Where is a good place for bait? What is hot right now?

Mike's Bait 14th Ave Oakland, usually open at 6:00 am not sure about labor day, Central Bait in Alameda will probably be open by 0900 but usually only has worms, if he does have shiners sells out quick.

There is a Japanese fishing store in Hong Kong?

Yes, they sold the knock-off next to the real thing, Japanese products, also bought a few Tenkara rods, expand to 19 feet.

http://www.allfishingbuy.com/Tenkara-Rods.htm

James,
I have probably seen you our there, I have the moss hobie revo. Thinking all of us from Alameda ought to get together soon at the ARW, things are picking up, lots of bait fish around heard report of school of stripers swimming close to rockwall.
Bryan

After three months of trying finally caught a halibut, even though it was undersized I am still counting it. Actually caught it while perch fishing entrance to Balena Bay, light weight rod, 4 lb test, just brought him up to take a look maybe 15". Lots of small perch around, used pileworms.

I also headed west up the rock walk looking for sharks or halibut. Drifted down from the first opening in rockwall when I hit the 40 ft hole (even with stern of gray ships) something hit my line hard, I let him run for a while, as soon as I tightened up the drag to try take a turn he pulled harder and snapped the 40 lb line. probably a big ray or shark, fun while it lasted, turned the kayak side ways.

Beautiful on the water, rare summer SF Bay day, light breeze, blue sky, in coming tide.  Caught a glimpse of the America's Cup boats while I was out there.

Fished ARW yesterday and today, no halibut, but baitfish fish everywhere, a friend saw a striper come out of the water chasing anchovies. There are some nice size sharks (up to four feet) if you want have some fun go west toward SF to first opening in rockwall, 50 ft deep hole where the wall juts out into bay. Drift with the out going tide. Had a bite or caught something every time I drifted through. Can be a rough ride in afternoon when the wind is up and tide going out.   

Took a friend out Saturday morning, he borrowed my spare kayak, first time kayak fishing for him he caught this nice 32" halibut on frozen herring. Must have been beginners luck, of course I was skunked, in fact I suggested he switch to frozen herring after I missed the only bite I had all day.