Although Connie and I have some experience fishing, the boys hadn't really fished before other than lakeside play fishing when they were much younger. The sun came out just upon arrival at our destination shortly before 8:30. While the fishing overall for most of us on the boat was dismal, we had fun enjoying the weather and practicing our casting. No eyes were poked out as rods were tilted back and heaved forward while also timing the reel mechanism to send the baited hooks in the desired location. Both Ryan and Vincent did slap the bait against nearby people during a semi controlled backswing. Getting the bait on the hook was the most challenging task for some of us. After scooping the bait out of the bait tank, you still have to grab the writhing, wiggling, slimy, scaly fish with a bare hand and with the other hand drive the hook through its head just below the eyes. This took some practice as the fish did not volunteer too readliy to stay still and turn its head just right. Of course it would have been best for both the baitor and baitee if there was a bit more cooperation because gripping the fish harder just caused one to get a handful of scales while the bait ended up on the deck. If one did hold the little squirmer then hooking the bait just right rewarded the fish with a less messy and less painful experience. Otherwise the hook would open up a large gash causing a lot of needless bleeding and the bait to lose an eye or two. More than once a poor baiting procedure was made clear when the casted bait went flying in an odd direction after having the hook rip out its mouth. Maybe that is how the JOKER got his smile. 
Connie, Joseph, and Tom had luck catching fish. Joseph caught three calico bass but had to release two because they were too small. Tom had a similar experience with bonita but gave the one he was allowed to keep to another fisherman. Vincent caught some kelp, Connie had to toss all she caught back in, and I caught some rays and shut eye. Connie caught Tom on video catching the bonita.The fishing was not very good in general and the captain moved from one spot to another trying to improve our results. At three o'clock we headed back to shore and ended up in the harbor just before 6. On the way back we stopped to refuel which added a little time. After getting home Connie cleaned and cooked up Joseph's catch which he got to enjoy. On Friday Joseph and Vincent were invited to celebrate Ryan's birthday by joining him on an all day outing to Soak City. The boys then went out for pizza and returned home after 9 pm. Meanwhile Connie and I hosted two of Connie's closest high school friends for dinner. We had a very enjoyable evening and intimate evening.
Over the weekend Vincent was invited to play with his soccer club's older group of boys in the Pyramid Cup. The team did okay and Vincent held his own and made a good impression. Since the team did not enter any competitions over the summer it was beneficial in play against challenging opponents.
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