Catalina Mole'
- Thread starter Brock Norris
- Start date
I would be careful about bringing a hoop net onto the Mole, last time I was there I heard someone was cited for possessing a hoop net even though they were not lobster fishing. As for rod size limits, I believe the official maximum length for one-piece rods is 9'. Additionally the ferry does not allow non-collapsible 4 wheeled carts.
I've heard some staff on the express made a trouble for a large cart but it sounded like a hit or miss as I have seen a large one people brought with.
I recall reading fishing rods to be protected in their policy page in past. When I started to go up there, I took the language seriously and bought a bulky rod case. After a few trips and saw no one doing that, I dropped it and just tying all rods in to bring with. They would simply ask you to bring your rods outside the storage area if yours is too long. Depending on the boats, you may get some splash so protect your rod if you care.
And hoop net. I did not hear about the citation incident. I have brought it especially when I go up there solo so I cannot count on any landing assistance. No problem so far for me.
Wish you a great trip!
I recall reading fishing rods to be protected in their policy page in past. When I started to go up there, I took the language seriously and bought a bulky rod case. After a few trips and saw no one doing that, I dropped it and just tying all rods in to bring with. They would simply ask you to bring your rods outside the storage area if yours is too long. Depending on the boats, you may get some splash so protect your rod if you care.
And hoop net. I did not hear about the citation incident. I have brought it especially when I go up there solo so I cannot count on any landing assistance. No problem so far for me.
Wish you a great trip!
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I had warden inspect me at the Mole recently and had 2 hoop nets with me. I even offered to show him my lobster card, but he said “not necessary since I am not lobster fishing”.
I take a telescopic net that I learned from Opaleye hunters. The head folds.
As to the rods, I recommend two-piece rods. Chances of hooking a very large fish that requires one-piece rod is extremely low. Particularly if you do not use big hook and bait. If you carry the rods by themselves, you can take up to 8 feet. However, if the rod is in the cart, anything longer than 6’6” can be problematic. Due to low head clearances.
The grocery type folding carts are permitted. Even though they have four wheels. Click on picture for bigger size.
I would not recommend to have an over loaded cart like mine. I think due to my frequent visits to the island, all the captains know me. A pack of Bass Pro Shops saltwater toffee to the crew may have helped me too.
Feel free to ask questions here if needs be.
P.S. I will be there from March 21-24, if you can wait till then. Once I have hotel reservation confirmed, I can post for anyone who wants to join me.
I take a telescopic net that I learned from Opaleye hunters. The head folds.
As to the rods, I recommend two-piece rods. Chances of hooking a very large fish that requires one-piece rod is extremely low. Particularly if you do not use big hook and bait. If you carry the rods by themselves, you can take up to 8 feet. However, if the rod is in the cart, anything longer than 6’6” can be problematic. Due to low head clearances.
The grocery type folding carts are permitted. Even though they have four wheels. Click on picture for bigger size.
I would not recommend to have an over loaded cart like mine. I think due to my frequent visits to the island, all the captains know me. A pack of Bass Pro Shops saltwater toffee to the crew may have helped me too.
Feel free to ask questions here if needs be.
P.S. I will be there from March 21-24, if you can wait till then. Once I have hotel reservation confirmed, I can post for anyone who wants to join me.
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I will be there as follows:
Leaving Long Beach terminal of Catalina Express at 6:00 AM on Tuesday 5/24.
Leaving Avalon with 7:45 boat on Thursday 5/26.
Here is what I take, don't be shocked:
CATALINA HOTEL TRIP LIST…. Revised 05/2/2022 candy hiking boots mask
BACKPACK---Apron Blue Velcro rod holders Bonito box/launchers/cast-a-bubble (BB pellets filled/empty) bonito sliding launchers blue serrated knife Braid scissors Buzz Bomb casting glove fish gill holder flex tape floats flies [tube, streamers] folding knife green power egg hook remover hook cutter knot tying tool leader holder foams lip holder line [pick, straiten lighted reading lenses Japanese lures lure cover leader rolls miracle thread (extra) misc. hooks misc. sinkers mini squid skirt Opaleye box pelican banner/long zip ties Promar light stick Sabiki rigs sinker lifts split ring multi-pliers split shots #7 tape measure telescopic magnet Ziploc bags
CLOTHING BAG---Hooded sweater night shorts prescription glasses [regular/sun] shirts socks sandals toiletries bag underwear [top/bottom] warm vest warm jacket
BAIT COOLER---Anchovies frozen water market shrimp Pare squid
FIVE GALLON BUCKET---Bee trap pier gaff/rope pulley wrench/U clamps scraper sinkers
FOLDING CART---Velcro straps long/short/skinny plywood table plywood base
FISHING PANTS---Cell phone (charged) coupon book mask pen Swiss army knife Relifband kit [extra band, spare batteries] tide book travel wallet [cc/cash/Kaiser card/AAA card/plastic key]
MISC.---Back support bait holder box/cutting board/bait knife/towel clip cushion fine mash telescopic net head folding pier net/rope hats [wide brim/Mahigeer cap/leash] IPod-speaker (charged) Ikejime kit long spoon long reach tool knee pads napkins paper plates pulley/PVC pipe tarp with sinkers telescopic net head telescopic net handle umbrella/rope white trash bags wind breaker yellow measuring trough 2” insulation
REEL CASE---Bait casting reel/s floating line spinning reel Shimano reel spinning reels
RODS---Casting travel Opaleye St. Croix travel
SQUARE BUCKET---Bait knife small bucket/rope sinkers box white towel wire brush towel clip
YELLOW CATALINA BAG---Binoculars Catalina maps Ethical Angler Flyer fish ID book headlamp(charged) [charger/AAA batteries X 3/adaptor] lighter (filled) munchies medication [day & night pills/(alcohol pads, insulin pen, needles)] Nikon camera (charged) [charger/etc.] orange strap plastic utensils pen sandwich knife TP paper tooth brush/cream
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Poke polling setup [poles, hook, backpack, squid] GoPro/tripod Gdude picture
Underwater camera [Aqua-view camera, 5’ PVC pipe/bait cage/camera holder/Tee handle/etc.
Leaving Long Beach terminal of Catalina Express at 6:00 AM on Tuesday 5/24.
Leaving Avalon with 7:45 boat on Thursday 5/26.
Here is what I take, don't be shocked:
CATALINA HOTEL TRIP LIST…. Revised 05/2/2022 candy hiking boots mask
BACKPACK---Apron Blue Velcro rod holders Bonito box/launchers/cast-a-bubble (BB pellets filled/empty) bonito sliding launchers blue serrated knife Braid scissors Buzz Bomb casting glove fish gill holder flex tape floats flies [tube, streamers] folding knife green power egg hook remover hook cutter knot tying tool leader holder foams lip holder line [pick, straiten lighted reading lenses Japanese lures lure cover leader rolls miracle thread (extra) misc. hooks misc. sinkers mini squid skirt Opaleye box pelican banner/long zip ties Promar light stick Sabiki rigs sinker lifts split ring multi-pliers split shots #7 tape measure telescopic magnet Ziploc bags
CLOTHING BAG---Hooded sweater night shorts prescription glasses [regular/sun] shirts socks sandals toiletries bag underwear [top/bottom] warm vest warm jacket
BAIT COOLER---Anchovies frozen water market shrimp Pare squid
FIVE GALLON BUCKET---Bee trap pier gaff/rope pulley wrench/U clamps scraper sinkers
FOLDING CART---Velcro straps long/short/skinny plywood table plywood base
FISHING PANTS---Cell phone (charged) coupon book mask pen Swiss army knife Relifband kit [extra band, spare batteries] tide book travel wallet [cc/cash/Kaiser card/AAA card/plastic key]
MISC.---Back support bait holder box/cutting board/bait knife/towel clip cushion fine mash telescopic net head folding pier net/rope hats [wide brim/Mahigeer cap/leash] IPod-speaker (charged) Ikejime kit long spoon long reach tool knee pads napkins paper plates pulley/PVC pipe tarp with sinkers telescopic net head telescopic net handle umbrella/rope white trash bags wind breaker yellow measuring trough 2” insulation
REEL CASE---Bait casting reel/s floating line spinning reel Shimano reel spinning reels
RODS---Casting travel Opaleye St. Croix travel
SQUARE BUCKET---Bait knife small bucket/rope sinkers box white towel wire brush towel clip
YELLOW CATALINA BAG---Binoculars Catalina maps Ethical Angler Flyer fish ID book headlamp(charged) [charger/AAA batteries X 3/adaptor] lighter (filled) munchies medication [day & night pills/(alcohol pads, insulin pen, needles)] Nikon camera (charged) [charger/etc.] orange strap plastic utensils pen sandwich knife TP paper tooth brush/cream
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Poke polling setup [poles, hook, backpack, squid] GoPro/tripod Gdude picture
Underwater camera [Aqua-view camera, 5’ PVC pipe/bait cage/camera holder/Tee handle/etc.
Terminal wise I would recommend to cover at least below and more of your choices:
3oz & 2oz & 1oz torpedo sinkers
some split shots
#6 & #4 bait hooks
floats/float stops
6# and 15# leaders
wire leaders
some sabiki rigs for baits
some hard lures around 40g (coltsniper type)
your choice of bonito rig
knife&pryer&towel
All basic: I am sure they all are obvious to you @TheFrood.
3oz & 2oz & 1oz torpedo sinkers
some split shots
#6 & #4 bait hooks
floats/float stops
6# and 15# leaders
wire leaders
some sabiki rigs for baits
some hard lures around 40g (coltsniper type)
your choice of bonito rig
knife&pryer&towel
All basic: I am sure they all are obvious to you @TheFrood.
there can be more in this site but I found this one in kenjonesfishing.com. This will help you.
http://kenjonesfishing.com/2014/02/pier-fish-of-catalina-island/
http://kenjonesfishing.com/2014/02/pier-fish-of-catalina-island/
I bring my own food, sandwitches and stuff as I usually do only a day trip and I do not want to spend time looking for lunch and snacks while fishing. If you stay overnight like Mr. Mahigeer does, there are more options.
On boat, things may be changing up now but I have not eaten during the ferry ride for a while, right. But it is a short one hour ride so I can cope.
At the mole, there is a shop with some warm foods, that is handy (like burrito type foods). I think cooking with stove is theoretically prohibited (though I confess here I did bring some stoves and gas fuel to cook up some ramen on cold nights). Mr. Mahigeer would know more of this.
I hope this helps! He and I are talking about going up late May. Come join?
On boat, things may be changing up now but I have not eaten during the ferry ride for a while, right. But it is a short one hour ride so I can cope.
At the mole, there is a shop with some warm foods, that is handy (like burrito type foods). I think cooking with stove is theoretically prohibited (though I confess here I did bring some stoves and gas fuel to cook up some ramen on cold nights). Mr. Mahigeer would know more of this.
I hope this helps! He and I are talking about going up late May. Come join?
I was looking into campgrounds so the provision in the prohibited items section had me wondering... Would be expensive to have to buy everything in two harbors (if it's even available). I understand the prohibition on combustibles but not the food thing... Unless they mean food in the sense of "outside food or drink" like for movies and restaurants...
https://www.catalinaexpress.com/baggage-restrictions.html
Has anyone had any direct experience with this?
I would love to join you but I'm limited to weekend only... I may be going during the week for first week of July since I'm on my vacation that week.
https://www.catalinaexpress.com/baggage-restrictions.html
Has anyone had any direct experience with this?
I would love to join you but I'm limited to weekend only... I may be going during the week for first week of July since I'm on my vacation that week.
Have never been to two harbor's so I leave that question to other able anglers here. I also have not studied the fineprints of catalina express as much as you did. But I know for the fact that A LOT of backpackers go in there for the trans catalina trail. I am sure they all bring gas fuels in their packs. Also present are scuba divers with huge airbottles. They are as dangerous as any of these camping equipments.... To be completely legit, a call to the express office may do... And also DM Mr. Mahigeer.