Though everyone welcomed the recent rains, coastal streams and even portions of major river systems such as the Eel, American and Russian have been shut down due to low flow closures.

This week's rainstorm brought much-needed moisture to our parched landscape, and there is a chance a more normal storm track will establish in the western Pacific over the next few weeks to bring seasonal rainfall totals up. Drought conditions are severe, and the concern now is not "can we fish the rivers," but "will enough fish survive?"

Saltwater fishing continues unabated. Crabbers report the tasty Dungeness are getting a little harder to locate, and average size is getting smaller. That is all normal as the season progresses. Savvy crabbers now when and where to move their pots as the Dungies migrate across portions of Monterey Bay. The failsafe bonus, of course, is fishing for sanddabs. These small sole-like flatfish are prolific across the bay, with the biggest fish hanging in deeper waters, usually close to the edge of our submarine canyons.

Ken Stagnaro continues to run "Crab 'n Dab" trips on Stagnaro's Sportfishing's six-pack Sea Stag. He reports "Sanddab fishing remains excellent. Recent trips averaged 50 dabs per person. The last crab/'dab combo trip on Sea Stag came back with four crab per person and 50 'dabs each. On the Monterey side of the bay, Chris' Fishing Trips has much the same story. Chris Arcoleo ran trips on the Checkmate Saturday and Sunday. The boat returned to harbor with limits of Dungeness crab for all aboard both days, and enough sand dabs ("lots of sanddabs") that they didn't even bother to count.

There is good news on the surfperch front as well. As predicted our large swell events have scoured the sandy beach bottoms, resulting in plenty of structure for feeding perch. Just in time, too, as the 10th Annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Derby is only one month away. Hosted by The Let's Go Fishing Radio Show, the derby serves as a benefit event with all proceeds going to the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project.

March 8, 2014 is the date, and entries are available through February 20. Entries can be picked up at Bayside Marine in the Santa Cruz Harbor, or downloaded from www.lgfrs.net. This year, contestants can sign up online as well from the website. The family-friendly event features a giant raffle and banquet at Portuguese Hall in Santa Cruz, as well as fabulous prizes, trophies and coveted "Bragging Rights" for the year.

Bob Schneider from Aptos is a regular contestant at the Perch Derby, and got a head start on the competition, scouting beaches south of Capitola this week. He found the barred surfperch, and they were big! Bob says "Got these today. The big one is 2.95 pounds, 15-1/4 inches. Wish the Derby was today! 10.25 pounds for the six." Limber up your surf rods, get your entries in and find your spot!