The weather forecasts a four to six-foot northwest swell this weekend, but that shouldn't slow fishing down. The northwests don't hit as hard as the southern hemisphere swells like we had last week. Despite those big rollers, fishing was good, even great in our area for a number of species.

Most exciting are the shallow-water salmon on the munch in nearshore waters. Bayside Marine owner Todd Fraser says "The bait is thick from Davenport to Capitola right now." The big schools of sardines, anchovies, kingfish and smelt are the likely attraction for the king salmon that have invaded the shallows. Also, it's likely these fish are grow-up versions of the juvenile salmon released yearly from Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project net-pens in the Santa Cruz Harbor. The Chinooks swim to sea with an "imprint" of the Harbor/Arana Creek waters. Though they will not spawn, they are compelled to return to this area. Rarely, however do they return this early, while it is still salmon season.

Anglers are catching salmon from Lighthouse Point down to Capitola. The best depth seems to be around 80 feet of water. Captain Jim Rubin reported limits by 10:30am on Wednesday. He was trolling the area with lures 40 feet down but noted, "The fish are all over the place. They are everywhere." Rubin also suspects this group of fish were the ones being released at the beginning of the season, just shy of the 24-inch minimum size limit. A few months of feeding on the abundant bait in the bay, and they have grown to keeper-sized. Most of the salmon caught are in the 24-28-inch range and shaped like fat little footballs. Tie your knots well, these fish are fighters, and there are a few in the 15-pound range in the mix.

Rockfishing remains very productive on our local reefs as well as along the North Coast. The halibut bite has slowed somewhat, with the best bet being the beaches north of town. Latest reports indicate a resurgence of white sea bass in the Monterey area, from the "Hotel" to Lover's Point. Live squid is still the best bait for the ghost fish.

And, finally, I want to recognize a long-time member of our Santa Cruz fishing community. Dave Mount retired some 15 years ago, and began repairing fishing reels, working out of Bayside Marine. After an incredible 25-year battle with cancer, Dave passed away peacefully on August 25, 2011.

Dave was talented and meticulous, and kept thousands of reels in tip-top shape for local anglers. Best of all, Dave always had a smile and a kind word or willing ear for any of the diverse harbor denizens. Mike Schell, a co-worker at Bayside remembers, "when I saw Dave pull up, it just made my day. He was so fun and always an interesting person to talk to. I learned so much from that guy."

Corey Ragan from Bayside has similar memories of Dave Mount. "He was always extremely positive, happy with a love of life. He always had a smile and was up for good conversation. He was so gifted mechanically, and he loved working on reels, working on his cars (Porsches) and most of all he loved his wife. They are true soulmates."

His wife, Peggy, daughter Julie and son, John, survive Dave. Dave did not want a memorial service, but the family will arrange a "celebration" soon, and I will post the details here for all of Dave's many friends to attend.