The hunt for king salmon in Monterey Bay is getting more difficult. While there were a few kings caught here and there last week, salmon fishing remained somewhat slow according to Todd Fraser from Bayside Marine. “The few reports of salmon were near the edge of the Soquel Hole and down near Moss Landing canyon. The salmon are being caught trolling Krippled Anchovies and Green RSK's 100-180 feet down. “ Fraser said.

One thing always stays the same for fishing in the Monterey Bay and that is, every year is different. Some are slow for certain species while other years are very productive. It is looking to be one of those years for halibut (a good one). Dozens of shaker-size halibut in calm waters have been caught near shore at wharf and on the inside corner near New Brighton Beach. Pier anglers have been catching and releasing one after the other from the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

Once in a while, a legal -sized fish comes over the rail in the 22 -24-inch range. Bring a round ring crab net on a long rope for securing the fish and lifting to the wharf. Or, make friends with one of the old guys there who has a ring net. You can winch up a 12-inch halibut with your fishing rod, but a 20-inch flatty is most likely to flip off the hook or break the line. Capitola Wharf and Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey have also seen a good number of keeper halibut brought over the rail lately.

While fewer and farther between, an increasing number of halibut are falling prey to anglers using the bounce-ball trolling technique as well as by those drifting bait. The bounce-ballers often use a dodger or flasher in front of a hoochie or hooked anchovy, while drifters can find success using whole squid, anchovy and herring. Live bait fish is always the best if you can jig some up. There are still tons of tiny anchovies in the shallows near the Santa Cruz Wharf and an increasing number of mackerel, smelt and sardines in slightly deeper water.

A new swell hit the bay on Wednesday, and fishing has slowed as a result. Rockfish and lingcod are hungry, though anglers may need to target the deeper reefs to find bigger fish and bigger schools. The Pacific Grove/Point Pinos area is a good be for Monterey anglers, and Natural Bridges to Davenport is producing well for Santa Cruz boats, when the wind cooperates.