10th Annual Perch Derby Santa Cruz (MBSTP)

It made sense to me to use 4 guys ...it was a long beach with many many people with lines out and it still took them hours to do a quick check of each person with 4 guys and fast wheels....seems like a smart way to cover long distances with many multiple checks

not directed at you Allen or anything you mentioned..I just kind of feel like we got a lot lately of questioning the CaDFG and it poorley written rule book or folks hinting that one does one thing and the next does something other ...or that they are out to frisk me on site...or that they are just waiting to find something small and put it to the average working guy out exercising his constitution....I have been stopped 5 times in this last season and every time I was in compliance and was able to ask and get answers for my gray areas...as well as advice and tips...

I am not saying you or anyone else is ragging on the CaDFG...I just wanted to give credit for the fair and friendly service I've recieved

Absolutely.

In fact, DFG guy #3 didn't even check my license after I said "there sure are a lot of you out here today".  He asked if the others checked my license and let it go at that.  DFG guy #4 just walked by asking how we were doing.

I still think it was too many people, and a waste of time and taxpayer money.  If I was a poacher, I know what I'd be doing next year at the Sand Crab Classic.

-Allen

your right again...those guys were  wasting our money and doing a poor job of checking and keeping track

Don't get me wrong here Craig.  I do have the utmost respect for the "guys on the ground".  They were very professional and courteous in their interactions with me.  I know they have a tough job, and I appreciate their efforts.

-Allen

I know you do and I am sure they are human and there are great folks and not so great mixed together...I just smile when I see them and know they speak up for some critters who cant speak...hate to see em always getting second guessed...I would not want to have to write the rule book or tell someone who's house was stolen by the twisted bank moves that they cant make a living...or enforce stuff because someone did not know,.....someone has to do the job and all people can make mistakes....it aint perfect...but they been cool to me
thanks Allen ...I am not stirring shit

thanks Allen ...I am not stirring shit

I know.

-Allen

I wonder if it was just cause the weekend, or if they were keyed in on the Sand Crab Classic?

Bushmaster

I think they were keyed in on it, as it was one of the first questions they were asking.  You should call them and ask.

-Allen

I will.  and, I'll arrange to chat well before the next Perch Derby also, maybe invite them to the BBQ........

It would help if they let us know so we could do our part to 'remind' contestants they're out in force.  We do of course include "adhere to all DFG rules" in our waiver form, but who reads that anyway.

Bushy

DFG didn't bother stopping by to talk to me but then again they might have passed through before I got there at 8:30.

I want to thank trianglelaguna for the MB passes. Had a great time and next trip my +1 wants to try diving. Success!

Anytime Brian..I'm glad you guys had a blast and it was great meeting you ...anytime!!!

Bushy wrote:
"maybe invite them to the BBQ"....

wow that would sure be cool Allen,even if they did not come,or could not attend, due to some silly work ethic rules or the like...it could only serve to spread good vibes
craig

We have a couple DFG guys there every year.  Very helpful with perch info and brochures, etc.  You might even know one of them....LOL.

But yeah, the Wardens would be cool. 

Allen

Hre's my Sentinel Report.  BTW, the NewsGroup  is changing things up this week or next, and my column should be running in the Monterey Herald as well as the Santa Cruz Sentinel.  Who knows, maybe mercury News next?  I hope they give me a raise 


(All photos by our very own Deva mercado AKA Fishflogger!  THANKS DEVA!!!!!)

3/14/14

Fish Report

 

The Sandcrab Classic Perch Tournament concluded last Saturday, and by all accounts was a rousing success! Over 400 people gathered at the Portuguese Hall in Santa Cruz for the weigh-in, raffle and BBQ.  Conceived and coordinated by Mike Baxter and the Let’s Go Fishing Radio Show, this is the tenth anniversary Perch Derby event. Deliberately scheduled in our “off” fishing season, the Derby was created for a few cooperative purposes.

 

First, it is “something to do when there’s nothing to do,” after rockfish season closes and before salmon season opens, when many anglers are developing a bad case of cabin fever.  Second, it’s a community event and effort, a gathering of the extended angling clan from Santa Cruz and beyond, with an emphasis on parents and children attending, and commensurate trophies for all ages.

 

And finally, the Perch Derby serves as a mainstay fundraising vehicle for the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. MBSTP is a grassroots, independent and non-profit organization that focuses on rehabilitation and renewal of our local salmonid habitat and populations. The group has fostered and released literally millions of fish into local waters, and is key to the preservation of these most beautiful and challenging game fish of our area.

 

For 2014, the Derby featured double prizes and trophies for the classic Barred Surf Perch, as well as all other species of perch. A new record winner was recorded when Grace Volz weighed in her three-pound, 16 ½ -inch Barred Surf Perch, the biggest we have ever seen in ten years of holding the derby! Volz took top honors with that fish followed closely by her husband Brian Volz who submitted a 2-pound 11-ounce BSP for 2d place. The Volz’ used GULP Sandcrabs at an undisclosed location for their winning catches.

 

In the “Upcoming Superstars” category, Samara Cortazzo took home the first place Juniors trophy with a one-pound 13-ounce rubberlip perch, caught on a pileworm off of West Cliff in Santa Cruz. Keanna Miller captured second place handily.  Miller submitted a one-pound, nine-ounce rubberlip from the West Cliff area, but used a shrimp/grub combination as bait.  And, Jake Sporleder followed with a close third-place trophy fish, a one-pound, six-ounce rubberlip he fooled with a lure from the West Cliff area.

 

With over 40 volunteers, more than two-dozen business sponsors, and of course the 300 contestant entries, there are too many to thank personally in this short column. Suffice it to say that you know who you are, and our gratitude is as deep as the Monterey Bay Marine Canyon. A full leaderboard sheet and additional Derby pictures will be posted at www.theletsgofishingradioshow.com

 

Bushnell can also be heard Friday mornings at 6:45 on KSCO radio 1080 AM.  Send your photos, comments or questions to scruzfishing@yahoo.com




 

for those who have not been to the event..here is last years and some decent pics of the weigh in..the kids and women there were in the game big time with a gal placing 2nd or winning if I remember right

my pics of the guys and our ncka side bet are on pg 9