A beautiful west swell rolled in this week, to the delight of surfers up and down the coast. The swell served to further slow our halibut bite from the 30 to 70-foot depths, though a few flatties were reported caught near New Brighton Beach, Capitola and from some north coast spots. Halibut fishing has been good all season, starting early in March and continuing still. Over the winter months most halibut retreat to the deep waters of the bay and scatter. A few hang around in shallower waters. Every year we record a few catches in January and February. this year, perhaps we’ll se more flat tie action through the winter, especially if the baitfish hang around. Hordes of anchovies remain in the bay from the beaches out to the deep waters, providing food for pinnipeds, whales, seabirds and our broad variety of predator fish species.

Rockfishing is allowed only beyond the 60-fathom line for this month, Boats are still doing very well on the deeper rockfish, often with a bonus of lingcod and Petrale sole in the mix. JT Thomas with Go Fish Santa Cruz reported on Wednesday, “We fished the deep water today. The clients caught 3 ling cod, big vermillion, canaries, yellow tail, green spots, and some Petrale sole.” Private boater Jesus Meza from Monterey fished the deeps about eight miles downcoast from Monterey Harbor this week. He returned with limits of rockfish including Bocaccio and chilipeppers as well as some lingcod of the large variety. Meza added a not of caution to his report saying, “(Remember to) ID and double check your fish. Look out for yelloweye and near shore fish like coppers! Fish and Game is out there. Lots of yellow eye in Moss Landing and at Cypress point.”

The deep reefs will be closed at the end of this month. Skipper Rodney Armstrong at Santa Cruz Coastal Fishing advises we get it while the getting is good. “Not too many more opportunities left this month for deep water, so book now so you don’t miss out. Also hoop nets for crab open on the 2nd of November,” Inshore waters will re-open for rockfish from November 1 - November 30, out to a maximum depth of 120 feet. In December, it’s another switcher. Inshore rockfish will be closed, and Offshore fishing will be open in waters beyond the 300-foot line.