Fort Bragg (USA Fishing)

Wide Open Salmon right out front.... What more does one need to know? The Rumblefish and the Fish On were both back in the harbor before 10:30 on Friday's 8-5 morning trip and when we called this afternoon both already had near limits of salmon in the box on the afternoon trips. Captain Kurt Akins on the Rumblefish had 19 limits and his dad Don on the FishOn had 13 with fish averaging 12 to 18 and up to 23 pounds. They are trolling right out front in 260 to 350 feet of water just a short 3 mile run from port or less. Rockfishing is great as well with lots of lings in the mix. They still have some room available this weekend and most of next week. It was another beautiful day along the coast. There was pockets of very dense fog but overall great conditions of light winds and hardly any swell. This afternoon we are seeing NW winds 5 to 13 knots (highest south) over a 3 foot swell with an average 13 second period. I had a couple of readers ask what I am looking at when I talking about the buoy conditions. I almost exclusively use the Scripps Northern California buoy data page. In my opinion it's the best tool when you need to look at "the big picture." The forecast looks iffy for those of you seeking tuna this weekend but should be fine for those chasing salmon and halibut closer to shore. The forecast is calling for winds 10 to 20 knots over a 4 to 6 foot swell with a 8 second period on both Saturday and Sunday.

Shelter Cove
Captain Trent Slate on the “Bite Me” in Shelter Cove hit a hot salmon bite on Wednesday, mooching up early limits to 28 pounds. He described the bite as “Insane.” The bite cooled yesterday to mere dementia and they put 7 salmon in the boat before switching to pick up limits of rockfish. Information for Shelter Cove Sport Fishing: (707) 923-1668


Its a bit of a drive but its got me thinking for next week. Other reports say the fish are 1 to 3 miles out.

jeff