Once again, stormy weather and big surf prevented most fishing in our area this week. The storm did bring much-needed water into our local drainage basins however, and the steelhead trout are on the move upstream.

Bayside Marine reports a few hardy anglers made it out into the Monterey Bay last week to fish for sand dabs. As usual, the fishing was very good once the dabs were located, with plenty of the small flatfish caught. The best depth for sand dabs right now is in 200 feet of water, but they will come in shallower once the storm surf subsides.

That surf is creating fantastic structure for perch surfcasting. The beaches from Cowell's on down past Moss Landing are all productive spots to hunt for the feisty little gamefish, according to Mark Dingler from The Angler's Choice Tackle Shop in Capitola. In addition, yes, there are still reports of striped bass being caught by surfcasters, especially from Rio Del Mar and the Pajaro or Salinas Rivermouth areas.

For bigger game, it is only a short drive with your trailer to the San Francisco Bay. Both the North Bay and South Bay are reporting decent sturgeon fishing this week, with the North Bay anglers also catching quite a few striped bass.

This weekend the International Sportsman's Exposition presents its 32d annual show at the San Mateo County Event Center. The show highlights the latest in fishing gear and tackle, adventure travel, fishing guides and outfitters, sportfishing and bass boats and a solid line up of seminars and presentations from today through