The crabbing in the bay isn't as bad as one would expect from all the recent rain. The catching isn't good, but it isn't nothing, either. The shore casters are snaring a few, mostly reds with a few Dungeness in the mix. Last week there was so much fresh water that there were dead red crab on the beach at every low tide. There was even one that tried to limp into the boathouse. This week the dead ones are coming out of boiling water, so we'll say the conditions are much improved. The bay water is even green again. The big tides this week helped to change out the water, even though the currents made catching difficult.
Last night around 6:20 or so, as I walked from my garage to the house I noticed a light off of the day beach. It looked like it was near the "shark pit", where the surfers do their thing but sensible people tend to avoid it. After finally getting my cheap spotting scope to focus I found a boat with two guys in it with waves breaking over them. The light was from a cell phone. I called the USCG but they were already aware. Neither of the Coast Guard boats could get to where the boat was (and get out again; that's the trick. Getting in trouble is easy) but the Coast Guard helicopter was able to pick the boaters up with their basket and fly them off to Santa Rosa airport. With the 12 foot swell I kinda thought they were screwed, but thanks to Paul Cormu and Igor Sikorsky (and a few others, I'm sure), and luck, they're okay. This morning Gage and Cameron went out and towed the boat off the beach about 500 yards from Sand Point (where luck and the tide deposited it) and got it back on its trailer. The owner came by in the afternoon to collect it and mentioned hoarsely (he'd been yelling a lot last night, I think) that he'd run out of gas and didn't have an anchor on the boat. Even better than learning from your own mistakes is learning from someone else's. Have plenty of gas and anchors on your boat.
John Lopez sent me this information that should absolutely be shared. Here's his email: "Howdy Willy,
I am[and others] concerned about another move by federal and state authorities to cordon off more ocean. While we all are concerned with protecting our ocean and ocean fishing rights. But sometimes the government mandates create unintended consequences.
I would like to suggest all of us as commercial and recreational stakeholders make sure we are part of the planning and decision process. If our voices are not heard due to silence and apathy other voices will be heard that do not have our perspective and information. Meeting January 31, 2023. The online/virtual zoom meeting on January 31 at 10:30am, go to californianature.ca.gov to register
First overview meeting:
Info:
First overview meeting:
John Lopez
Point Reyes Station
Member Golden State Salmon Assoc.
Coastside Fishing Club
California "native" born and lifelong fisherman" It seems that some folks think that the MPAs aren't big enough and need to be a third of the coast. While I don't know if the MPAs have accomplished their goals (Not sure of the goals), it seems to me that regulations have been effective and are tailored to specific short and long term goals which is even better than blocking certain spots and saying, "No!"
2 comments:
The first thing I noticed was the Heineken in the center console drink holder. Too many bumpkins out there drinking and boating. Are these rescues typically free? If alcohol is involved, does that change things?
First one is free if no foul play. Boat gets searched top to bottom and they find something to ticket you for. Second+ is $$$
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