Months of incidental catch, good dark salmon water and big numbers of whales feeding on krill all point to an abundance of king salmon in our nearby waters. Most significant are the robust numbers of fall-run salmon counted this year in the Sacramento and Klamath River systems.

The final details of the full 2013 salmon season will be determined in a series of meetings of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council next week. Many stakeholders are concerned that in-season closures may be imposed by the PFMC to balance the low numbers of winter-run fish that mix with our target fall-run schools. In an April 4 press release, Golden Gate Salmon Association Director John McManus states "It's basically unfair that the delta water diversion pumps kill thousands of winter run salmon every year and yet fishermen are penalized if we catch more than a relative handful."

For the month of April 2013 we are allowed to keep two salmon of any species except Coho (Silver) salmon, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches. All tackle and gear restrictions remain the same as last year. Minimum size may decrease after April, and in-season closures in June and/or July may well be in the offing. Commercial salmon season begins on May 1, which will bring fresh wild king salmon to our local markets. For those planning to go out for the opener, a reminder to check all running gear and safety equipment and be sure to have your 2013 fishing license.

There is good news on the halibut front also. Mike Schell at Bayside Marine in the Santa Cruz Harbor is fielding an increasing number of reports of halibut caught in 60-70 feet of water from Soquel Point to the Mile Buoy. Other reports from Bayside indicate a few flatties were also hooked closer to the Santa Cruz Wharf in the past few days. These fish are moving in to shallower water, right on schedule. We should see an increasing catch rate for halibut as more males stage into their spawning areas, followed by the larger female halibut in just a few weeks.

If you have a few hours to kill, surfcasting from any of the local beaches remains a viable option, with reports of barred surfperch and calico perch at the top of the list, especially in the area near the Cement Ship (hint: Use soft-shell sand crabs). Frank Ealy from Capitola Boat and Bait is happy to report that anglers using shrimp bits or anchovies from the wharf are doing fairly well on perch and the occasional sand sole.