Summertime is in full swing right now with all our normal species present and accounted for. Rockfishing remains very strong, lingcod are on the bite in deeper waters, the salmon bite is improving and more and more halibut are being caught as the water warms up in Monterey Bay.

Water temps near Santa Cruz are hovering just above 60 degrees, just what was needed to concentrate halibut into the shallows. We are receiving increasing reports of the big flatties being caught in 40-50 feet of water. Joe DiMarzio and Travis Blymyer kayak-fished a downwinder from Santa Cruz to the Capitola Wharf on Wednesday. Each caught plenty of rockfish but DiMarzio was also rewarded with a 25-pound halibut caught near Pleasure Point on a live anchovy.

Other productive spots for halibut include the Mile Buoy area, the big sandy flats near Moss Landing and outside the kelp beds of North Coast beaches in 60-70 feet of water. There is plenty of live bait in these areas as well. Dense schools of anchovies can be located and the bait is jigged up easily. Though small, the wigglers are decent live bait for halibut. Boccie Boy Bait on S-Dock at the Santa Cruz Harbor has plenty in their receiver, and the outlook is very good for more, bigger anchovies as the weeks progress. Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine also suggests bounce ball trolling hoochies for halibut, or drifting whole squid. Check with Bayside for their fresh whole squid. They work the best.

Last week's salmon near Soldier's Club have moved into our area, and anglers are scoring limits in various locations, most notably the west side of Soquel Hole. (Note: Chris' Sportfishing did not get limits on Monday as reported in this column last week, but rather on Sunday 6/23. Until July 9, salmon fishing is not allowed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Thanks! to Tom Dembski.) Fraser reported on those who found success yesterday at Soquel Hole: "The salmon were caught 100 feet down on Chrome Krippled Anchovies, Glow Rotary Salmon Killers and green F.B.R.'s. The wind was down all morning and the fishing was good for 12-20-pound fish."

Meanwhile, rockfishing is still very good in most rocky or reefy locations. The West Cliff area and Lighthouse Point, small reefs near the Mile Buoy, outside the kelp beds at Pleasure Point and Capitola or almost anywhere up the coast towards Davenport can produce quick limits of rockfish in 35-120 feet of water. South Rock in particular has been a "go-to" lingcod spot for the past couple weeks.

The coming weekend looks perfect for fishing, with ight winds and a diminishing swell. Go early, be safe and have fun.