LATEST REPORTS
  • Kevin Parker Avatar

    Berkeley Crabbing & Rockfish

    9/10: Berkeley is delivering easy crab limits and solid rockfish action for those on charter trips. Bigger boats are making the most of the day, with rockfish and lingcod added to the haul. The early wake-up is well worth it for the payoff.

  • Andrew Carpenter Avatar

    Bodega Bay Crabbing

    9/10: Bodega Bay has been on fire for crabbing and rockfish. Anglers on party boats are limiting out, with heavy scent and glow baits doing the trick for rockfish. The crabbing action remains excellent, with full pots being the norm.

    The weather was mild with calm seas, making it easy to enjoy a productive day. If you’re looking for consistent action, now’s the time to hit the bay.

  • Kevin Parker Avatar

    San Diego & Mission Bay

    6/10: It was a challenging but rewarding morning across San Diego and Mission Bays. Harbor Island gave up two lizardfish, one carrying a parasite, while a single spotted bay bass came from Mission Bay’s South Jetty. Santa Clara offered a mix of missed bites and one more lizardfish, with Texas rigs struggling against heavy grass.

    The weather was clear with mild wind, making for a relaxing day despite slow action. While the numbers weren’t impressive, the time on the water brought great practice and some interesting catches. Patience and adjustments will be key for next time.

  • Kevin Parker Avatar

    San Diego Bay Recap

    7/10: A windy day on San Diego Bay turned into a fun and productive outing. In just three hours, we caught nine fish across five species, including Spotted Bay Bass, Sand Bass, halibut, barracuda, and mackerel. Jigpara jigs and spins did most of the work, and the outgoing tide brought the best bites.

    The weather was chilly with gusty winds, but good company and a productive spot made it all worthwhile. The highlight? A surprise halibut and a close call with a feisty barracuda. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned trips that leave the best memories.

  • Kevin Parker Avatar

    San Pablo Bay Action

    9/10: San Pablo Bay was buzzing with life this week. Striped bass, sharks, and rays came in steady numbers, with anchovies and herring proving to be the best baits. The bites were consistent throughout the tide changes, keeping us engaged and ready for the next tug.

    The weather was cool and overcast, adding a calm backdrop to an action-packed day. It was the kind of trip that reminds you why this spot is so special—lots of action and plenty of memories made.

  • Kevin Parker Avatar

    Rockfish Haul Off Bodega Bay

    Rockfishing off Bodega Bay is always a good time, and today didn’t disappoint. The weather was overcast but steady, with a light wind that kept the water relatively calm. We launched early, hoping to catch the morning bite and get into some solid action.

    We headed out to a spot known for its rock structure, a perfect habitat for rockfish. I set up with a medium-action rod rigged with a simple two-hook setup, weighted enough to reach down around 100 feet. Right from the first drop, there was that familiar tug—an eager nibble on the line that told me we were in the right place. The first pull brought up a black rockfish, nothing huge but a good start to the day.

    The action kept steady, with a mix of black and blue rockfish making their way up. Most of these were in the 1- to 2-pound range, solid fighters even if they weren’t giants. I switched over to a heavier jig to see if that might attract something larger, letting it sink close to the bottom before giving it a few slow jigs up. Sure enough, I felt a stronger pull, and up came a nice copper rockfish, a bit over 2 pounds, and a great addition to the day’s haul.

    Around mid-morning, the wind picked up a bit, making it trickier to feel the smaller bites. But that’s where rockfishing keeps it interesting—you never know what you’re going to pull up. I tried another spot nearby, hoping the change in depth and structure might bring in some different fish. On the next drop, I hooked into a good-sized vermilion rockfish. This one put up a fight, making me work a bit to get it up. At close to 3 pounds, it was one of the better catches of the day, and its bright red color made it a highlight.

    The steady action continued, and I was happy with the mix we were bringing in. Some anglers around us were landing similar catches, with a few lingcod sightings here and there, though we didn’t manage one this time. Toward the end of the trip, the water calmed down, and I made a final drop. This time, I felt a much heavier pull—a good sign. After some careful reeling, up came a hefty 4-pound vermilion rockfish. A nice surprise and a great way to end the day.

    By the time we packed up, I had around seven rockfish, a mix of black, blue, copper, and vermilion. It wasn’t a limit-out day, but the quality and variety of the fish made it worthwhile. Rockfishing off Bodega Bay has a way of delivering just the right amount of challenge and reward, with plenty of fish and a chance at a real prize catch if you’re lucky.

    For anyone heading out to Bodega Bay, a good selection of jigs and a bit of patience go a long way. The rockfish are out there, and with the right spot and timing, you’ll be reeling them in steadily. Today was proof that even when the weather is a bit cool, the fishing can be hot.

  • Daniel Lee Avatar

    Packed Pier and Plenty of Dungeness at Pacifica

    Pacifica Pier was buzzing with activity today, with crabbers filling every spot along the rail, all hoping for a good haul of Dungeness crabs. It’s that time of year when everyone flocks to the pier for crabbing, and the energy was contagious. The overcast sky and cool breeze off the water kept the crabs active, and judging by the crowd, I wasn’t the only one with high hopes for the day.

    Finding a spot took a bit of patience, but I finally squeezed in and set up my traps. The water was calm, making it a good day to test a mix of bait types. I started with chicken drumsticks in one trap and fish scraps in another, hoping the variety would bring in a few hungry crabs. The trick here is patience—give the crabs time to find the bait and hope they don’t wander off before pulling up.

    After about 20 minutes, I brought up my first trap. To my surprise, it was empty, but that’s part of the game. Nearby anglers were also pulling up traps, some empty, others with a few small crabs that didn’t meet the size limit. It’s all about timing and luck with crabbing, and the busy pier added a bit of friendly competition to the day.

    Not giving up, I dropped the traps again and waited. This time, a light mist began to roll in, which seemed to stir things up in the water. On my second pull, I had a bit more luck—two Dungeness crabs, one just above the legal size. The other went back into the water, but I was off to a start. Around me, folks were seeing similar results: mostly small crabs with the occasional keeper.

    As the day went on, the pier got even more crowded, with everyone sharing stories about past catches and tips on the best baits. I rebaited and waited a bit longer, hoping for another good pull. The next trap had three crabs, two of which were big enough to keep. The size was decent, not huge, but good enough for a solid haul. At this point, I had three keepers, and the vibe on the pier was lively, with most people managing a few decent catches.

    Later in the afternoon, I got a heavier tug on my line, indicating something bigger might have wandered into the trap. With a bit of anticipation, I pulled up to find a larger Dungeness—definitely the biggest of the day. This one had some weight and was well above the legal size. It’s rare to land a large one like this, and it added an extra highlight to the trip.

    As the sun began to set, the action slowed, and the crowd started to thin out. I ended up with four solid crabs, which isn’t a limit but made for a successful day. There’s something special about crabbing at Pacifica Pier, especially with the mix of locals and first-timers all trying their luck. Even with the packed pier, the camaraderie and steady catches kept things interesting.

    Pacifica Pier delivered a good mix of excitement and reward, with enough action to make the wait worth it. With the Dungeness season in full swing, it’s clear that this spot has a lot to offer, even on crowded days. A steady hand, the right bait, and a bit of patience made for a memorable day of crabbing.

  • Andrew Carpenter Avatar

    Rockfish Action off Half Moon Bay

    Rockfishing off the coast near Half Moon Bay’s Pillar Point Harbor always promises a mix of adventure and surprise, and today’s trip was no exception. The weather was cooperative—a bit overcast with a light breeze, which kept the water reasonably calm. Perfect conditions to head out, drop some lines, and see what kind of rockfish we could bring up.

    We started early, motoring out from the harbor as the fog was lifting. My setup for the day was pretty straightforward: a medium-action rod with a basic rig, just the kind that gives you control without losing sensitivity. Dropping down into 80-100 feet of water, it didn’t take long for that first bite. The first fish was a small black rockfish, not much over a pound, but a good start. After a quick release, I was ready for the next one.

    Rockfishing can be hit or miss, especially near the bottom where the fish tend to hang out around rocky structures. Moving along a bit, I dropped again, feeling that familiar tap-tap as the weight settled. The next catch was a copper rockfish, putting up a decent fight as it came up from the depths. These fish don’t get huge, but they make up for it with their feisty pulls and striking colors. I’d say this one was just over a pound and a half, a solid keeper for the day.

    As the morning went on, the action picked up a bit. Every few drops, I was pulling up rockfish, mostly in the smaller range—nothing too big, but plenty to keep things interesting. The variety kept me engaged, with some yellowtail rockfish joining the mix. Each one was unique in color, and while none of them were giants, they made for steady action.

    Then, just as I was thinking about switching spots, I felt a stronger pull. This one had some weight to it. After a good bit of back-and-forth, I brought up a decent-sized vermilion rockfish. At close to 3 pounds, this was the highlight of the day, putting my rod to the test and adding some excitement. Vermilions are a prized catch in these waters, and seeing that deep red flash come up from the depths was satisfying.

    As the sun got higher, the fish started to slow down a bit. Rockfish tend to scatter when the light hits the water directly, so I decided to try a few final drops in slightly deeper waters, around 120 feet. Managed to get one more keeper, a smaller brown rockfish, before calling it a day. Other anglers in the area seemed to be packing up too, with everyone bringing in a mix of rockfish, each with their own catch to show.

    In total, I ended up with around six rockfish, a nice range from smaller black rockfish to the larger vermilion. It wasn’t a limit-out day, but there was enough action to keep me engaged, and that vermilion made it memorable. Rockfishing off Half Moon Bay is always a reliable choice if you’re after a mix of fish with some beautiful coastal views. The steady bites and occasional surprises make it worth the trip, and today’s haul was proof of that.

  • Kevin Parker Avatar

    Yellowfin Hopes and Skipjack Frustrations: A Day Fishing San Diego Waters

    San Diego delivered a typical fall fishing day, with the weather staying comfortably in the low 70s. The wind, however, played a tricky part, coming in at around 10 mph. It wasn’t the calmest day for kayak fishing, so most of us opted to stay on shore and from the boat, as we needed more control in these conditions. There was talk among the crew about possibly bringing in the trollers early, but the excitement of the first hook-up of the day changed the mood quickly.

    In the morning, birds flocked along the shoreline, a usual sign of activity in the waters below. We had our eyes set on yellowfin, but the day started with small bites and the occasional skipjack. These early catches, though modest, sparked conversations about past fishing trips and favorite lures. Many of us leaned on the cedar plug as our go-to, but as the day progressed, it became clear that adapting was the name of the game.

    Tactics shifted frequently throughout the trip. Some anglers switched to live bait, while others alternated between trolling lures like the Halco and yo-yo jigs. Chrome lures saw some success as well, especially when we moved through schools of fish. The captain, a seasoned pro, kept us updated on the water’s movements, encouraging us to keep our jigs in as we passed potential hot spots.

    The day wasn’t without its frustrations. We lost a few fish after initial hook-ups, and there were moments when multiple lines tangled during the busier times of the day. Still, the persistence paid off, especially for those focused on yellowfin. There were several triple and even quadruple hook-ups during the more active parts of the trip. Skipjacks were among the bloodier catches, but yellowfin proved to be the true prize of the day.

    As conversations among the crew flowed about reels, rods, and fishing techniques, we kept an eye on the horizon, anticipating more action. The wind continued to stay steady but manageable from the boat. Luckily, the fish stayed active, and as we wrapped up the day, we had a solid tally to reflect on.

    In total, the crew landed 24 yellowfin and several skipjacks. It wasn’t the most prolific day, but it was enough to keep spirits high. The captain gave us a rundown of the day’s results and hinted at better bait conditions tomorrow, raising hopes for another successful outing. The crew packed up, ready for another round, as the anticipation for more yellowfin grew.

    By the time we docked, everyone was already chatting about what tomorrow might bring, eager to tweak their setups and give it another go. The day was a mixed bag of challenges and successes, but in the end, it was one more memorable trip on San Diego’s waters.

  • Andrew Carpenter Avatar

    Squid Frenzy at Monterey Bay: Battling the Wind for a Big Haul

    We hit the water at Monterey Bay, and right away, we knew it was going to be a challenge. The temperature was hanging in the low 60s, typical for this time of year, but the wind was the real kicker. With gusts reaching 10 mph, it wasn’t exactly calm out there, but we decided to stick with the kayak and give it a shot. The wind made things tough, pushing us around more than we liked, but we were determined. After all, the squid were out there, and when they’re biting, it’s worth fighting through the elements.

    At first, it was a bit slow. The squid were deep, staying closer to the bottom, which meant more work on the line. But as the morning went on, they started rising to around 50 feet, making things a whole lot easier. When they get up like that, it’s game on, and you can pull in multiple squid on a single drop. And that’s exactly what happened.

    New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.

    Before we knew it, we were hauling in squid after squid. At one point, I managed to hook eight squid in a single drop, which is always a thrill. The action was non-stop, and it felt like we could have hit 500 squid for the day if we really pushed it. But of course, nothing lasts forever. There was a lull in the action—probably due to a whale passing through the area, spooking the squid. That’s the thing about Monterey Bay; you never know what kind of marine life might show up and change the whole dynamic.

    When it comes to our group’s go-to reel for a day on the water, the Okuma Convector always delivers. Its sturdy build and reliable drag system make it a solid choice, especially for handling bigger catches like halibut or battling a fast squid bite. The levelwind design ensures smooth line retrieval, which is a must when you’re dealing with long fights in tough conditions, like the winds we often face out in Monterey Bay. Whether we’re drifting for halibut or jigging for squid, the Convector has proven time and again to be the reel we trust for versatility and durability.

    The lull didn’t last long, though. Soon enough, the squid were back, and we were back in business. Each drop was pulling in multiple squid, and they were aggressive. They might not be the biggest fighters, but when you’ve got a few of them on the line at once, it makes for some fast-paced action.

    After a solid few hours of filling the kayak’s well with squid, I decided to switch things up and go for halibut. With fresh squid in the bait box, the plan was to drift along the edges where we had spotted some anchovy schools earlier. The conditions weren’t ideal for drifting, though, with the wind picking up again, but I figured it was worth a shot.

    Unfortunately, no halibut came to play, but that’s how it goes sometimes. No complaints here, though—catching that many squid in a single day was more than enough to make it a success. And to top it off, I pulled in the biggest squid I’ve ever caught in Monterey Bay. It’s always a cool moment when you see one of those monsters come up on the line.

    So, if you’re planning on heading out to Monterey Bay anytime soon, I highly recommend giving the squid a try. It can be a bit of work, especially if the wind picks up like it did for us, but when they’re biting, it’s totally worth it.

    That wraps up another day on the water. If you’re looking for tips on how to gear up for squid fishing or want to know more about where we were, check out our full guide. Until next time, tight lines!

  • California Fish Plants Avatar

    Dungeness Crab Season Opens Nov 2 with Trap Restrictions in Key Zones

    Dungeness crab season is set to open on November 2, 2024, for recreational fishing across California, but there are some key details to keep in mind this year. While the season is open statewide, there’s a temporary trap restriction in place in Fishing Zones 3 and 4, which span from the Sonoma/Mendocino County line down to Lopez Point in Monterey County. This restriction is due to the ongoing presence of humpback whales in the area, and the potential risk of entanglement with trap gear. However, if you’re fishing in these zones, you can still target Dungeness crabs using hoop nets and crab snares, so there are other methods available to get your catch.

    In Fishing Zones 1, 2, and 5, traps will be allowed, so if you’re planning to fish in those areas, you can continue using your traps as usual. It’s important to note, though, that crab traps are prohibited south of Point Arguello. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has also issued a Fleet Advisory for all fishing zones, so even if you’re in an area where traps are permitted, it’s worth keeping an eye on updates as conditions can change quickly.

    For full resources, check out our Dungeness Crab reference page

    On the commercial side, there’s been a delay. The commercial Dungeness crab season was set to begin on November 15, 2024, in Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6, but due to the high number of humpback whales in the area, the opener has been postponed. The next risk assessment by the CDFW is scheduled for November 15, which will provide further guidance on when the commercial season might begin. There’s a possibility the opener will move to December 1, depending on the results of the assessment and the whale activity at that time.

    For recreational crabbers, it’s a good idea to review the regulations and keep up to date with the latest information, especially regarding trap restrictions. The CDFW website has resources, including a Best Practices Guide for using hoop nets and crab traps in zones where they are allowed. Staying informed will help ensure a smooth and successful start to the season while also protecting the local marine life.

    While the season begins with some extra caution this year, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy crabbing, especially with alternative methods available in certain areas.

    =Upcoming Regulations:

    🚨 Make Sure To Have A Crab Gauge:

    A Must-Have (Legally) for Dungeness Crab Fishing in California

  • Daniel Lee Avatar

    Chasing Late-Season Halibut in Half Moon Bay

    Fishing in Half Moon Bay in October can feel like you’re pushing the limits of the season, especially when you’re out there hoping for some halibut. The weather was cool, with highs in the low 60s and just enough wind to make the kayak situation tricky. Winds in the area were hovering around 7 mph, not bad enough to call it a day, but enough to make live bait fishing a bit of a balancing act.

    I set out early, with the typical fall chill in the air, hoping to land some halibut. The rockfish season is closed, so any of those that come up are going right back down. But the target was halibut, and we had our smelt and live bait ready to go. Despite the conditions being a bit tough, I was still optimistic as I fished along some familiar sandy patches and nearby reefs.

    New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.

    Out on the water, things weren’t easy. There were some big anchovies this morning, but we know how that goes: the smaller fish often get to them first. What we really needed was a decent-sized smelt for bait, and after a few casts, we finally got what we were looking for.

    As the day went on, it became clear that halibut were going to be hard to come by. We kept fishing the same sandy drop-offs that have produced in the past, but only one or two bites came through. However, one of those bites was solid. I hooked into what felt like a good-sized halibut, and after a few solid pulls, we had it up near the kayak. Not the biggest fish, but a respectable 34-incher — definitely a nice catch for this late in the season.

    If you’re serious about halibut fishing, the Okuma Convector reel is a top choice for the job, offering smooth drag and reliable performance for handling big fish. Whether you’re fishing sandy bottoms or working near reefs, the precision and control of this reel make it ideal for live bait fishing. Its strong drag system helps manage the weight and fight of halibut, giving you the confidence to tackle these fish, even in challenging conditions.

    The fishing was tough. The wind didn’t help, but I worked through it, switching up tactics and hitting a few different spots that I’ve marked on Navionics from previous seasons. These sandy-bottom areas, adjacent to the reefs, tend to hold halibut even as we push deeper into the colder months.

    For anyone still trying to get in on the halibut action, now’s the time to do it. The bite gets tougher the colder it gets, but it’s not impossible. You can catch halibut year-round here, though the frequency definitely drops as winter sets in. If you’re looking to make the most of the late season, live bait is the way to go — just be ready to put in the time and grind through some slow periods.

    While this wasn’t the most productive day in terms of numbers, it was great to get back out in the Bay Area with my kayak. We’re planning more local trips before the year’s out, so stay tuned for more reports.

    That’s all for this one — remember, if you’re gearing up for some halibut fishing, check out our full guide and don’t forget to stock up on those smelt!

  • Vincent Chiofalo Avatar

    Surf Perch Biting on San Luis Obispo Beaches: Medium-Fast Retrieve Delivers

    The surf perch bite has really picked up along the San Luis Obispo beaches, and if you’re planning to head out, now is a great time. After spending a full day fishing the area, I’ve found that a medium-fast retrieve is the real secret to landing these feisty perch. With the weather cooperating and the surf relatively calm, it was an ideal day to test different techniques, and the results spoke for themselves.

    I started the day using my usual Carolina rig, rigged with a 2-inch perch grub. I’ve often used a slow retrieve, thinking it would tempt the perch into biting, but I quickly noticed the same old problem—too many nibbles and not enough solid hooksets. So, I switched things up, deciding to speed up my retrieve. This turned out to be the right move. By keeping the bait moving at a medium-fast pace, I noticed fewer half-hearted bites and more committed strikes. The perch seemed to have less time to nibble and instead went straight for the full bait, leading to much better hookups.

    The key difference with the medium-fast retrieve is that it keeps the bait active and moving, preventing those frustrating moments when the perch pick at the tail and leave you empty-handed. Using my Shimano Vanford C5000XG reel, paired with 28lb Alien Braid, I was able to maintain this faster pace without any issues, feeling every little bump and bite along the way. This setup allowed me to keep steady tension on the line, which was crucial for turning bites into landed fish. Throughout the day, I had consistent action and felt connected to the bait with each cast.

    The conditions were prime for surf perch fishing. The water clarity was decent, and the moderate surf helped create the right environment for the perch to feed actively. I found myself reeling in several healthy perch, each putting up a good fight. With the medium-fast retrieve, I could feel the perch strike hard, making it easier to set the hook and keep them on the line. What stood out most to me was how the fish reacted—there were fewer missed bites compared to the slow retrieve approach. It felt like every bite mattered, and I wasn’t wasting time on fish that weren’t fully committed.

    For anyone heading to the beaches of San Luis Obispo, I strongly suggest giving this medium-fast retrieve technique a try. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who’s experienced in surf perch fishing, this adjustment can make all the difference. The perch are clearly responding to a faster bait presentation, so there’s no better time to switch things up and experiment with speed.

    The San Luis Obispo surf has been delivering lately, and as long as the conditions stay favorable, I’m confident this pattern will hold. The perch are feeding, and they’re hitting hard if you present the bait right. Keep your retrieve quick, stay patient, and be ready for a steady stream of bites. With this technique, you should be able to turn those bites into landed fish more consistently.

  • Vincent Chiofalo Avatar

    South San Luis Obispo: A Dozen Bites and Two Waves Too Deep

    Last night, I hit the surf in South San Luis Obispo County around 4 PM, just as the tide was heading out. I set up with a Carolina rig and the Battlestar soft candy, which has been my go-to lately. The water was surprisingly clean, only a few bits of kelp fouled up my bait. The waves were decent, though a little bigger than I’d prefer. They nearly swallowed me a couple of times when they stacked up, but I was wading a bit too deep anyway—lesson learned for next time.

    I got about a dozen bites throughout the evening, but most seemed like small fish. I managed to land one dink and one decent-sized slab. The slab was a female, no babies in sight, which is always reassuring to see. Small perch have been scarce in the area lately, so it was nice to spot a few on the beach. I’m hoping the stripers aren’t bullying them too much, but time will tell. It’s been a while since I’ve seen any smaller perch in good numbers around here.

    The surf was alive with action—tons of birds flying overhead and landing right in the shallow water. Pelicans were diving in just inches of surf, and I found myself wondering if they were going after sand crabs or a school of baitfish that got pushed in close. Seagulls and snowy plovers were all over the place, too. Not to mention the whales breaching out front and some dolphins making an appearance. It was one of those nights where the ocean was absolutely teeming with life. My buddy was tossing a BS115 all evening. He caught one perch and missed a couple of hooksets, but it was still a solid session.

    I also heard reports that anglers caught limits of perch and striped bass earlier in the day on the incoming tide, all using sand crabs. Whether that’s true or not, I couldn’t say, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all!

  • J.P. Moore Avatar

    Rockfish Galore: A Day at Pillar Point

    July is a prime time for fishing out of Half Moon Bay, and our crew—Buck, Ethan, Andrew, and I—took full advantage of it. The weather was typical for the coast this time of year, with cool mornings in the low 50s and a high around 64°F by the afternoon. We launched our kayaks early, eager to get out and start targeting rockfish along the 20-fathom line. The water was calm, with just enough breeze to keep us cool but not enough to disrupt our paddling.

    New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.

    Once we got out past the jetty and found our spots, the action started right away. We were fully focused on rockfish, and the area did not disappoint. Each of us had our own setup dialed in: Buck was working a 4-ounce jig, while Ethan used his go-to swimbaits, and Andrew had his shrimp fly rig, covering multiple depths. I stuck with a trusty medium-heavy rod paired with a simple leadhead jig, and it wasn’t long before we all started hooking into fish.

    The rockfish were out in full force. Throughout the morning, we caught a steady stream of them, most in the 12 to 14-inch range. These fish are strong for their size and gave us a good fight. However, despite our efforts, no lingcod showed up to play. We tried varying our techniques and locations, but it was clear that the rockfish were the main event today. While a lingcod would’ve been a great bonus, the abundance of rockfish kept us plenty busy.

    As the day went on, the bite stayed consistent. Every few minutes, someone was pulling in another rockfish, and the variety was impressive. Black rockfish, blue rockfish, and a few vermilions made up most of our catch. By late afternoon, the wind started picking up, signaling it was time to head back. Our haul was solid, even without the lingcod we were hoping for.

    Overall, it was another great day at Half Moon Bay. We didn’t land any lingcod this time, but with the amount of rockfish we pulled in, there was no room for disappointment. If you’re looking to get out here yourself, be sure to check out our full guide with gear tips, recommended spots, and insider knowledge. Half Moon Bay never fails to deliver, and we’ll be back soon to see what the next trip brings.

  • Ami Taylor Avatar

    Jetty Adventures: Poke Poling at Pillar Point

    While Buck and the crew were out on the kayaks for the rockfish opener, Alina and I decided to try something different. We grabbed our poke poles and headed to the Pillar Point Jetty, where the rocky crevices promised some action. The weather was on our side, with the day starting off in the low 60s and warming up to a comfortable 64°F by mid-afternoon. The wind stayed light, making it perfect for focusing on the task at hand—poking into the jetty’s hidden nooks and crannies.

    New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.

    Poke poling is an old-school method, but it’s effective when you’re in the right spot, and the jetty at Pillar Point never disappoints. With squid on our hooks, we started working the rocks. Alina was the first to land a small rock crab, and not long after, I hooked into something bigger—a monkeyface prickleback eel, wriggling out from between two rocks. These eels are always a surprise, and though it wasn’t big enough to keep, it’s still thrilling to pull one out from a deep crack in the rocks.

    Throughout the day, we managed to catch a few more small rock crabs and another monkeyface prickleback, along with some tiny rockfish. Unfortunately, nothing we pulled in was big enough to keep, so everything went back into the water. Despite the lack of keepers, it was an incredibly fun day. There’s something satisfying about poke poling—the simplicity, the anticipation of what might be hiding in the crevices, and the close connection you feel to the environment.

    By the time we wrapped up, we had released everything we caught, but the experience was worth it. The action was steady, and poke poling gave us a fun, hands-on way to explore the jetty. If you’re new to poke poling or looking to try something different from traditional fishing, this spot is perfect. Be sure to check out our full guide for gear tips and insider advice on making the most of your trip to Half Moon Bay. Even without a keeper, it’s a day well spent.

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Have an idea on how we can collaborate? Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities.

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