Santa Cruz 9-28-08

At 10 AM, paddled from Santa Cruz Harbor past the lighthouse to West Cliff, about halfway to Natural Bridges. Light breeze, small swell, small wind waves. Foggy, although we could see sun just inland from the beach. No action at all on the drift, so we tied up in the kelp near the lighthouse. The rockfish bite was definitely on. I picked up 10 and kept one large kelp rockfish, around 3 pounds. Lost at least as many as I landed, including something very large; probably a ling. Also caught an octopus, a starfish, a crab, and a 4 inch bright red cabazon! All action was on squid, nada on lures or anchovies. At the cleaning station, I saw guys with limits of rockfish and lings. They used fishtraps in 80 FOW halfway to Davenport.

Those bright, exotic-colored little cabs are cool.  Way to get out on the water, Bill.   

Those bright, exotic-colored little cabs are cool.  Way to get out on the water, Bill.   

Thanks Eric. Speaking of getting out on the water, I saw your salmon report last week. What's the story with salmon season up your way? Which rivers are legal, and when is the season?

The Klamath and the Smith are the only rivers where you can keep a salmon.  Klamath season is now - Trinity is building - Smith comes after the rain starts.  It's tough fishing.  I've put in about 16 hours on the Klamath now for a few nibbles, but the chances are there.  It's also really beautiful up there.

The Klamath and the Smith are the only rivers where you can keep a salmon.  Klamath season is now - Trinity is building - Smith comes after the rain starts.  It's tough fishing.  I've put in about 16 hours on the Klamath now for a few nibbles, but the chances are there.  It's also really beautiful up there.

I went to school up there. Some of the nicest river scenery you'll see anywhere.

what an assortment to catch, definitely keeps it interesting.  Thanks for the report