Any sardines/chovies around Santa Cruz???

Hey everyone,
Just curious whether any bait is available to jig up around Santa Cruz. Girlfriend and I are gonna rent a skiff on Sunday. Also, we're I the market for a second yak, if anyone knows of a good deal.
Thanks!!

I saw bait balls on my sonar but I didn't try to catch any.when I was out there on Monday

Sorry about the late response.  I went out last week and didn't see much in the way of bait.  My buddy also went out and said he had good luck catching ling cod with frozen sardines on a halibut rig.  He was fishing north of santa cruz off of four mile. 

Well, it turned out all the skiffs were reserved (good thing I called...).

Instead we went to Muir Beach. I tried for halibut from my kayak and ended up catching and releasing a few various rockfish/short lings and a fat cabezon. I also dropped crab traps and ended up with 5 dungies and 6 red rocks.

Bumped the SC skiff plans until June 2nd... Maybe there will be a better supply of bait by then.

Went to Capitola yesterday and saw bait on the ff but nothing on the sabiki when I tried.  Ed at Capitola bait and boat said that there are lots of dinky size anchovy schools right now.  I did sabiki up a Jack Smelt.  It was big, probably too big and pinned him on with a trailer hook.  Had no takers on him.  Has anyone caught something on a Jack Smelt or do the fish treat it like rotten eggs?  I will try to get a Capitola report out soon.

Hi Yakers:

  Try the small Boat Ramp down from Aldos in Santa Cruz, next to the Coast Guard. Bring a ice Chest to keep them Fresh. Parking is $5.00 and the Water Front is a Cheap Date!
It's fun and easier than making Bait from a Yak. You may Fry them for  a real Treat
along with a ice cold Beer.
                                                                                 Regards
                                                                                 Ernie

                                                                                             
                                                                                   

I did sabiki up a Jack Smelt.  It was big, probably too big and pinned him on with a trailer hook.  Had no takers on him.  Has anyone caught something on a Jack Smelt or do the fish treat it like rotten eggs?

My biggest butts have come on large jack smelt ... like 10-12 inchers.

-Allen