07.29.21 The Fish Village vibe is a thing Pt. 1

One thing that has remained consistent across almost all of our trips, international and domestic… there is vibe to Fish Village trips. Sure, you can argue that there is a vibe to any trip, but multiple experiences throughout the June/July kayak mothership season really drove this point home.

For starters our season kicked off with shit kayak fishing weather, bad enough to cancel the mothership trip. The Islander offered to take us bluefin fishing instead… an option that had not presented itself in the past. Did our group of anglers want to say no and throw in the towel? F*&* NO. Each and everyone of them said… let\’s go offshore in terrible conditions and fish for a fish of a lifetime with Captain Pete at the helm of the Islander and Fish Village.

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This group had a freaking blast. I saw people get worked by pissed off bluefin, I saw people tear up when they landed a 20 pounder and then I saw people literally cheering on their compadres when hooked up to a bluefin for the first time. Foul fishing weather… no one except me and Charlie noticed (LOL). I was able to fish with Fish Village team members Ryan Howell of CCKF, Jesse Landry and Charlie Wardle… if that wasn\’t enough our friends Andy O\’Brien and Zach Clift joined in on the fun as well. We laughed as much as we fished… but that didn\’t stop Andy from landing a beast, Jesse sticking a few including a big one and Ryan showing us how to stick em and land them. The Fish Village vibe was mentioned by others multiple times. I left this trip worked, but so satisfied.

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Onto the following week when the Fresh n Salty crew rolled into San Diego and took over the landing for a short bit before heading off to San Clemente Island for the 2nd trip of the season… but the first kayak mothership trip of the season. One of the first things that Robert Field said was… \”they are so organized.\” For reals. Fresh n Salty knows how to roll. They show up in the same shirts, organized, minimal gear and HAPPY AF to head offshore with the host of Field Trips. Everyone was vibing hard… and that was just at the docks. Once they got to the island they absolutely killed it. Set a record for most halibut caught by a kayak group and put 50 yellows on the deck. If that ain\’t vibing… I don\’t know what is.

So is the Fish Village vibe a real thing? Apparently so. The vibe continues through four (4) more trips, culminating with an on the water kayak fishing wedding… WHAT? Stay tuned for Pt. 2.

I appreciate every person that helped reignite the passion for what we do and every person that shared what the Fish Village vibe means to you. Thank you!

Fishing w/ Friends Kayak Fishing Tournament Series 2021

This is our hometown favorite monthly tournament. No big egos, just a small friendly tournament amongst locals and friends…. with a big cook-out at the end. This is a good way to connect with the local Orange County kayak fishing scene.

When

  • Saturday June 19th
  • Saturday July 17th
  • Saturday August 14th
  • Saturday September 18th
  • Saturday October 16th
  • Saturday November 13th
  • Saturday December 11th

Where

Dana Point California

Registration

Sign-in on the day of the tournament directly at the shop. If you are launching on your own at a different location, please be sure to sign up before heading out.

Event Details

Format is very simple: Entry fee is $10 with the largest legal fish taking all. No sharks, rays, skate’s, etc. Very simple rules: no sponsors, no raffles, no prizes, no points, NO HASSLE.  An optional $5 big bass side pot is offered for those that are going to target bass.

Start time @ 7 A.M. with weigh-in @ 2 P.M. Weigh-in and post tournament pot luck at Pure Watersports. Parking will be available for those early launchers. Gate to launch will open at 6:30 A.M., and will close at 7:30 A.M.

Pure Watersports relocated our business earlier this year and will be testing how the new facility will work for this tournament.  Parking is much better, but can still be problematic.  Access to the new facility is through the Embarcadero gate off Dana Point Harbor Drive.  There is a fee for this access and you will be able to use the commercial launch ramp and parking area.  The alternative is to park in the \”Employee/Retail\” parking lot that is accessed off Golden Lantern in the harbor.  Once you launch your kayak, check in at the store which is directly across the water.

Post Tournament Potluck

The owners of Pure Watersports host a potluck after the event with the main course always provided by them. They rely on us to bring drinks, sides and desserts, please no alcohol.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps?q=Pure%20Watersports%20Dana%20Point%20California&output=embed&hl=en-US&z=16&w=425&h=350]

Dana Point Related News

07.14.21 Congrats to the Miller family

As you all know, we have been busy with our annual San Clemente Island kayak mothership trips. We have so much to share with you… so many incredible moments that we were blessed to be a part of. One of those moments was particularly special because I was honored to perform my first wedding as an officiant. Not just any wedding… a kayak fishing wedding.

The story starts off with a conversation with Steve Miller. First, he wasn\’t able to book two (2) spots initially because we sold out so quickly. As fate would have it… a spot opened up for him and Felicia and they took it. From there Steve asked if they could get married on the Islander. A few emails and calls later we had a wedding plan.

If a kayak fishing couple wants to get married on one of our kayak mothership trips… you better believe I am marrying them. An online application, a few questions later… I was ordained.

Weather has been threatening just about every trip we ran this year. Winds at one point were un-safe to launch kayaks, so we converted to bluefin tuna trips. This trip looked doomed at one point… but thanks to the hard work and dedication of owner John Conniff and Captain Pete, we had three great days of fishing culminating with one of the nicest days I have ever had at San Clemente Island. They found the only spots not blowing and gave all of us a chance to catch fish. This also created the best window and backdrop for a kayak fishing wedding.

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Thank you Theresa for the great shot!

I wasn\’t the only person that recognized the special moment… the Islander crew went out of their way to make Steve and Felicia\’s day special. Shortly before sunset we all gathered at the stern for a quick reading and vows. My Dad was the official witness (super cool), Jake (Islander crew), took photos, Theresa (Fish Village customer), helped with her dress and filmed the ceremony, Mike (Islander chef) prepared the absolute best meal I have ever eaten on the Islander, duck breast with some crazy orange sauce (that was AMAZING) and made a freaking cake!!! Champagne and bourbon flowed throughout the evening.

I was overrun with emotions and I wasn\’t the one getting married. Seeing everyone come together for a stranger\’s wedding was a gift. I was hearing hooting and hollering from all over the boat. I know with conviction that I am surrounded by the best customers and partners like Islander Sportfishing. Thank you to each and everyone of you for making this moment special for Steve and Felicia.

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Today I got a text from Felicia stating that the county accepted their finalized marriage certificate which makes this official! I am super proud to introduce Mr. Steve and Mrs. Felicia \”Fish\” Miller. May you have endless years of happiness and never stop fishing! I could never thank you enough for this honor!

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06.07.21 CCKF was destined for bluefin

This morning started off with a call from the owner/captain of the Islander, John Conniff. The call felt funny… like I was going to receive bad news. It started off with talks about how little sleep he has had running these incredible bluefin trips.

The following was reported this morning (6/7) on Fisherman\’s Landing\’s website:

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The first of our six (6) kayak mothership trips were supposed to kick-off on Thursday evening, but mother nature is suggesting that we make alternative plans. John runs an incredible operation that includes an incredible safety track record. When he says it isn\’t safe, we don\’t question it. We appreciate his attention to every detail to ensure the safety of our guests.

Both John and I hate cancelling trips… so we tried something else. He graciously offered to go bluefin fishing instead… the fish gods have been answering the prayers of the San Diego fleet since early May and we have been given a special opportunity to target them with one of the best crews out there.

I threw this out there as an option to our Central Coast Kayak Fishing (CCKF) crew and the results were a resounding YES. This crew is always down to jam… THANK YOU from all of us at Fish Village.

To make this happen… we had to call in a favor to our favorite kayak fishing shop in Orange County and San Diego county… Pure Watersports. They are helping a kayak fishing couple manage the trip change while still keeping their kayak fishing trip to La Jolla alive. Thank you Tim and family… you guys are the best!

Do you want to go bluefin fishing with Fish Village and the best damn crew in the San Diego? You will never see a multi-day tuna trip priced this low again… $875 check/Venmo or $901 debit/credit card. We leave this Thursday evening and come back Sunday morning. I changed my plans to get on board this incredible opportunity… who is with me?

If this sounds like you… send trips@fishvillage.com an email ASAP. First come first serve. We will need full name, email and phone number for all bookings. Full payment will be required to book.

06.01.21 SCI kayak mothership trip season is upon us

We have been talking about this for months… the time is near. \”Kayakers… assemble!!!!!!!\”

The last bit of payments are trickling through which means that it is almost time to get the band back together. The Islander crew is hard at work getting the boat dialed in for our six (6) kayak mothership trips. They are even sneaking in a few tuna trips already… they will be primed and ready for us as they always are.

If you are going on this trip… here is what you can expect from Fish Village… One (1) week from your departure date you will receive an email from us with details about your trip, when to arrive, where to park and what to expect. We will also include a link to our web based Trip Guide that answers all of these questions and more.

Some of you have asked, so here is an update on COVID… There will be no COVID protocols enforced. Anyone can wear a mask if they choose to, however it will not be required.

If FOMO (fear of missing out) is setting in… don\’t worry, you can score a last second opening. We have one spot open on each of the following trips:

  • 6/10 – 6/13
  • 6/20 – 6/23
  • 7/1 – 7/4

If this sounds like you… hop on! Click here to book.

These trips would not have happened without the support of these two incredible kayak fishing communities:

These two communities share a common love for kayak fishing which is near and dear to our hearts. Without them, we would not grown from four (4) to six (6) trips during a pandemic nonetheless. Incredible support from two incredible groups!

We would also like to thank Pure Watersports, Reebs Lures, Hobie Fishing and Islander Charters for making these trips possible. We partner with the best to offer the very best experience possible. Thank you for being great at what you do!

05.06.21 Field Trips + Louisiana = GOLD

We needed some fresh positive energy to spark the drive to re-build from a rough 14 months. Well when Rob called me the other day and said that the Louisiana series is ready to roll… it was just the news I needed to hear to get the team fired up.

Sure Rob is our partner in crime, but that doesn\’t stop us from being fans of his show. We started as a fan of his work which resulted in us eventually connecting as business partners. With that being said… we still get excited when a new Field Trips with Robert Field drops on YouTube. And of course we get even MORE excited when his show is on one of our trips.

So… the first episode dropped on Tuesday May 4th… check it out below if you missed it:

The video starts with a stalk… Rob, Rex and Brooks were chasing redfish into the skinnies when Rob laid down the perfect cast. He gets into the food, the people, the vibe and ummmm the wind. And it wouldn\’t be a Field Trips + Fish Village series if Rob didn\’t catch me stuffing my face with fish. Thanks Rob, appreciate the \’Johnny on the Spot\’ camera work!

The next video is scheduled to be released on YouTube next Tuesday May 11th. We also have a few more Louisiana stories to tell and people to thank so stay tuned to our blog.

04.19.20 We have 2021 SCI trip openings

When talking about San Clemente Island kayak mothership trips… a cancelled booking doesn\’t mean bad news. No sir, no ma\’m. It means opportunity for someone else that wants to go on this trip.

Did you want to go on our trip but missed out? Now is your chance and probably the final chance of the 2021 San Clemente Island kayak mothership season.

Trip DatesTrip LengthTrip CostStatus
6/10 – 6/132.5 days$875Sold out
6/17 – 6/202.5 days $875 2 spots open
6/20 – 6/232.5 days $875 1 spot open
6/24 – 6/272.5 days $875 Sold out
7/1 – 7/42.5 days $875 4 spots open
7/4 – 7/83.5 days $1,300 2 spots open

This message is being sent to the San Clemente Island kayak mothership email waiting list, posted here on our website and across our social platforms as well. The point being… the spots will NOT be open for long. Act now!

03.04.21 Fish Village shop is now open for business

Finally… After months of delays… our new online store is now open for business.

Our initial offering consists of heavy hoodies (sweatshirts), performance long sleeves (fishing shirts) and t-shirts. We have two designs for each type of clothing and in most cases we have over seven (7) colors to choose from. This means that you can support our brand and rep your favorite colorway.

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We had lots of options to consider when designing, printing and fulfilling our branded apparel. We ultimately decided to have our Fish Village branded apparel designed and fulfilled by ActionHat to support our fishing and outdoor community. We are so glad that we did because Rex has taught us so much and helped us get to this point. Thank you Rex and ActionHat for your support, it means the world to us to be a part of your journey as much as you are a part of ours.

More designs and colorways coming soon… we promise we won\’t make you wait forever! Thank you everyone for your support over the years, especially over the past 12 months (COVID-19).

If you purchase our gear and rep it… SHOW US. We want to see you wearing your Fish Village gear. It may just score you even MORE gear. Send us a pic or tag us on social #FishVillageGear.

02.17.21 Fish Village + PYGMY 2021

We are pleased to announce our continued partnership for the 2021 PYGMY Offshore Kayak Fishing Tournament hosted in Navarre Beach, Florida.

Last year Derrick Benton of 85th Day hosted the first iteration of his GOAT offshore kayak fishing tournament called PYGMY. Why PYGMY??? Because it is nearly impossible to create the best ever offshore kayak fishing tournament during a pandemic… options are incredibly limited. So what is the next best thing to a full size goat… a Pygmy goat of course.

The difference between a Pygmy goat and a regular goat is that the regular goat can get bigger, much like this event. The first step towards being the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) is to give anglers a reason to take this event seriously… Derrick just gave everyone $50,000 reasons why you should participate in PYGMY 2021.

If the little goat gets $50,000, what does this tournament look like when it grows into the full size G.O.A.T.? We know one thing for sure… we are sticking around to find out.

We will be sharing more about this event over the next few months. All event info and updates can be found on the official PYGMY 2021 event page.

Learn about Yahtzee King and how you can win a two (2) day guided fishing trip with Brian Nelli to either South Louisiana and South Florida.

PYGMY GOAT 2021

The best offshore kayak fishing tournament is back… PYGMY 2 is back badder than ever with $50,000 on the line. Fish Village and 85th Day have teamed up again in 2021 to support Derrick\’s vision for the best offshore kayak fishing tournament out there.. With Derrick at the helm… the shenanigan\’s surrounding the event will be equally as intense as the fishing.

When

Saturday June 19th, 2021

Where

Navarre Beach Florida

Registration

Opening soon

Fish Village Yahtzee King

At weigh-in, before the first fish is weighed, 5 dice will be rolled and summed to determine the target weight. If the sum is a 5, the smallest fish will win. If the sum is 6 through 30, the closest fish without going over will win the prize provided by Fish Village. In the extremely unlikely event of a tie, those fish in question will be transported to the nearest scale that can read to the next decimal place, thus breaking the tie.

Trip Prize

Choice to fish south Louisiana for marsh reds and trout OR south Florida\’s famous freshwater, inshore and offshore fisheries with Fish Village\’s Brian Nelli.

  • 2 days of guided fishing
  • Kayak + gear
  • Lodging
  • Meals
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps?q=Navarre%20Beach%20Florida&output=embed&hl=en-US&z=12&w=425&h=350]

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