Anglers are pretty happy all around the Monterey Bay right now. Fishing has been spectacular lately, and should remain so for the next month at least. There are tons of baitfish, mostly anchovies that are keeping our gamefish in the area and very active. And, that bait is moving closer to shore as we move towards the fall season of fishing, so surfcasters are sharing in the bounty. If you are interested in ocean fishing at all, now is the time to get out there and get catching!

Daily limits is the story in Monterey from Chris’ Fishing Trips. Owner Chris Arcoleo reports up to 220 rockfish per trip this week as well as lingcod  counts to 14 fish with an occasional halibut thrown in for good measure.  Stagnaro’s big boats in Santa Cruz tell the same story.  Though we are fishing inside of 120 feet for rockfish until October, there are still plenty of vermilion, browns and other grumpy bottom fish willing to bite. This year we’ve also had an amazing run of blue rockfish. These schooling type of rockfish are feeding in literal clouds, hovering over local reefs on both sides of the bay.

If you are experienced and willing to be your own skipper, renting from Santa Cruz Boat Rentals on Santa Cruz Wharf makes good sense right now. Their sister store, Capitola Boat and Boat is supposed to open this month as well. Latest info suggests a limited number of rental skiff will be available from the Capitola Wharf location  sometime in August. There are lots of bait and fish in the Capitola area right now. Private boat reports are coming in citing rockfish and halibut limits for that general area between Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point as well.  

Many think it best to fish for halibut first with rockfish as an addition, or as a backup. This is because when halibut fishing we are allowed to use multiple rods, whereas while rock fishing only one rod per angler can be employed. So, get your limits of halibut first, then fill the bags with rockies. Capitola local Dan Scott showed us how it’s done this week. Scott has fished the Capitola area his whole life, employing just about anything that floats to get to the fish. He remarked, “Fishing has been off the hook! We fished ultra light tackle yesterday in the Capitola area to land our six-fish limit. Swim baits with bass rods, lots of fun!”