Diego area waters?

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

Question: If I am using a 20-foot beach net (the type generally used inland as bait nets) on an inland water (Mission Bay or San Diego Bay, in particular) to demonstrate to my kids the kind of near-shore sea life that is around, am I going to get zinged?

Here are the details: I would be using a 20-foot beach net, or a longer one if possible. It would be operated by hand with me (a license holder) on one end and my 7-year-old son on the other to crowd whatever sea life would be in the particular area. We are not targeting any species in particular. We would not actually take any sea life, but perhaps would handle them and observe them in a confined area. Would the regulations be any different for a non-inland area? (Tim D., San Diego)

Answer: I’m glad you asked first before taking that beach net out to show your kids what you’d catch. Here’s why …

Fish and Game Q&A: Can landowners get a depredation permit for crows or ravens?

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

Question: I am having problems with crows damaging my crops. Based on size, I think we also have ravens at work here. I know there is a crow hunting season, but what about ravens? Since "corvids" (crows and ravens) are very problematic predators for song birds and marbled murrelets on the coast, can landowners get a depredation permit for either species? If so, where? (Patrick)

Answer:  There is no hunting season for ravens. They are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Check with the Permit Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at www.fws.gov/permits/. Crows are also protected by the MBTA, but there is an open season between December and April each year (CCR Title 14, sections 472(d) and 485). Fish and Wildlife may provide a permit exemption for crows causing damage. Check in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 50, section 21.43, available online at www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html.

Q: A friend recently hit a deer, causing about $1,200 in damage to the vehicle. He picked up the deer and put it in his truck to take home for food. He was stopped by a sheriff’s deputy who told him to take the deer out of his vehicle or he would be cited. I heard that it is legal to pick up "roadkill." Can you please clarify this? (Sandy B.)

'Meet the Grunion' program Friday at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will be holding its "Meet the Grunion" program on Friday.

The aquarium exhibit hall will open at 8 p.m., with a film on grunion to be screened at 9 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 for adults and $1 for seniors, children and students.

Afterward, those who wish to participate will head to the beach to await the spawning run, which has a projected two-hour window of 10:55 p.m. to 12:55 a.m.

Grunion may only be caught in the months of March, June and July, so since this is closed season it will be a guided observation visit to the beach only.

Runs are a sight to behold. For four consecutive nights, beginning on full and new moon phases during spring and summer, the small silvery fish leave the water to spawn on beaches. The shoreline may glisten with fish as the silversides attempt to lay and fertilize their eggs.

There is no limit to the number of fish that may be caught during open season (the next one begins on June 14), but the  Department of Fish and Game asks that people only catch what they will eat. Catchers 16 and older must possess a valid state fishing license.

The program will be offered again on May 15 and 29, June 14 and 28, and July 13 and 27.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro. Directions and parking information is available on the website.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: A grunion burrows into the sand to lay her eggs. Credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times

To follow this blog on Twitter, please visit @latimesoutposts.

San Diego Day at the Docks Festival this Sunday

To celebrate the official start of the spring saltwater fishing season in Southern California, San Diego Sportfishing is hosting its yearly Port of San Diego Day at the Docks Festival on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the sportfishing landings in Point Loma.

The 31st annual event will offer both novice and experienced anglers the opportunity to learn about new saltwater gear and get fishing tips from San Diego fleet skippers and other industry experts.

There will also be activities the entire family can enjoy, including live entertainment, vendor booths, contests, a special area for kid's fishing, boat rides around the bay, cooking demonstrations and vessel tours at participating landings.

Admission is free, and parking is available on nearby Shelter Island, with complimentary shuttle service running from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: One of many fishing seminars at a previous festival. Credit: C. Miller / SDSC

To follow this blog on Twitter, please visit @latimesoutposts

'Meet the Grunion' program Wednesday at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will be holding its first "Meet the Grunion" program of the year on Wednesday.

The aquarium exhibit hall will open at 8 p.m., with a film on grunion to be screened at 9 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 for adults and $1 for seniors, children and students.

Afterward, those who wish to participate will head to the beach to await the spawning run, which has a projected two-hour window of 10:50 p.m. to 12:50 a.m.

Grunion runs are a sight to behold. For four consecutive nights, beginning on full and new moon phases during spring and summer, the small silvery fish leave the water to spawn on beaches. The shoreline may glisten with fish as the silversides attempt to lay and fertilize their eggs.

Grunion may only be caught in the months of March, June and July, and only by hand. Catchers 16 and older must possess a valid state fishing license.

There is no limit to the number of fish that may be caught, but the state Department of Fish and Game asks that people only catch what they will eat.

Preparing the fish in a simple manner seems best. After cleaning and scaling, they should be coated with a mixture of flour and yellow cornmeal (plus a pinch of salt or seasoning) and then sauteed or deep fried. Though bony, the fish have a very delicate flavor.

The program will be offered again on March 31, April 30, May 15 and 29, June 14 and 28 and July 13 and 27.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro. Directions and parking information is available on the website.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Grunion come ashore twice a month from early spring to the end of summer. Credit: Gary Florin

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I use fish carcasses to bait my crab traps?

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 belong to a popular fishing forum on the Internet, and most of my fellow sport fishermen say that when they bait their crab traps/pots, they can use whatever bait they want. Many people are using the carcasses from regulated game fish, such as rockfish, after the fish have been filleted. During previous salmon seasons, they used salmon carcasses too. Isn’t there something in the regulations about this subject? If a person saves their fish carcasses in their freezer, for instance, and then goes out and uses those carcasses in their crab traps, isn’t that still considered "possession"? If I put out crab pots baited with rockfish carcasses, spend the day catching my limit of rockfish and then come back to pull my pots to head back in, I not only have my legal limit of fresh rockfish, but also a bunch of other rockfish carcasses. And what about having those carcasses when a fish isn’t even in season?

I seem to be alone in believing that we need to follow certain rules about using fish as crab bait, and now I am very anxious to clear this up once and for all, with your help. Thank you so much for your time and consideration in this matter. (Cat C., North Fork)

Undersize lobster poaching cases on the rise in Orange County

California Department of Fish and Game wardens have been dealing with a spate of lobster poaching cases in Orange County recently, all of which involved undersized crustaceans.

On Dec. 13, a father and son from Dana Point were caught with 22 lobsters, 21 of which were undersized.

On Jan. 29, a Bloomington resident was found in possession of 39 lobsters, 38 of which were undersized.

On Feb. 2, David Frederick of Norwalk was sentenced to 33 days in jail for selling 22 undersized lobsters for $85. Witnesses at the scene told wardens that Frederick had sold lobsters at the same location in the past.

The legal limit is seven lobsters per person, with a minimum size limit of 3 1/4-inch carapace length. Anything smaller than this is undersized, or "short."

These regulations are in place in an effort to allow lobster the chance to reproduce at least once before they grow large enough to be taken.

"Poachers who profit from the sale of California's fisheries put the resource at risk," said Dan Sforza, a lieutenant with Fish and Game's Law Enforcement Division. "Local lobster populations will suffer severe declines if poaching activity is left unchecked."

The effort that Fish and Game officers put into investigating these cases is commendable. But there are only a few hundred wardens spread throughout California, so anyone who spots what appears to be nefarious activity should call the confidential toll-free tip number, (888) 334-2258, to report it. After all, these people are stealing natural resources from all of us.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Legal-sized lobster caught along the Ventura County coast during a day of fishing aboard the lobster boat Arlene M. Credit: Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times

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Capt. Phil Harris, of 'Deadliest Catch,' dies at age 53

Phil Harris, captain of one of the crab-fishing vessels featured on the Discovery Channel series "Deadliest Catch" has died after having a stroke last month, reports our sister blog Ministry of Gossip. Harris was 53.

Harris suffered a stroke Jan. 29 while in port offloading his boat, the 128-foot Cornelia Marie.

His sons, Jake and Josh, who work as deckhands on the vessel, have released the following statement, which is posted on the Discovery Channel website:

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad -- Captain Phil Harris. Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end. For us and the crew, he was someone who never backed down. We will remember and celebrate that strength. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Discovery Channel also released a statement:

Discovery mourns the loss of dear friend and colleague Captain Phil Harris. He was more than someone on our television screen. Phil was a devoted father and loyal friend to all who knew him. We will miss his straightforward honesty, wicked sense of humor and enormous heart. We share our tremendous sadness over this loss with the millions of viewers who followed Phil's every move. We send our thoughts and prayers to Phil's sons Josh and Jake and the Cornelia Marie crew.

Fans wanting to leave condolence messages can do so on the Discovery Channel message board.

The popular television series "Deadliest Catch" follows the adventures of seven crabbing vessels and their crews during the Alaskan king crab season in the Bering Sea. A sixth season has been announced for broadcast this year.

The Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, is the base of operations for the fishing fleet.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Capt. Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie. Credit: Discovery Channel

RELATED:

Capt. Phil Harris, of 'Deadliest Catch,' shows improvement after suffering stroke

Capt. Phil Harris, of 'Deadliest Catch,' suffers stroke

Note: To follow this blog on Twitter, please visit @latimesoutposts

Capt. Phil Harris, of 'Deadliest Catch,' shows improvement after suffering stroke

Phil Harris, captain of one of the crab-fishing vessels featured on the Discovery Channel series "Deadliest Catch" is showing sign of improvement after suffering a stroke Saturday.

Harris was transported to a local medical facility, where he has been resting comfortably.

His sons, Jake and Josh, have released the following statement regarding their father's condition:

"No one ever said Captain Phil Harris wasn't tough. Today, dad showed some good signs of improvement, squeezing our hands and even summoning his trademark Captain's bluntness. We are encouraged but still very cautious."

"It is a long road ahead, but it's made more bearable and comforting knowing your thoughts and prayers are with us. We are strong because of you -- our fans. Thanks and we will continue to update you as best we can going forward."

Harris suffered a stroke while in port offloading his vessel, the 128-foot Cornelia Marie, which he has captained for 18 years. His sons work as deckhands on the boat.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Capt. Phil Harris with sons Josh, left, and Jake, right. Credit: Discovery Channel

RELATED:

Capt. Phil Harris, of 'Deadliest Catch,' suffers stroke

Note: To follow this blog on Twitter, please visit @latimesoutposts

Capt. Phil Harris, of 'Deadliest Catch,' suffers stroke

Phil Harris, captain of one of the crab-fishing vessels featured on the Discovery Channel series "Deadliest Catch" has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke.

Harris suffered a stroke while in port offloading his vessel, the 128-foot Cornelia Marie, according to the Discovery Channel website. 

Harris was transported to a local medical facility, where he was resting comfortably.

Harris has captained the Cornelia Marie for 18 years and has two sons, Josh and Jake, who work as deckhands on the boat.

The popular television series "Deadliest Catch" follows the adventures of seven crabbing vessels and their crews during the Alaskan king crab season in the Bering Sea. A sixth season has been announced for broadcast this year.

The Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, is the base of operations for the fishing fleet.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Capt. Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie. Credit: Discovery Channel

To follow this blog on Twitter please visit @latimesoutposts.