We can expect gusty winds on Monterey Bay over the coming weekend, which could make fishing difficult in the afternoons. Early mornings will likely be calm enough to get some time in looking for rockfish, lingcod and halibut. The ground swell that roiled near shore waters for the past couple weeks has abated and fish are back on the bite.

An increasing number of halibut were reported this week but the catch rate is still far lower than in a “normal” halibut-fishing year. In Monterey, the big flatfish are most commonly located off Del Monte Beach, especially on the west end near the Hotel. The few reports we have this year of Monterey flatties have come from that area and the long stretch towards Monterey Harbor. Mid-bay, the flats near Moss landing and the big sandy areas near the Pajaro River have seen some halibut action lately. Santa Cruz and Capitola have kicked out better numbers of halibut so far this year, with this past week perhaps being the most productive.

Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait reports a number of their rental skiffs returning with single halibut this week, mostly caught near the Mile Reef and at least one from the SC3 Buoy area. Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine is fielding an increasing number of reports, saying, “The halibut are starting to show up around the Mile Buoy, Capitola, and the west side of Santa Cruz. The halibut have been biting on fresh squid, herring, sardines, and FishTraps.” Salmon fishing remains slow, and will close in this area on July 15 this year. The past week saw a few salmon caught near Pajaro in 200 feet of water, according to Fraser.

Best bet, and it’s getting better, remains fishing for rockcod and lings. Bigger and more numerous fish can be located outside the Monterey Bay, towards Carmel Bay and Big Sur from Monterey, and up the Coast to Davenport or Franklin Point from Santa Cruz. Winds, swell, and bumpy conditions kept boats from traveling into open ocean waters this week on most days. Luckily as the swell drops our local reefs are finally beginning to produce well.

South Rock and the West Cliff reefs in Santa Cruz featured decent rockishing early in the mornings this week, and even the shallower reefs near the Mile Buoy and along the kelp line in Capitola were productive. Del Monte Beach, outside the kelp beds to 70 feet of water also hosts plenty of fish, but mostly on the small side. Pacific Grove has some good concentrations of larger rockfish and lingcod right now.

The Santa Cruz Harbor Launch ramp remains closed as harbor workers complete the massive task of puling the old dredge Seabright from Harbor waters. Officials had posted a Friday ramp reopening, but boaters would be wise to check in before planning a launch from Santa Cruz this weekend.