Commercial crabbers are complaining of light catches in their traps, and rockfish a bit more scarce for the average angler. That's not to say there were no success stories from our local fisher folk last week.

Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait sent a good number of skiffs out during the week and on the weekend. Everyone returned with something, and a good percentage of boats had limits or near limits of rockfish, with a few lings in the mix. Best spots in that area seem to be Boomer's, Adams, Surfer's and the Mile Reefs. Burrell noted good numbers of black and Bolina rockfish with a smattering of reds as well. There is still plenty of bait close in to shore by Capitola, so using live anchovies is the best bet.

Ken Stagnaro fished locally this weekend. He notes the large volume of nearshore bait as well, though he's been haunting the South Rock and West Cliff areas, mostly. "We managed limits this weekend, mostly blacks and blues, with a few lings and bottom fish. They are all stuffed with 'chovies and squid." Stagnaro adds the whales have moved towards the middle of the Monterey Bay, where there is another big concentration of anchovies and squid.

Jim Rubin on the Becky Ann is working a little farther north, just past Natural Bridges. "We're still getting full limits of Dungeness every trip, and the rockfishing is really good up there," Rubin says. Fishing 80-120 feet of water, Rubin notes good catches of big blues, blacks, yellows and vermilion coming from his favorite reefs near Wilder's Ranch.

While the commercial crab fishermen are disappointed with their season's start, sport crabbers are doing well. Mike Schell from Bayside Marine reminds us that a sport angler pulling four or five pots with six or seven crab in each has their limit. Whereas, the commercial guys who need to make a living need more crab in their numerous pots to make a good go of things. "It's a matter of context," says Schell. "I'm running five pots, and pulled nine keepers from my first three the other day." Hmmmm. Maybe he'll share.

The coming weekend looks very good for ocean fishing. The NOAA weather forecast is calling for very light winds over a two-foot swell. It will be an excellent opportunity to hop on a local charter boat, or rent a skiff or paddle out on the kayak for some crabbing and fishing. For those who want the freshest of crab for their Thanksgiving table, a few of the commercial folk are selling right off the boats, at "S" Dock and "R" Dock in the Santa Cruz Harbor.