All three events helped spur a resurgence in the popularity of big-wave surfing, and Sharp says there's no reason to stop now. But it could have some solid TV appeal because it has all those elements of adventure, extreme sports, ocean science, hip personalities, travel to exotic or historic locales, motorized gizmos, near-death experiences, etc. Rey Halibut Derby is this weekend and the weather is expected to be glorious. However, the forecast remains gloomy for halibut fishing as the flatfish, for some reason, have not yet made their seasonal influx into Santa Monica Bay. Eight anglers aboard Alexes out of 22nd Street Landing on Wednesday boated eight seabass to about 25 pounds.
Fishing is still unseasonably slow, but the cooler, green water has attracted dozens of swordfish.
The season's first, a 200-pounder caught aboard Gaviota X, was logged late last week. Marlin action is fair, but should pick up dramatically if this trend continues. The Orange County Boat Show, sponsored by the Southern California Marine Assn., is scheduled April 5-8 at Anaheim Convention Center. D12 Search the archives of the Los Angeles Times for similar stories. You will not be charged to look for stories, only to retrieve one.