"Catch of the Day"

Fishing is not cute.

Leaving Santa Barbara Harbor at 7 a.m. on a weekend day, when you could be sleeping late might not be for everyone. The sun's coming up, you haven't had your morning cup of coffee, and you could have hit the snooze button a few more times.

If you choose, though, you'll find that fishing can be fun — especially if it's with the folks at Sea Landing. The local sportfishing business offers either half-day or three-quarter-day fishing trips.

After a stop into the office, where you pay for your ticket, license and any tackle you might need, you head to the boat. The deckhand gets a head count and after a few last-minute preparations by the crew, you're on your way.

The captain of the 65-foot Stardust announces our destination as he eases the boat out of the slip and into the harbor.

"We're going deep . . . the Channel Islands," the veteran anglers remark. Your heart starts to quicken. You're going for rockfish, redfish, lingcod and whatever else you can hook and reel into the boat. Hook it and cook it, I always say.

People are milling about, adjusting their equipment, checking out the equipment of their co-passengers, and getting ready for what they hope will be a productive day.

The cost is not too painful, but the charges can add up quickly. The half-day trip costs $50 ($42 for kids), which covers bait. The three-quarter-day trip is $72 ($60 for kids). Then there's the fishing license. The clear-plastic license holder that clips to your clothes. And, if you don't have your own, gear will be provided. Rods and reels, weights and hooks. Add another buck for the gunnysack to keep your fish in and you're all set for action.

And the optional pool you can enter to see who catches the biggest fish, and there is a small charge if you want your fish cleaned and/or filleted at the end of the run. A tip for the crew is appreciated. While it may sound like a lot, the memories will be priceless.

The boat can easily accommodate 40 anglers and their equipment.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or a complete novice, a good time is guaranteed. If you have a tendency for sea-sickness, motion-sickness pills or the patch are recommended before boarding. At least one passenger will spend a good while hanging over the side of the boat, according to a deckhand.

Jim Hardan, 56, and his fishing buddy Jim Dunkle, 57, are seasoned ocean anglers. They have been aboard the Stardust many times.

"We've been on this boat so much, they call us to tell us when the fishing's good," Hardan says with a grin. The two of them drive up from near Torrance.

"The crew is outstanding," Dunkle adds.

The two men have been fishing together for seven years.

"Sometimes we get on each other's nerves," Hardan chuckles as he ties a knot in the line of a less-experienced angler to help him out.

"If you want, you can use my setup," Hardan tells him.

"Or mine," Dunkle chimes in.

Each fisherman has his own recipe for success, and the setup is crucial to a good day's catch. Since the water depth of the intended fishing area, is about 120 to 180 feet and the fish targeted are on the bottom, it is important to have enough line on the reel. And the reel of choice is a conventional one.

A typical setup for bottom fishing off the islands includes 8-ounce sinkers, 4-ought hooks, 15- to 20-pound test monofilament line and a good stick, one that will hold the weight of a big boy once he's hooked.

Dewey "Duke" Faulkner, 30, of Santa Barbara, showed off his matching “sticks” and reels.

"I can catch just about anything out here with these," the Stardust regular said, pointing to his gear.

The first thing about the crew of the Stardust that makes you sit up and take notice is that they are all so young. The captain is not yet 25 and the deckhands are also in their early 20s. Even so, they operate as if they have been on the water for years together.

Even if you know absolutely nothing about fishing, or if you think you know all there is to know, you will fit in on the Stardust. Deckhand Dane Johnston, who has been around fishing for about half of his life, makes sure everyone is comfortable.

"It's part of the job," Johnston says. "Everybody should have a good time when they're out here, and I see to that."

Right now, rockfish are running, as are lingcod and red snapper. On our trek to Santa Rosa Island, the group of 20 aboard was treated to a view of California grey whales, which didn't seem to care whether the boat was near or not.

The trip to Santa Rosa Island, which took about three hours to make, was full of surprises. A group of about 20 or 30 sea lions frolicked off the starboard side along the way. Some days you can even see dolphins. Not on this trip, though.

"You'll see plenty of sights like that, especially on the three-quarter-day trip," Harlan says.

About three hours after the boat pulled out of Santa Barbara harbor, anglers started pulling in fish. Nice-sized ones: reds, rockfish, lingcod. By state regulations, lingcod have to be at least 24 inches, so several had to be released.

For skipper Luke Stamatis, who is the boat's second captain/deckand, the ocean opens a world of adventure. (The owner/operator is Jason Diamond).

And solace.

"Being on the ocean, not having to deal with the craziness ashore, that's one of the best things about being out here," Stamatis says from his wheelhouse.

For deckhand/cook Sal Silva it's all about keeping the customers happy. Silva, who can whip up a breakfast burrito or a burger that will make you salivate like Pavlov's dog, says just about everyone on the boat has a good time.

On this day, there are smiles all around as each passenger is handed their bag of freshly caught fish.

Everyone has caught their 10-fish limit, and a young San Marcos High student, walks away with the jackpot for catching the biggest fish, a huge red snapper and a nice lingcod.

Assistant manager Daniel "Sparky" Abraham says the Stardust outfit is so sure of their customers' angling success, they will guarantee that everyone aboard will catch fish.

The three-quarter day trip runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., and the half-day trip is Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Abraham says reservations are recommended at least a day in advance. You can reach Sea Landing at (805) 963-3564.

"Everybody catches fish," he says. "If they don't, they can get a free trip to try it again."

Count me in.

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