Three great guys from Bakersfield made our most recent Friedman Adventures trip something special.

I first met Ruben Subia, Mike Ochoa, and Dennis Ginden at the California Angler Show in San Pedro, where we had a booth. They seemed like solid guys right away. Dennis is 84 years old — a retired police officer and Navy veteran who is currently living in California with his remaining family. He has some mobility challenges and uses a wheelchair, but that never stopped him from wanting to get back on the water.

They called after the show hoping to get three spots on a trip. At the time we only had room for two. Then, miraculously, one angler had to cancel due to illness, and the door opened for all three of them to join us on the Estella out of Hooks Landing in Oxnard on Wednesday, July 29.

The Estella turned out to be the perfect boat for Dennis. There was plenty of room at the rail for his wheelchair and for people to move around comfortably. Dennis had told Ruben and Mike that he simply wanted to breathe some ocean air and get out on the water again.

What happened next was pure magic.

Dennis caught the jackpot fish of the trip — a beautiful 18-pound lingcod. He fought it hard, and when that fish finally came over the rail the whole boat erupted. The smiles on the faces of those three men from Bakersfield said everything.

I have tremendous respect for Dennis. At 84 years old he still sees the value in getting outdoors, enjoying nature, meeting new people, and creating new memories. That spirit is exactly what Friedman Adventures is about. Supporting veterans and making sure the water stays open to everyone who wants to experience it means a lot to us.

Ruben later shared a little about Dennis:

“Yes, Dennis Ginden, Navy Veteran and retired police officer from Hawaii. This is his first year living in California with his only family left. He hangs out at our local pizza joint with a few guys… He’s a gem. 84 years old.”

Thank you, Ruben, Mike, and especially Dennis. You three made the day better for everyone on board. I already know we’ll be fishing together again.

Fair winds and following seas, gentlemen.

— Phil Friedman

Friedman Adventures

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