Getting Ready for Northern California Saltwater Species
take a finger off even if you think the fish is dead. So keep things away from the front end. ROCKFISH need all the protection they're finally getting with early spring closures of shallow water, commercial restrictions and reduced limits. National Marine Sanctuaries at the Farallon Islands and Cordell Bank and the inshore rocks and offshore reefs of the huge Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary that runs from Marin down to almost Morro Bay help too. CRABS used to come out of pots on Fisherman's Wharf, these days with the decline in bottom fishing more party boars are running lines of crab pots and installing hydraulic "pot pullers" so anglers can come home with up to six, six-inch male Dungeness crabs. The size is 5 ½ for private boats that usually crab in more shallow waters suitable to hand hauling. Tip: enough line so rising tides don't sink your float makes sense, and floats large enough not to be pulled under by currents work. Given the choice the hour on both sides of slackwater produces more crabs. Sheltered spots along the Marin shore are the choice. Red Rock Crabs are an alternative with a larger take allowed.
Sidebar: Rockfish Limits and Closures: In 2004 the published rockfish regulations were outdated with massive changes with open seasons in January and February in less than 180 feet and in less than 120 feet from May and August and back to 180 feet from September through December. There's a daily bag limit (DBL) of ten, but all sorts of size and number limits for individual limits. Since this seems to change often, readers are advised to check all regulations before any trip.
ALBACORE Note: When the albacore run during summer months it's often worth the drive to Monterey Bay boats that are usually closer to blue water action, and avoid the sometimes choppy transit of the Golden Gate. Monterey Bay also offers excellent salmon fishing from the end of March to the end of June when rock fishing peaks, and, depending on the water temperatures albacore can swing up into the submerged Monterey Canyon. Given the early starting time many anglers drive down, enjoy gourmet dining at spots such as the Sardine Family - sand dabs "on the bone" or Monterey scampi are top choices, but these days, sad to say abalone is "tame" without the texture of the real thing; so consider squid instead. Do
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