Anglers Pay Homage to Man Called ‘Yo’

Saturday was an emotional day at Green Hills Memorial Park in San Pedro as hundreds said goodby to Yoshiro Yoshida, known throughout the fishing community as “Yo.”

He died April 18, several days after suffering a stroke. He was 66.

A custom rod-builder from Gardena, he was respected by fishermen for his dedication to the sport and for crafting what many call the best rods in the world.

But he was much more, say those who associated with him.

Frank LoPreste, a longtime long-range skipper and boat owner from San Diego, gave the eulogy at the services inside a packed church at Green Hills.

“I shared a lot of the memories, and basically I told them that Yo stood for integrity and respect and that’s why people loved to fish with him,” LoPreste said Tuesday.

“When I owned the old Searcher, in May through October we ran open party trips. He started fishing on Mondays with me. It didn’t take too long before Mondays were the biggest day of the week. We ran full loads while everyone else was running with 15-20 people, and that’s because everyone wanted to fish with him.

“With most people, it’s he who has the most toys wins, but with Yo it was he who had the most friends wins.”

Judging from the turnout of about 600 at Saturday’s services, Yo went out a winner.

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State wildlife biologists are unable to explain the decline of a once-thriving bighorn sheep population in the San Gabriel Mountains.

A recent two-day survey found 60 bighorns. In 1993, a similar survey counted 160 sheep in the same area--down from 222 in 1992. The count was 299 in 1983, when the sheep population was estimated at 500 animals.

Experts have discounted drought and relocation efforts as reasons for the decline. DFG biologists said there was no “clear evidence of disease or radical changes in habitat management” and could only speculate that the forest may have grown too dense.

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The American Assn. for Nude Recreation says that a survey among its 45,000 members revealed that hiking is their fifth favorite activity.

Backpacker Magazine, in its May issue, lists some tips offered to prospective nude hikers by the head of the Utah Naturists, a hiking club based in Salt Lake City.

Among them: “Hike in open country or atop mountains rather than in forests, so you can see who’s coming and minimize surprises.”

For those who prefer forests, it is suggested: “Hike in mixed groups of males and females. Clothed hikers are less likely to be upset if they see a family-type atmosphere, rather than a single nude hiker or a couple.”

The great outdoors will never be the same.

Briefly

FISHING--The best thing going locally is the salmon that refuse to leave the Ventura-Santa Barbara area. Boats from Oxnard north continue to report limits or near limits. Meanwhile, at Catalina, white seabass are popping up from time to time, but a lasting bite has yet to develop.

Mexico/Baja: The Royal Polaris will pull into San Diego this morning after a 17-day trip to the Revillagigedo Islands with less than a full hold, thanks to strong winds. But the crew will still unload about 200 wahoo and 200 tuna ranging in size from 40-160 pounds. The boat leaves again late next week. Off Cabo San Lucas, a drop in water temperature has resulted in a drop in the marlin count. Some dorado and tuna are hitting offshore and roosterfish are available inshore. East Cape/La Paz fishermen are enjoying slightly better results. In Loreto, the yellowtail are refusing to bite, but some small dorado are being taken as well as the usual cabrilla and snapper.

OFF-ROAD--As part of the 10th anniversary of California Trail Days, a volunteer effort will take place Saturday and Sunday to rebuild old trails at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area in Gorman. Prospective volunteers can get details by calling (805) 245-3731 or (805) 248-7007.

MISCELLANY--The Day at the Docks, an annual festival to celebrate the arrival of the spring fishing season, will be held Saturday and Sunday at the San Diego landings at Emerson and Scott streets. Seminars, exhibition booths, boat rides and more are planned. Details: (619) 477-9317. . . . A “Channel Islands Adventure” is being offered by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro on Sunday aboard the Sunfish out of Oxnard. The narrated cruise explores the rich life in the Santa Barbara Channel and that on Santa Cruz Island. A moderate to strenuous hike is included. Details: (310) 548-7563. . . . 976-TUNA, a Southland fishing information telephone service, beginning Monday will expand to include Costa Rica, Hawaii and Alaska and add a 900-976-TUNA number outside the 310, 213 and 818 area codes, making it accessible anywhere in the country. . . . AFTCO Mfg. will hold its fifth annual Day at the Lots show and sale May 6 at its Irvine facility. Fishing tackle displays, seminars and raffles are featured and proceeds will benefit the United Anglers of Southern California. Details: (714) 660-8757.