late report 7/12 at MBK

Arrived in Monterey between 7:30 and 8:00. Paddled out due north to the yellow buoy. Got one copper there, moved on towards the red bell buoy and then headed back in toward the kelp in front of the aquarium and cannery row, stopping every so often to see if anything was biting. About halfway back to the kelp in 100' of water I got a relatively big sand dab on my shrimp fly rig. My dad likes sand dabs so I kept fishing there until I had a half dozen of them. The first was the biggest. After I moved on I didn't get anything till I was within 20 yds of the kelp, about 50' - 60' of water, when the rockfish started biting. Ended up with a sackful of coppers, blacks and 1 olive. Nothing big but good enough for supper. After I had 5 in the bag I switched to leadheads with various swim baits and scampis, and then a combination of a leadhead and a shrimp fly. Had a few bites, caught one or two, but then did better again when I changed back to just a shrimp fly with a sinker. Definitely had the best action on unaccompanied shrimp flies. Wind was there all day but fairly light, and shifting directions. Water was about 60 degrees. There were a lot of kayakers out to look at the otters and seals, but I only saw maybe one that was fishing, and I couldn't raise him on the radio.

Hey Mike! Great report and pics. I really like the artwork on your yak too. Very nice.

Way to find the fish, Mike.  I've been meaning to get some eyes for my X-Factor too.   

That's a nice haul.  I brought home a couple dabs from Carmel.  Very tasty critters and easy to clean.  Went over very well at home.  If your considering going out for a dab only trip, maybe I could tag along with ya.

The dabs are pretty tasty. I think if I had a sabiki with biggish hooks I might've caught more and bigger, but the little ones taste just as good. And you're right, they do seem to go over well at home. I've also caught them at Moss landing, last winter when rockfish season was closed. I'll be sure to let you know if a dab trip seems indicated.

I sometimes read reports on coastside where they say they stopped and picked up 30 sand dabs, or a bunch of sole or flounder. Does anyone here know where these reports might be talking about? I'd be very interested to know where I could go to find sole or flounder.