I knew that I was jumping the gun a bit, posting the salmon season options before they were settled. Well, they changed. Here they are:
Point Arena to Pigeon Point (San Francisco)
1. April 1-30; May 15-October 31 (C.6).
Seven days per week. All salmon except coho, two fish per
day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total
length through April 30, 20 inches thereafter (B). See gear
restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).
In 2018, season opens April 7 for all salmon except coho,
two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24
inches total length (B); and the same gear restrictions as in
2017 (C.2, C.3).
2. April 1-30; June 15-October 31 (C.6).
Same as Alternative 1.
In 2018, same as Alternative 1.
3. April 1-30 (C.6).
Seven days per week. All salmon except coho, two fish per day
(C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B).
See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).
In 2018, same as Alternative 1.
So, good news for people that only get Monday and Tuesday off! That option didn't pan out. Possibly really bad news if you are a halibut, as the last salmon closure put such a hurt on the flatties that they are only starting to bounce back. We will find out what our season will be on April 13. Bottom line for salmon, expect a shorter season and hope to have a season at all.
To balance things out, here's a video of albacore action from Washington. I'm really, really hoping for these this year.
Do any of you guys know much about surf smelt? It's something I always wanted to try but have zero knowledge about. Any information is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteday smelt-used to get them at duncans landing,would sit top of cliff and wait and watch till they showed then go down withh throw net.
ReplyDeletenight smelt-estero,salmon creek,south side goat rock,north side russian river, use a -frame net wait till dark enough to see first star before trying, no lights on beach as it would spookem.
I only know for sure that Dillon Beach doesn't get them, as the sand grains are too small. We do get grunion but they aren't nearly as good eating, IMHO. If you don't mind heading, gutting and scaling each tiny fish then they are awesome. They're cool to watch, though.
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/MHyjv5Fs8Ak
Good morning Willy. Are you guys seeing any signs of bait in tomales? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI have not seen any signs lately. Last school that I saw moving through was about a month back. Haven't been in the back, though.
ReplyDeleteRight on. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI heard a rumor of a pair of halibut caught by Hog Island. I kind of think it's malarkey, but who knows?
ReplyDeleteI know they're starting to pick them up in San Francisco bay. Here's hoping for another good year.
ReplyDeleteI would believe it to be malarkey myself.....but thanks for letting us know, and please share if you get some solid hali news.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the norm for the cali hali's showing up in Tamales Bay and down on the beaches McClure's and 10 mile?
In the bay, usually May. Outside on the beaches, usually July, but June was good the last few years, so who knows? It is possible to catch halibut year-round, just very unlikely.
ReplyDeleteOh man, yes please on that albacore. And ideally with weather like that.
ReplyDelete