As you put your new 2012 California Fishing License in with your gear, take a quick moment to dig out your report cards (Sturgeon, North Coast Salmon and Steelhead being the most common) and send them back to fish and game - they are due by January 31, 2012.
Note - for Steelhead Report Cards, you may file the report online:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/steelheadcard
All other cards must be mailed:
Sturgeon Report Cards:
California DFG Fisheries Branch
Sturgeon Fishing Report Card
PO Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
North Coast Salmon Report Cards:
Department of Fish and Game, Klamath River Project
5341 Ericson Way
Arcata, CA 95521
Abalone Report Cards:
Department of Fish and Game
32330 N. Harbor Dr.
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Spiny Lobster Report Cards:
Department of Fish and Game, Lobster Report Card
4949 Viewridge Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
North Coast Salmon Report Cards:
Department of Fish and Game, Klamath River Project
5341 Ericson Way
Arcata, CA 95521
Please note - we are currently selling 2012 DFG Fishing Licenses, tags and report cards. You must bring in either a valid photo ID or 2011 Sport Fishing License to obtain the current year's license.
Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sunday, August 21, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Hot for This Weekend!
In case it wasn't clear from the last two posts - we've made a special purchase on that Penn 320GT2 reel and the Ugly Stik BWC/AO2201 and have set them up as a rod and reel combo - including mono line! All for only $149.99!
Normally, the reel alone would go for about $100, while the rod would set you back another $80. But, we secured a special deal on these - just in time for prime time for the ocean and bay fishing!
We've also put together some lighter weight outfits, and have a wide assortment of freshwater and saltwater spinning setups - ready to spool up and get you out for the big holiday weekend!
Normally, the reel alone would go for about $100, while the rod would set you back another $80. But, we secured a special deal on these - just in time for prime time for the ocean and bay fishing!
We've also put together some lighter weight outfits, and have a wide assortment of freshwater and saltwater spinning setups - ready to spool up and get you out for the big holiday weekend!
Friday, June 10, 2011
DFG Update - Recreational Groundfish Regulations
California Department of Fish and Game News Release
New 2011-2012 Recreational Groundfish Regulations Effective June 9, 2011
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) announces changes to recreational
groundfish regulations that apply to state waters 0-3 nautical miles from
shore. The new regulations were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission last
month and take effect June 9, 2011. The changes conform to new federal
regulations implemented by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fisheries last month, making all groundfish regulations consistent for state
and federal waters from 3 to 200 nautical miles from shore.
The new California regulations were developed over the past two years in
collaboration with fishery constituents after updated status information for
certain groundfish species became available. For some areas of the state,
the new stock assessment results combined with recent catch information
allowed for longer fishing seasons while still keeping projected catches
within allowable federal harvest limits.
The changes will apply to California recreational groundfish fishing
regulations for 2011-2012 statewide unless otherwise noted, and include the
following:
- A decrease of the lingcod minimum size limit from 24 to 22 inches
- An increase of the recreational bag limit of cabezon to three fish,
within the 10-fish combined bag limit for rockfish, cabezon and greenlings
- Removal of the lingcod fishery closure in December and January through
March when groundfish fishing is otherwise authorized
- An increase of the fishing depth constraint to 60 fathoms year-round for
California scorpionfish
- Modification to gear restrictions when fishing for cabezon and greenlings
so that no more than one line and two hooks may be used, consistent with
existing regulations for rockfish and lingcod
- Other modifications to improve clarity and organization
Some Groundfish Management Areas have been renamed. The seasons and depth
restrictions that apply for specific Groundfish Management Areas will take
effect as follows:
Northern (California/Oregon border to near Cape Mendocino):
--For 2011, open May 14 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
Mendocino (Near Cape Mendocino to Point Arena):
--For 2011, open May 14 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point):
--For 2011, open June 9 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
--For 2012, open June 1 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
Central (Pigeon Point to Point Conception):
--For 2011 and 2012, open May 1 through December 31 in depths less than 240
feet
Southern (Point Conception to U.S./Mexico border):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than
360 feet
Cowcod Conservation Areas (offshore Southern California):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than
120 feet (please note that nearshore rockfish continue to be the only
species of rockfish that may be taken in these areas).
Anglers are advised to check regulations before fishing for federally
managed groundfish. The upcoming recreational fishing regulations supplement
will contain all new 2011-2012 groundfish regulations. The regulations are
also available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/groundfishcentral
or anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801.
New 2011-2012 Recreational Groundfish Regulations Effective June 9, 2011
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) announces changes to recreational
groundfish regulations that apply to state waters 0-3 nautical miles from
shore. The new regulations were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission last
month and take effect June 9, 2011. The changes conform to new federal
regulations implemented by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fisheries last month, making all groundfish regulations consistent for state
and federal waters from 3 to 200 nautical miles from shore.
The new California regulations were developed over the past two years in
collaboration with fishery constituents after updated status information for
certain groundfish species became available. For some areas of the state,
the new stock assessment results combined with recent catch information
allowed for longer fishing seasons while still keeping projected catches
within allowable federal harvest limits.
The changes will apply to California recreational groundfish fishing
regulations for 2011-2012 statewide unless otherwise noted, and include the
following:
- A decrease of the lingcod minimum size limit from 24 to 22 inches
- An increase of the recreational bag limit of cabezon to three fish,
within the 10-fish combined bag limit for rockfish, cabezon and greenlings
- Removal of the lingcod fishery closure in December and January through
March when groundfish fishing is otherwise authorized
- An increase of the fishing depth constraint to 60 fathoms year-round for
California scorpionfish
- Modification to gear restrictions when fishing for cabezon and greenlings
so that no more than one line and two hooks may be used, consistent with
existing regulations for rockfish and lingcod
- Other modifications to improve clarity and organization
Some Groundfish Management Areas have been renamed. The seasons and depth
restrictions that apply for specific Groundfish Management Areas will take
effect as follows:
Northern (California/Oregon border to near Cape Mendocino):
--For 2011, open May 14 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
Mendocino (Near Cape Mendocino to Point Arena):
--For 2011, open May 14 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point):
--For 2011, open June 9 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
--For 2012, open June 1 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
Central (Pigeon Point to Point Conception):
--For 2011 and 2012, open May 1 through December 31 in depths less than 240
feet
Southern (Point Conception to U.S./Mexico border):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than
360 feet
Cowcod Conservation Areas (offshore Southern California):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than
120 feet (please note that nearshore rockfish continue to be the only
species of rockfish that may be taken in these areas).
Anglers are advised to check regulations before fishing for federally
managed groundfish. The upcoming recreational fishing regulations supplement
will contain all new 2011-2012 groundfish regulations. The regulations are
also available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/
or anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sean D in the IJ! Sturgeon Crowd the Bay!
After these rains, the sturgeon rigs and sinkers have been jumping off the shelf at record pace - the odd weather patterns of the last couple weeks have kicked off a serious bite!
Ex-tackle department team member and full-time sturgeon fishing devotee Sean Daugherty was just featured in a recent article in the Marin Independent Journal -
Sean Daugherty, a San Rafael fisherman, holds an 76-inch sturgeon. He hooked the fish during a recent expedition just outside of San Pablo Bay. 'People are catching a lot this year,' Daugherty said. The fish was over the legal limit, so Daugherty released it. (Provided by Sean Daugherty)
Here's the article:
Ex-tackle department team member and full-time sturgeon fishing devotee Sean Daugherty was just featured in a recent article in the Marin Independent Journal -
Sean Daugherty, a San Rafael fisherman, holds an 76-inch sturgeon. He hooked the fish during a recent expedition just outside of San Pablo Bay. 'People are catching a lot this year,' Daugherty said. The fish was over the legal limit, so Daugherty released it. (Provided by Sean Daugherty)
Here's the article:
Enormous sturgeon crowding into San Pablo Bay
A large, unusual concentration of big sturgeon in San Pablo Bay has scientists baffled and local fishermen thrilled.
But just why the white sturgeon — whose smaller and rarer cousin, the green sturgeon, is a threatened species — are swarming in San Pablo Bay more than elsewhere is uncertain. The season's intense precipitation almost certainly has something to do with the phenomenon. Fishermen generally associate heavy rainfall with increased sturgeon activity. Some anglers say the influx of fresh water into the bay stimulates the fish's appetite.
Whatever the reason for the bite, don't miss out! Get out and enjoy the action!Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
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.
###
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.
###
Friday, April 1, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
2011 Fishing License Update - New System!
The new 2011 California Fishing Licenses are now available for sale in both of our stores. With the new license year comes a big change - fishing and hunting licenses are now issued using a computerized system. This is a project which has been developed over the past few years, and it is now in effect for California.
The beauty of the system is that once your information has been entered, we won't have to re-enter your info when you come back to get a steelhead report card, or come in to purchase your hunting license (though hunter safety evidence is still required).
We've had the terminals in place since last week, and have been shaking the bugs out of the system while getting our staff trained on the new method. While it actually simplifies a lot of the paperwork and makes things more efficient, there are a few things you should know about before you head down to purchase a license.
If you are buying a license for yourself, it's simple: just bring in your California Driver's License or Identification Card. We can swipe the magnetic strip and transfer your information into the DFG database, then issue the license. If you don't have a California Driver's License or ID card, you can bring down a passport, green card, birth certificate or other form of photo identification.
If you are buying a license for someone else: You will need to know the name, birthday and driver's license/ID number for that person, in addition to address and personal information (height, weight, eye and hair color). We can not issue a license without full identifying information.
If you don't have that information, there is another option - you can purchase a "Voucher" for a 2011 Resident Sport Fishing License. This is a "prepaid" Voucher which lets them go into any California License Agent and redeem it for a 2011 Resident Sport Fishing License. (Vouchers are transferable, so if you receive two Vouchers, a friend or relative could redeem it for their license.)
Please Note - the Voucher is not a valid fishing license. If you are caught fishing with a Voucher rather than a license, you will be cited. Vouchers may not be redeemed for anything other than a 2011 California Resident Sport Fishing License.
License sales actually take a little less time than previously, but because we now must complete the information through the DFG-issued terminals, there will be times when people are waiting their turn. We appreciate your patience on this, and encourage you to head down to the stores at less busy times to obtain your California Licenses.
Please note:
California Hunting and Fishing licenses and Vouchers are non-refundable. Any claim for refund due to duplication or incorrect purchase of licenses must be made through the Department of Fish and Game License Branch in Sacramento.
The beauty of the system is that once your information has been entered, we won't have to re-enter your info when you come back to get a steelhead report card, or come in to purchase your hunting license (though hunter safety evidence is still required).
We've had the terminals in place since last week, and have been shaking the bugs out of the system while getting our staff trained on the new method. While it actually simplifies a lot of the paperwork and makes things more efficient, there are a few things you should know about before you head down to purchase a license.
If you are buying a license for yourself, it's simple: just bring in your California Driver's License or Identification Card. We can swipe the magnetic strip and transfer your information into the DFG database, then issue the license. If you don't have a California Driver's License or ID card, you can bring down a passport, green card, birth certificate or other form of photo identification.
If you are buying a license for someone else: You will need to know the name, birthday and driver's license/ID number for that person, in addition to address and personal information (height, weight, eye and hair color). We can not issue a license without full identifying information.
If you don't have that information, there is another option - you can purchase a "Voucher" for a 2011 Resident Sport Fishing License. This is a "prepaid" Voucher which lets them go into any California License Agent and redeem it for a 2011 Resident Sport Fishing License. (Vouchers are transferable, so if you receive two Vouchers, a friend or relative could redeem it for their license.)
Please Note - the Voucher is not a valid fishing license. If you are caught fishing with a Voucher rather than a license, you will be cited. Vouchers may not be redeemed for anything other than a 2011 California Resident Sport Fishing License.
License sales actually take a little less time than previously, but because we now must complete the information through the DFG-issued terminals, there will be times when people are waiting their turn. We appreciate your patience on this, and encourage you to head down to the stores at less busy times to obtain your California Licenses.
Please note:
California Hunting and Fishing licenses and Vouchers are non-refundable. Any claim for refund due to duplication or incorrect purchase of licenses must be made through the Department of Fish and Game License Branch in Sacramento.
Tom's Trip North
Western Sport Shop Operations Manager Tom N. headed up to the Smith river a week ago, and between the recent storms managed to get three nice salmon - The only day they could fish was Sunday due to rain and high water.
Here, Tom shows off the the 28 pounder he landed:
His friend and fishing partner Kenny landed the big fish of the day - a fresh 35 pounder!
Beautiful bright fish in cold and challenging conditions!
Here, Tom shows off the the 28 pounder he landed:
His friend and fishing partner Kenny landed the big fish of the day - a fresh 35 pounder!
Beautiful bright fish in cold and challenging conditions!
New 2011-2012 Groundfish Regulations Delayed
New 2011-2012 Groundfish Regulations Delayed
The California groundfish regulations for 2011-12 recently adopted by the
Fish and Game Commission will not be ready for implementation on Jan. 1,
2011 as planned. These regulations conform to federal regulations adopted by
the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC). However, due to procedural
difficulties encountered within the federal rule making process, the 2010
regulations will remain in place until further notice.
"We are working closely with our federal fishery management partners to
establish an implementation date," said Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
Marine Region Manager Marija Vojkovich. "We will announce the effective date
for the new regulations as soon as it has been established. Until then, we
ask that fishermen continue to follow the 2010 rules."
The new California regulations were developed in collaboration with fishery
constituents, other Pacific states, PFMC and the National Marine Fisheries
Service over the past 18 months.
Anglers are advised to check regulations before targeting federally managed
groundfish, as the proposed 2011-12 changes included modifications to
fishing seasons, harvest limits, bag limits, species compositions, trip
limits, fishing depths and gear constraints for rockfish, lingcod, cabezon,
greenlings, California scorpionfish (sculpin) and other species.
The 2010 recreational and commercial groundfish regulations are available at
the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/groundfishcentral or recreational
anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801. The
delay mainly affects the recreational groundfish fishery.
The public can still comment on the proposed federal groundfish regulation
changes on or before Jan. 4, 2011. Instructions for submitting public
comments can be found at
http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Publications/FR-Notices/2010/loader.cfm?csModule=sec
urity/getfile&pageid=48404 (this page may be slow to load). The proposed
recreational changes can be found on pages 67894 through 67896.
California Department of Fish and Game News Release
Contacts:
Deb Wilson-Vandenberg, DFG Marine Region, (831) 649-2892
Jayna Schaaf-Da Silva, Marine Region, (831) 649-7196
Jordan Traverso, DFG Communications, (916) 654-9937
The California groundfish regulations for 2011-12 recently adopted by the
Fish and Game Commission will not be ready for implementation on Jan. 1,
2011 as planned. These regulations conform to federal regulations adopted by
the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC). However, due to procedural
difficulties encountered within the federal rule making process, the 2010
regulations will remain in place until further notice.
"We are working closely with our federal fishery management partners to
establish an implementation date," said Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
Marine Region Manager Marija Vojkovich. "We will announce the effective date
for the new regulations as soon as it has been established. Until then, we
ask that fishermen continue to follow the 2010 rules."
The new California regulations were developed in collaboration with fishery
constituents, other Pacific states, PFMC and the National Marine Fisheries
Service over the past 18 months.
Anglers are advised to check regulations before targeting federally managed
groundfish, as the proposed 2011-12 changes included modifications to
fishing seasons, harvest limits, bag limits, species compositions, trip
limits, fishing depths and gear constraints for rockfish, lingcod, cabezon,
greenlings, California scorpionfish (sculpin) and other species.
The 2010 recreational and commercial groundfish regulations are available at
the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/
anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801. The
delay mainly affects the recreational groundfish fishery.
The public can still comment on the proposed federal groundfish regulation
changes on or before Jan. 4, 2011. Instructions for submitting public
comments can be found at
http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/
urity/getfile&pageid=48404
recreational changes can be found on pages 67894 through 67896.
California Department of Fish and Game News Release
Contacts:
Deb Wilson-Vandenberg, DFG Marine Region, (831) 649-2892
Jayna Schaaf-Da Silva, Marine Region, (831) 649-7196
Jordan Traverso, DFG Communications, (916) 654-9937
Friday, August 20, 2010
Countdown to the Fall Super Sale! - Starts 8/27!
If you've come by the stores recently, I'd like to apologize if you were
blocked by large trucks dropping off huge quantities of decoys, steel shot, waders,
fall camouflage clothing or any of the other orders which arrived in the past few
weeks. We've been organizing like mad, trying to get ready for the Western
Sport Shop Annual Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale!
The logistics of such a big sale are usually enough to keep us kind of crazy
through August, but when you combine a sudden ocean salmon bite, a continued
surge of freshwater action in the local lakes, and eager anglers getting set
up for our annual San Diego long range trip, it's been an utter madhouse
recently.
Of course, we enjoy seeing everyone so excited about getting out into the
outdoors, and like to take the time to set you up right - it's been
especially fun to see all the families coming in for kids' "first rod & reel" setup.
Now, the one thing I want to make sure is that you take a moment and mark
your calendar, update your smartphone or make a quick entry to your online
calendar -
Because the biggest sale with the lowest prices of the season is scheduled
to start on Friday, August 27th in both stores!
(And, if this is news to you, the first word always goes out in our email newsletter, which you can sign up for right on our main website)
This is the event where our waterfowl enthusiasts - the folks who have been
asking about this season pretty much since the end of last season - and
upland specialists descend upon the store to get the best deals on steel shot, camo
clothing, decoys and more - pretty much everything that will be important
for you this season!
However, as most anglers know, this is also the time when we move out
anything that's overstocked in the fishing or fly departments as well - there will be
great deals in every department! That's why we say this sale is not to be
missed.
Of course, you don't have to wait until then to find some cool new stuff and
some great deals - In fact, if you are a fly fishing enthusiast, we recently got the word that the Sage VT2 and TXL series fly rods will be discontinued for the upcoming year.
So, effective - wait for it.......right..... NOW!
Any of those rods still in stock are 30% off the regular price.
We've also been piling up some tackle items on our sale tables, so make sure you visit the stores right now for the best selection on great lures and gear that may be a little shopworn, slightly changed for the new year, or just something we can't get any longer.
See you at the sale - Starting Friday, August 27th!
fall camouflage clothing or any of the other orders which arrived in the past few
weeks. We've been organizing like mad, trying to get ready for the Western
Sport Shop Annual Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale!
The logistics of such a big sale are usually enough to keep us kind of crazy
through August, but when you combine a sudden ocean salmon bite, a continued
surge of freshwater action in the local lakes, and eager anglers getting set
up for our annual San Diego long range trip, it's been an utter madhouse
recently.
Of course, we enjoy seeing everyone so excited about getting out into the
outdoors, and like to take the time to set you up right - it's been
especially fun to see all the families coming in for kids' "first rod & reel" setup.
Now, the one thing I want to make sure is that you take a moment and mark
your calendar, update your smartphone or make a quick entry to your online
calendar -
Because the biggest sale with the lowest prices of the season is scheduled
to start on Friday, August 27th in both stores!
(And, if this is news to you, the first word always goes out in our email newsletter, which you can sign up for right on our main website)
This is the event where our waterfowl enthusiasts - the folks who have been
asking about this season pretty much since the end of last season - and
upland specialists descend upon the store to get the best deals on steel shot, camo
clothing, decoys and more - pretty much everything that will be important
for you this season!
However, as most anglers know, this is also the time when we move out
anything that's overstocked in the fishing or fly departments as well - there will be
great deals in every department! That's why we say this sale is not to be
missed.
Of course, you don't have to wait until then to find some cool new stuff and
some great deals - In fact, if you are a fly fishing enthusiast, we recently got the word that the Sage VT2 and TXL series fly rods will be discontinued for the upcoming year.
So, effective - wait for it.......right..... NOW!
Any of those rods still in stock are 30% off the regular price.
We've also been piling up some tackle items on our sale tables, so make sure you visit the stores right now for the best selection on great lures and gear that may be a little shopworn, slightly changed for the new year, or just something we can't get any longer.
See you at the sale - Starting Friday, August 27th!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Another New Curado - The 50E!
It's always fun this time of year - the big dealer tackle show - iCast - actually takes place in July, so we get a chance to see what's in the pipe for next season (typically just as we're in the middle of our busiest part of the current season - go figure!) Sometimes we get to see prototypes that never ship, or when they do bear no relation to what gets shown.
But, Shimano always gets points for having stuff ready to roll!
In this case, when we heard about the Curado 50E, we got a bit excited. It's a low-profile levelwind reel in the venerable Curado series (we took the 300 DSV on our long-range San Diego trip and landed some impressive fish on that reel!)
The Curado series has been missing a smaller sized reel in the lineup, and when we saw this one, we were happy that they waited and did it right. In addition to the obvious use for largemouth bass, it looks like it will be a perfect size for kokanee - the oversized handle and super-smooth drag system are ideal. Matching it up with an ultralight action kokanee rod would be a perfect combo!
The Shimano Curado 50E is now in stock in both stores - check it out!
New Shimano Curado 50E, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.
Mark Your Calendars! - The Western Sport Shop Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale starts next Friday, August 27th - Best Prices of the Season on ammo, camo, decoys and more - plus hot end-of-season deals in all departments!
But, Shimano always gets points for having stuff ready to roll!
In this case, when we heard about the Curado 50E, we got a bit excited. It's a low-profile levelwind reel in the venerable Curado series (we took the 300 DSV on our long-range San Diego trip and landed some impressive fish on that reel!)
The Curado series has been missing a smaller sized reel in the lineup, and when we saw this one, we were happy that they waited and did it right. In addition to the obvious use for largemouth bass, it looks like it will be a perfect size for kokanee - the oversized handle and super-smooth drag system are ideal. Matching it up with an ultralight action kokanee rod would be a perfect combo!
The Shimano Curado 50E is now in stock in both stores - check it out!
New Shimano Curado 50E, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.
Mark Your Calendars! - The Western Sport Shop Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale starts next Friday, August 27th - Best Prices of the Season on ammo, camo, decoys and more - plus hot end-of-season deals in all departments!
Monday, August 16, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
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!
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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Fishing is Hot and Heating Up!
Starting with salmon, after a month of "fits and starts" both the ocean and the salmon are becoming more reliable with reports from party boats and private boaters of a fish and a half per rod on kings and (sadly) more then guys care to count on silvers/coho.
I spoke with one private boater who claimed to have caught and released 40-50 silvers between him self and two other skiffs. That said, I can't emphasize enough the importance of shaking those silvers off the hook without boating the fish as they have a notoriously poor ability to coagulate their blood which causes them to bleed out like hemophiliacs, even if they appear to swim off unscathed. That said, the top baits are 5.5" apex lures in "police car", and "watermelon", green R.S.K.s and clear F.B.R.s both baited with green or red size herring. Most action seems to be centered around dux and the N buoy.
Halibut has been a little tricky this year however in the last two weeks several reports spoke of 1-2 fish a rod in the 10-20lb range drifting live bait and a handfull of giant pacific halibut in the 30-50lb range that have wandered into the bay. Best spots are Red Rock,
Salmon and Halibut are great and very tasty, but the thing that gets me SUPER PUMPED is the striped bass action. Most creeks and sloughs in Marin and
The big boys (those stripers which have moved out into saltwater, feeding voraciously and reaching 25-45 lbs) are on the beaches, Fort Point, Elephant Rock, and Crissy Field, and demand real striper tackle - surf rods, 50-65lb braid, big Pencil Poppers, serious iron like 2-4oz Kastmasters or Hopkins. Here in Marin, look to Stinson Beach where they have already stuck a dozen fish in the 25-35lb class, or Muir Beach, where perch anglers find themselve alone and unable to keep the big stripers off their rigs.
The weather is looking pretty good for this weekend, so get out and enjoy!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
This Saturday! Long Range / Reel Repair Seminars
Get your chores done early, because you don't want to miss the free Long Range Fishing and Reel Repair Seminars taking place this Saturday, June 26th at our San Rafael store. Whether you are already signed up for our September Shogun 5 Day Fishing Trip out of San Diego, or just have a curiosity about this wide-open saltwater fishing, drop on by and learn from the experts!
The Long Range Fishing Seminar will be led by Charter Master (and Western Sport Shop staff member) Richard Birnbaum. Starting at 1 pm, Richard will go over the schedule of the 5 Day Trip, talk about the types of techniques which will be used and the tackle needed, as well as the sheer fun of fishing for hard running fish. Then Jeff Burroughs, author of Long Range Sportfishing San Diego Style will go over some more of the necessary techniques, and the excitement of this high velocity fishery! Jeff will also be able to sign copies of his book.
In addition to that, there will be a fundraising raffle for the Friends of Rollo Fund. The Shogun has graciously donated several gift certificates, good towards payment of trip fees or for on-the-dock fish processing. It's a nice way to help a great cause and maybe even save a few bucks on the trip!
To start the day off, renowned reel repair and tuning expert Alan Tani will be leading one of his Hands-On Reel Repair Seminars. Starting at 9:30 am, Alan will be set up with several workstations and tool sets, willing to help you dig into your conventional style reel (sorry - no spinning reels at this seminar!) to get it cleaned out, tuned up and ready for the hot summer fishing season.
This popular clinic demystifies the inner workings of your reels, lets you get a better sense of how to care for them, and gives you the confidence to dig in and fix something yourself.
(Please note, you may bring more than one reel to work on during the seminar, but may be asked to rotate with others to allow everyone a chance to learn the inner workings of their reels.)
Again -
This Saturday - San Rafael
Alan Tani Hands-On Reel Repair Seminar - 9:30 am - 3 pm
Long Range Fishing Seminar with Richard Birnbaum and author Jeff Burroughs - 1 pm
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