I suppose it's only natural that the wind comes to a peak on our Fourth of July weekend. Still, a few people gave it a try the last few days and some weren't disappointed. The area surrounding Hog Island has been putting out halibut at a decent rate. There have also been stripers caught in that area. Stripers and perch have been landed on the beach during incoming tides. Today's peak fishing should be about 5pm on the beach, if you're in the area. I heard a rumor that a kayaker landed a pretty good sized salmon off Bodega Head on Thursday, but I didn't see it, so I can't vouch for it. Dungeness picked up right before the end of its season yesterday, and people were happily pulling in more than enough reds for dinner today.

As you likely know, the chances of catching halibut off the pier at the boathouse are slim to none. Boat traffic and nearby seals spook them off. But any fisherman can tell you that the right stroke of luck will result in an exception to the rule. In this young fisherwoman's case, though, I am certain that only skill was involved. Pictured is Tatum and her 11 pound halibut, caught off our pier on a Sabiki rig as I was writing this.

This is made exceptionally interesting because a halibut of similar size was reportedly hooked and brought to the surface on the pier yesterday, but ultimately lost. Was it the same fish coming back for seconds? Two completely separate fish? Or do we have a school of halibut under the pier? It's a hard call, and only time will tell. Tatum, you impressed a lot of people today and we expect great things from you.