Ocean conditions were mild this past week, providing plenty of opportunity for anglers to fish our near shore waters. An increasing variety of catch is available as we hit the full stride of summer.


In Monterey, rockfishing has been the main ticket. Chris' Fishing Trips reports limits of rockfish and limits of lingcod up to 19 pounds on Checkmate for 15 anglers on Tuesday, and plan to fish for salmon over the weekend, as the bite looks to be improving near Point Pinos as well as Moss Landing. Randy's Sportfishing in Monterey has been doing equally well. Randy's ran morning and afternoon trips on Monday with limits for both groups.


Carol Jones from Kahuna Sportfishing in Moss Landing has been tracking the on-and-off again salmon bite in front of Moss Landing Harbor. Every few days the bait groups up at the tip of the Monterey Marine Canyon there. Hungry salmon working the edges of those bait balls provide a good mooch bite for those fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time. The Kahuna brought six king salmon over the rail last Friday. When the salmon are hiding, Jones sends the boat down towards Pt. Sur for rockfish and lingcod. "We are seeing vermilion up to six pounds and lingcod from 18-25 pounds are not uncommon," Jones reports.


Capitola is a good bet right now for halibut. Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait is weighing in halibut everyday from private boats, skiff rentals and local kayak anglers. Top marks go to Peter Kellison for his 30-pound flatty caught on Wednesday on a live mackerel near the Mile Reef in Capitola. Mike and Adam Irino worked the drift from the Mile Reef to the Sponge Bob Buoy for three big lingcod and four halibut to 25 pounds. Jigging up mackerel or smelt for bait seems to be working best, though the old standby whole squid is producing as well. Burrell himself has been on a mission for white sea bass, and was rewarded Monday with a limit of three big croakers caught near the Mile Buoy in front of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Live squid jigged up in the area did the trick for Burrell.


Todd Fraser from Bayside Marine always keeps close track of our local bite. Right now his tip is to get out early.


"The fishing remains good for the anglers who are on the bait first thing in the morning and in the late afternoon. The wind has been blowing when the fog clears up around noon. There were some sea bass and halibut caught from the Mile Buoy to Pleasure Point in 50-75 feet of water. Anglers have been having luck drifting fresh squid on the surface and half way down the water column. Salmon are still being caught in front of Moss Landing in the shallow water."


Your action is still needed to protect salmon fishing in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Please go to www.mbstp.org and add your voice to the incoming tide of anglers and supporters who feel salmon fishing need be preserved in the Harbor waters for those few weeks per year the kings are present.


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