DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS SPECIAL TO THE PVT A fisherman's successful catch always produces a smile. Advertisement

I've just returned from a scouting trip, but this one wasn't for big game or shooting opportunities. It was for the ideal ocean fishing experience designed for the first-time fisherman.

Often beginners don't know what to expect, or have unrealistic expectations. They are unaware of challenges brought on by weather, improper equipment or facilities, inexperienced skippers and crew, significant expense, or simply the difference between fishing and catching.

If done improperly, the first time experience may be the beginner's last and only excursion and we've lost the potential to encourage a future angler and possibly gain a life-long fishing partner.

So, I was on the quest for the perfect introductory ocean fishing experience. I chose San Diego as the best place to start due to its predictable weather, pleasant surroundings and abundant fishing fleet operators. It also offers more than just a fishing opportunity with its many attractions, ample accommodations and long history of pleasant southwest hospitality.

As a test subject I invited a longtime friend and co-worker to join me. She had never fished, but for many years was anxious to try the new experience.

Next, I called my friends at H & M Landing, San Diego's oldest and most experienced sportfishing company. They started this business in 1935 and the current owner, Phil Lobred, has been there for the past 30 years. They're located on Point Loma, not far from the airport, or Interstates 15 and 8. For us, it was freeway all the way.

After checking in with them the night before, it was a 6 a.m. departure. I had two choices for a day trip: the Coronado Islands for a full day or the half-day fishing excursion to the Point Loma kelp beds.

I chose the shorter half day just to test my friend's sea legs and get used to the new equipment. I knew we would catch a wide variety of fish and have some fast action angling. After all, these were my old stomping grounds. I wanted this opportunity along the beautiful San Diego coast to be positive.

The trip to the Coronados would have been a good choice, too. The deciding factor was our limited time and the possibility of a greater number, but possibly smaller fish. It also gave us the opportunity to explore and visit some of the other sights and nearby activities.

It wasn't a poor choice. Within 45 minutes, we were hearing the familiar shouts to the deck hands, "hook-up, gaff," everyone was soon into fish. First, it was a beautiful red and black sheephead, then a White Sea bass and then we hit the school of beautiful bonito. These speedsters of the tuna family almost pulled the rod from my friend's hand as she had her first fish on -- then another and another.

Sensing the activity and always ready for an easy meal, we were soon surrounded by hungry sea lions. Their antics and habit of stealing the hooked fish frustrated some of the more experienced anglers, but was fascinating to the first timers.

Their huge bodies flew effortlessly through the water and with the agility of acrobats did what they do so well -- eat fish. This necessitated a move to another area and we hit another group of mixed fish species.

At the end of the trip my friend remarked to the skipper, "This was my first trip, it won't be my last, it's now an addiction." This was the purpose and goal of the trip.

By early afternoon we were back at the landing, arms sore, a bit sunburned and our inexperienced "sea legs" weary from the constant balancing act. It was a good day and the fish will make good table fare.

The trip was balanced with a visit to the ship museum on the harbor waterfront where you can board the "Star of India," the world's oldest active ship, built in 1927; the 1898 steam ferry "Berkley;" the H.M.S. Surprise, a magnificent replica of a 18^th Century royal navy frigate; or you can tour an actual decommissioned Soviet sub.

Also, not to be missed is a trip along the peninsula's Sunset Cliffs on your way to the Point Loma Lighthouse. If you have an extra day there's the San Diego Wild Animal Park, The Zoo or Sea World.

You may even choose another day to fish, my favorite. All of these combined will make a new fisherman's trip something never to be forgotten.

So, whether it's an old or new friend, a family member or certainly the kids, go fishing and build yourself a life long fishing partner.

For more information on H&M Landing call 1-619-222-1144 or go to www.hmlanding.com.

--

If you have an adventure, a story or a comment, call me at 727-9777 or e-mail me at dansimmons@usa.net.

Events

*Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold its annual banquet Nov. 22 at Mountain Falls. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Save the date and don't miss this great event. For more information call Tracie Dreyer at 775-209-6750.

*The Safari Club International Desert-Las Vegas Chapter banquet will be held Jan. 17 at the Rio Convention Pavilion. For more information call Dave Small at 702-383-0321.

Recipe of week

Here's one from Skipper Tim Green of The Premier fishing boat based out of H & M Landing. He has 40 years of experience on San Diego's fishing docks and is as excited with each new fish brought aboard as he was with his first. Tim is a walking encyclopedia of San Diego's sportsfishing heritage (look for a story on this in a future column). He also knows fish recipes and here's one of the best.

Tim's Rockin' Rock Fish

Four 8-oz fillets of sea bass or rock fish; 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; two 8-oz packages of grape tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 roasted red pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives; 1 small shallot, minced; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup basil, chopped;

Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside; combine 1 Tbsp olive oil, tomatoes, red pepper, olives, shallot, vinegar and basil in a small bowl, set aside; heat a frying pan on stove top or coals, add remaining olive oil; place fish in the pan cook turning once to desired doneness; place fillets on bed of rice, pour prepared tomato dressing on top; serve with a crisp white wine and enjoy.