Quick and dirty report from Fort Ross 7/19

Hey,

thanks to all who gave me info on the the fort, to include Craig and Jim. Got on the water at about 8 am. Fog right on the deck with about 100 yards of vis. Went south outside the kelp and couldn't buy a bite initially. Drifted in shallower then back out to deeper water and caught a variety of smaller sized rock fish over three hours or so. Kept a 17" Cab, a Gopher and an average black. Released about 20 other small blacks, gophers, a china, greenling, blues, and my first ever vermilion. Shrimp flies and iron jigs. Water and wind were very nice right up til I had to bail for home to go to work. Great spot and excellent access. Ran into a couple that were just getting on the water in their yaks. The gal told me to try out deeper next time. Hoping to go back out tomorrow or tues. Maybe a ling next time. Are you allowed to park your vehicle at the bottom at the gate? Presumed nothing and parked up to and hoofed it down and back. Thanks again,


Shannon

WTG Shannon. Alas yes, you can unload down below but have to park up top. There is a shortcut through the woods though.

Nope...can't park at the bottom. Gotta drive down, unload, drive up, then walk back down.
Glad you found at least some fish. I don't think it's an issue necessarily of where you fish, but rather just hitting it at the right time - Bean Hollow was hot on Wednesday and I fished it Thursday and barely caught a thing.

Andrew

thanks for the report shannon.
yeah. that climb up that hill can be a breathtaker sometimes.

Will look for that shortcut on the next trip. Saw a free diver on a tube just outside the cove. He appeared experiened so can't believe he didn't know about the july abalone closure. He even had a pry bar in his hand. Figure he must have been diving for scallops, I hope.


SRJ

Sounds like a great day OTW to me. Was there a ranger around to check on that diver? jim

glad you had a good day shannon, the forts a good place, i usually do well in 45-60 fow. how fast was the drift today, cameron

Thanks for the report Shannon! Way to get out and explore new waters!!!

There is a good scallop spot on the outside edge of the North cove.

Glad you got out there and scouted around, Shannon.  Maybe see you in 12 days or so.   

Stopped at the entrance station and asked them to let the Ranger know what I'd seen. Drift was not bad, straight in and maybe a bit south. Hard to tell in the heavy fog. Will look for deeper water, maybe tomorrow late am. Weather looks good tomorrow. Eric, looks good for part of the weekend you'll be there. Will either email or see you there.

Shannon

Sounds like a good time OTW.  Thanks for the report Shannon and good luck tomorrow.