An Hour Alone in the Ocean - and Two Things That Made the Difference
Sweeney’s weekly update • November 12, 2026
An unexpected rescue near Catalina Island is a reminder that the gear we barely think about can become the most important thing we bring.
When you see me out on the ocean wearing a personal flotation device and carrying my phone in a protective pouch, there’s a reason.
I read a story shared by California Fish and Wildlife that stuck with me. It starts with a patrol boat, a set of GPS coordinates, and a woman floating alone between Catalina Island and the mainland.
And it ends with a safety lesson—and a few questions about a jet ski ride.
A rescue in open water
The crew of Fish and Wildlife’s patrol boat Coho was offshore when an emergency call came over the marine radio: a woman wearing a life vest was stranded in the San Pedro Channel.
The crew had coordinates, but finding a person in open water takes more than knowing where to look. Wind and growing swells made the search difficult. Anyone who has spent time on the ocean knows how easily a person can disappear between waves.
Eventually, the officers spotted her waving her arms.
They brought her aboard, checked her for injuries, and gave her a towel and fluids while waiting for the Coast Guard. She had spent about an hour in the water. Fortunately, she appeared uninjured and was in good spirits.
Which brings us to the question: How did she end up out there?
The jet ski kept going
She had been on a jet ski tour returning from Catalina Island with her husband.
She fell off the back. Nobody noticed.
Now, I have questions. How do you get back from a jet ski ride and realize you’re missing a passenger—especially that passenger?
Thankfully, she survived. What happened in that marital relationship afterward wasn’t part of the rescue report.
I’ll just say this: if my wife fell off the back and I kept going, the ride home would be the least of my problems.
Two things made the difference
The woman had two pieces of equipment with her: a life jacket and a cellphone protected in a dry bag.
The life jacket kept her afloat. The phone allowed her to call for help.
That’s the part of this story I keep coming back to. She had a way to stay above water and a way to let someone know she needed rescuing.
We put plenty of thought into rods, reels, tackle, and where the fish might be biting. The less exciting gear deserves some attention, too.
On the day I told this story aboard the boat, the salmon weren’t exactly cooperating. We had plenty of time to appreciate the scenery—and think about why I was wearing the gear I had on.
I’d much rather spend the day worrying about a missed bite than wishing I’d brought something I left behind.
Before your next trip
Take a moment to think about what would be with you if you unexpectedly ended up in the water.
For me, this story is a reminder to wear my PFD and keep my phone protected and with me.
Come by Sweeney’s if you’d like to talk through your setup before your next day on the water. We’re always happy to talk fishing—and the gear that helps you enjoy the trip.
It’s beautiful out there. But it’s still the ocean.
Rescue details: KTLA reporting, syndicated on AOL, citing California Fish and Wildlife.
From yard-sale rods to a new crab setup
Ricardo has been coming to Sweeney’s since he was a kid. This time, he walked in with a couple of fishing rods he’d picked up at a yard sale—and a new crab-fishing adventure in mind.
We checked out the rods, talked through condition and value, and made a deal toward his next setup.
That’s the fun of Pond Stars: a couple of rods get another chance on the water, and their owner gets a little closer to the next trip.
Pull up to the counter with us and watch the story below.
Click Here to submit your used gear for valuation online.
Congratulations, Luis Toscano - October’s Catch of the Month winner!
Now that’s a catch worth celebrating! Congratulations to Luis Toscano, our October Catch of the Month winner.
Thanks for sharing your fishing moment with the Sweeney’s community, Luis—and giving the rest of us a little extra motivation to get out on the water.
Want to be next?
Share a photo of your catch on Instagram and tag @sweeneys_sports in your post or story to enter November’s Catch of the Month contest.
Each month, one winner receives a $30 Sweeney’s Sports gift card and a feature on our social channels. Let’s see what you’re catching!
Live Bait Update
We have everything in our usual live bait lineup except grass shrimp this week.
Available: Pile worms and live minnows.
Unavailable: Grass shrimp
And if you’re not sure what to run—stop by the shop and let’s talk strategy. Availability can change, so give us a call at 707-255-5544 before making a special trip.
We buy used fishing gear
Have rods, reels, combos, or tackle sitting at home that you’re no longer fishing? Let’s see what you’ve got. Through Pond Stars, good gear can find its next angler—and help fund your next adventure.
Start with our online gear evaluator: add your items and upload clear photos. We’ll review your submission and follow up with next steps for a quote before you pack everything up or make the drive.
As always,
We truly appreciate every time you walk through our doors. Thank you for choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars with us. It's a privilege to be of service.
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