Flipping the Switch

Welcome to the Argo Not So Weekly Newsletter!

What was winter is now summer, or is it fall? No wait, it’s still winter, but simply feels like fall. OK, we’ve established the season now we have to key in on what species to chase. Halibut are slightly over the horizon, leaving striped bass and sturgeon on the current menu.

Until recently our voyages into San Pablo Bay had been a leopard shark catch and release free-for-all. The action was enjoyed by many, but the target species remained bass and sturgeon. Finally, both showed in tandem last week. Outstanding weather and cooperative fish changed the narrative with two 50-plus-inch sturgeon landed and enough bass bites to keep everyone on their toes.

In theory, the lack of freshwater does nothing to increase the catch rate of sturgeon in San Pablo Bay, but the switch has flipped and we’re following the light until further notice.

The lack of striped bass highlights the very sad state of a once vibrant fishery, and it’s unfortunate seemingly no one within the agencies assigned to protect the species is doing their job. That said, this is the time when some bass should be moving through the bay.

Within a few weeks, the Argo will likely stow the anchor and begin halibut trolling excursions. Throughout the winter we generally catch a good number of incidental flatfish on the anchor. This year, we’ve landed a grand total of zero. Hopefully, this has no reflection on the upcoming season, but one thing for certain our first trip is not likely to start in San Pablo Bay.

As mentioned above, we had a major upswing in action last week. Bringing us to outstanding weather and open spots for this weekend. An early half-day Sunday and an open Saturday are available.

Looking into halibut for March and April, weekends are starting to fill up with plenty of weekday openings. 

For the latest update or if you have questions, email or call (415) 361-7757. As with all our trips tackle, bait, and fish cleaning are included in the price.

Good Fishing,                                                               
Craig

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