The last day for deepwater rockfishing in our area was Wednesday. Many anglers are disappointed because deepwater rockfish species on average are usually larger than their inshore cousins. Some, especially the chilipeppers, are also highly desirable as one of the best rock cod for table fare. Chilipeppers are only located in the deeper portions of the bay along with a few other RCG species such as the greenblotched rockfish.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for this year opened rockfishing on April 1, but only beyond the 300-foot depth line.

As of Thursday, that area is now closed while the inshore areas open up. We can fish for RCG species out to 120 feet of water until Sept. 30. Some of the desirable rockfish found from the deepwater also inhabit nearshore areas. These include vermilion and canary rockfish, both very tasty representatives of the rockfish genus. Other, shallow water rockfish that are not found in the deep will now be available for targeting, including black, black and yellow, blue, brown, calico, China, copper, gopher, grass, kelp, and olive rockfishes, plus the flamboyant treefish.

The nearshore opening is a great benefit for anglers using smaller craft such as skiffs, paddle boards or kayak fishing. Getting out to the 300-foot depths usually means many miles of traveling, too far for the smaller boats and human powered options. Another plus is the possibility of halibut. The big flatfish move in to the shallows during spring. They are not so easy to catch, but the bycatch of rockfish for halibut hunters can assure dinner at least, even if a halibut that can weigh in over 30 pounds eludes the angler that day. Other nearshore RCG species include cabezon, greenlings and ling cod.

Surfcasters found mixed results this week around the Monterey Bay. Right now, it looks like the bigger beaches towards the center of the bay are starting to produce, with plenty of barred, walleye and calico surf perch on the bite. A typical foray might produce limits of perch, with most being in the 9- to 13-inch range.

Find the right spot at the right time, and there are some hogs in the mix as well. We’ll see surf fishing improve over the next couple months as the water warms and sandcrabs go on their annual breeding frenzy. We’ve had a steady low hum of striper activity for the past few weeks. From Rio Del Mar down to Sand City, the striped bass are cruising and feeding. Reports indicate mostly schoolie-sized stripers, with an occasional bruiser in the mix. If this season proceeds as most do, expect some fast and furious striper action within the next couple of months.

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