Water temperatures dropped a degree or two in Monterey Bay this week, Likely the effect of high winds last week and the heavy marine layer and fog this week. Water temps are still slightly above average for this time of year. Warmer water supports an abundance of bait and brings in big fish to more shallow water.

Top of the list this week has been the flattie hunters wreaking havoc on inshore halibut. In Santa Cruz, the hot spot has been near Capitola down to Seacliff beach. Wednesday morning counted over 50 boat fishing the area from 20 feet out to 70 feet of water. Anglers used a variety of techniques for the flatties.Most common, and some would say most productive is drifting with live bait. There’s plenty of bait close to shore these days, a good mix of anchovies, mackerel and jacksmelt. All work very well as live bait to entice a halibut grab. 

To cover more territory, many boats turn to the slow-troll bounce ball method. This uses a three-way swivel with a leader to the bait. Live bait or frozen bait of anchovy, squid, macks and smelt all work quite well while trolling at 1.5 to 2 knots, letting the heavy weight touch the bottom occasionally while the leader swims above anywhere from six to 24 inches. Trolling a hoochie behind a spinning dodger can produce great results. So can using a big stickbait like a Rapala to fool the fish.

Anglers on the local piers are getting into the act. Most will jig up live bait and run that bait out on a Carolina sliding sinker rig. Pier fishing requires use of a crab net to secure the fish from 25 feet up. If you don’t have one, other anglers are quick to assist. It is a very convivial group both at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Capitola Wharf and Fisherman’s Wharf #2 in Monterey.

On sunnier days, especially when the the waves are low as they have been for a week now, surfcasting for halibut from the beach is a worthwhile pursuit as well. Surfcasters “go-to” technique is a drop-shot rig with a white fluke about a foot up from the weight. White swim baits have also proven productive this week, but a variety of other lures can work as well. Inshore halibut are a favorite target for kayak anglers around the Bay. Best spots this week were DelMonte Beach in Monterey near the sailboat moorings and near the “Hotel” area. A good number of larger fish were caught in front of the Santa Cruz Harbor towards Black’s Beach, and off the West Cliff reefs in Santa Cruz. Father/son combo Charlie and Joey LaVerdi launched their tandem kayak at New Brighton on Wednesday. They stayed well inside of the power boat fleet, and had to take a break from halibut fishing to release a giant Black Sea Bass (a successful release from the beach). Ultimately on the infamous “One last cast,” they pulled in a double-digit flatty to mark full success for their foray.