It's hard to believe, but here we are in the month of March already. And, that means salmon season is just around the corner. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has not yet announced an opening day for the 2013 Ocean Salmon Season, but the likely date is April 6 or 7. The routine behind that decision includes meetings of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fisheries Management Council, California Fish and Wildlife Commission, as well as the the CDFW. Meetings scheduled for the first week of April will include final decisions regarding seasons and regulations for the 2013 season.

While we do not have an official "abundance prediction" for the upcoming season, indicators so far suggest another good or very good year for salmon fishing in the saltwater. Fall spawning salmon returns on California's major river systems were quite robust this year. "Returns" are the primary indicator of fishery health and abundance.

In the recent PFMC publication "Review of 2012 Ocean Salmon Fisheries," preliminary counts indicate 302,108 adult king salmon counted in the Klamath River system this fall. The Sacramento River system count was 283,871. These are very good numbers and will likely translate to a full-length salmon season this year, with similar if not identical regulations as the 2012 season.

Now, with a month to go, is a very good time to start maintenance on your boat, check safety items and equipment, and make sure your gear is in good order to start trolling at the season opener. Charter skippers in Monterey Bay are reporting an increasing unintended bycatch of king salmon the past few weeks. The fish are out there, and even chomping on sabiki rigs! As difficult as it may be, anglers must release all salmon unharmed when caught out of season. Best practice is to effect the release without netting the salmon, or removing the fish from the water.

We did not receive any surfperch reports this week, which may be an artifact of local anglers protecting their "hot spots" in preparation for the Sand Crab Classic Derby, scheduled for Saturday March 9. The beaches south of Aptos, and stretching round the Bay to Monterey have been producing steadily the past few months. Most common are barred, calico and walleye perch from the beaches. Look for structure, and try another beach if your first stop does not produce fish. The Pajaro and Salinas Rivermouths are still holding stripers as well, so pack a few plugs in your kit, just in case. North Coast headlands and Pacific Grove/Carmel rocky shores remain a good bet for big rubbermouth, black or striped perch.