A tropical low-pressure system passed through the area on Wednesday, bringing grey skies, some scattered rain and putting inshore fish off the bite. Hopefully the good fishing will rebound by the weekend. And, fishing has been very good in most areas around the Monterey Bay. Things are changing as the season progresses, but there are still a variety of species to pursue throughout the Bay and the wild coasts to the north and south.


Carol Jones from Kahuna Sportfishing is taking advantage of the big halibut lying in the flat sandy areas near Moss Landing and Pajaro beaches. Jones sent the Kahuna out specifically for halibut this week and posted decent scores on the flatfish. Friday 11 anglers landed 15 halibut to 27 pounds as well as eight starry flounder. On Monday 10 anglers landed only three flatties, with four lost at the boat. That trip netted 11 flounder. A few halibut were reported caught from the Mile Buoy area of Santa Cruz, and Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait has seen flatties caught every day. Most of the Capitola fish are coming from the Cement Ship area. With the warm water temperatures, look for halibut in slightly deeper water than is usual for this time of year. 60-70 feet of water looks like the best depth lately.


If you can't find a flatty, change out to circle hooks and look for bait balls on the bottom just outside in 100-120 feet of water. Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine reports a decent salmon bite due south of Santa Cruz Harbor and also has weighed in a few fish caught from the West Jetty. Jetty anglers are using the tried and true pink worm with a floating fish pill with a small sliding sinker or splitshot weight. Remember hooks must be barbless for salmon, review the regulations if needed. The bulk of harbor salmon have not yet arrived, but a few are coming through.


Rockfishing remains the same. It's limit style fishing for the entire Monterey Bay and beyond. Lingcod in particular are prevalent this year. Chris' Fishing Trips ion Monterey posted limits of rockfish (210) and lingcod (42) on the Checkmate Monday and 200 rockfish with 35 lings Tuesday for the 20 anglers aboard the Caroline.


• While the Santa Cruz Port Commission is deliberating fishing ordinances, a strict interpretation of current rules is enforced. No fishing whatsoever is being allowed inside the harbor. Hopefully, that will adjust when the commission meets again on the matter Aug. 12. Your voice can still count toward preserving salmon fishing within the Santa Cruz Harbor. Please go to mbstp.org and email your public comment in favor of harbor fishing.


Allen Bushnell can also be heard on The Let's Go Fishing Radio Show Thursdays at 8 p.m. on KSCO radio 1080 AM.