There are plenty of opportunities for good saltwater fishing on and around the Monterey Bay these days. We should continue to enjoy very productive fishing for the next couple of months.

Rockfishing is still the mainstay for boaters and kayak anglers who hunt the rocky areas and reefs near Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz. Water temperature is hovering around 60 degrees in most nearshore areas, and the deeper reefs seem to be producing best right now, with big grumpy bottomfish on the bite.

Charter operations are doing well, all around the bay. Chris’ Fishing Trips from Monterey reported full limits of rockfish caught every day, with about one ling cod per rod on the better trips. The Kahuna, operating out of Moss Landing specializes in Big Sur trips. The ride is long, but the fish are big and easily fooled. Their last rip to Point Sur yielded limits of rockfish , nearly half of which were the valued vermilion, or red rockfish.

On the north side of the bay, Go Fish Santa Cruz Charters found a honey-hole of vermilion in the deeper water north of Santa Cruz. The exact spot was not disclosed, but Beth Thompson reported early limits for the boat on Monday saying, “Limits again for everyone. Vermilion were the primary catch. A lot of big ones up to eight pounds.“ Stagnaro’s Sportfishing is running full day and half-day trips. Either choice can provide a great payoff. On Tuesday Ken Stagnaro reported, “Our seven-hour trips have still been the best bet for fishing. We have been consistently returning back with limits of good quality fish. Local reefs half-day trips have been hot and cold. Last few trips have been half-limits with mixed bags of fish. On today’s half-day we had 216 rock fish for 29 people.”

Surfcasting is getting serious along the beaches from Watsonville to Santa Cruz. We’ve had tons of anchovies bunching in close to the shoreline, and many anglers are on the striped bass hunt these days. Every day is different, but when the bite is on, it can be hot! We fielded numerous reports of lucky surfcasters catching and releasing up to 30 stripers during one morning’s session. The next day, no one was catching bass at that particular beach. Most of the bass are undersized or barely legal (18 inches), but a few bruisers are always in the mix.

Salmon fishing is still going strong out of Half Moon Bay and San Francisco. Many anglers and groups have worked diligently to keep the salmon population viable as a sport and commercial asset in our state. To help with these efforts, please attend the Golden Gate Salmon Association fundraising dinner in Santa Cruz on Friday, September 21. GGSA President John McManus extends the invitation, saying “We would love for you to join us, and please tell all of your friends about this opportunity to enjoy great food, beverage, and fun raffle and auction items, all while supporting GGSA's efforts to boost California's Central Valley salmon runs.”