We may see some showers Friday, accompanied by southerly winds as a weak low pressure system moves across the state. The south swell will dwindle as the weekend progresses, but another south is forecast for later in the week. This second swell will not be as strong. Hopefully, inshore fishing will rebound after this week’s slow bite.

Prior to the current long-period south swell, we were seeing an increasing number of rockfish and lingcod in the shallow fishing areas, from 30 to 50 feet of water. Best of all, the large female halibut were starting to move in to that area for feeding and spawning. Todd Fraser at Bayside noted some likely spots for finding the big flatfish this week, reporting “halibut fishing is going good for anglers working close to the wharfs and there have been some nice halibut caught near the Lighthouse.” The Mile Buoy area in Santa Cruz is a great spot to halibut hunt, as are the sandy flats off Moss Landing. For this weekend, fishing depths of 50-70 feet with whole squid, herring or anchovies could be the ticket.

Salmon anglers are finding fish near Pigeon Point. Tom Joseph from Fish On Sportfishing hooked four fish on Tuesday, and landed two. “Both were nice fish, one 14 and one 16 pounds. Whales were working and there’s tons of krill in the area. The fish are scattered, probably because of this blowing wind all week,” Joseph said.

In Monterey, clients on the Check Mate from Chris’ Fishing Trips are pulling daily limits of lings. Chris’ has access to live squid for bait, which is like ling candy. Their rockfish counts ranged from ¾ to full limits this week. Most of the halibut reports from Monterey this week came from anglers working inside of the kelp beds along DelMonte Beach, or in 60-70 feet of water in front the Hotel near Sand City.

Surfcasting is still providing plenty of fun on both sides of the bay. Reservation Road State Park has been fairly consistent for legal stripers on all tides. Anglers are using swimbaits, SP Minnows, bucktail jigs and live sand crabs to hook the striped bass. Beaches north of Moss Landing have fewer stripers showing, but it’s still worth a sunrise or sunset trek up the beach casting at likely spots. The strong swell has not inhibited the surf perch bite. With heavy white water and strong shorebreak currents, chances of hooking a big strong barred surf perch actually increase. Go for the quality rather than quantity. Helpful Hint: Live sand crabs, softshell if you can find them.