First things first. Last week’s report indicated that the rockfish rules were changing. On October 1,2024 we are restricted to fishing deep waters only, beyond 300 feet. WE mistakenly added this regulation would continue through the end of the year. The accurate information is a bit more complex, but ultimately serves the general fishing population better, allowing nearshore fishing on a schedule from  October 1 through December 31. An accurate breakdown is as follows:

October 1 through October 31, it’s 50-fathom offshore only. November 1 through November 30 we can fish only inshore waters again, out to the 20-fathom line. From December 1 through the end of the season December 31, legal fishing for the RCG complex again is limited to offshore only. The full breakdown is most easily accessed via the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Regulations Map (https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean). Our area is denoted as the North Central Zone and stretches from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Lopez to the south.

Rockfishing is still going well with limits being the rule, rather than the exception. Six-pack charter Go FishSanta Cruz demonstrated this on Wednesday while targeting the nearshore reefs just north of Santa Cruz proper. They returned to the dock with full bags of gophers, browns, blues and one big ugly lingcod. Skipper JT Thomas reminds us they will be fishing the deep waters starting October 1.

We have reat news from the Capitola area.The Wharf has reopen after the terrible storm damage from 2023, and Capitola Boat and Bait is back in business, including boat rentals, tackle shop, and even small private boat hoist launching. Management at the Boat and Bat reported, “Get ready to cast off with Capitola Boat and Bait! Our boat rentals are equipped with everything you need for a successful day of fishing. We also offer pole rentals, tackle, and snacks to ensure you have everything you need. Come on down and see us!

Stand-up boards and Kayaks are also available for rent.”

Angler George Kirkpatrick rented a skiff this week from Capitola B&B. Kirkpatrick was stoked, posting, “I caught my halibut limit for the first time! First an eight-pound halibut, then a 10-pound halibut. Really fun! My boat didn't get eight fish for us four, but another boat did with live ‘chovies (granted, my friends didn't fish the entire time like me). I had rods ready for live ‘chovies, but I couldn't get any with the cast net, we didn't get any with sabikis, mostly just large kelp bass which broke our sabikis.” 

Quite a few halibut are still hanging and feeding in the Capitola area. Most are on the smaller size, but it’s nice to have them staying inside for such an extended period. The fleet wanders from the Mile reef area on down to New Brighton, Seacliff and the beaches towards Rio Del Mar. Look for the birds to find the bait and hook up the big fish. As usual with fall creeping in, the halibut bite is improving off West Cliff area and points north. These fish are bigger and are usually located in 60-70 feet of water outside the big bull kelp beds, and on the sandy beaches between rocky cliff points.