Anglers need not travel far for big fish these days. The white sea bass bite has extended to very local waters, while boat limits of rockfish and the occasional halibut provided consistent action.

Last week the seabass were chasing squid all along the North Coast, with the best bite located near Davenport. That area remained a viable alternative earlier this week. Commercial hook and line fishermen reported up to nine bass a day, all in the 30-60 pound range. Sport anglers also cashed in around Davenport, though a few skunks were reported from that area on Monday and Tuesday.

Though more scattered, the week saw an increasing number of sea bass catches in nearby waters as well. Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait fielded reports of big croakers caught from Lighthouse Point to the Cement Ship, mostly in 760-90 feet of water. While the anglers up north are keying in on squid schools, the local fish seem to be feeding on abundant anchovy schools. Notable amongst the Capitola crew was Mark Davis, who caught one fish on Monday, then topped off with a full limit of three big croakers on Tuesday, each weighing over 50 pounds.

Burrell suggests looking for concentrations of birds working surface bait for locating the white sea bass. Boaters also may enjoy the spectacular whale show going on in the area, as humpbacks are working these same bait balls. Live squid, sardines, anchovies an even live kingfish can attract the white seabass. If an angler puts in their time and pays attention, the results can be tremendous.

Albacore hunters had limited success over the weekend, with scores coming in from two-nine fish per boat, according to Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine. Offshore weather conditions have not been favorable for the 30-40-mile run, and the coming weekend doesn't look much better, with mixed swells, and possible windy conditions.

Most of the halibut reported last week came from North Coast beaches, but a few are still being picked up in Capitola, near the SC3 Buoy. Capitola reefs continue to provide plenty of rockfish action, but for larger rockies, head north.

Captain Jimmy Charters and Stagnaro's Sportfishing reported full boat limits over the weekend. Both crews are fishing locally, between South Rock and Wilder's. "The 2 to 4 pound blacks and the lings were pretty much attacking any kinda gear you threw at 'em," quipped Ken Staganaro on the Velocity. Rubin reported similar success with the black rockfish, as well as big blues and vermilions in the mix.

Mark Davis from Capitola hit the trifecta on Tuesday. A limit of White Seabass as shown in our main photo all over 50 pounds each.

Sea Bass fishing was so good, even Fish Rap reporter Allen Bushnell aboard the BLADERUNNER managed to find one last week
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