Bass on the Chomp

(Dec. 19, 2018 newsletter) — Winter is knocking and the door to action is now officially open in San Pablo Bay. The Argo has spent most of December running “up the bay” to find outstanding striped bass action and a few stray halibut.

The influx of rain over the past few weeks has run most of the bothersome sharks and bay rays out of the bay. This leaves more selective pickings and many more quality bites. Assuming good weather, limits have been the rule most outings. Average sizes running four to six pounds with a bonus fish often added to the mix.

The next few months will find the Argo entrenched on the anchor in San Pablo Bay. This is very pro-active fishing with lots of action and often a wide variety of species brought over the rail. Your hook setting skill will be tested, while those new to this technique catch on quickly.

Of course, sturgeon are always on the board when playing this game. We’re seeing jumpers around the boat every trip, and will likely encounter more bites when the bay is influenced by an increase of freshwater.  

The November and early December crab/rockfish combos were highly successful with the help of mostly good weather and the lack of commercial crabbing pressure. The Argo landed limits of both species on all but one trip. There is still a small window for another trip or two with rockfish season closing December 31.

The Argo is looking at major renovations this spring and may be laid up throughout March and into April. We will be taking reservation during this time, but may have to move some trips around when the dates become clear.

The 2019 salmon season is predicted to be as good or better than 2018. This year bordered on outstanding, so anything close would be greatly appreciated. We are already booking trips so planning ahead is advisable, especially for summer weekends.