How far out in Monterey for bigger sanddabs?

The ones I caught around the red buoy are on the small side, slightly smaller than your palm.  How deep to find the bigger ones?

I don't know why it is, but it seems that the farther/deeper you go, the bigger they get.  Then it can also be what you are using, if you have palm size, try upsizing everything.  Some even use little grubs that won't fit in a tiny mouth.

I don't know why it is, but it seems that the farther/deeper you go, the bigger they get.  Then it can also be what you are using, if you have palm size, try upsizing everything.  Some even use little grubs that won't fit in a tiny mouth.

this would be my recipe. you can use big hooks to keep the tiny ones to a minimum.

I don't know why it is, but it seems that the farther/deeper you go, the bigger they get.  Then it can also be what you are using, if you have palm size, try upsizing everything.  Some even use little grubs that won't fit in a tiny mouth.

How deep do you go? I believe it’s about 160’ by the red buoy. Do you go to 200’ or maybe 250’ or more? Is there a depth that is too deep for sand dabs?

I've tried up to 200 with good success, but I don't start until at least 150 if I'm going for them.  It's a lot of reeling, so I dont like to get the small ones.

I've tried up to 200 with good success, but I don't start until at least 150 if I'm going for them.  It's a lot of reeling, so I dont like to get the small ones.

It might be time for an electric fishing reel. Or, maybe I'll just bring along my cordless drill...

Thanks for the tips.  I'll try larger size bait next time.  I was using size 6 hooks.  I fished a little more outward of the red buoy, and a little more south.  It's about 180 feet of water. 

That sounds about where I usually go for them, and if the drift takes me deeper that seems to be even better to me.

If Wikipedia is to be believed they live between 160 and 490 feet. I’ve also generally found little ones shallower and bigger ones deeper, although 200ft out of bodega bay has some big ones.

“The Pacific sanddab is endemic to the northern Pacific Ocean, from the Sea of Japan to the coast of California.[2][3] They are most commonly found at depths of 50 to 150 m (160 to 490 ft), though the young inhabit shallower waters, occasionally moving into tide pools.”

If Wikipedia is to be believed they live between 160 and 490 feet. I’ve also generally found little ones shallower and bigger ones deeper, although 200ft out of bodega bay has some big ones.

“The Pacific sanddab is endemic to the northern Pacific Ocean, from the Sea of Japan to the coast of California.[2][3] They are most commonly found at depths of 50 to 150 m (160 to 490 ft), though the young inhabit shallower waters, occasionally moving into tide pools.”

Thanks for the info John.  I might give it a try in deeper water next time.