In general, the fishing scene is slow. Fairly normal for this time of year. But, boats are still getting out in between storms and big wave events. And, they are doing pretty well with wintertime fare. Chris Arcoleo from Chris’ Fishing Trips in Monterey reported "Lots of sandabs, and lots of mackerel" plus 20 Petrale sole for anglers aboard the Caroline this week. The big charter boats continue to make multiple trips per week, with light loads and plenty of fish being brought in. Last Saturday's medium sized load on the Chubasco for J&M Sportfishing did pretty well. Sixteen anglers brought in 127 Dungeness Crab, 603 sand dabs, 50 mackerel, and eight Petrale sole. There are as many sand dabs out there as any angler is wiling to take. Using a # 6 Sabiki rig tipped with squid, the little flatfish are coming over the rail in doubles, tripes and quadruples.

From Monterey, private boaters are finding Dungeness crab in 180-200 feet of water north of the Harbor, but shy of the Moss Landing Submarine Canyon. Crabbers from Moss Landing are working the sand flats for Dungess crab at 180 feet on both sides of the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, with slightly higher counts coming from south of the canyon.  Crabbers are traveling more towards the middle of the Bay on their hunt for Dungeness. Depths vary from 140 feet to 200.  Crab counts are lower than most years for this month, and repositioning pots seems to be key. The sand flats near Pajaro and Soquel Canyons are still the best bet, though some are finding success straight out of Santa Cruz Harbor and even slightly north of town. Frequent checking on soaking pots is a must, as the crab are on the move. Here today, gone tomorrow. Plus, during any of these big swells, crab pots will “walk,” dragged from their original position, some to be lost forever. Savvy craters will pull their pots before the big waves hit.

Santa Cruz anglers are finding sand dabs blanketing the flats in 120-300 feet of water, with a decent mix of Petrale Sole as a bonus. In a very positive sign for future fishing later in spring, offshore crabbers and dabbers are reporting  plenty of bait out in the deep, with big schools of anchovies and plenty of mackerel to catch for those inclined. Another huge swell, hosted by the latest atmospheric river storm is due to hit our coast on Thursday, and will take several days to subside. Torrential rains and gale-force winds are also in the forecast through the weekend. Be smart, stay safe and get back out there once conditions settle down.