Nearshore rockfish are providing limits for local anglers in Monterey. The rocky coast and reefs between Point Pinos and Carmel has been very productive for reds, yellows, blue and black rockfish, plus the occasional lingcod. Shell beds and flat sandy stretches from Del Monte Beach up past Sand City is halibut country now for anglers fishing 30-70 feet of water. Nearby squid spawns hold the possibility of white sea bass, though no one has reported a sea bass catch yet.

Boats from Moss Landing Harbor continue to target Monterey for rockfish and lingcod. Fishing past Point Pinos provides quicker limits and bigger fish. The drive home can be a bummer, as high winds continue to vex anglers with conditions that range from merely bumpy to downright nasty. A number of king salmon have been reported as unintended bycatch lately. Those schools are out there feeding on abundant bait. Moss Landing boats are chomping at the bit for their chance at kings during the short June 7 and 8 king salmon season. It’s coming up quickly.

Ocean energy has remained on the high side for the past two weeks. Early mornings are mostly fishable, though many trips were cut short of limiting due to wind and snotty conditions. Better to be safe than sorry. One of the commercial squid light boats washed up on Marina Beach due partly to the overnight winds. Nearshore rockfish are hungry and active though. Especially good news is the return of black rockfish. After a few years of scarcity, the blacks are back, counting for 50% of most bags lately. Also on the bite are yellows, vermilion, canaries and schooling blue rockfish. Halibut fishing is decent out of Santa Cruz, and heading quickly towards “good.” A few flatties in the 30-pound plus range were reported this week, though most of the halibut caught were of the smaller variety.

As is so often the case, weather was the major factor for surfcasting success this week. High winds kept conditions choppy and made casting difficult. Mornings were the best time to find more manageable conditions. Early mornings, like pre-dawn, were the best time for finding stripers on the bite, along with full dark nighttime fishing. Beaches central to the bay especially the steeper spots with deep inshore troughs have been producing nicely. Anywhere from Marina up to Rio Del Mar was a good bet this week for a chance at striped bass. Most of the fish are still schoolies, ranging from 16 to 24 inches. A few fish in the 30-inch class were reported as well. Perch fishing is getting better. The smaller, more sheltered beaches seem to be doing better than the wide open beaches of central Monterey Bay. Swimming grubs and GULP! sandworms are working equally well for barred surf perch bites. Taking advantage of the growing population of sandcrabs for bait makes the most sense right now. We’re finding a good percentage of soft-shelled sandcrabs in the mix that are like candy for the perch and the best bet for a bonus striper hit.

Allen Bushnell also operates Santa Cruz Surf and Kayak Fishing Guide Service. Please send any reports, pictures or questions to scruzfishing@yahoo.com.