HMB Saturday pre tournament day

  I haven't seen any posts for Saturday but am thinking about it since I don't know the near shore areas of HMB.  I know there are some shallow reefs to the right of the buoy outside the mouth.  If you show up Saturday you may see the Veterans and their "secret fishing holes".  It's all good and for fun so I am looking forward to the event on Sunday. 

Does anyone know if the live bait guys are open and selling bait on Sunday?  Live bait is second only to Squid for the bottom fish.  Take it easy guys relax, share some fishing knowledge, and we will all have fun.  I have never won a jackpot but my buddy who is a golfer wins it every time I take him on a charter, go figure that one out.

Thanks,
Luis

I am going to check out HMB tomorrow. I have also never fished the area. I will let you know what I find out. Squid seems to be in demand, Berkeley and Emeryville are out. 

I have noticed that you can buy 3lb boxes of squid at Safeways - but not all of them.  So far, every one of the "new" style safeways (with nice interior and starbucks inside) have squid in frozen section.  And all of the old safeways do not (so far).  This has saved me from being squidless lots of times and some people I know even think the squid is superior to bait squid.  Hope it helps.
 

Yes all of the boats are buying up the squid.  The secret place to buy them are the asian food markets like the big one in El Cerrito called Ranch 99.  I bought squid for $3.99 a box on Sunday and they are from Monterey (local) so they are the best you can use for bait at HMB.

Luis

Does anyone know if the live bait guys are open and selling bait on Sunday?  Live bait is second only to Squid for the bottom fish.  Take it easy guys relax, share some fishing knowledge, and we will all have fun.

Luis, you can also make bait inside the harbor with a sabiki. Lot's of baitfish in there right now. You can also drop your sabiki right next to the rocks and catch a steady pick of smaller rockfish = which you can use for live bait for monster lings.

Yes all of the boats are buying up the squid.  The secret place to buy them are the asian food markets like the big one in El Cerrito called Ranch 99.  I bought squid for $3.99 a box on Sunday and they are from Monterey (local) so they are the best you can use for bait at HMB.

Luis

I agree! I like using squid for bait. The leftover go's to the BBQ.

Mooch,

That bit of information regarding the small rock cod near the rocks is valuable to those who know the term "hitch hiker" for bottom fishing.  For those who don't know the term "hitchhiker" as it applies to bottom fishing, perform a google search using these words "lingcod hitchhiker".  Let's have fun Sunday...

Luis

Saturday and Sunday are ideal tides (see below) for surf smelt. If you're in the HMB area and you've got a throw net, give it a go.

I have been successful on Half Moon bay beaches from Venice south. Martin's beach is always good, but I prefer not to pay. The ~ Cowell beach 0.5 mi S. of Miramontes works, but it's small and a fair walk.

You want to be there for "the hour" around the afternoon high tide. 
Walk along the beach (I usually wear booties and shorts, but some may prefer a wetsuit. Waders may be dangerous in the surf) and find the places where the sand is more coarse...even tending to pebbles.  (Watch for birds too)

When you find a likely spot, prepare your net and stand so that the waves sweep up knee-high or so. Then, as the flow of water pauses before retreating and the floating  foam diminishes and separates, you can look down through the water to the sand. If they're there, you should see them darting around your legs and in front of you.  You should be able to see through 1/4 to 1/2 of the waves. If for whatever reasons, you  cannot ever see through, you're probably SOL. The sun out is good because you can see better (with polarized glasses). In fact, I have never been successful under fog or heavy cloud.

IF you are in the right place at the right time and there is in fact a run, the smelt will typically be there on perhaps 10-25% of the waves. It will vary....growing frequent, then tapering off for 20 min, then stronger again.

If you see the smelt, you want to throw where they are heading....not where you saw them.  It is seldom necessary to cast your net a great distance; better to get it well open right in front of you. (I have many times thrown beyond where the smelt were)

Where you stand is important: neither too high on the beach or too deep.

About throwing blind: So, you've been ready and watching every wave for 10 minutes. Your net arm is tiring, and you decide to throw blind and cross your fingers. This will ensure two things: your net will be empty, and the next wave (while you are regathering your net) will be loaded with smelt.

Be careful to take only what you will use: It can be exciting, yet one or two successful throws are all one diner can eat, and smelt do not freeze well.

You'll need a bag or bucket for your catch. I gut them and remove the gills. Drench in seasoned flour and fry until golden brown.


Sat  15     High   1:51 AM     5.3   6:01 AM   
    15      Low   8:32 AM    -0.3   8:31 PM   
    15     High   3:23 PM     5.4
    15      Low   9:19 PM     1.9

Sun  16     High   2:56 AM     4.7   6:02 AM   
    16      Low   9:18 AM     0.4   8:30 PM
    16     High   4:05 PM     5.6
    16      Low  10:33 PM     1.5


vanim

Worked till midnight last night in Rohnert Park and didn't get home till 2:00am.  So much for the Saturday trip to HMB to scope out the fishing grounds.  So did anybody go and can they provide some weather condition updates?