Anglers on the Monterey Bay this week relished very good conditions for a few days before a big west swell showed up, accompanied by some gale-force winds. Smaller boats had trouble making it out to the deep waters for rockfish, though the shallow areas remained very fishable especially in the mornings before the fan turned on.

 

JT Thomas from Go Fish Santa Cruz had a few good days in a row. On Monday he reported early limits of quality rock fish including vermillion, green spots, yellow tail, widows and   chili peppers. By Wednesday the tune had changed. “We've been tied to the dock for the past few days due to wind and big waves.   According to the weather forecast we will be ok to get back  running fishing charters starting Monday.” The west swell brought waves in the five to seven-foot range, and is expected to die down gradually over the weekend. Big winds remain in the forecast through Sunday. Six-pack charter Santa Cruz Coastal Fishing had a similar tale to tell. Skipper Rodney Armstrong reported catching "buckets full of big yellows and reds. Deep water rock fish is still on fire!” Armstrong also reminds us that Dungeness crab season will open on November 4, 2023 for recreational hoop-net crabbers this year. Armstrong will include Dungeness trips on his boat Knot Alone when the season opens.

 

The bigger charter boats were able to fish through some of the heavier conditions this week.  Chris’ Fishing Trips from Monterey sent the Check Mate out every day.  And every day it returned with limits of deep water rockfish and up to 20 lingcod. Likewise, Stagnaro Charter Boats in Santa Cruz boasted limits of rockcod for all their trips this week.

 

Inshore fishing is slowing down. We are not allowed to fish rockcod in any depth less than 300 feet right now. Halibut are still hanging around on flat sandy areas where the water and bottom is clear. We received reports this week of flatties caught anywhere from 40 to 80 feet of water near Santa Cruz, Capitola and Sand City. Roving bands of bonito are still feeding on the abundant bait in the bay. It’s hit or miss for the tuna-like bonito, they are fast movers. Look for feeding events with birds diving on surface bait and you might get lucky. At least one white sea bass was also reported caught this week in 50-60 feet of water, close by the Santa Cruz Wharf. Live squid is the best bet for attracting one of the big croakers.