A strong south swell moved in last weekend, which put inshore fish off the bite. The deep reef spots were still producing well, and the coming week should provide a few good fishing days when the weather cooperates. This weekend will feature some gusty wind and may include a north swell, but fishing should be fairly comfortable, especially in the early mornings.

After Thursday’s full moon, the white seabass bite in Monterey died out on Friday. Prior to that, huge clouds of spawning squid attracted tanker version seabass to the Sand City area. Some commercial hook and line anglers were reported to have caught over 15 fish per day while the bite was on. Seabass up to 70 pounds were recorded during this epic bite.

Brian Cutting from Kahuna Sportfishing out of Moss Landing took another Point Lopez trip this week. Anglers aboard the Kahuna did well fishing an area that gets little pressure due to its remote location. On Tuesday Cutting reported, “Another great long range trip with perfect weather. Seasoned fishermen have touted these trips being ‘what fishing used to be. The good ol' days!’ Mostly vermilions on the rockfish up to nine pounds and we are still impressed by the size of the olives....huge!”

Rockfishing was a little slower on the north side of Monterey Bay. The south swell along with windy conditions kept fish hunkered down. Tom Dolan from Santa Cruz Charters made the effort on Sunday and Monday, and managed to muster up half-limits of mixed rockfish for his clients aboard the Mega-Bite.

Big fish honors this week go to Monterey kayak angler Gary Newsome, who hit it big last Friday while fishing just outside Carmel Bay. He paddled his Old Town Predator kayak past Pescadore Point and nailed a giant lingcod for his efforts. Newsome said, “(We were) south of the Lone Cypress in about 10 fathoms. Lots of bird life and tons of anchovies, I landed this 35-pound, 37-inch ling on my lite mooching rod with 15-pound test line using a three-ounce PLine laser anchovy. Breezy day, late bite, one more ling and a limit of slob blues and olives.”

Mark your calendars for November 11, when the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project holds its 40th Annual Albacore Feed, in Castroville. Tickets will be available at the door and the event includes door prizes and the popular Silent Auction. All proceeds go to fund MBSTP’s ongoing efforts to support and enhance king salmon and steelhead trout populations in our area.