NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Hookups and Fishing Reports (Viewable by Public) => Topic started by: Lost_Anchovy on December 21, 2023, 11:45:29 AM

Title: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Lost_Anchovy on December 21, 2023, 11:45:29 AM
I just want to provide an update on the annual herring spawn. I stop doing the herring spawn thread here on NCKA but i do have an active one on my website and blog for those who are interested.

The herring are in the Bay. I got some decent reports from reliable sources that there are fish pushing in.  Can't say when they will spawn but just glad to know they are in the bay.  Good luck herring hunters. --TLA
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Sailfish on December 21, 2023, 11:49:32 AM
Thanks for the info Keith.   Hopefully the big fish follow the Herrings to the bay  :smt001
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: fishbushing on December 21, 2023, 11:52:16 AM
Nice and hopefully we'll get some south spawn this year. Tired of the toll  :smt044
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: AlsHobieOutback on December 21, 2023, 11:59:34 AM
I hope to at least try to toss a net this year for herring  :smt044  Thanks for posting up the info!  :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on December 21, 2023, 02:10:13 PM
Noooo!  What a zoo of harvest and mess and good kine chaos… :smt007 :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: hightide on December 21, 2023, 03:30:50 PM
I’m still waiting for Ferry Point to blow up :smt044
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: fishbushing on December 22, 2023, 04:11:56 PM
Birds are diving crazily in Sausalito
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: fishbushing on January 11, 2024, 01:16:08 PM
Herring confirmed off kayaks and boats today outside the ferry jetty in Richmond
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: SpeedyStein on January 11, 2024, 02:03:46 PM
Nice ... I'm tempted to take the kayak out there tomorrow ...
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Tsuri on January 11, 2024, 07:41:04 PM
Good stuff, I have been holding off on Sausalito hoping they will travel East.

Gotta work tomorrow but it would be really nice if the herring where at Richmond on Saturday. 🙂
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: li-orca on January 11, 2024, 07:56:36 PM
Thanks for the report and happy herring hunt!
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: MarkZ on January 12, 2024, 11:21:12 AM
Right now on ferry point pier. I’m just out for lunch run
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: fishbushing on January 12, 2024, 12:22:31 PM
Confirmed spawn at Richmond ferry point pier!
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: BigDistance1 on January 12, 2024, 01:39:55 PM
Worth it to drive there (from Sacramento) after work today? Or should I try tomorrow on the outgoing tide?
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: ppickerell on January 12, 2024, 05:49:14 PM
had lunch at Salitos on Bridgeway today and the spawn was happening right off the restaurant.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: SpeedyStein on January 12, 2024, 06:38:11 PM
I made it out to Ferry Point today, was a great day on the water. Before the high tide around noon, boats and kayaks were doing pretty well around the rockwall.  After the high, they moved over by the pier, and it was game on.

Lots of limits had from the pier, rocks, and of course boats and kayaks. I finished with about a bucket full - I suck at throwing a cast net, haha. Plenty of herring for me, will last me through the summer for sure.

Lots of sea creatures out today - sea lions, seals, pelicans, cormorants, etc. I even caught a small cabezon with a herring in its maw, haha.

Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: SpeedyStein on January 12, 2024, 06:41:48 PM
Some pictures. I saw a seal that was so covered in herring eggs it looked like they were laid directly onto it.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Sailfish on January 12, 2024, 07:12:25 PM
Great haul  :smt007. Thanks for the report and pictures SS.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Tsuri on January 13, 2024, 01:21:11 PM
Fantastic, Ferry Point did not disappoint and the herring where still at the pier just as I was hoping they would be!

Left the house at 11 and was home by 12:30 with enough smaller herring for bait for the year as well as some larger models destined for the smoker and a few for friends. Was a large crowd of good natured netters and casters sharing the space. Boater even came in and rescued someone's net off a piling, was a fun time in the rain and wind!
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: fishemotion on January 13, 2024, 01:29:46 PM
Nice! fun stuff   
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Tsuri on January 13, 2024, 02:08:23 PM
Nice! fun stuff

Yeah buddie!
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: fishemotion on January 13, 2024, 02:41:47 PM
 :smt005 :smt007
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 13, 2024, 03:09:53 PM
Stoked fur ya' to da max! :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: SteveS doesn't kayak anymore on January 14, 2024, 06:16:34 AM
Was at spinnaker last night for a work event, and was pretty clear herring were moving back and forth between margaritaville and spinnaker.
Craptons of Comoronts, seals, pelicans, etc
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: ThreemoneyJ on January 14, 2024, 09:24:10 AM
I’m at ferry point this morning and nothing so far.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 14, 2024, 12:25:13 PM
I’m at ferry point this morning and nothing so far.
Thanks for that report.  I hope they show for you.  I have tomorrow to find some and don’t want to miss.  Tempted to check paradise… :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: SpeedyStein on January 14, 2024, 12:45:09 PM
I'm hoping they pop at Ferry Point again, I want to go get some for smoking.

I just packaged the ones I got on Friday - finished with 100 exactly, packaged in 8s in gallon ziplock bags and frozen flat. I soaked them for about 36 hours in icy salty water, and they looked pretty good and felt fairly firm when I bagged them up.

Looking at old posts for a brine recipe for bait. Was thinking about bringing then freezing, but decided against it because I want them nice and clean when thawed for bait.  Seems like water, salt, bluing, and powdered milk is the way to go, so I will try that.

All in all - herring hunting was pretty fun! Humbled myself with the cast net, still caught plenty of bait for halibuts and other toothy pursuits, and really had a nice chill day on the water.

Good luck to everyone still in the hunt!
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Tsuri on January 14, 2024, 01:41:54 PM
I’m at ferry point this morning and nothing so far.
Thanks for that report.  I hope they show for you.  I have tomorrow to find some and don’t want to miss.  Tempted to check paradise… :smt006

Shoot hope you guys get into them, seems like they like bad weather.....
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 14, 2024, 03:09:36 PM
I'm hoping they pop at Ferry Point again, I want to go get some for smoking.

I just packaged the ones I got on Friday - finished with 100 exactly, packaged in 8s in gallon ziplock bags and frozen flat. I soaked them for about 36 hours in icy salty water, and they looked pretty good and felt fairly firm when I bagged them up.

Looking at old posts for a brine recipe for bait. Was thinking about bringing then freezing, but decided against it because I want them nice and clean when thawed for bait.  Seems like water, salt, bluing, and powdered milk is the way to go, so I will try that.

All in all - herring hunting was pretty fun! Humbled myself with the cast net, still caught plenty of bait for halibuts and other toothy pursuits, and really had a nice chill day on the water.

Good luck to everyone still in the hunt!
Good stuff!  Love the catch, hate the processing... :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: SpeedyStein on January 14, 2024, 04:05:51 PM
I'm hoping they pop at Ferry Point again, I want to go get some for smoking.

I just packaged the ones I got on Friday - finished with 100 exactly, packaged in 8s in gallon ziplock bags and frozen flat. I soaked them for about 36 hours in icy salty water, and they looked pretty good and felt fairly firm when I bagged them up.

Looking at old posts for a brine recipe for bait. Was thinking about bringing then freezing, but decided against it because I want them nice and clean when thawed for bait.  Seems like water, salt, bluing, and powdered milk is the way to go, so I will try that.

All in all - herring hunting was pretty fun! Humbled myself with the cast net, still caught plenty of bait for halibuts and other toothy pursuits, and really had a nice chill day on the water.

Good luck to everyone still in the hunt!
Good stuff!  Love the catch, hate the processing... :smt006
I didn't mind that part too much - kinda therapeutic actually, haha. They were on ice for a day and half, but didn't smell bad, and it went pretty quick. I set up a little work station and got busy, had em all packaged in about 20 minutes while day dreaming about the fish those were catch, haha. A little dawn dish soap and white vinegar and the cooler is all good to go again too. I wore rubber gloves to keep the fish smell from stocking to my hands.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 14, 2024, 10:51:08 PM
I'm hoping they pop at Ferry Point again, I want to go get some for smoking.

I just packaged the ones I got on Friday - finished with 100 exactly, packaged in 8s in gallon ziplock bags and frozen flat. I soaked them for about 36 hours in icy salty water, and they looked pretty good and felt fairly firm when I bagged them up.

Looking at old posts for a brine recipe for bait. Was thinking about bringing then freezing, but decided against it because I want them nice and clean when thawed for bait.  Seems like water, salt, bluing, and powdered milk is the way to go, so I will try that.

All in all - herring hunting was pretty fun! Humbled myself with the cast net, still caught plenty of bait for halibuts and other toothy pursuits, and really had a nice chill day on the water.

Good luck to everyone still in the hunt!
Good stuff!  Love the catch, hate the processing... :smt006
I didn't mind that part too much - kinda therapeutic actually, haha. They were on ice for a day and half, but didn't smell bad, and it went pretty quick. I set up a little work station and got busy, had em all packaged in about 20 minutes while day dreaming about the fish those were catch, haha. A little dawn dish soap and white vinegar and the cooler is all good to go again too. I wore rubber gloves to keep the fish smell from stocking to my hands.
Thanks for the processing technique reminder...geeturdun and dream o' da biggun' :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 15, 2024, 09:18:43 AM
Paradise…zero activity…

Elephant Rock…zero activity…

Spinnaker…zero activity…

My theory…I'm liking da rain as a cold fun miserable tradition, low tide serves up nothing burgers…top of high and hour or so thereafter is ideal yet, if it’s on, nothing matters, bananas, half moons, dip nets, aquarium nets, 2ft cast nets…you cannot lose…hope you find em’… :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Lost_Anchovy on January 15, 2024, 01:54:22 PM
I went herring hunting in the most miserable conditions only to find the most incredible scene that i haver witness in over a decade chasing this fish. This fish drives people absolutely  bat crazy haha.  I hope you enjoy this video in your warm bed! - CHOVY

P.S. Eddie follow the CHOVY. I will take you to the promise land I promise. Don't flip a swim bait i the middle of nowhere. haha  :smt044 :smt044 :smt005

Video link
https://youtube.com/shorts/VsxmgX8S3CQ
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 15, 2024, 02:02:04 PM
I went herring hunting in the most miserable conditions only to find the most incredible scene that i haver witness in over a decade chasing this fish. This fish drives people absolutely  bat crazy haha.  I hope you enjoy this video in your warm bed! - CHOVY

P.S. Eddie follow the CHOVY. I will take you to the promise land I promise. Don't flip a swim bait i the middle of nowhere. haha  :smt044 :smt044 :smt005

Video link
https://youtube.com/shorts/VsxmgX8S3CQ
That's right!  Gonna flip a swimbait for herring...brah!  Gonna be miserable and fishy this weekend...I'm watchin' you with those 7 gallon buckets... :smt005 :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: matanaska on January 16, 2024, 11:53:34 PM
I went herring hunting in the most miserable conditions only to find the most incredible scene that i haver witness in over a decade chasing this fish. This fish drives people absolutely  bat crazy haha.  I hope you enjoy this video in your warm bed! - CHOVY

P.S. Eddie follow the CHOVY. I will take you to the promise land I promise. Don't flip a swim bait i the middle of nowhere. haha  :smt044 :smt044 :smt005

Video link
https://youtube.com/shorts/VsxmgX8S3CQ

It’s a little windy and hardly raining.  I have definitely thrown a castnet in worse conditions than the video.  The crowd would keep me away before the weather.  Too many people.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Sailfish on January 17, 2024, 06:26:46 AM
Thanks for the Herring reports guys.   Love the madness scene  :smt003
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Tsuri on January 17, 2024, 07:45:53 AM
Yeah those people are crazy you don't want to go there!  :smt002

In years past you would see a lot of folks getting the fish from the rocky shore as well but this time we were all clumped together on the pier as if to keep warm....taking turns at the rail.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 20, 2024, 09:11:41 AM
Yum brahhdah Michael!  Were da pin bones chewable?

I ran down to spinnaker this morning and 6 guyz were working the area.  No full on activity as reference to last year at this time.  I did see half a bucket though and they said it happened around 6 am right before the top…

 :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Tsuri on January 20, 2024, 10:18:51 AM
Yum brahhdah Michael!  Were da pin bones chewable?

I ran down to spinnaker this morning and 6 guyz were working the area.  No full on activity as reference to last year at this time.  I did see half a bucket though and they said it happened around 6 am right before the top…

 :smt006

Heck yeah, head to tail was edible only thing tossed out was the spine and when I over heated it last year you could eat that as well. Two parts brown sugar to one part salt brined overnight....yum salty, sweet and crunchy! Stay tuned kazunoko are in process as well.

Good to have the latest repot, I've run from spot to spot in the past with little success but thanks to everyone's reports on here only had to go for herring twice to be herring full the last two years. I didn't even destroy a net this time! I think the trick is knowing when to stop and go home. :smt001 :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: hooper on January 20, 2024, 11:35:09 AM
Dang, I like the way the herring look. I've smoked many things, but not herring. Looks like it's time for me to try smoking herring. Hopefully, they're going to show up in Crescent City shortly.
Do you use a wet brine or dry brine?
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Tsuri on January 20, 2024, 11:37:47 AM
Dang, I like the way the herring look. I've smoked many things, but not herring. Looks like it's time for me to try smoking herring. Hopefully, they're going to show up in Crescent City shortly.
Do you use a wet brine or dry brine?

Wet brine, wishing you good herring up North.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: moto.mike on January 20, 2024, 02:38:33 PM
heard sausalito was going off today

rock wall was quiet.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 20, 2024, 05:59:39 PM
heard sausalito was going off today

rock wall was quiet.
Any particular time?
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 21, 2024, 08:56:44 AM
Zero spinnaker
Zero paradise

 :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: divenfish on January 21, 2024, 09:51:35 AM
Thanks for checking, Eddie!
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: chopper on January 21, 2024, 10:06:51 AM
How’d I miss you Eddie? Been checking from bridgeway to clipper since 6:30 for nada. One guy had about 15 he got first thing at Clipper then nothing since. Talked to 4 boaters and they had one between all them.
Cheers
Brad
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 21, 2024, 01:56:04 PM
How’d I miss you Eddie? Been checking from bridgeway to clipper since 6:30 for nada. One guy had about 15 he got first thing at Clipper then nothing since. Talked to 4 boaters and they had one between all them.
Cheers
Brad
I tossed at spinnaker backside at 8 and left by 8:15 to check paradise.  Mucho cormorant action in the mid bay...I wonder if they're gonna skip Sausalito shore this year.  Keep comin'...we'll do da fist bump at the appropriate time.  The more I don't find em' the more I want em'...crazytown... :smt006
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: bigeyedave on January 21, 2024, 03:39:09 PM
we started early this morning at sausalito and took the boat past dunphy, spinnaker, across to Belvedere, around the corner up to paradise, checked angel island on the way back.  a lot of bird action but no big marks on the screen and tried a few throws mid bay for nada.  We spoke to 2 kids and their dad who were out all morning and had maybe 10 fish total for a lot of throwing.  saw somebody on a blue kayak with a white ice chest throwing by dunphy.  amazing amount of bird activity but now active spawning to be seen.  grass mid flowing mid bay had small amounts of egg on it. well keep looking.  last year it was 1/20 when we got them at belvedere.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: moto.mike on January 22, 2024, 10:35:08 AM
heard sausalito was going off today

rock wall was quiet.
Any particular time?

sorry for the delayed response here - i got word from one of my fishing buddies at around 10 am. He got word from one of his fishing buddies, who got word from his fishing buddies...so early to mid morning is my guess.

I went to the rockwall maybe round 11 am. Rain probably kept folks off the wall. saw one guy showing up with some rods when i was leaving. Maybe a 2 -3 kayaks out a bit further - but they weren't throwing nets.
Title: Re: Herring have arrived in the Bay
Post by: Eddie on January 22, 2024, 11:19:31 AM
Thanks, all details are interesting looking for an unattainable pattern... :smt006