So, tomorrow deep water rockfish (300"+ by the waypoints...) ends and shallow (120' or less, as defined by other waypoints...) starts, again, until the end of the month, when deep water rockfish prevails again and the deep runs out the year. Good for them. Dungeness will open at 12:01 AM on Saturday morning. If history is any indicator, actual catching of Dungeness in Tomales Bay will start slightly earlier, not legally, but it seems like those guys paddling or motoring around at 9:00 PM on Friday may not be waiting. I don't know, but I haven't seen the CDFW out checking, either, so... Maybe everybody is just getting ready out there? Or maybe, even if you're being good, don't go early and look like you're breaking the rules. Sometimes perception is reality. If you don't act act like a douchebag, it is less likely that you'll be perceived as a douchebag. Probably. Honestly, I'd be more concerned about the perceptions on other crabbers that are waiting to go. Ever watch any road rage videos? Just saying....Be good, and look good.

     For the record, Dungeness crab opens, as said, at 12:01 AM on Saturday morning. No traps, as there are too many whales, somewhere. The commercial guys are screwed, again, but good for you, sporties! This may be the last year you get that exemption, as next year new rules will apply for rings, as they will be interpreted differently in fall of 2025. It ain't then, yet, so go crabbing this year. The very little scoop that I've heard has been bad. It sounds like there isn't many crab out there. That sucks, but waiting for next year may be worse. Probably it will be fine, but...who knows? The weather this weekend looks less than optimal, but good enough for a damp time on the bay. Outside, maybe on Saturday, but Sunday looks less safe. Both days, be careful in  the afternoon inside Tomales Bay, as the tide will be going out pretty fast, carrying the unprepared out to sea and some big surf. Let's not do that. Be safe, be careful, and think twice at least. Please. Also, no traps, hoops (rings and conicals) and snares only, until the whales leave and commercials get the okay. Maybe New Year's.