Wind continued to be the dominant factor for fishing in the Monterey Bay this week. Blustery afternoons and small craft warnings limited boaters' time on the water, especially those in search of salmon farther offshore. Despite the winds, which started early and blew strong, those who rolled the dice and stuck it out recorded a number of good catches around the Monterey Bay.


Rockfish and lingcod were featured in most reports. Todd Arcoleo from Chris' Sportfishing in Monterey has been sending his boats around Point Pinos towards Cypress Point and reports full limits of rockfish every trip this week, with lingcod scores ranging from six fish up to limits for the Check Mate on Monday. Randy's Sportfishing sent the Chubasco out Tuesday and returned with similar accounts- limits of rockfish and eight lingcod for the seven anglers aboard.


Moss Landing's charter outfit, Kahuna Sportfishing goes for the gusto. Despite less than perfect sea conditions, the Kahuna has been running "long range" rockfish trips to the Point Sur area. "It takes a little longer to get there, but the quality of fish makes the trip worth it," says Harvey Bien from Kahuna. "It's been quick limits, and we come home with sore arms from pulling up the big fish."


Bottom fishing has been quite productive on the Santa Cruz side of the bay as well. Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait described limit-style fishing on the local reefs. The Capitola Mile Reef was most consistent last week with a good mix of Bolinas, gopher rockfish and lingcod caught in that area, as well as halibut up to 17 pounds. Halibut fishing is even better near the Santa Cruz Harbor and Lighthouse Point. Jim Rubin from Captain Jimmy Charters had an open charter on Saturday. Despite early winds, Rubin managed to find limits of black, yellowtail and vermilion rockfish for his clients, and a bonus 24-pound halibut picked up near the Mile Buoy.


Salmon fishing in Monterey Bay was slow last week. The fish are scattered, and nasty conditions kept most boats from going offshore on the salmon search. There is still plenty of bait around, however, and the high winds promote ocean upwelling that feeds the critters that feed the salmon. As always, anglers have high hopes for the coming weeks.


For the coming weekend, conditions will be pleasant on Friday, but winds may get blustery Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Happily there is plenty to fish for on the inshore reefs and sand flats. Get out early, and be ready to run when you see whitecaps on the horizon.


Bushnell can also be heard on The Let's Go Fishing Radio Show Thursday nights at 8pm on KSCO radio 1080 AM. Send your photos, comments or questions to scruzfishing@yahoo.com