The weather is not the only thing that changes in the fall. Many fishing seasons close and others open at this time of year. Sport fishing, commercial fishing and even our local markets change in regard to what local seafood we can catch or buy.
Lingcod season closed the last day of October, while sport fishing for rockfish will remain open until Nov. 15. But the big news for sport fishermen is the opener of the Dungeness crab season that starts Nov. 6.
“We are looking forward to crab season, I will be running 20 crab pots and doing combo fishing trips,” reported Jim Rubin from the Becky Anne.
Captain Jimmy will run crab combo trips that will focus on crabs and rockfish until the season closes for rockfish. He will then switch exclusively to crabs and sand dabs and crab-giant squid combo trips.
Commercial fishing for crabs opens Nov. 16. Commercial fishermen are gearing up for crabs, and people can see the stacks of crab pots lining up the harbor edges as the commercial season gets closer.
“It’s going to be business as usual — I will be crabbing when the season starts, and it looks like it will be a good year,” said Frank Ribeiro, aboard his boat Gayle R.
Frank will be selling crabs from his boat on the “E” dock in the Santa Cruz Harbor.
“The market price may fluctuate, but I will probably be selling crabs for $7 per crab,” Frank added.
Crab is a favorite for many families during holiday meals.
Local markets have had a shift in fresh seafood for consumers as well. Salmon from Alaska is winding down, while locally caught California white sea bass is a great choice. These fish, along with fresh market squid (calamari), are being caught here locally, and the stocks are healthy
“We are proud to be selling rod-and-reel-caught local white sea bass,” reported Hans Haveman from H and H Fresh, who also works at the local farmers markets. “The product is sustainable and is a great value for fresh fish this time of year.”
Whether you catch it yourself or buy it locally, autumn is still a great time for fresh seafood.
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
ca************@ya***.com
. He also hosts a fishing show on radio station KSCO (1080) from April through September.
