The Fish Sniffer

(El Granada) The only limiting factor in locating limits of rockfish has been the weather, and the weather conditions were uncooperative during the final weeks of 2012.

Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat perhaps gave the best assessment of the fishing situation along the California coast by stating, “At the moment, we are in a holding pattern due to the weather, with 20 to 30 knot winds and a big swell currently the situation.” 

Crab limits are still available. Captain Dennis Baxter of the New Captain Pete out of Bait and Switch Sportfishing  was scheduled for crab-only trips over the weekend of December 29-30.

The Queen of Hearts out of Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing has closed their fishing operation until the next rockfish opener below Pigeon Point on May 1, 2013, but their shop will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. most days.

After the rockfish closure on December 31, party boats will be concentrating on crab/sand dab or crab/Humboldt squid trip. 

Mattusch said, “This year the squid have all been of a small grade in the 5 to 10-pound range, and they move around like crazy. The larger squid hold to predictable locations, but you might search for 4 hours to find the smaller squid since they may be in 100, 175, or 275 feet of water.”

Sheryl Jimno of the Rusty Hook in Pacifica said, “The recent rainstorms and big swell have limited success, but there are still fishermen out there on the pier trying with snares.”