Salmon Season Starts Hot

We may not have an active store front to get you set up, but we'd like to share the news that this salmon season has been strong! Last weekend, we ran up to Pt. Reyes and limited with nice fish. From the number of sport and party boats who were in the immediate vicinity, it was clear that the word may have gotten out.

Hopefully, over the next few weeks, the fish will begin moving through the Duxbury/Muir Beach zones. Quantities and quality of bait looks good in almost every location we went through, so it's just a matter of the schools moving in.

This from the California Department of Fish & Game:

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 18, 2012

Media Contacts:

Brett Kormos, DFG Marine Region, (707) 576-3429
Carrie Wilson, DFG Communications, (831) 649-7191

The Bite is On! Fishing for Salmon off California Coast is Best in Years

If your fishing gear has been in the garage collecting dust, now's the time to pull it out because the salmon are here, and the bite is on! Anglers and sport-fishing charters off the California coast are returning to the docks with full boats and happy customers as the strong ocean salmon bite continues, making 2012 one of the best salmon seasons in years.

Mild weather and good ocean conditions are contributing to what fishermen and Department of Fish and Game (DFG) officials hope will continue to be a robust year for ocean salmon fishing. Hopes are also high for big returns to California rivers this fall.

“Thanks to the favorable ocean conditions and plentiful food, all the reports we are receiving from the coast are very positive,” said DFG Northern Regional Manager Neil Manji. “The charter boats are coming back early enough to make two trips a day because everyone has been catching their limits.”

The daily bag and possession limit is two salmon per person and the minimum size limit is 20 inches.

After several years of closed and reduced salmon fishing seasons, DFG and federal officials earlier this year estimated there would be thousands of adult salmon off the coast available for harvest. When ready, the fish will move inland for a run to their traditional spawning grounds.

Early forecasts predicted 819,000 adult Sacramento River fall-run Chinook and 1.7 million Klamath River fall-run Chinook adults off the coast. Since the opener in April, recreational harvest estimates for Chinook salmon off the California coast are the highest recorded since 2004. North of Horse Mountain, the totals are the highest since 2006 and five times those from 2011 during the same time period.

The San Francisco area harvest is the highest since 2006, and landings in the Monterey area are the best seen since 2004. In the Fort Bragg area, landings have been more moderate, although comparable to seasons that occurred there in 2003 and 2004.

“In my 26 years of working with salmon on the North Coast, I have never seen such a remarkable beginning to a salmon season. If the start of the season is any indication of what’s in store for the second half, anglers should not miss this opportunity of a lifetime. Get out there and take advantage of this epic bite!” added Manji.

Haulin' Crabs!

Yep - for most folks, the opening day of the Sport Dungeness Crab season was a good day out. We headed out the gate and dropped 8 traps in 65 to 75 feet of water, drifted back to the beginning of our string and started pulling - normally, we like to soak for a minimum of 2 - 3 hours - as we were trying to get a sense of how many crab were in the area. Plus, we hoped to limit before the rains hit in the afternoon.

The short story is "WOW!" Looks like it should be a good start to the season - we pulled the string twice with very short soaks and ended up with limits for all four on board. Only a few in the 6" range (minimum size for sport dungeness is 5 3/4"). This one was pretty much the average size -



After only managing a few late-season trips last year, it was nice to come back with plenty of crabs for the pot -


The crabs baited with herring and mackerel seemed to do the best - although it was pretty even throughout the day.

Reports seemed good out of Bodega as well, with Richard B. reporting full limits of healthy crab from their trip today.

Looks like a great start to the crab season! If you want to get in on the action, come on down to the shop and we'll get you set up. The season-start promotion on our Commercial Grade traps is still on, so it's the perfect time to get outfitted for the season!

Vote For Abalone Fishery Closure in Sonoma County

Fish and Game Commission Votes to Close Abalone
Fishery in Sonoma County

Contact:
Jordan Traverso, DFG Communications, (916) 654-9937

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) today took emergency action to close the abalone fishery along part of the northern California coast. Specifically, the Commission voted 3-0 to close the fishery in the entirety of Sonoma County. Commissioners Daniel Richards and Richard Rogers were not in attendance.

This action was taken in the wake of confirmed reports of dead red abalone and other invertebrates on beaches and inside coves along the Sonoma County coastline.

Data continue to be collected that shows an abalone die-off along the Sonoma coast beginning Aug. 27. According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) biologists, these abalone deaths coincided with a local red tide bloom and calm ocean conditions. Although the exact reasons for the abalone deaths are not known, invertebrate die-offs have occurred in the past along the northern California coast due to lack of oxygen and/or poisoning when similar weather and bloom conditions existed, but not at the magnitude of this event.

DFG is assessing the impact of the situation and provided the Commission with information at today's meeting.

Reports of dead abalone and a variety of invertebrates have come from Bodega Bay, Russian Gulch, Fort Ross, Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County and as far north as Anchor Bay in Mendocino County. DFG biologists and game wardens have collected abalone, mussels and water samples since the beginning and are continuing to document reports from the public. The public is encouraged to report the location, number and date of dead or dying abalone to Ian Taniguchi at (562) 342-7182 or by e-mail at itaniguchi@dfg.ca.gov.

Divers are encouraged to avoid diving in the affected areas. The exact implementation date of the emergency closure will be determined by the regulatory process and is expected soon. Please continue to check the Commission¹s website at www.fgc.ca.gov.

Abalone fishermen are advised to contact a physician immediately if they feel sick, and to report symptoms to the local county health department (www.sonoma-county.org/health/about/publichealth.asp). The latest red tide updates from the California Department of Public Health are also posted online at www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/DDWEM.aspx.

For more information, please refer to DFG's Sept. 2 press release, available at
http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/abalone-die-off-observed-in-sonoma-
county/.

Closure of Abalone Fishery Under Consideration

The California Fish and Game Commission will consider emergency action on
Thursday, Sept. 15 to possibly close the abalone fishery along the northern
California coast. This action is being considered in the wake of confirmed
reports of dead red abalone and other invertebrates on beaches and inside
coves along the coast in Sonoma County.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is currently attempting to assess the
impact of the situation and will provide the Commission with information at
this Thursday's meeting. Based on the DFG's report, the Commission may take
emergency action to close the abalone season along all or parts of the
Sonoma coast.

There was an abalone die-off along the Sonoma coast beginning Aug. 27 as a
result of a red tide-induced poisoning and/or lack of oxygen. According to
DFG biologists, these abalone deaths coincided with a local red tide bloom
and calm ocean conditions. Although the exact reasons for the abalone deaths
are not known, invertebrate die-offs have occurred in the past along the
northern California coast when similar weather and bloom conditions existed.

The number of dead and dying abalone is not known but DFG divers are
assessing the damage this week via underwater transect surveys. Reports of
dead abalone and a variety of invertebrates have come from Bodega Bay,
Russian Gulch, Fort Ross, Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park. Other DFG
biologists and game wardens have collected abalone, mussels and water
samples since the beginning of the bloom and are continuing to document
reports from the public.

For more information, please refer to DFG's Sept. 2 press release,
http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/abalone-die-off-observed-in-sonoma-
county/.

Abalone fishermen are advised to contact a physician immediately if they
feel sick, and to report symptoms to the local county health department
(www.sonoma-county.org/health/about/publichealth.asp). The latest red tide
updates from the California Department of Public Health are also posted
online at www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/DDWEM.aspx.

Contacts:
Ian Taniguchi, DFG Marine Region, (562) 342-7182
Kirsten Macintyre, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8988

Salmon. Ocean. Now. GO!

Just because I got a couple emails asking for proof of fish from Saturday's trip... Here are 2 of the three we caught.

Saturday Salmon and a Note on Gear Care

Along with a number of other folks who have heard that ocean salmon fishing is hot right now, a few of us ran out Saturday morning to see if we could put some fish in the box. It was one of those glorious mornings in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a couple gaps in the fog to remind us what a great place this is.


Weather conditions were a bit odd - there was a building swell from the south/southwest. It's much more common to find swells from the northwest which usually does two things if you are running out through the Golden Gate - 1st, because of the curves and points of the coastline north of the San Francisco Bay, there natural lees from the wind if you tuck in behind Point Reyes or Duxbury buoy. While you don't necessarily avoid the wind, you can usually find calmer water while catching salmon. 2nd, the winds "push you home" so you don't really fight water conditions on the return trip.

But with the swells from the unprotected south, there was nothing to do and nowhere to hide. So, we rocked and rolled a bit, but landed three fine fish on the day (unfortunately "long-line released " a couple as well - a pitching boat and moving fish can make things tricky.)


I would have liked to get footage of our intrepid staff members landing the fish, but I had one hand on the rail and the other on the net during the fights. Large fish on the day was ~18 pounds.

Things were a bit unsettled around Pt. Bonita, but a careful hand on the throttle and eye on the waves tucked us back under the bridge.

We took a couple of passes through California City, though the conditions were much more pleasant, we definitely were on the wrong part of the tide, so we decided to pick up and head home.

Gear Care:
Now that the ocean salmon is going good, it's been scary to see some of the reels and rods that have been sitting in garages, trunks or the hold of a boat for the last two or three years.



Before you go -
First off, replace your line! Don't waste your time and money to get your boat in the water or schedule a party boat trip without replacing old mono or spectra line. Monofilament will degrade when exposed to heat or UV. There's nothing quite like the sinking feeling of seeing line snap "for no reason" when you hook a nice fish. Also, if the leader on your lures or bait rigs have been abraded or seemed kinked or dry, get some leader material (or new lures with sharp hooks!) and spend an hour re-rigging things. Sharpen or replace hooks that don't easily dig into your fingernail.

On your rods, check first for broken or missing guides, then take a q-tip or cotton ball and drag it around the inside of the guide ring. Does it pull off fibers? If it's a nickeled or stainless guide (i.e. - no insert), then you should find some ultra-fine steel wool or emery paper to see if you can buff things smooth. Otherwise, every time you let line out or reel in the guides will be abrading your line.

Also, take a look at the side plates or reinforcing rings on your guides. Quite a few times, we've had to break the bad news to anglers that their old Penn Senator had cracked or split (often after wiping the sludge off of the reels!)

After you go -
As soon as you can after hitting the dock, rinse your gear down with a fresh water wash. Then back the drag off and let it air dry. Using Salt-X or a similar salt removal rinse is a great idea as well. Keep it out of the sun and store in a cool place. Then, when you are ready to go the next time, your rig will be too!

CDFG News Release - North Coast Salmon Season Opener Shows Promise

North Coast Salmon Season Opener Shows Promise

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) biologists are expecting a promising north
coast salmon fishing season through Labor Day, Sept. 5. The sport season
opened two weeks ago in the Klamath Management Zone, which stretches from the
Oregon border to Horse Mountain, located just north of Shelter Cove.

The return of a healthy sport fishing season is excellent news for anglers
and businesses in the region. For the last three years, salmon fishing has
been relatively nonexistent on the north coast due to fishery restrictions
designed to protect California salmon stocks and a lack of local salmon in
nearshore areas.

Early in the season, fishing success and opportunity is very
weather-dependent. When boats have been getting out, they have been getting good results.

Field samplers with DFG's California Recreational Fisheries Survey program
contacted approximately 200 anglers fishing from private skiffs and
commercial passenger fishing vessels and checked almost 100 chinook salmon
landed during the opening weekend. Heads were collected from all adipose
fin-clipped salmon because the missing fin indicates that the salmon snout
was implanted with a microscopic, coded-wire tag that reveals the hatchery
of origin and other information important to California salmon management.

"This is a promising start to the salmon season," said Ed Roberts, DFG
associate marine biologist. "Weather hampered anglers on Sunday, but on
Saturday most boats landed a few legal fish and also released some
undersized fish."

Anglers reported that cold water conditions and scattered bait made locating
schools of salmon difficult. As the season proceeds, waters are expected to warm and
anglers will be better able to locate schools of bait and salmon. Spring
weather is notoriously difficult to predict while summer days normally bring
calmer seas.

Wardens checking anglers found good overall compliance with salmon
regulations. The most common violation continues to be the use of barbed
hooks while fishing for salmon. Anglers north of Point Conception are
reminded that they are required to use only barbless hooks while fishing for
salmon and that once a salmon is onboard their boat or other floating
device, all anglers must use barbless hooks, even if they switch to bottom
fishing.

State Groundfish Regulations Remain in Effect for Ocean Anglers

CDFG News Release - State Groundfish Regulations Remain in Effect
for Ocean Anglers

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 11, 2011

Contacts:
NOAA Fisheries Groundfish Branch, (206) 526-6140
Tony Warrington, DFG Law Enforcement Divison, (916) 826-9416
Marci Yaremko, DFG Marine Region, (858) 442-3004
Kirsten Macintyre, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8988

State Groundfish Regulations Remain in Effect for Ocean Anglers

Due to a delay in the federal rulemaking process, the California Fish and
Game Commission was unable to conform state recreational groundfish
regulations in a timely manner. New federal regulations now result in a
conflict between state and federal regulations for recreational groundfish
fishing, so that some rules differ for state (0 to 3 nautical miles from
shore) and federal waters (3-200 nautical miles from shore) off the
California coast beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Fish and Game Commission are
working to amend the state regulations to align them with the 2011 federal
regulations by early June 2011. Until then, DFG reminds California anglers
to follow existing state regulations.

Immediate actual conflict with State Title 14 regulations beginning May 11,
2011:
1. Lingcod size limit and the allowable alternate fillet length (statewide)
- State regulations continue to specify that the limit is two fish at 24
inches with a 16-inch fillet size limit.
2. Cabezon (statewide) - State regulations will continue to allow only a
two-fish sub-bag limit on cabezon.
3. Cabezon and greenling gears (statewide) - State regulations will
continue to follow the general gear provisions only.

New actual conflict arises on Saturday, May 14, 2011:
4. Season opening date in the Northern and Mendocino Groundfish Management
Areas (from the California/Oregon border south to Pt. Arena) - State
regulations will continue to be in effect, opening the fishery in these
areas on Sunday, May 15.

New actual conflict arises on Wednesday, June 1, 2011:
5. Season opening date in the San Francisco Area (from Pt. Arena to Pigeon
Pt.) - State regulations will continue to be in effect, opening the fishery
in these areas on June 13.

DFG will provide information to the public on its website as soon as the
Commission takes action and new state groundfish fishing regulations become
effective.

###

Abalone Season Cranks Up

Abalone Season Opened April 1

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

Contacts:
Jerry Kashiwada, DFG Marine Region, (707) 964-5791
Dana Michaels, DFG Communications, (916) 322-2420

New Report Cards Available through Automated License Data System

California's popular red abalone season opened April 1 in waters north of
San Francisco Bay. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds divers and
rock pickers that anyone taking abalone must record their catch on an
abalone report card, and tag the animal with corresponding tags from the
cards.

This year, all licenses and cards will be available through the new
Automated License Data System (ALDS), which automatically records purchases
in an active database.

"Abalone report cards are a vital source of information needed to manage
this resource, and the ALDS will allow us to track whether individuals have
returned their report cards as required by law," said DFG Associate Marine
Biologist Jerry Kashiwada. "In the past, we could not easily determine who
had not returned their cards."

Abalone report cards should be returned to the DFG Fort Bragg office at
32330 North Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-5554. Cards must be returned
by January 31 of the following year, although cards may be submitted early.
Abalone report cards must be returned even if no abalone is taken.

Because of the nature of the paper used for the ALDS abalone report card and
tags, scissors are needed to separate the tags from the card just prior to
attaching them to an abalone. In the past, scissors were not needed to
separate the pre-perforated tags.

Tags that are separated from the cards ahead of time are invalid. Holes may
be punched in the tags immediately after purchase, however. Other slight
modifications to the tagging procedure may be needed with the ALDS report
cards.

The Fish and Game Commission is currently considering proposals for marine
protected areas (MPAs) along the north coast, from Point Arena in Mendocino
County to the Oregon border. The north coast MPA process will not affect the
2011 abalone season. To find out more about the MPAs currently under
consideration, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/northcoast.asp.

Currently, the only open abalone fishery in California is in the northern
region of the state. This fishery is biologically sustainable and has
remained productive for nearly 60 years. In 2009, the most recent year for
which figures are available, the recreational catch in northern California
was an estimated 295,000 abalone.

Everyone engaging in the take of abalone is responsible for knowing and
abiding by all California abalone sport fishing regulations. A complete list
of abalone fishing regulations is also available in the 2011 Ocean Sport
Fishing regulations booklet, available wherever fishing licenses are sold,
at DFG offices and online at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.

---

Western Sport Shop note:
Just to put a finer point on it - ALL of the new licenses and tags are generated using the new Automated License Data System (ALDS). That means that the Tyvek-type paper used on your fishing license is the same as that used on the Abalone (or Sturgeon, Salmon and Steelhead) report card will not tear. So - since you need to tag your abalone directly, you will need to have some method for cutting the tag and punching a hole into it. (And this license material is tough!)

We've been setting up anglers and ab divers with a small, sharp set of scissors, and have been working hard to keep in stock on the small, waterproof containers which can hold it all. If you take a few minutes to set up the proper type of kit, you won't waste fishing or diving time trying to find a buddy who has sharp scissors or a hole punch!

As a reminder - we have been selected as one of the ALDS centers in the Bay Area, are actively selling the new California Fishing Licenses, and should be able to answer most of your questions regarding licensing. 2011/2012 Hunting Licenses are NOT currently available, but we recommend that you bring your current Hunting License down now if you will be purchasing a hunting license - this will let us input your Hunter Safety Evidence (your current or previous year license, or your actual Hunter Safety Course Card) when we sell you a fishing license. That will speed things up when the deer tags and new hunting licenses are available in a few months.

Salmon Season UPDATE - 3 mile "no fish" zone

Before you roll out with fleet tomorrow, I wanted to clarify one thing: before you drop your lines in the water, you need to be 3 miles offshore.

This is because the season has been opened at the Federal level, but the State Committee has not met to agree to implement the season. (That meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 4th.)

This won't be a particularly big deal, as the salmon schools and bait are typically further offshore this time of year, but just in case you were thinking about swinging through close to Muir Beach or any other potential spot closer than 3 miles to shore, you cannot legally fish there.

Please feel free to ask any questions when you come by the shop - the tray bait is in and we are also receiving some newer 2.5 and 3 balls, which have a quality coating to prevent rust and provide a less expensive option than standard lead.

See ya on the ocean!

Ocean Salmon Season OPENS SATURDAY!

Get your line replaced and sharpen those hooks! You can head out onto the ocean this Saturday! Recreational salmon fishing on the California coast will return to normal April 2 following a vote by the California Fish and Game Commission.The commission's unanimous vote permits recreational salmon fishing, starting April 2, in state waters roughly between Cape Mendocino and Point Sur. State waters extend out three miles from shore.

The vote took place as an emergency action in order to coincide with a similar move by the Pacific Fishery Management Council last week that affects federal waters. Had the commission waited until its next regular meeting on April 6, anglers would not have been able to catch salmon in state waters on opening weekend.

We've got new shipments of lures, line and sinkers - all the gear you need to be ready for the earliest opener for the past 4 seasons!

And if you hurry down to the shop, you may still be able to find some great trolling lures at half off - the last of the overstock gear from our Santa Rosa store! Get Ready for SALMON!

For more information -

Link to article in the Sacramento Bee -
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/03/15/3475574/salmon-fishing-on-coast-restored.html


The Pacific Fishery Management Council website currently seems to be the most up to date (CDFG site information was not updated as of this post).

http://www.pcouncil.org/salmon/current-season-management/

OCEAN SALMON REGULATIONS HOTLINE (707) 576-3429
CDFG - Ocean Salmon Project
475 Aviation Blvd, Suite 130, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

A Choppy Little Monday

It started a bit choppy as we headed out the gate today, but we throttled back and eased our way up to Duxbury buoy to see if we could continue our string of success with the salmon. Only a few party boats and a handful of private boats toughed their way through the waves, and we all rocked and rolled, tangled lines, and tried to convince ourselves this was a good idea.

As it turned out (and isn't this the case with all fish stories?) it was well worth the effort. Luckily, we were holding an ace - this time in the form of Tom - the Western Sport Shop Operations Manager! Just as we were turning for another run, Tom hooked into a nice king salmon, which made four strong runs (in addition to sometimes seeming like he was above deck level, thanks to the waves). He played it expertly, and we boated our lone fish for the day. (Released a silver salmon boatside a bit later.)

The skies cleared and it was a beautiful day on the water - though as any salmon angler knows, when the skies turn blue, that usually means a bit more wind. This was actually in the more sheltered bits, as we took a long troll down past Slide Ranch.



Once we were safely inside the bay again, we slowed down so Tom could show off his fish. He caught this one on some of the gorgeous frozen tray anchovey we have been enjoying of late - rigged on a Krippled Anchovie rig, behind a small chartreuse flasher.



We also graphed a number of fish hanging off of California City at the top of the high tide, but didn't spend more than a few minutes dragging a line through them.

Flies In The Surf

Wow! Between getting ready for our Huge Fall Sale on August 27th and playing hooky and going fishing myself, I managed to get a bit behind in posting photos!

One of the great things about running Western Sport Shop is that we get to meet really talented anglers. Occasionally, we get lucky enough to have one work for us! Those of you who have been in the fly department in San Rafael have probably met Loren, who has worked for us the last couple summers. When Loren isn't answering questions or helping get folks rigged up right, he manages to do better than most folks when flyfishing the surf. Here are just a few photos we've seen of his adventures -

White Sea Bass off Marin!

Within a few minutes of that last post, I got an email asking "What White Seabass?"

Realized that I never posted the photos from two weeks ago - General Manager Tom and his son Wes had joined us on the boat. After boating a nice, football-shaped king salmon, Big Jim lost an entire rig to an unseen fish that stayed deep and very "un-salmon-like".

A while later, Wes pulled up on a "big salmon" which went crazy-deep, wrapped up two other lines and turned out to be 45 inch white sea bass!





We've been hearing reports of other anglers coming up with these fish, which are a bit more common down off Monterey. This one took a larger hoochie rig - which seems to be the lure of choice for these monsters. Way to go, Wes!

Thursday's Salmon

Got out Thursday and worked Duxbury most of the morning, ending up with three very nice salmon. This one was the largest of the bunch.

We've finally gotten some high-quality frozen tray anchovies, which accounted for 2 of the 3 fish - our trick for the day was to use Krippled Anchovie rigs, which are perfectly sized for these somewhat smaller baits. The other fish bit on a large Apex with anchovy gel.

After waiting for two-plus years, it's been great to finally run for salmon again! Didn't hear of any more white seabass being caught while we were out, but many boats where pulling Ling cod nearby.

Ocean Salmon Season SET!

Hot off the wires from the California Department of Fish and Game comes the press release concerning this years's PFMC decision - Looks like we will have an Ocean Salmon Season!

2010 Ocean Salmon Seasons Set

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has set the 2010 salmon seasons for ocean waters off California. Ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:

-- The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain will be open from May 29 through September 6. Minimum take size is 24 inches.

-- The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open through September 6. Minimum take size will increase from 20 inches to 24 inches beginning May 1.

-- The waters from Point Arena to the United States/Mexico border will remain open through September 6. From May 1 through September 6, fishing will be allowed only from Thursday through Monday. Minimum take size will increase from 20 inches to 24 inches beginning May 1.

All zones have a limit of two Chinook salmon. No take of coho salmon is allowed.

The PFMC also set limited commercial seasons in some zones. Information on these seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org.

The California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) will meet on April 21 to review and conform ocean seasons and size limits in state waters to mirror the new federal rules. The FGC will also set the inland salmon seasons at this time. The FGC sets all seasons in California inland and coastal waters extending three miles out.

The FGC will discuss and vote on a proposal that mirrors the dates adopted by the PFMC for ocean salmon seasons but may include additional gear and size restrictions. The proposed general sport fishing regulations and gear restrictions, along with maps of each area, can be viewed at: www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

Anglers can review additional ocean salmon regulations in the Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet on DFG's Web site at: www.dfg.ca.gov or call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429 for additional information.

Salmon Season Updates

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 26, 2010
(sent by email to us on April 6, by the way...)

Contacts:
Marc Heisdorf, DFG Biologist, Marine Region, (707) 576-2873
Harry Morse, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8962

Recreational Ocean Salmon Season Opens in Most Areas April 3

The recreational salmon season for ocean waters south of Horse Mountain in Humboldt County to the U.S.-Mexico border is scheduled to open on April 3. Season dates for ocean waters north of Horse Mountain and in Humboldt Bay will be decided in mid-April by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PMFC) and the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC).

A map of each area along with general sport fishing regulations related to each area can be viewed at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

All Chinook salmon harvested must meet the size limit for the zone where they are taken. All coho salmon are protected by law and if caught must be released unharmed. Current regulations include the following:

Humbug Mountain (OR) to Horse Mountain: Closed

The rest of California's coastal waters (Horse Mountain to U.S.-Mexico Border): Season is scheduled for April 3-30, 2010
Limit is two salmon per day of any species (except coho)
Minimum size limit is 20 inches total length

Closing dates of all ocean seasons and size limits may be changed by the PMFC and FGC at their April meetings. Ocean salmon sport seasons in effect on or after May 1, 2010 will also be determined at the April meetings.

Sport season options currently being evaluated can be found at www.pcouncil.org.

Anglers can review additional requirements imposed by ocean salmon regulations (Section 27.80) in the Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet, available wherever sport fishing licenses are sold, at your local DFG office, and on DFG Web site at: www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.

Limited Ocean Salmon Season Probable

Did Someone Say "SALMON"?!?!?!
We just got word last night that the State of California should be opening up a limited Ocean Salmon sport fishing season on April 3, 2010.

We are working to confirm all of the specifics, but it appears that it will be a 30 Day season open within three miles of shore. Obviously, that's not the longest season we've ever heard of, and the prime schools may be a bit further out, but it does at least provide the opportunity to dust off your ocean gear and get out on the water!

As soon as we get further information, we will pass it along. In the meantime, if you want to stock up with some salmon trolling lures, salmon trolling flashers or anchovy bait rigs, all salmon trolling lures and flashers in stock will be HALF OFF until the season opens!

We'll also give you the opportunity to respool your old line - SAVE 20% on all bulk line purchases for your ocean reel. Again, this is only until April 3, 2010 and may require leaving your reel to have the line wound on.

Ocean Salmon Fishing? Well.... Yeah! Sort of...

We received a ton of calls over the weekend concerning the California Department of Fish & Game Announcement of a limited ocean salmon fishing season for this year.

In short, they are allowing a limited period of fishing near the mouth of the Klamath River, so unless you plan on trailering your boat or making a long run, most of the San Francisco Bay boat owners are better off chasing the local halibut and striped bass.

Here's the press release we received from the DFG:

From: "Marine Management News" <marinenews@dfg.ca.gov>
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:30:13 -0700
Subject: CDFG News Release: Ten-Day Recreational Ocean Salmon Season to Open
in Northern California Aug. 29

California Department of Fish and Game News Release

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2009

Contact: Joe Duran, Associate Marine Biologist, (707) 576-3456
Harry Morse, Public Information Officer, (916) 322-8962

Ten-Day Recreational Ocean Salmon Season to Open in Northern California
Aug. 29

California¹s only 2009 recreational ocean salmon season will be open
Aug. 29 through Sept. 7 in the Klamath Management Zone along the north
coast. The brief season was authorized by the Pacific Fishery Management
Council and California Fish and Game Commission, based on data collected
by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) showing enough adult Klamath
fall run Chinook will return to the Klamath River Basin to allow for a
limited ocean harvest while maintaining conservation goals. Since 2008,
commercial and recreational fishing for salmon has been closed in all
other ocean areas off California in order to protect Sacramento River
fall run Chinook, which have been at historically low numbers the last
two years.

³This northern California season was specifically designed to
minimize the incidental take of Sacramento River fall Chinook,² said
Marija Vojkovich, Marine Region Manager and DFG¹s representative to
the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

The boundaries of the open ocean fishing area extend from north of
Horse Mt. (40° 05¹ 00² N. latitude) to the California - Oregon
border. The retention of coho salmon or steelhead trout is prohibited in
all California ocean fisheries. Anglers are required to use barbless
hooks and are limited to one rod per person when fishing for salmon, or
when fishing from a boat with salmon on board.

The daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except
coho, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length. A salmon
report card is no longer required when fishing for salmon in the
ocean.

The opening of this salmon season is expected to provide some relief to
businesses that cater to the salmon anglers. According to DFG economist
Terry Tillman, the 10-day ocean salmon sport fishing season could boost
economic output by $2 million statewide. Locally, in Humboldt and Del
Norte counties, the season could contribute an additional $370,000 to
total economic output for the region.

The 2009-2010 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Supplement, published
by DFG, lists all current regulations and restrictions. The supplement
is available at sport fishing licenses dealers, DFG offices and online
at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations. Anglers may also call the Ocean Salmon
Hotline at (707) 576-3429 for additional information.

Salmon news and related information compiled by DFG is online at:
www.dfg.ca.gov/news/issues/salmon.

Spring Fishing Bonanza!

Bay And Ocean Report
Surf striper action has begun with a bang, as several large schools of big stripers are working their way up the coast starting in Monterey where surf casters report hot action during the low light hours on big surface poppers like the 7" Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper in white with a red head, or 8" Chesapeak Bay Custom Poppers in pink bait fish and black back bait fish. When the sun is out, it's time to break out the iron - 3 to 4oz Kastmasters, Micky Jigs, and Sumo . These fish are on the move too, as reports are beginning to come in to Pacifica and Ocean Beach as well. Also several surf casters are reporting to their amazement that white sea bass are appaerently schooling up with the bass or at least near them and several have been landed.

Striper fishing in the bay has been a different story, with reports of sporadic "hit or miss" fishing from Sausalito to Buck's Landing, but Red Rock has been a bright spot fishing well on the north and south side depending on the tide. Hair raisers, Swimbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Yozuri Crystal Minnows, and Lucky Craft Pointer 128s in Auorora Black or American Shad.

Live bait is still unavailable, but trollers are doing very well for Halibut along South Hampton Shoal, Berkley Flats, Outer Richmond Harbor and off Paradise Park. Best bets are either herring behind a dodger, or herring in a rotary salmon killer rigged to a rotary flasher. If you want to catch jacksmelt on a sabiki rig, or buy shiners, you can drift the Marin Islands and the main bay the same way you drift anchoveys. Another method is the "power drift" (moving the boat just fast enough to make your line enter the water diagonaly) with a hootchie rig over frozen anchoveys or plastic worm tails.

Freshwater Report
One month since the state ban on stocking trout in Bon Tempe was lifted, the lake has been stocked twice and anglers are reporting limits on Power Bait, 1/4oz Kastmasters , and 1/4oz Panther Martin spinners. Bon tempe has yet to produce a big trout eating bass for the guys who throw big trout swimbaits like the Storm BBZ-1 or Hud, but now that the trout are back it's only a matter of time.

Stafford Lake is producing bass in the 3/4 to 2lb range on Senkos, drop-shotted worms, and down sized spinnerbaits, but some of the regulars are getting better quality fish with frogs, flipping jigs, swim jiga, big cranks, big c-rigs and swim baits.

Look for an improving bite on early morning top water as well as an improving bite on windy afternoon spinnerbait, and swim jig fishing aswell.

Kent Lake is still fishing great and the top baits are 6" Senkos, Football head jigs, and Swim jigs. Look for an improving early morning bite on big walking baits and wake baits.

Lake Berryessa is still a play ground for guys who want numbers of bass and a shot for a big one on top. Best baits are the drop shott, the football head jig, the Zara Super Spook, and the 6" Hud.

Last but not least, a quick congratulations for Jeffrey Russel who won a very stingy derby at the Marin County Bass Club Tournament held at Stafford Lake last month. And also to Chris "Flipper" Franks for sticking a monster bass on Lake Berryessa during his last tourney there.

FREE Topwater Techniques and Jig Fishing Clinics -
June 17th and 18th
If you want to reliably catch largemouth bass, you need to be on top of your techniques. It's surprising to meet so many anglers who have great results when their main (or only) technique is producing, but suddenly start catching zip when conditions and seasons change. Of course, one of the things I love to do is share these other ways of fishing with anglers who want to learn. My goal is to have you catching quality fish year round.

Two of the most needed skills you need right now are Effectively Fishing Topwater Baits and Jig Fishing.

On Wednesday, June 17th I will be giving a free Topwater clinic at the Western Sport Shop in San Rafael. The clinic will start at 6:30 and go about an hour.
(Map to location shown below)

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On Thusday June 18th I will be giving a free clinic on jig fishing at Santa Rosa store starting at 6:00pm .
(Map to location shown below)

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Both clinics are free and open to the public. Please try to attend one or the other and your results will benefit!