The Fish Sniffer

(Benicia) Fairly warm rainy winter weather is good for sturgeon fishing in Suisun Bay. Cold dry winter weather generally makes the fishing tough, simply because the fish are lethargic and moving about very little. 

Recently as a result of the dry cold conditions would be sturgeon catchers have been struggling, but a recent upturn in temperature and some reports of success have anglers thinking optimistic thoughts.

Keeper sturgeon have been hooked in the Middle Grounds, Grizzly Bay and at the top end of the Mothball Fleet, according to the staff at Benicia Bait and Tackle. In addition to a sprinkling of keepers, shakers have been reported too. So perhaps this is an indication that the fish holding in the bay are waking up.

Standard shrimp baits have been producing the best results, but eel and roe are working too. Shrimp baits also open the door for incidental striper and flounder catches, which helps to pass the time as you wait for Mr. Diamond Back to come knocking. 

Most of the stripers being caught have been schoolies in the 4 to 8 pound class, but of course larger fish are possible.

Bank anglers have been enjoying solid success on the flounder fishing front while soaking shrimp and pile worms. Before long the shore fishing shift should start seeing some spring striper action.