Despite the loss of a salmon season for both commercial and recreational anglers this year, we are seeing an increase in saltwater action and healthy harvest from the Monterey Bay region. Halibut catches are on the increase, including legal flatties caught from the Santa Cruz Wharf out to around 80 feet of water. The beaches that ring our beautiful bay are coming alive with good numbers of big barred surf perch caught by the surfcasters, and a growing number of striped bass biting on sandcrabs or striper lures.  Deepwater rockfish takes top spot though, with limits being common and quality very high for vermilion, chilippepper and yellow rockfish.

By far the most prolific and targeted type of fish in our area, rockfishing can be as simple or complicated as you want to make it. The standard rig used by most is a shrimp fly jig. We’re allowed only two hooks on each jig, and only one rod may be used per angler for rockfish, cabezon and greenling (RCG) species. The flys are often tipped with bits of squid for added scent attraction and flavor. Deckhands on the charter boats and other experienced anglers recommend a thin strip of squid hooked on one end, so the squid strip flutters in the current like a little underwater flag. The shrimp flys can be used without bait at all, though anchovy, herring or mackerel chunks can add that extra cachet to elicit a bite. Fishing with heavy irons can be productive and exciting while going deep. Plastic swimbait also work well, even at those depths, but the leadhead needs to be very heavy and using braid as your mainline is a smart move.

Currently, anglers may target non-RCG species in shallower waters, but no fishing gear can be deployed if those vessels possess any deepwater rockfish aboard. In other words, fish for your anchovies, sardines, mackerel or halibut before you target the deep rockfish this month. In May, we are looking at a switcheroo. Inside of 120 feet of water, fishing for the RCG will be allowed and that regulation stays in effect until October. The deepwater reefs will be off limits during this period. For 2024, CDFW is providing waypoints to describe that 120-foot line and also is providing an app for your smart phone to provide that information while you’re out on the water. Most sonar unit makers have prepared software updates for your unit that will describe these boundary lines as well.