As of Wednesday night, the salmon season opener remains scheduled for May 1, 2020. The California Fish and Game Commission met on Wednesday night and salmon season regulations were in the discussion. If the season does open, we are still faced with closed launch ramp situations at all harbors on Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Harbor is considering a “limited access” launch ramp opening, likely for Santa Cruz County residents only. Port Commissioner Dennis Smith said, “Harbor officials are working diligently to determine the feasibility of a limited launch ramp opening in time for salmon season.”

A good number of local fishermen from the Monterey Bay Anglers group are cashing in on the sudden increase of stripers in the bay. Kanoa Sharp from Monterey posted catches of multiple stripers caught on different days this week. He was using stickbaits or swimbaits. Robert Calica reported in with limits of stripers measuring up to 30 inches. Eric Lopez from Monterey has been racking up great scores on stripers in Marina, including at least one day of limits as well as some chunky barred surf perch. Lopez utilizes the bait and wait technique, using live sandcrabs caught from the shorebreak.

The foraging bass are slowly filtering into the beaches north of Moss landing as well. This week, we saw an increasing number of reports of successful striper fishing from the beaches in Santa Cruz County. Forrest Murray reported schoolie stripers caught from the surf in the Seascape area, though we are much more likely to pick up perch from the Aptos beaches at this time.

Jonathan Smith was happy to report his luck has finally changed (or maybe he has just gotten better?) Smith enthused, “Finally after tears and years and many tries of hitting the beach I finally landed my first striped bass off the surf. Hoka Hey!”

Speaking of ‘firsts.” Todd Westfall from Watsonville was very happy to report on his son Thomas’ very first striper caught from the surf. And, on his 13th birthday no less! Quite a present. Proud dad Todd said, “My son was bummed he couldn't go out or have anyone over for his birthday, so I said let's just go to Sand Dollar and get some perch on your birthday. This turned out to be the best birthday present ever... 24" and 7 pounds! He caught it on light perch gear, so fought it for over 5 minutes before finally landing it. He even got a battle scar when he ran in to the surf to get it... check out his right foot.” Congrats and Happy Birthday to Thomas!