Wow . . .
Fun to see the old thread come back. Thanks!
Here is a shot of Empty Pockets taken at the fuel dock in Monterey Ca on May 15 2011.
We had just hosted two Disabled Veterans on Empty Pockets for the National Disabled Vetrans Championship Salmon Derby held in Monterey Bay California.
It was an honor to do so. You would not believe the stories our Warriors have. My God.
Hopefully it is acceptable with the Administrators that I post Empty Pockets Trip Report below.
Brief report: Over 400 Disabled Warriors . . . 14 Salmon . . . tough, tough, TOUGH love.
Kevin G.
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Robert and I picked up our Vets, supplies from the USCG Woman's Auxiliary, in Monterey at the USCG ramp about 5:45 Saturday morning. We got our Vets fitted for PFD's, a quick safety briefing while Robert got all the bumpers/lines stowed and out the Jaws we went.
We worked Point Pinos, Portuguese Ledge, Monterey Canyon, Soquel Hole, back to the Canyon, back to Point Pinos and back to the south side of Portuguese Ledge again.
I was on the Helm while Robert threw the Tackle Store at 'em. Two Downriggers, 4 rods, stacked to cover from 225 to 75 feet. Hoochies and Kajakis of all colors, some with plug cut Anchovy, some without, FBR's, two different sizes of flashers (8" & 11" with proper length leaders) in every color we had, even tried spinners and hardware, the only thing we didn't drag was an explosive . . . next time. I'm serious . . .
I even double checked the lunch, snacks and fruit the USCG Women's Auxiliary had provided to verify there weren't any Bananas . . . nope.
47.8 miles on the trip log from/to the Monterey Jaws for No Joy/No Love.
My track on the Plotter looked like there was a Drunken Sailor at the helm . . . we absolutely flogged it.
Robert has been fishing for Salmon for over 30 years on his own boats, he did a DAMN fine J.O.B. running the deck. There were VERY few times Robert had a chance to relax for the trip.
Thanks Robert . . . you were well above and beyond with your efforts.
Here is a shot of our Vets and Robert holding our 'Salmon', taken on the south side of Portuguese Ledge after we pulled 'em and were about to run to the dock . . . Lonnie, a Viet Nam Vet on the left, Robert, a Panama Conflict Vet in the middle and Robert on the right. Nice fish huh?
The same shot but with me in the photo. Notice *I* am the only one with 'limits'! LOL!
Recovered and back at Moss Landing after the Derby.
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda . . . just not today.
Tight Lines, Fair Seas and Be Safe,
Kevin G.