Well if you were not convinced that winter is here, these past few nights should have changed your mind. Wintertime is very special for the fishing community around Monterey Bay. It means Dungeness crab, big lingcod and perhaps woodsmoke from the stove as you dip into a fresh cioppino. My point is you do not have to stay inside, even if it's cold or if it's rainy.

We have a few weeks left of open season for rockfish and lings. Though ocean conditions are fickle right now, there will be plenty of opportunities to get out and stock up on some cod filets. The Capitola area is still producing good counts of rockfish from the deeper reefs. Check in with Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait on the wharf. He will not only rent you a skiff to use, but will point you in the correct direction for best fishing, and give you the correct tackle for success.

While a few rockfish have been reported caught straight out from the Santa Cruz Harbor, the fishing is a little better off West Cliff Drive, and up to Natural Bridges. When conditions are gentle enough, it pays to keep heading northwest to Wilder's, Four-Mile or the Davenport area for more and bigger fish.

We had a decent little swell pour through last week, and the waves may be strong this weekend as well. Along with windy afternoons, these conditions suggest caution if venturing out on a boat for rockfish or to check the crab pots. The northwest swell conditions also bring in the surfperch, a favorite target wintertime target. Beaches all around the Monterey Bay, including the sandy stretches close to town can provide plenty of action. Casting light tackle with plastic grubs or sandworms is a blast with these feisty little gamefish. Sandcrabs or shrimp bits work equally well when presented on a dropper loop or Carolina-rigged outfit. The Santa Cruz or Capitola Wharves and the Cement Ship by Rio Del Mar are also favorite perch fishing destinations.

For some anglers, winter demands a bit of travel. North Coast rivers such as the Klamath, Trinity and Eel can support large runs of big steelhead trout, and nearby San Francisco Bay provides action in the form of striped bass and the prehistoric sturgeon- both happening right now in the northern portion of SF Bay.
Remember time is growing short for our 2013 fishing licenses. The New Year demands a new license. Get it now and avoid the panic on January 1.