O'Neill Forebay Sunday Oct 22

Traffic accident clogged 156 East for miles so I was delayed coming from the ocean--three hour drive from Santa Cruz  . Just as I was unloading the kayak, a old fishing buddy from SJ Fly Casters rolled up--he's heard about the offshore as well and brougth his float tube--nice coincidence. I brought mine but wanted to use the kayak.

 Launched, finally  , at 1600 from one of my favoraite Medeiros launch spots. Hooked up immediately--with a 4-inch Striper . I did't know they planted them that small there . Marked no fish but I spooked a big Black Bass hanging out jsut below the surface in the weeds at 7 feet as I paddled over him. I wish I'd known he was there *bfore* I spooked him. But I was going for Stripers not thinking Black Bass.

The bite turned on about 1700 to dusk. Big schools moved in with clouds of bait at about 8 feet in 12-15 feet of water. A few brief boils but nothing sustained. I suspect when the surface temps heat up, as they have from this unseasonably warm weather, neither the Threadfin nor the Striped Bass like going up top much--the Threadfin stay down and so do the Stripers. But lots of fish schooling up and chasing the bait. C&R 15 fish from 18 to 21 inches.  Fast and furious fishing for an hour. Even coaxed one on the foam popper though no boils were showing at the time. Kept one for 'la cucina' at 22-inches 3.5 pounds--my wife and daughters, spoiled by those big Lingcod, always expect fresh fish now when I come home .

The fish were bright and strong--even the smaller ones. Nice to see. I just have the feeling it's about to get good--real good--there when the weather finally settles into the Fall pattern.

Overall nice day. Caught plenty of good strong fish that gave me some good runs and leaps. Not too crowded, no wind to speak of--though it picked up right at dusk, and fished with an old buddy. I was tired from a double header but the grin is still on my face.

Sounds like a fun evening at the Forebay, despite a late start due to traffic.  Looks like you  did well.  The forebay seams to be very productive during the classic fishing times of first and last light, particularly when there is an off shore breeze. 

I am anxious to get back there, especially if the weather stays warm, otherwise if the temps drop the river and delta salmon are hard to pass up.

I am glad you and the weekend crew of Bill, Joel and Dan found some of the fun sized stripers.

Brian 3Dog.

Nice report!