Incredibly, only two weeks after the disastrous tsunami event of March 11, 2011, the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor is (almost) completely re-opened for dock use and vessel traffic. U-dock, which suffered the worst damage from tsunami surges, is still closed for repairs, as are I dock and G-1 due to "significant hazards" in those areas. Both the North and South harbor channels are open for suitable vessel traffic, but Harbor officials advise extreme caution. The potential for undiscovered hazards still remains. Harbor officials expect the launch ramp to open today, March 25, for trailer boat launches.

Local salmon anglers are breathing a sigh of relief. All signs point to an April 2 salmon opener in our area, thought the California Department of Fish and Game is still somewhat coy in their language discussing the 2011 recreational salmon season. Here is the latest info available from the DFG:

"The ocean waters between Horse Mountain and the U.S/Mexico Border may open in April 2011 under in-season/emergency action taken by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and the California Fish and Game Commission (CFGC) pending their review of information on 2010 spawning escapements, 2011 abundance forecasts, annual management objectives, or other relevant issues at their March 2011 meeting. The final 2011 season (effective May 1, 2011) for the ocean waters between the Oregon Border and the U.S/Mexico Border, and in Humboldt Bay, will be decided by the PFMC and CFGC in April 2011.

Jim Rubin from Captain Jimmy Sportfishing says that the Becky Ann and other 6-pack charter boats in Santa Cruz are undamaged from the tsunami and are ready to go for salmon next weekend. "There's lots of bait out there, anchovies, sardines and squid. Conditions are good for the salmon," Rubin remarked. Skipper Ken Stagnaro on the Velocity is ready as well. Stagnaro adds that his clients and crew have caught and released 14 king salmon recently, while fishing for sand dabs near the Soquel Hole. "It looks good," Stagnaro reports, "both sides of the Hole are choked with bait."

In the meantime, we've received increasing reports of pokepoling success both at the Santa Cruz Harbor and Moss Landing Jetties. Local fisherman Azure Cohen uses a light trout setup, letting the surge carry his squid bait deep beneath the rocks in Santa Cruz. Last weekend fishing was tough, but Cohen managed at least one nice greenling for his efforts. Andy Morales from Salinas worked the Moss Landing jetties for some very small rockfish (released), as well as a good stringer of Monkeyfaced Eel. Morales uses a long, thin metal rod, tipped with a swivel and #3 hook baited with squid. The Monkeyface Cebidichthys violaceus) is not really an eel, it only resembles one, and is quite tasty broiled, fried, and especially smoked, according to Morales.