The ocean was wild for most of this week, with big swells and high, gusty winds. Even the surfcasters are challenged by the continuous series of big swells. Plenty of structure is being created as the sand moves around, but heavy currents and whitewater are keeping the surfperch scattered.

The beaches south of Moss Landing were most productive for surfcasting last week, with barred surfperch biting on bloodworms, sandcrabs and Carolina-rigged grubs. If you haven't already, be sure to get your entry in to the 8th Annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Derby. Established to support the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project, the derby attracts anglers from across the state, and offers big prizes and great camaraderie. Entries are available at Bayside Marine in the Santa Cruz Harbor, or online at www.theletsgofishingradioshow.com

At least one day this week was beautiful for fishing on the boats. Jim Rubin from Captain Jimmy Sportfishing headed out Thursday to find flat calm seas and warm sunlight. "It was greasy calm out there, just gorgeous!" Rubin pulled crab pots for client limits, then hit the deep flats for more sanddabs. "My clients stopped at 100 dabs each," Rubin said. "We're still seeing the large variety dabs, they are big enough to filet." Stagnaro's Sportfishing also maxed out on sanddabs this week. "Its wide open sanddab fishing!" said skipper Ken Stagnaro. "We got 380 'dabs for 12 fisherman on Saturday. Next trips are Saturday the 18th and Monday the 20th."

There is some good news from our government regulatory agencies. Earlier this month the California Fish and Game Commission rejected proposed changes to regulations for bag and size limits on striped bass. The proposal was a result of a lawsuit by inland water companies attempting to divert attention from their destructive impact on Sacramento Delta habitat and native fish populations. Score one for the good guys!

Information form California Department of Fish and Game indicates that our king salmon population remains healthy enough to ensure another full season of ocean salmon. Opening day should be at the beginning of April and the season should run until October. The Pacific Fisheries Management Council will come up with their recommendation at the beginning of March, but the numbers look good for us.