Rockfish are still biting fairly close to shore near the Santa Cruz harbor, the reefs in Capitola, and along West Cliff. Most anglers are fishing a little deeper now for a good variety and good quality rockfish. Jim Rubin on the Becky Ann had a few trips last week, and he continues to find limits for his six-pack clients. Sunday in particular was good for the boat, though Friday's trip produced limits as well. "Today was a great day of fishing! We caught 70 quality rock cod- BIG blues, blacks and yellowtail cod." Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait reports limits from local reefs in that area as well as one king salmon trolled up near the SC3 buoy.

Salmon are still biting in the Santa Cruz Harbor, according to Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine. "The harbor is still kicking out some nice salmon for anglers putting in the time. The Mad River Pink worms are working best." Fraser also relayed good reports from boaters chasing rockfish and lings up the coast. "The rock fishing is still going great for the anglers who fished from Davenport to Franklin Point. The anglers are catching limits every day, and the winds are staying down," he reported on Monday.

Offshore conditions have not been as nice, with wind and waves making things difficult for the tuna hunters. Captain Tom Joseph on the four-pack Sara Bella made it out to the Fanny Shoals area last Saturday. Conditions weren't ideal, but Captain tom managed to plug the boat. "We left the dock at 6:30 this morning and headed out to the tuna grounds. We had a few rainstorms along the way, but overall the weather and seas were good to us. Our private party boated 29 tuna today. The fish were big, with a 25-pound average today."

If you are interested in kayak fishing at all, take advantage of Sunday's Kayak Connection Derby. Catch the biggest fish and win a brand new fishing kayak, courtesy of Ocean Kayaks. Kayak Connection owners Dave and Jessica Grigsby are stoked to be reviving northern California's oldest kayak derby, and entries will be accepted up to Sunday morning at 7am. Proceeds from the contest will go to support the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project, our favorite non-profit organization.

Pictured Above: Tom Joseph on the Sara Bella stopped at 29 albacore Saturday. That was all his boat could hold.