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The Albackore Sportfishing Gear Saltwater Symposium started with an excellent BBQ rib and chicken dinner put on by the Newport Rib Company in Costa Mesa on April 5, 2007. We started a little earlier than planned because of the big evening that lied ahead. The food was excellent as usual.
Angler Educator Ronnie Kovach and Jeff Jost welcomed the 65 anglers to the second Albackore Saltwater Symposium. The topic this evening was Islands ‘n Offshore – mainly White Seabass and the local island fishing.
To commence the evening Ronnie Kovach and Al Grout (Sawyer Cook Insurance) started things off with a seminar on crossover techniques for fresh and saltwater bass fishing. Many valuable tips were discussed including the use of spinner baits and light line techniques.
Dennis Yamamoto, product manager for OWNER HOOKS, was up next with an educational and informative talk regarding the importance of hook selection in the upcoming offshore season.
Tommy Lee, owner/operator of the 85 foot luxury sportfisher, FREEDOM, from 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro then took the floor with a discussion on the use of heavier lines and special knots appropriate for party boat and offshore fishing.
After a break for refreshments and to prepare for the huge raffle to be held later, renowned acupuncturist and radio/television personality, Tara Grace, gave her seminar on how NOT to hurt your back while hooked up on your next big fish as well as exercises and stretches we can all use to prevent neck and back injuries.
Next up was Berkley Saltwater President, Bill Buchanan who talked about do’s and don’ts for private boaters. Bill presented vital information about the use of lighter vs. heavier line and casting techniques. Many informative items were discussed including timing for the better bites; i.e. fishing in the gray!
Last and certainly not least, it was time for David Ichinaga with the charter boat, Phantom, from Pierpoint landing in Long Beach. David’s presentation was on fishing heavy line including 30 to 40 pound and heavier.
Thousands of dollars worth of prizes were then raffled off for the Louise C. Kovach Marine Biology Fund. All of Ronnie Kovach’s sponsors including Magellan, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, OWNER HOOKS, Berkley, Rapala and many others rose to the occasion with great prizes. More than a thousand dollars was raised from the raffle alone and Ronnie finished by auctioning off some of his personal fishing items including a Truline Octagon. This auction was won by Tom Yoro with a winning bid of $375. A total of more than $1300.00 was raised for the Louise C. Kovach Marine Biology Fund, targeted at helping Marine Biology students WHO FISH to earn their degrees and ultimately helping (not hindering) the sportfishing industry.
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