SALTWATER
20 December 9 , 2022 VOL . 41 • ISS . 19
SALTWATER REPORTS
Rockfish and lingcod are on the chew at the Channel Islands . This angler holds up a nice lingcod that he caught while fishing with Aloha Sportfishing out of Oxnard , California .
Photo Courtesy of Aloha Sportfishing
Fishing aboard the FV Patriot out of Avila Beach Amy Wellenkamp caught their 150th Halibut for the season winning a prize package of free trips for next season . Her setup to catch this prize fish was a C4 Custom Rod , Daiwa Lexa , 20 # Seaguar Floro Leader , and a 1-1 / 2 oz Shad White Hook Up Bait .
Photo Courtesy of Captain J Gavin
BODEGA BAY
Combo Trips Deliver Limits of Rockfish and Dungeness Crab
BODEGA BAY – If you want to go on a rockfish / crab combo out of Bodega Bay , you don ’ t have much time left this season , since the rockfish and lingcod season will close to boat-based fishing on December 31 . “ The crabbing and rock fishing remains excellent ,” reported Reel Magic Sportfishing . “ The weather has been a bit of a mixed bag this week , ranging from beautiful to blowout . On the fishable days we are putting our clients into easy limits of crabs and rockfish with some lings and cabezon in the mix .” Jeff and Kim Berger have taken over regular operation of the boat with Mike Aughney continuing in a support role . Rick Powers of the Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center also reported top-notch rockfish and crab fishing on combo trips on the Sonoma County Coast , with fishing now “ as good as it gets .” The New Sea Angler checked in on December 3 with 340 rockfish and 340 Dungeness crabs up to 2.5 pounds for 34 anglers on Dec , 3 . The 18 anglers going on the boat the previous day caught 180 Dungeness crab , 180 rockfish and 3 lingcod up to 15 pounds , according to Powers .
- Dan Bacher
FISHERMAN ’ S WHARF / BERKELEY
Anglers bag crab / rockfish limits
off Bay Area Coast
BERKELEY - One of the closest things to a sure bet in California fishing this time of year is going on a crab / rockfish combo . The vast majority of trips from Half Moon Bay to Bodega Bay are producing limits of tasty crabs and rockfish – that ’ s a total of 10 rockfish and 10 Dungeness crab / per angler , weather permitting . You have just one more month to go on these trips , since rockfish season closes on December 31 . Right now , the charter boats are using hoop nets – and that particular restriction will continue into the near future . For example , James Smith of California Dawn
Sportfishing reported “ lights out fishing and crabbing ” on the latest trip by the California Dawn 1 and 2 . The weather was beautiful and both boats were limited out by 12 pm . Their combined score was 410 rockfish ( 41 limits ) and 410 Dungeness Crab ( 41 limits ). Anglers caught the rockfish while using shrimp flies , jigs , bars and various baits at the Farallon Islands and the crabs while using hoop nets . The Lovely Martha out of Fisherman ’ s Wharf in San Francisco checked in after another excellent combo trip on Dec . 3 . “ We finished up before 1 pm with 19 limits ( 190 ) of crab and 19 limits ( 190 ) of rockfish ,” said Captain Mike Rescino . “ Flash 2 did great on the rockfish and lingcod today ,” reported Steve Talmadge of Flash
Ernie Marlan fished with Phenix Sportfishing out of Port San Luis , California when he caught this cabezon . Ernie ’ s goto lure when fishing for rockfish is a sardine colored Ahi Jig ranging from 6-8oz .
Photo Courtesy of Amy Wellenkamp
Sportfishing after their latest bottomfish trip . “ Captain David had a light load and the crew was happy with their harvest on a half day trip .” Meanwhile , sturgeon fishing is shifting into high gear . on Suisun Bay and the Delta . “ Flash I is doing great again ,” said Talmadge on Dec . 3 . They ’ ve lost a couple sturgeon and put two keepers in the boat before 9 AM .” On November 21 , California Department of Fish and Wildlife ( CDFW ) announced in a statement that it is continuing the temporary recreational crab trap restriction in Fishing Zones 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 due to presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement from trap gear . This area includes California waters from the Sonoma / Mendocino line all of the way to the U . S ./ Mexico border . However , the recreational crab trap restriction for Fishing Zones 1 and 2 , from the CA / OR border to the Sonoma Mendocino County Broder , was lifted Nov . 28 , 2022 at 9 a . m . The CDFW reminds recreational crabbers that take of Dungeness crab by other methods , including hoop nets and crab snares , is allowed during a temporary trap restriction . The commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 3-6 will also remain delayed due to presence of high numbers of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement with lines and traps in this fishery . CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place on or before Dec . 7 , 2022 , at which time CDFW Director Charlton H . Bonham will re-evaluate the temporary recreational crab trap restriction and commercial fishery delay in Fishing Zones 3-6 . That risk assessment is expected to inform the potential for a commercial fishery opener and modification of the recreational trap restriction in Fishing Zones 3-6 on Dec . 16 , 2022 . “ We appreciate the discussions with the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group regarding risk of entanglement ,” said Director Bonham . “ Ultimately , we must rely on the best available science and make management decisions based on the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program ( RAMP )
CONTINUED ON PG 21