Joel "Mooch" Lotilla

I remember the first day I met Joel, it was pre NCKA and kayak fishing was just starting to take off.  I had been surfing the web learning about kayak fishing sparked by my brother selling his whaler to a guy who mentioned this new sport. 

There was this one photo on the internet and it was a picture of a guy with a large stringer of fish on a kayak fishing at Lake Del Valle.  The name of the kayak was Trout Slayer and it was my inspiration(Joel had many kayak names).  I did not know this person but for some reason I kept referring to this photo in amazement at how cool the shot was.  I then purchased a p15 and was making my maiden voyage at stevens creek reservoir and right when I launched, Joel paddled by and said " Is that a Prowler 15?"  I said yes and he then said "follow me and lets catch some trout".  Little did he know that I knew who he was and was in awe just by having met Joel/Trout Slayer by chance.  We ended up fishing for about 3 hours, slaying trout and having a great time!



Ever since that chance encounter we were friends and had many, many great adventures all over the Bay Area.  NCKA was formed about 6 months later and as many have said Joel is our ambassadeur of this sport.  It hurts to know that such a kind and generous person may not be around, but he has set the example on how to be a great human being.   

As some of the fellow ncka member's have said, miracles do happen and I'm holding out for one!

John

Mooch,

With all the folks you know, you probably don't remember this but,  you & ChuckE were the first two people who talked with Frank and I about kayak fishing.  What I remember most about that talk was you said "safety first" and that is what I always ask the Lord to grant each and every kayak fishing person (and even power boaters too- ).

You are one of the most caring, funny, informative, strong and loving people we know.   I always look forward to giving you a hug, no getting a hug from you, either way, it works for me since I think of you as my son.  We would love to come visit you and give you a hug, but I know you are probably tired.

Frank is watching over my shoulder as I write you this note and says to thank you again for teaching him how to use his little finger as a measuring device for making rice. 

The picture attached is at Lake Berryessa, 2012, it looks like a victory ride.

Frank & I wish you the very best and know we love you very much.

By the way, I keep the rabbit ears in our camper in plan sight and think of you every time I see them.

You are truly the heart and soul of kayak fishing, not to mention a party animal.

Much love, many Prayers & thoughts continue to go up for you.


Bunny & Frank

.....in behalf of me and my family,  we want to thank all the generous donations / PIF that NCKA has made during the last 4 years 

You're a good man Joel Lotilla.
And I'm a better man for having known you. No doubt.
I still hope you can make a mini MI3.
Much love brother.
Tote

.....in behalf of me and my family,  we want to thank all the generous donations / PIF that NCKA has made during the last 4 years 

No wonder you never learned to cook!
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45735.0;attach=209606;image

Thank You Egor klyashchitskiy for your kind donation. Couldn't find you on board to PM.

I'm left speechless and sad.   

I'm proud to know Joel Lotilla ... friend, mentor, and inspiration.  We are all better people having known Joel.  I can only hope that I've added even a fraction to his life as he's added to mine.

Much love to you and your family Joel.

-Allen

Mooch my brother although I haven't been to to many NCKA functions lately the ones that I have been to you have always been the life of the party. Peace to you my friend, you will remain in my heart forever.

This saddens me to the core, Mooch is the best ever. You will be my hero forever, if I could take your inspiration I would be a better person. I cry now but will always remember with a smile and laugh.
before you got sick, you said if you died, you would want us to have a burning kayak like the Vikings at L Sonoma or Mendo. We talked at lea nth about this, so it will be. love forever Joel.

I have the Old glass yak to donate! Full of wood and fuel it would be Impressive !!!!!!!!!!! And burn long time too... Let me know years from now when it is needed...

Joel,Where did you get gangster car from this picture?





5.0 1966 Mustang Convertible. Will be on your side of the bay Tuesday fill up to a cruise?

Sweet stang frank

Bought my 1st kayak from you 5 years ago
My son went back and bought his 15 minutes later
Daughter in law bought hers the next day

You have been an inspiration to everyone that you touch

I am glad to have meet so many good people at NCKA with you as our focus.
You will always be a ROCK STAR to me

Love,
Paul, Steven, Nicole, Adam Rigsbee

Joel,

You were with us at the GS7 in many, many ways.  Here is just one example....

Sending lots of love your way, Brandi

Pinkies down for brother Mooch!