Saturday, January 30, 2016

     The new crab test results have been disappointing. The numbers seem to have plateaued, and in some cases, gotten worse. More tests were taken this week and hopefully the results (which we will see next week) will be better. Otherwise, the only way they're going to open crab season is to do what my wife did (she dropped her standards and settled for less). 
     Speaking of crab season, if we have one next year the rules will be different. Here's the approved language. Basically, cottons are now required on sport pots, your buoys need your GO ID number from your license, and no traps in the water starting a week before Dungeness crab opens up. These all seem like pretty good rules. I'm just wondering what my 14 year old is going to write on his buoys.
     The only fishing to report this week was some successful jacksmelt catching in the bay and Tim's two (2) sand dabs. He thinks that in a few more trips he may be able to have a dinner. There were a couple of attempts to catch herring in the bay but no success that I'm aware of.

11 comments:

Capn Al said...

When will we see data on the crabs out of "Bodega Bay"? All that is shown is in 2015 and nothing for 2016. The weather can't be that rough to have a large boat get some test crabs?

Unknown said...

What are cottons

Capn Al said...

Hey Unknown,
It refers to having the doors on the traps and/or escape rings tied with cotton twine. If the trap is lost the cotton twine will dissolve and set the crabs free.
Happy crabbing....when ever that comes around.

Anonymous said...

Why don't they just hire someone to throw a crab net in from the shore and catch a crab. That way they can post some real results.

Capn Al said...

That would be toooo easy. One crab will not be enough for a test.

Willy Vogler said...

It is my understanding that, during the calm weather last week, several ports including Bodega Bay got some samples taken. I expect results to be posted early this week. I'm thinking about sacrificing a goat for low numbers all the way around. It probably won't work, but I think it would be cathartic.

Capn Al said...

Willy,
Sacrificing a goat probably won't work; however, a goat BBQ would work for some, yum.

Anonymous said...

Willy: Please educate the people who read Lawson's fishing website. Crabs were delivered from District 10, January 27th at 2pm to the FDA. The FDA has a lot of other work to contend with besides crab. We are on the waiting list. Weather can be a factor in north coast water. From a commercial fisherman of 37 years
Please post this on your blog if you can.

JHFish said...

I would like to hope that the FDA considers the fact that there are thousands of families struggling to survive...... Hmmmm not sure, but that sounds like a priority to me. Just saying

rbrandrup said...

Hey are you guys going to be posting a 2016 tide calendar?

Anthony said...

Any sharks or Ray in the bay??