Thanks for the tip Dan.
Can I ask what good motion sickness medications we can take?
We initially didn't prerig the gear as we were worried of losing gear through launching and landing. However this time around I handled both launch and landing perfectly (the only highlight of the trip

)
As for the approximate location of the Rod:
Using Google Earth this is the place I came up with:
32°51'39.08"N
117°16'2.58"W
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4306/lostrodiz1.jpg
I know its still a LONG shot...but if anyone happens to be diving the area already please keep an eye out for me.