Video: Angler Hooks, Drags Pelican

A YouTube video posted Monday is inciting anger among some anglers.

User AchromaticCosmos posted the video showing a man swinging his fishing rod at several pelicans on the .

During the encounter, one of the pelicans swallows the man’s bait, and the hook—which was still attached to his rod and reel—gets stuck in the bird’s throat pouch. The man looks at his catch for several moments before dragging the helpless bird across the pier.

This whole incident could have been avoided if the man in question never started swinging his rod and bait in front of the hungry fowl. Fishermen have to remember that they have entered these creatures’ world—a world that needs to be revered and respected. 

If a pelican is hooked, don’t cut the line—the bird might get tangled in it, causing further injury or death. Also, cover the bird’s head with a towel or blanket. This will calm the pelican, making it easier to remove the hook.

Locate the hook and push it through the pelican’s skin until you can clearly see the barb. Cut the barb off and back the rest of the hook out of the bird. If the barb is not removed, taking the hook out can cause major injury.

If the bird is not seriously wounded, release it immediately. If it is, or you don’t know what to do, contact your local humane society. South Bay locals can call the International Bird Rescue in Palos Verdes at 310-514-2573.

Local fishing update

Surf fishing has been quite good lately with a variety of species being taken. Around San Clemente, Newport Beach and Long Beach, there has been some good barred-perch fishing, with a few legal halibut thrown into the mix. Lots of guitarfish have also been putting up a good tussle on light tackle.

In addition, anglers are seeing good bass and sculpin fishing along the California coast. Corona del Mar resident Scott Buchert caught several 2- to 3-pound sand bass while he was out on the Thunderbird from Davey’s Locker in Newport Beach. Fifteen anglers on the Enterprise out of Marina Sportfishing in Long Beach caught a combined total of 94 calico bass, four sand bass, 70 sculpin and 114 perch.

The Native Sun out of Long Beach Sportfishing caught three halibut on Wednesday as part of the Pot of Gold Halibut Derby. Walt Carver hooked a 11.7-pound flattie, while Bill Dick nailed a 7.9-pound halibut. Angler Tom Pae—who already has the second biggest halibut of the derby with a 25.5-pound fish—caught a 17.2-pound flatfish.

The Slammer out of caught limits of mixed calico and sand bass and hoop-netted three lobster, two spider crabs and 46 rock crabs. Twenty-eight anglers on the half-day New del Mar out of Marina del Rey Sportfishing on Wednesday caught a combined total of 21 sand bass, three calico bass, 72 sculpin and a single triggerfish.

Quick bites

• Philip Friedman will host “Fishing with Phil” days out of Long Beach Sportfishing aboard the Westerly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with hundreds of dollars in raffle prizes, great instruction and lots of fun. The trips depart at 9 a.m. and will return after 4 p.m. We will be targeting bass, halibut, white sea bass and sculpin. Call 562-432-8993 to book.