Dedicated surfcasters are gearing up for the annual perch tournament this weekend, and steelheaders are finding the fish thanks to improved conditions on our local streams.

The fourth annual Sand Crab Classic Surf Perch Tournament is scheduled for this Saturday, February 23. The yearly event benefits The Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project, and provides some mid-winter excitement for local anglers and visitors from across the state.
With over 100 anglers participating, we expect to see some big perch brought in for measuring. Last year the contest was won by David Hernandez of Salinas with his 14-inch rainbow perch caught near Carmel.

Derby anglers might do well to fish near Fort Ord this year. Jim Franco from the Gone Fishin' Tackle Shop in Sand City received a report this week from one of his regulars who caught a 10-fish limit just south of the old Soldier's Club in that area. The unnamed angler was using cut shrimp for surfperch weighing up to 1-?? pounds. According to Franco, that same area produced four striped bass last week weighing up to six pounds each.

Crabs and dabs are still in the local saltwater picture as well. Jim Rubin from Captain Jimmy's Sportfishing pulled pots near Moss landing with Gerry Rubin from Reel Sportfishing earlier in the week. While results weren't spectacular, the duo kept five big Dungeness crabs for the dinner table. Stagnaro's Sportfishing hosted a weekend trip for 15 anglers on Saturday. Fishing 300 feet of water just off Santa Cruz, the boat pulled in 220 sand dabs and 200 Pacific, and Spanish mackerel for their efforts.