HMB 11/23

Met up with Phil (Northern Boy) and fished Sunday morning out of half moon bay. The swell was making the shallower spots on the reefs pitch up high enough to make me a little nervous even during the high tide. Later in the day as the tide went down a lot of the shallow spots started to break. We spent some time looking for deeper structure where we could fish without worrying about the swell. Most of the kelp that was there 6 weeks ago is gone. We found a few fish by dropping down next to what kelp was still left, and a few by dropping where we found bottom structure using the sonar. I ended up with a blue, a black and yellow and a fat gopher. The gopher had apparently been eating little 1/2" long shrimps. I also got one small ling, only about 14". I think Phil got mainly blues, and released most of them. Paddling back in, I got into the deeper water inside the inner reef where I thought it'd be safe, but still found myself paddling athletically to get out of some areas where the swells were coming through with what I considered to be fairly steep faces. This was my 3rd time at HMB, and the first time that I'd experienced this kind of conditions. The forecast was for 6'-8' NW swells. Can any of you guys with more experience at this location tell me what kind of swell you would consider to be dangerous here? As it was, we didn't have any trouble avoiding the breaks, just a little nervousness on my part on the way back in. Sorry for no photos, I did take a fish picture when I landed, but left my camera behind this morning. I'll try to post one tomorrow.

Open ocean swells can be judged by the height, direction and periodicity. In addition tide, underwater terrain and wind can also factor in. HMB is a safe launch but navigating the reef can be tricky. As far as height, 9ft is my personal limit. Over 9 feet and you will not find me on the ocean. Others will go out in bigger swells but the big swells often put the bite off so why bother IMO. Bottom line is you have to stay within your comfort level regardless of  the size of the swell. Also on big swell days, there are safer places to fish than HMB.

Scott

Hey fishinmike, thanks for the report. I was wondering about the sea swell height
myself of what is not safe to go out. My last outing, the ocean swell was 6-8 high
and I fell in involuntary. I got sick from the yo yo of the water. I am facing the same weather condition tomorrow and hope this time, the Scopace will help me
from getting seasick again.

Jedmo

Yer, the ocean was in a weird mood Sunday. The forecast was fine, moderate swell and no wind. But the swell was from all sorts of directions. Combine that with the chop from passing boats and it was a recipe for chum. Jed, mate, you would not have had a good time.

On top of that, there were occasional swells that were very large. Just when you thought it had settled down for a while........whoop...... if you didn't see them coming it felt like a whale was surfacing underneath you! That was the most unsettling thing. Conditions were actually a lot calmer than when I went out crabbing with Paul, but the unpredictability was more dangerous I think.

Plus the fishing was slower than an abalone race. I found one honey hole in the kelp and caught 5 fish in as many minutes, all moderate black and yellows which i released and one big blue who went on the stringer. The rest of the day was dead.

Still, it was a beautiful day out there!

I agree with Scott, over 9 feet and the fish generally dont bite well.  I dont fish HMB but do a lot of Monterey area salt and 7-9 NW swell is the limit.  West swells can be nasty depending on the direction of your launch. 

9 ft is hairy. But, done 10 ft at HMB.  The way I judge is the wind.  If it is from the north or north west then you are protect.  Pillar Pt. will protect you.  Once you see white caps farther out...it is time to head in.  Turn on you VHF to the weather channel before you head out the door.

South wind then there are other places to fish. 

Ken kickfish