California Waterfowl and the John Rowe Memorial teamed up with Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea for a Memorial Day veterans and kids charter-fishing adventure. Veterans were able to bring along a youth or two and hop aboard the El Dorado to learn all about fishing and the opportunities that await off the shores of California.

The El Dorado set sail out of Long Beach Harbor on a crisp, clear morning with veterans and kids all ready for the bounty of the sea.

For most of the kids, it was their first time on the ocean and their excitement was obvious. The veterans were also geared up for a day of fishing and boating as the seas called us forth.

As we rocked over the swells, the tide began to turn for a few on the boat and it was obvious many of the land-locked first timers were adjusting to their new “sea legs”! The storms north of us created a larger than normal swell and at first it looked like the day would end sooner than expected for many of the land lubbers.

Fortunately, as the lines went overboard, the action heated up and unsettled stomachs were quickly replaced with a tug at the tip of the pole.

First timers cranked, pulled, struggled, gritted and worked the poles as each of the kids pulled in what, for many, was their first ocean-caught fish.

The veterans on board also experienced the bend of the rod and while enjoying Memorial Day. Many limits were hooked and bagged and a good time was enjoyed by all.

By the time we hit the breakwaters and stomachs had settled, chants of “re-open the galley” were echoing loudly across the waves and the cook graciously cooked up a banquet of cheeseburgers for the hungry anglers.

Once at the dock, fish were cleaned, pictures were taken and memories of upset stomachs quickly faded as the newest generation of ocean fishing “boys and girls” shared their stories of “catching the big one!"