Red Tide in Half Moon Bay

My brother Gabe (UglyDuck) and I went to Half Moon Bay today to try our luck rockfishing. We were optimistic with the weather being perfect and minimal swell. We were on the water by about 7:30 and scratched up a few sardines just in case we decided to drift for halibut. Once out of the harbor I noticed the water just didn't look right. It was quite dark. As we got to the reef we noticed a red tint and knew right away that it was a red tide. This was the first time I experienced this and figured the fishing would be horrible today, not that we have had much luck in Half Moon Bay. We headed over towards Mavericks and the water cleared up a bit. I had something on for a few seconds before it came unbuttoned. That was the only action we would get for the rest of the morning. We were off the water by 11:30 discouraged and decided to take a ride down to the Bean to see what it looked like. This was my first time down there. We could see the red tide extended all the way down there. I noticed a few guys on the water and raised them on the radio (you know who you are, no names here to protect the innocent). They indicated that they had a few, but that fishing in the red tide sucked. I hope they post a report to let us know what the final results were. Sorry for no pics but I forgot the camera at home. Gabe took a few and may post them. It is going to be scenery only as the fish wouldn't cooperate today. Still had a fun time on the water and it is always great to spend time fishing with my brother. I hope to hook up with some people on this forum that can show me how to catch fish and where to go to catch them. The wife really enjoys eating fish and I am being a big disappointment lately  .  Glad I still bring home a paycheck, otherwise she just may move on to greener pastures  

Take care all,
Ray

I exchange being on the water than being slam at work red tide or not!  Thanks for the report Raydog... next time we get good weather again let me know your availability maybe we can fish together someday..

Nice try, Ray.  At least you got out OTW with your brother and got to scout south a bit.  Maybe some day you'll make it north a ways too.   

That red tide was thick in Monterey too, fishing was ok for rockies, managed half limit as a hail marry after the wind pushed us off the ghost hunt.