With 2011 behind us, we have to look back and appreciate a great past year for fishing and also hope for a positive New Year for fish and fishing.
Last year brought great salmon and sea bass fishing, along with very good rock cod fishing. This year we hope for more of the same.
In the anadromous fish department, we are still waiting for rain. Anadromous fish return from the oceans to their original freshwater breeding grounds in to spawn.
The rivers of Northern California, such as the Smith River, received a nice shot of rain as a gift to ring in the New Year, and steelhead showed up to the party in better numbers than in the past two years.
The Chetco River has received a flush of rain also, and the steelhead numbers look promising there, too.
Our local rivers and streams are in desperate need of water, and when it comes, the steelhead will be soon to follow. With positive signs and optimal ocean conditions, the return of salmon appeared strong this fall and winter; hopefully, the return of steelhead will be just as prevalent this year.
We looked back at an ocean salmon season that was reminiscent of years past, as the Monterey Bay kicked out limits of salmon for days on end throughout the summer season.
The sea bass fishing was nothing short of epic, with many giant fish caught from Monterey to Davenport. These trophy fish filled coolers from spring to fall. Rockfish fishing was great for 2011 and the lingcod counts went sky-high as the size limit reached a record low at a mere 22 inches. We hope these fish show a strong presence for the 2012 season!
At this time, anglers continue to fish for Dungeness crabs throughout the Monterey Bay. Both sport and commercial fishermen are catching decent numbers of crabs.
If you don’t fish for crabs, you can be assured to get locally caught fresh Dungeness crabs from the market or off the dock. Remember to get your new license and punch cards.
Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 15 years. Contact him at [email protected].
