We have good news on the salmon fishing front. The Pacific Fishing Management Council met this week to finalize the 2011-2012 season management plan for west coast salmon. The sport salmon season opened earlier this month and will continue unabated through September 18, from Pigeon Point to the Mexico border. The PFMC also opened a series of commercial salmon fishing windows stretching from May 1 through September 30, 2011. This liberal season is an excellent indicator regarding the perceived health of our salmon population's vitality.

Another great indication for the sport season is the high number of undersized fish being caught and released in the Monterey Bay. Any salmon less than 24 inches long must be released, and many anglers are releasing far more fish than they are keeping. Most of the shakers in our area are in the 20-23 inch range, and are likely to grow to "keeper-sized" before the end of the season. The plethora of shakers also bodes well for next year's salmon abundance.

Shakers can be frustrating, however. Ken Stagnaro from Stagnaro's Sportfishing reported "lots of action but we only landed five keepers." Stagnaro has been mooching for the salmon, and released 12 shakers on Monday. He notes they also lost three keepers at the boat that shook the hook before the deckhand could net them.

Jim Rubin on the Becky Ann lost a couple this weekend as well, but managed to average a fish per rod of salmon between 12-14 pounds for his clients. Rubin says the bait has scattered somewhat since last week, and the water is colder. "The salmon are harder to find this week, and they've gone deep. We were fishing near the bottom in 300 feet of water." Rubin is using spoons and hoochie lures rather than bait to avoid the "short bites" of the smaller shakers. He has been concentrating on the Soquel Hole area, but salmon can be found just about anywhere in Monterey Bay right now. Monterey and Moss landing charters are reporting nearly a fish per rod, as well as numerous shakers.

Boats launching from the Capitola Wharf are reporting mixed results as well. "Larry Roland hasn't been skunked yet," says Ed Burrell of one local who has been out nearly every day, weather permitting. Others have not been as fortunate, returning with empty ice chests. Burrell also reports a "good possibility" of landing schoolie stripers right now from the south county beaches, and predicts the perch bite will improve as the ocean settles over the next few days.

Weather conditions for the upcoming weekend look promising with minimal winds and a moderate swell forecast. Generally speaking, anglers still have to "work for their fish," according to veteran skipper Mike Baxter. "I'd say most are averaging 0-4 fish per boat," he added. Remember the minimum size for king salmon is 24 inches, and barbless circle hooks must be used if mooching or drifting for these fish and always refer to the Department of Fish and Game regulations for the finer details.