Senator Pat Bates Congratulates Students

Oceanside CA— On Veterans Day, the Oceanside High School Fishing Club spent the day fishing on the Chubasco II passenger sportfishing boat, located in Oceanside. The fourteen kids that participated learned fishing tackle uses and techniques, and marine stewardship.
“The kids had a fun filled day at sea,” said Captain Ernie Prieto. “They learned fishing tackle uses and techniques, and the importance of protecting our natural resources and marine life. They truly have a passion for being at sea.”
From the Captain’s Log –
For fishermen today was a super fun day on the water. Light winds and moderate surf, beautiful sunny skies and a mile long pod of dolphins for entertainment. The students and chaperons caught their limits of rockfish including, Vermillion Rockfish (AKA Red Snapper), Square Spotted Rockfish, Flag Rockfish, Whitefish, Chucklehead Rockfish, and many others! Captain Shon Roberts put us on several spots that yielded the myriad of fish, while deckhands Andrew Viola and Max Hadley filled the sacks and fillet our catch. Of course, the galley was a busy place for Nacho Camarena as he served up his famous “Nacho Burgers” with cold beverages and snacks. Special thanks to Ernie Prieto of the Oceanside Sea Center for sponsoring the 3/4 day excursion. Oceanside Sea center’s Ross Yamamoto, the liaison to the club, watched the students and adults fish, giving tips and seeing “Who was listening?” at the club meetings where students are learning about fishing vessels, equipment and tackle, knot tying, the “How and Why” of catch limits, career  opportunities and more. Oceanside Sea Center’s commitment to our fisheries, as well as our growing youth, sustainable sport fishing and aquatic recreation is reflected in going above and beyond, putting words into action.

State Senator Pat Bates, who represents Oceanside in the California State Legislature, congratulated the club on a great day of fishing at sea.
“It gives me great pleasure knowing that the Oceanside High School Fishing Club could spend Veterans Day at sea and enjoy all its splendor,” said State Senator Pat Bates. “Captain Ernie Prieto, our friend at Oceanside SEA Center, provides our community a valuable public service. Passenger boat owners provide schools and non-profit organizations access to the marine environment, often at little to no cost. Many of the beneficiaries of these fishing and marine life programs are school children, disadvantaged youth and veterans. For many children, this is their first introduction to marine life and for wounded warriors, it is a source of mental rehabilitation. Greater regulatory costs would jeopardize these programs. This is why I am hopeful that next week the California Air Resources Board will not pass regulations that pose an economic threat to these boat owners and the community services they provide. These boat owners are valued members of the Oceanside and larger coastal community.”
For many school-aged children, passenger sportfishing boats were their first experience to offshore fishing and marine life. To facilitate their passion for the sea, the Oceanside SEA center affords these students a discounted day of fishing at sea.
The Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) is a trade organization representing Southern California sportfishing and whale watching boat and landing owners.