Tomalis Bay

I haven't ocean fished much but am starting more now. In February i'll be going to Tomalis bay and have no clue on what to use or how to do it. I will pretty much be going for all fish and would love some help on anything and everything; so if anybody could offer some advice it would be much apreciated.


                                                                                    Thanks,
                                                                                      Mike

That time of year I think sharks and bat rays will be your best bet.  I use squid for sharks with a sliding sinker setup with a wire leader, store bought sturgeon leaders work just fine,

Here's a link I made awhile ago to a map of where I go.  At each end of the blue area there are deep areas about 40-50 ft, the rest of the area is about 15-20, for me the shallow and deep produce about the same.



Post a hookup when you're ready you might end up with some company.

Good luck and be safe

Dale L

There are lots of sharks/rays and a few halis in the summer/fall.  I can get windy as HELL so be prepared.

There are lots of sharks/rays and a few halis in the summer/fall.  I can get windy as HELL so be prepared.

  Tomales bay is only 20 minutes from my front door. Its a great place and it's also a hellhole at times. Like Sean said the wind can come up strong and the spring is the most likely time for strong windy conditions. The bay as a whole is pretty shallow meaning that a good wind will whip up severe windy and choppy conditions sometimes in a matter of minutes. The hearts desire beach area is a great place to first get on the water. Its on the south side of the bay and you get there by taking the road around the bay past Inverness up the hill and go to the left towards mcclures beach you will see the sign.This is very protected from the usual wind in the bay. Miller park is good right next to Nicks Cove a yuppie remodeled restaurant. But you cab get a cup of joe there if conditions suck.If you launch at millers you will see hog island across the bay, Usually a short 20 min paddle. The main channel is on the other side of the island. Pelican point is also a place to sit on anchor and fish its deep there, the deepest part of the bay at 55ft. There are strong currents there when the tide is running hot. You can anchor on the east side of the spit there and have good protection while fishing. This is apopular spot for trolling for halibut and still fishing for sharks and rays. There are perch, sand shark, leopard shark, seven gill shark,sturgeon, striped bass, salmon, halibut, big rays, jacksmelt, clams,and crab.I have seen a 55inch sturgeon caught from shore using ghost we pumped at Lawsons Landing.A long time ago Big Al Schleth caught a 50lb striper on the point at dillons beach. This is am amazing place with alot of different specie to observe and fish for.You will love the cormorant nests on Hog Island although it smells a bit. Have fun but most of all be safe.Have a buddy and a plan for accidents.Pm me if you like and I will see if I can meet you out there if you want. Craig

There are lots of sharks/rays and a few halis in the summer/fall.  I can get windy as HELL so be prepared.

  Tomales bay is only 20 minutes from my front door. Its a great place and it's also a hellhole at times. Like Sean said the wind can come up strong and the spring is the most likely time for strong windy conditions. The bay as a whole is pretty shallow meaning that a good wind will whip up severe windy and choppy conditions sometimes in a matter of minutes. The hearts desire beach area is a great place to first get on the water. Its on the south side of the bay and you get there by taking the road around the bay past Inverness up the hill and go to the left towards mcclures beach you will see the sign.This is very protected from the usual wind in the bay. Miller park is good right next to Nicks Cove a yuppie remodeled restaurant. But you cab get a cup of joe there if conditions suck.If you launch at millers you will see hog island across the bay, Usually a short 20 min paddle. The main channel is on the other side of the island. Pelican point is also a place to sit on anchor and fish its deep there, the deepest part of the bay at 55ft. There are strong currents there when the tide is running hot. You can anchor on the east side of the spit there and have good protection while fishing. This is apopular spot for trolling for halibut and still fishing for sharks and rays. There are perch, sand shark, leopard shark, seven gill shark,sturgeon, striped bass, salmon, halibut, big rays, jacksmelt, clams,and crab.I have seen a 55inch sturgeon caught from shore using ghost we pumped at Lawsons Landing.A long time ago Big Al Schleth caught a 50lb striper on the point at dillons beach. This is am amazing place with alot of different specie to observe and fish for.You will love the cormorant nests on Hog Island although it smells a bit. Have fun but most of all be safe.Have a buddy and a plan for accidents.Pm me if you like and I will see if I can meet you out there if you want. Craig
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You forgot to mention that the Landlord also frequents the area , especially by the mouth . Also angel sharks to be had , a real kick to catch bigger ones , what an attitude !