Some of the old salts around Monterey Bay are saying they've never seen such a windy month of May. Combine the winds with significant swells from both the northwest and the south, and you get conditions that are not the best for fishing in our area. It's impossible to keep anglers off the water however, and both locals and visiting anglers found steady catches for a variety of species this week.

Salmon fishing has been somewhat spotty. The good news is that fish are biting near the Soquel Hole again. "There's tons of krill and even some smelt and small anchovies on the fishing grounds," says Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait. Burrell reports that Capitola regulars Larry Roland, and Terry Parker brought in three salmon of the larger variety on Tuesday. The duo was skunked on Wednesday, but reported one in the box and one fish lost by 9am on Thursday. Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine estimates most boats fishing salmon this week averaged 1-3 fish, with a few limits and some skunks in the mix.

Gerry Brookes from Reel Sportfishing netted eight salmon for his clients on Saturday ranging from 13-20 pounds each. Captain Jimmy Charters boated four from 15-20 pounds. Both skippers have salmon openings for next week.

When the salmon gets slow, anglers can always rely on our mainstay rockfish. The fish are grouping up on the reefs now as the season progresses. Find the right rock, and quick limits are in order. Particularly productive of late has been the Natural Bridges/Wilder Ranch area. Reefs from 30 to 120 feet of water are kicking out some vermilions, coppers, chinas and yellowtail rockcod. According to Ken Stagnaro, the dominant species right now are black rockfish. they are most numerous and biting well. "These are quality fish, a good grade of big blacks," he says.

Stagnaro also reminds us the Golden Gate Fisherman's Association is working tirelessly to protect and preserve our recreational fishing rights. GGFA has been the primary sport-fishing advocate in Northern California since 1948. Right now, President Roger Thomas is concentrating on keeping reasonable sport season lengths, as well as expanding the depth restrictions for rockfishing in our area. To learn more about the GGFA and how we can best support these efforts, go to GGFA Website.

Photo: Steven Nguyen showing off a nice California Halibut. .