Saltwater fishing is still going strong in the Monterey Bay Region. Add Dungeness crab into the mix, and local anglers and visitors are doing very well indeed.


Chris' Fishing Trips out of Monterey Harbor keeps multiple boats going even in this slower season. And, they are doing very well. Relatively light loads of 15-20 anglers aboard the Check Mate, Caroline and the Star of Monterey are averaging about half-limits of rockfish for each trip, and they are bringing home full limits of tasty Dungeness crab. Kahuna Sportfishing from Moss landing took a load down to Big Sur on Sunday and returned with raving reports. Owner Carol Jones reports "Lingcod are still biting like mad dogs. On Sunday we scored limits of ling cod and rock fish including 13 Cabezon!"


Perch fishing is improving for surfcasters working the long stretch of beaches from Seaside up to Pajaro Dunes area. As we progress into winter, finding these feisty little gamefish will become easier, and their size will increase. Right now, the motor oil red or gold-flaked grubs are working well, as are the GULP Camo Sandworms. If you are getting nibbles but not bringing fish in with the sandworms, try using half or even one third of the worm for better hookups.


On the north side of the Bay, Capitola and Santa Cruz fishing remains steady. Rockfish and lingcod are available on the deeper reefs and Todd Fraser from Bayside Marine reports a resurgence of halibut up the coast and more. "The winds are down and there is only a small swell. Anglers are finding nice mackerel and anchovies in front of the harbor. The crab fishing continues to be great in 150-210 feet of water straight out and up the coast. Rockfish are still on the bite from the Lighthouse to Franklin Point. There have been a few halibut caught near Wilder Beach and 5 Mile. The sea bass fishing is still hit and miss but some anglers are getting lucky. The best bet has been to chase the bait balls down and drift some Squid or drop a Glow jig."


Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait has been chasing white sea bass as well. "They can be anywhere from South Rock down to La Selva Beach. Mark Gera from Capitola Boat and Bait caught a 56-pounder the other day using a swimbait in 50 feet of water below Capitola." Burrell said. "I've hooked up mostly by trolling something small and flashy, like a Lazer Minnow or an Apex lure, at five or six knots."


Burrell also reports anglers are having a blast using light gear to catch speedy little Bonito which are like a cross between a mackerel and a tuna. They are also pretty tasty. The Bonito have been reported off South Rock, the SC3 Buoy, and near the Cement Ship. They will hit on Kastmasters or any small silver lure and are tons of fun with light spinning gear. Bonito are very rare for this area, so get them while you can, if you can.


Send your reports and fishing photos to Bushnell at scruzfishing@yahoo.com.