As predicted, the weekend weather provided fine fishing conditions inshore and offshore. Those who chose to stay inside were rewarded, but the few who ventured out for albacore were disappointed again.

It was almost exactly one year ago that Ano Nuevo was closed to fishing as a new Marine Protected Area by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and the California Fish and Game Commission. Historically, this favorite spot is the place to go for fall rockfish and lingcod. Local skippers are still heading for that area, skirting the new MPA towards Franklin Point to the north. The long trip paid off for a few boats last weekend.

Ken Stagnaro on the Velocity always seems to know where to go to find the action. He fished Franklin both days this weekend for a total of 50 rockfish limits, mostly blues, olives, some quality vermilions and one lingcod. Jim Rubin from Captain Jimmy Charters fished the same area with similar results, and Gerry Brookes on the Doble trumped them all with rockfish limits as well as seven lingcod, the largest weighing in at 25 pounds. Most of the North Coast reefs will be producing well this time of year, but the Ano/Franklin area gets less fishing pressure being far from any port.

Capitola is still producing rockfish, the occasional ling, a good number of small keeper halibut and a few larger flatties. Ed Burrell from Capitola Boat and Bait scored a halibut in the 20-pound class on Monday. He jigged sardines for nearly 45 minutes, but ended up catching his prize with frozen squid.

Santa Cruz hosts two fishing derbies this weekend. The "Who's Your Daddy" lingcod contest and the Kayak Connection Grandfather's Day Derby. "Who's Your Daddy" will fish five vessels this year, each vying to bring in the biggest lingcod. Entries are closed for this contest. The kayak fishing derby still has openings. Contact the Kayak Connection at the Santa Cruz Harbor for entry information.