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Fishing Report by Jim Matthews
HESPERIA LAKE: Big catfish continue to be landed along with limits of fish averaging 1-0 to 4-0. There have been nine catfish over 30-0 landed in the last two weeks. The best bite continues to be on the mealworm and marshmallow combo, a nightcrawler and marshmallow combo, shrimp, or mackerel.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Local landings were worried. It was nearing the middle of July and still no sign of the migratory sand bass and barracuda that are staples for local boats and their passengers.
McCullahs changed face of sportfishing
OCEANSIDE, July 17 (UNION-TRIBUNE):
Fishing Reports
HESPERIA LAKE: This small lake continues to produce some of the best catfish action in the state with most anglers taking easy limits of catfish from 3-0 to 5-0. Top baits have been mackerel, shrimp, mealworm and marshmallow combos, or nightcrawlers and marshmallows.
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The Yard House is another local favorite that doubtless will become yours as well. (see "Long Beach Dining," page 82.)
If, after all the eating and imbibing, you wish to work off a few calories, you can walk along the marina and check out the boats. Or, if it's still daylight, rent a three-wheeled bike or a canvas-topped pedal surrey at Wheel Fun, located in the Village.
If two-wheeled bikes or even roller blades are more your speed, they can be rented at Alfredo's Beach Club, situated at the south end of the Village parking lot. The BikeStation, just up the street from the convention center, also rents electric scooters--but you can't take them on the bike path.
Head south down the path for about a mile or so and you'll end up in Belmont Shores. It's a charming seaside community with a 15-block shopping, eating and entertainment district, along with some of the most expensive real estate in the city.
For those intrepid souls who prefer airborne activities, there's always sightseeing Snoopy-style, via a 1943 Stearman open-cockpit World War II biplane. Courtesy of Biplane Rides, the aircraft was actually used as a trainer in World War II.
For the less daring, a variety of harbor cruises are available. The Harbor Breeze Charter and Cruises, berthed right underneath the walkway of the convention center in Rainbow Harbor (Docks 2 and 6) offers 45-minute guided cruises through Long Beach and Los Angeles harbors, in addition to whale watching, dolphin and sea lion cruises, dinner cruises and cocktail parties. Spirit Cruises, located at Shoreline Village at Dock 9, also features tours, whale watching and customized business charters.
Hankering for an historical experience? Try the Grand Romance River Boat. It's an old-time paddlewheel riverboat, also docked at Rainbow Harbor. In addition to sightseeing tours, you can lunch on the boat or enjoy a dinner show, champagne brunch or participate in a mystery dinner theater cruise.
If sport fishing is your thing, hook up with Pierpoint Landing Charters. It offers daily half-day and three-quarter day trips, as well as overnight excursions. It also has seasonal whale watching trips and books private charters.
Naples adventure
For a romantic change of pace, there's Gondola Getaways, which offers a fleet of authentic Venetian gondolas powered by singing gondoliers. They expertly steer their crafts through the waterways of Naples, a small resort community situated just minutes from downtown Long Beach. The master plan for this city was actually inspired by Naples, Italy.
Million-dollar-plus houses line a network of canals connected by arched bridges, under which the gondoliers frequently pause to sing. They bring songs and muscles, you take along the wine, cheese and whatever else you care to consume.
Be sure to dress warmly. Standard gondolas can accommodate from two to six people. Larger groups can hire the Carolina, a gondola built to hold seven to 14 people.
Marine life to the high life
An attraction of which Long Beach citizens are justly proud is the Aquarium of the Pacific, located on a five-acre site at the western edge of Rainbow Harbor. Within quick walking distance of the convention center, the aquarium features 17 major habitats and 30 smaller exhibits. It displays more than 10,000 inhabitants of the Pacific, representing more than 550 species.
Some of the most popular exhibits include the weedy and leafy sea dragons, and the Lorikeet Forest. This is where colorful, friendly birds actually swoop down and land on you. It's a real thrill for the kiddies. Meanwhile, the Shark Lagoon features special touch coves, which allow visitors hand-to-fish contact. Both the Lorikeet Forest and Shark Lagoon are located in Explorer's Cove, a new 35,000-square-foot interactive, educational adventure.
The Queen Mary, a permanently moored ocean liner, is another Long Beach favorite. You can wander the ship on your own, drinking in the glamorous history of this transatlantic voyager that provided passage to the likes of Gable, Churchill, Dietrich and Chaplin, or take a guided tour.
One of the most popular tours is "Behind the Scenes," where a ship's officer takes visitors to areas of the vessel that would otherwise be off-limits. These locations include first-class suites, ballrooms and engine room. The tour is different every day and lasts about an hour.
The "Ghosts & Legends" tour is another favorite. This one winds its way through the bowels of the ship, which is said to be haunted, to the boiler room, first-class pool and other areas of spectral sightings. Small children may find this a bit intense.
If you still have an appetite after this haunting experience, you're in luck. The dining is as fabulous as the view of the Long Beach skyline. Check out the elegant Sir Winston's onboard restaurant, where the Continental and California cuisines are award winning and the service is impeccable. Or try Chelsea, another top-shelf eatery that specializes in seafood.
Before you dine, have a drink at the Observation Bar--an art-deco delight that was originally the ship's first-class lounge. The bar, which offers a panoramic view of the city, also features live entertainment and dancing.
Next to the Queen Mary is an authentic Cold War-era Russian submarine, the Povodnaya Lodka B-427 (code name "Scorpion"). Tours of the sub's torpedo bays, crew's quarters and other areas are available, and can be booked through the Queen Mary. Warning: This is not for the claustrophobic.
Fun `n' funky Pine Avenue
An ideal place for strolling, dining and people-watching is Pine Avenue, which is just a few steps from the convention center. With its art deco buildings, outdoor cafes, eclectic mix of retail shops, galleries, upscale and down-home eateries and trendy nightclubs, Pine Avenue is funky, ethnic and fun.
Noteworthy eateries include Wasabi, a Japanese restaurant, where the sushi and sake flow freely; the Mariposa, which offers authentic Mexican food (American is also served) and live entertainment such as Salsa, Merengue and Cumbias; and Mum's, casually elegant with California-Asian cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, steaks and full sushi bar.
Mum's also is the site of Club Cohiba. During the week, this is a cigar and billiards lounge that serves some mean martinis. On the weekend, the club expands to include a DJ and dancing.
Another stroll-worthy avenue is Second Street, in the aforementioned Belmont Shores. The area is home to quirky and unique retail shops (chains such as the Gap and Banana Republic also are represented), award-winning restaurants and a mind-boggling array of Mexican food restaurants. For instance, try Chipotle. It's a great build-your-own-burrito-style eatery.
There are also more coffee shops than your blood pressure can handle. Polly's Gourmet Coffee Shop is a local favorite. The great bars and java joints provide a combination that keeps the nightlife rollicking until the wee hours. (For more options, see "Long Beach Dining" and "Nightlife.")
To get the full spectrum of dining and entertainment options, stroll along Pine Avenue or Second Street. Or check with the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, which hosts a concierge desk at the convention. It can advise you of other attractions not covered in this article and activities throughout Southern California, along with point-to-point directions.
So whether you have an hour, one day or even a full week at your disposal, there are plenty of ways to relax and enjoy this diverse and friendly city by the sea.
Long Beach Dining
Take your palate on a trip around the world without ever leaving town.
KEY
$ = Inexpensive
(entrees $10 or less)
$$ = Moderate ($10-$20)
$$$ = Expensive ($20 on up)
BELMONT BREWING CO.: Locals come here for the unique, freshly brewed beer and its eclectic menu, which includes lots of seafood, pastas, hamburgers and great desserts. Its location at the base of Belmont Pier, right above the bike path, also is a big draw. The outdoor patio dining, mild Southern California weather and an amazing view of the Long Beach skyline, make this a year-round favorite. 25-39th Place, (562) 4333891. $$
CAFE PICCOLO: This neighborhood favorite features northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant's charming decor, with a flowered patio area and sumptuous, yet unpretentious interior, serves as the site of many weddings. The food never fails to please (people rave over the lentil soup, Bruschetta and Chicken Tequila). The wait staff is expert, the wine list well appointed and reasonably priced, and an Espresso Truffle is a great way to top off the meal. Reservations are advised. 3222 E. Broadway, (562) 4381316. $$
CHRISTY'S ITALIAN CAFE: This restaurant, owned by Christy Bono, daughter of the late Sonny Bono, features California cuisine with a heavy Italian flavor. Its superior menu, along with a full bar, cigar room, huge assortment of wines and casually elegant atmosphere, have kept locals returning for more than 15 years. Reservations are recommended. 3937 E. Broadway, (562) 433-8053. $$.$$$
KING'S FISH HOUSE: It's the place to go for fish and, best of all, it's conveniently located just a few blocks from the convention center on Pine Avenue. Here you'll find a great selection of California wines and relaxed atmosphere. Want to go even more casual? Try the Oyster Bar next door, which features a good selection of drinks, microbrews and fresh shellfish, along with patio dining. 100 W. Broadway, (562) 4327463. $$
LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE: This chain touts its food as being the best barbecue in the whole state--and it may be right. The menu is definitely down-home, with fried green tomatoes, barbecue beef ribs, southern fried chicken, blackened catfish and peanut butter pie, to name just a few choices. Portions are generous, so come with an appetite. 4828 E. 2nd St., (562) 434-7427. $-$$
MADISON RESTAURANT & BAR: Primarily a steakhouse, this restaurant offers a truly inspired dining experience by also serving an array of American cuisine. The visually stunning surroundings, flawless service and classic food make it the place to go when you want to impress or be impressed. Reservations recommended. 102 Pine Ave., (562) 628-8866. $$$
SHENANDOAH CAFE: This award-wining restaurant offers a variety of American regional cuisine. While people line up for the prime rib, there's also an excellent selection of fresh fish. The attentive service, inventive and plentiful food, and good wine assortment recall the genteel elegance of old New Orleans. Reservations advised. 4722 East 2nd St., (562) 434-3469. $$$
YARD HOUSE: This waterfront restaurant offers steak and seafood in a casual dining setting. It also has the "world's largest" selection of beers on tap, more than 250 to be exact, along with a full bar, which mixes up some wicked martinis. It's a big hit with the under-40 crowd and jams on Friday and Saturday nights. 401 Shoreline Dr., (562) 628-0455. $$.
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Nightlife
BLUE CAFE: Just two blocks from the convention center, this nightspot offers two full bars, serving more than 60 types of beer and microbrews. Live music nightly and an upstairs pool room features nine tables. Food is also available. 210 Promenade North and Broadway, (562) 983-7111.
HOOTERS: World-famous chicken wings and beer (served by the equally renowned Hooters waitresses), and multiple TV sets treat you to your sports event of choice. 130 Pine Ave., (562) 983-1010.
LEGEND'S: With its host of TVs (six gigantic screens and two plasmas) and a full bar packed with sports lovers, or those who'd like to meet them, it's little wonder Legend's is considered one of the best sports bars in the greater Los Angeles area. An assortment of food, from chicken wings to filet mignon, also is served. 5236 E. Second St., (562) 433-5743.
PANAMA JOE'S: With live music nightly (and two bands on Sundays), 11 TVs and a full bar pouring more than 30 kinds of tequila, this Mexican restaurant has become a must-stop spot for locals. The age-diverse crowd, which is elbow-to-elbow on Friday and Saturday nights, likes to mingle--especially on the small dance floor. Sunday afternoons also are popular. 5100 E. Second St., (562) 434-7417.
ROCK BOTTOM RESTAURANT & BREWERY: This casually upscale eatery and bar features freshly brewed, award-winning beers, a waterfront patio and happy hour running 4-7 . If you want a full meal here, there's everything from burgers (betcha can't finish the 8-ounce Double Cheddar Chili Burger) and sandwiches to pizzas and salads. The dessert list includes the decadent Chocolate Derby Pie. Bring your appetite! 1 Pine Ave. and Ocean; (562) 308-5023.
YANKEE DOODLES: With more than 40 monitors and large-screen TVs, 25 pool and ping-pong tables, air hockey and arcade (plus a full bar with 10 beers on tap and dining), this enormous sports bar parties hard until closing. 4100 E. Ocean Blvd., (562) 439-9777.
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Long Beach Points of Interest
1. Pine Ave. Restaurant Corridor
2. East Village Arts District
3. World Trade Center
4. Renaissance Hotel
5. Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
6. Aquarium of the Pacific
7. Shoreline Village
8. Queen Mary
9. Russian Submarine
10. Museum of Latin American Art
11. Long Beach Museum of Art
12. Tallship Californian
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