Rockfishing/Crabbing off the California Dawn 11/9/13

So this was long awaited and the reason why I didn't hit crab on the opener. I never been on the Cal down before or much of any charter boat up here in SF bay. The Cal Dawn had a great Rep. for great trips and good Atmosphere. Luckily for Chris and I, we would be joined by friends and Fam for this trip.
 
The Day started at 4:00am when we left Sac and to get to Berkley by 6:00. After checking in and putting some doe on the sidepots, we were off to the Big Blue. Forecast was looking great and it WAS! After passing the GG bridge and it was a lil swelly but it ended up getting FLAT by 10. James Smith the Capt. of the boat was Out pheasant hunting but had his Brother (I think) step in for him for the day. And are Deckhand Derrick and Cook John. These three guys made a Stellar Crew and were very persistent on getting us on fish and good meals. Derrick was just class act and had one of the best personalities I ever witnessed from a deckhand. Friendly, Funny, and Courteous. A great guy be at your service. Fishing was had most of the day up by the Duxbury which produced steady bites from mostly browns, Blacks, a lot of small canary's , and the occasional red or china. I was fortunate enough to pull up 3 of the 7 lings caught and about 6 keeper rockfish a piece between me and Chris. Not Full Limits like the reports been claiming but Not bad either. The best part for us was last....THE CRABBING!
Around 2:00, Captain made a short haul back towards the gate and in no time we were on the CRAB GROUNDS pulling pots. Deckhand Derrick asked me if i could help assort the crab and legals from shorts. Which by the way at the end Rewarded me with some SUPER JUMBO CRABS. That was fun seeing all those Crab and pulling up those pots to see the next batch. Limits for EVERYONE on the crab with the grade being mostly Large to Jumbo. Didn't get back to the Docks till 500 and home by 7..A long successful day to say the least. I'm still tired!   

more pics...The last is my Favorite

Awesome report, glad to see the "three" of you on the water.

  looks like you all had a great time........

great pic and report Ricci....wtg!

Long day long haul good times! sweet report

Those combo trips are great. My last trip on party boat was long ride to the Farallones then we pulled crab pots on the way back.  That was years ago, brings back memories. Thanks for sharing.

Your lady is a real trooper to get OTW in that condition!  super impressed

looks like an awesome day, and admission fare well spent

No kidding about those big crabs Ricci. Way to get out there with the family and Christina.

Jedmo

If there was a "LIKE" button, I'd be smacking the $h!t out of it........

Beautiful to see such wonder smiles on the both of you.... doesn't get any better than that...

Nice work Ricci, that last pic almost put me in a food coma just looking at it.   

yeah! nice work there!

Yum! I like the way the last pic tastes in my head . Nice goin' Ricci.