Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get back to the important stuff, like fishing. We all mourn the passing of rockfish season at the end of December. The reliable old standby, this year's season was very good from start to finish.

A dedicated angler could have brought home rockfish limits on just about any day of the 2012 season. Our local party boat and six-pack skippers did just that, with Stagnaro's, Captain Jimmy, and Reell Sportfisng providing us with nothing but "limit" reports all season. These passenger fishing vessels continue operating now, but are searching for sandabs and Dungeness Crab as a tasty alternative to the out-of-season rockfsh.

For now, the only "big game" available locally are the giant Humboldt squid. We had a flurry of shallow water squid catches before the holidays, but they have moved towards deeper waters in search of prey. The latest repots indicate a short Humboldt bite in Monterey straight out from the harbor there, but we have no confirmation that the bite is ongoing. There's always the chance of white sea bass as well. When and if the smaller market squid congregate in our area, we are almost sure to have sea bass along with them. These winter sea bass bites come and go in an eyeblink, though, so it pays to keep your ear to the ground for any reports.

Perch fishing has been consistent at all the ususal spots. Ed Burrell at Captiola Boat and Bait says "some days it's on and some days it's off." But, he is happy to report a nice variety of species such as the barred surf perch and black perch caught this week by Diana Gong, using shrimp bits while fishing from the wharf.

If all else fails for the weekend fishing fix, don't forget the Internatinal Sportsmen's Expo at Cal Expo State Fairgrounds, Sacramento. This is the yearly fishing and outdoor sports trade show that features hundreds of retailers, activities and seminars. Children are admitted for free and they will feature a "kids only" trout pond again this year. The ISE show will be running from Thursday January 10 through Sunday January 13.

And, for further fishing related fun, mark your calendar for the Santa Cruz Flyfishermen Club's annual fundraiser extravaganza on Saturday January 19. Scheduled for 5pm at the First Congregational Church on High Street in Santa Cruz, the event supports habitat restoration projects in the local community and throughout Northern California. This year the extravaganza includes a hors oeuvres feast as well as a raffle and auction of top-of-the-line fly-fishing gear. Tickets and information are available at The Angler's Choice in Capitola and on the Club website: http://www.santacruzflyfishermen.org/.

Above Photo:Diana Gong with just one of her beautiful black perch caught from the Capitola Wharf.