Ahoy there one and all!
The Pacific Fisheries Management Council had their first meeting of the year last week which I did attend.

It seems as if the Klamath river fared well with returns this year so things are definitely looking up for the salmon season for both the recreational angler and also for the commercial fisherman. They really took the brunt of the closures for last year. But it looks like even they should have some good opportunity on the water this year. So our salmon season opens on April 7th this year and should be off to a good start as I have been seeing some great signs on my whale watching trips. There are some really great spots of bait and lots of life in the water. Just wish I could "test" the waters with bait. But alas that is not to be! We shall just have to wait for opening day and see how many fish on at one time we can handle! This looks like a good change from last year.

Our Rock fishing season will open in June this year. There was some hard work done by Bob Ingles, me and other partyboat owners to craft a season that we all feel was the best. Even though the State did not agree with us, we prevailed with the rest of the Council to make these changes. It was nice to see that our hard work by all recreational anglers to conserve and help maintain our fisheries paid off.

There also are changes on the PFMC Council itself. Roger Thomas has reached the limits of his term on the council and the governor is going to appoint a new person to fill his "At Large" seat on the council. I would like to ask everyone to copy the enclosed letter, AND SIGN IT WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, and then send it to the governor (his e-mail address is included on the letter).

Speaking of changes. There will be a new way of collecting the fares for Riptide this year. I have made the switch to working full time out of the HALF MOON BAY SPORTFISHING shop! Wow, this is huge for me! After doing everything on the boat for the past 9 years it will now switch. Check-in now will be in the shop in the morning. Starting at 5 am (or a little before) the shop will open and everyone will need to check in there before coming down to the boat. You will need to get your ticket there and then give it to either Zack or myself upon stepping aboard the boat. There will be the same manifest that I have used on board and everyone will need to make sure they sign in. Yes, this will be a bit different than the way we did things, but change can also be good! I think you will find the shop staff very personable and easy to deal with. If not let me know! We shall still strive to be the first one out of the harbor in the morning. And you can still call and make reservations with me directly. We shall see how things develop as the year goes on. I am always open to new ideas and hope that everyone will feel comfortable in talking with me!

We at RIPTIDE hope to see everyone this year and hope to have rods bent and bags full of fish!

Thank you for your patronage!
Capt. Smitty