Hi Saw.

I am doing well, Happy New Year. I have a couple of maintenance items to do on the boat and then I will be back out there.

If I lived where you do I think I would do the same thing you do!

I think by the time it get's here it will hardly be noticeable. The big tidal wave about ten years ago did lots of damage to Santa Cruz. You could even see the effects in S.F. bay. The marina in San Rafael has a picture of two waves rolling across the otherwise calm bay. Looked like tug boat wakes, but no boat in sight. The rush of water would come through the marina breakwater, push against the launch ramp and the split down the shores. No damage but incredible to think that power came clear across the Pacific from Japan.

One of the best eating fish in the bay. Just completely gut them as soon as you catch them. They emit urine out through the skin, but with guts gone that doesn't happen. Plus you can use what is in the stomach as bait! Congrats, not many that size are caught from shore.

Contra Loma Res. has had a good bite. Trophy fish in the plant.

In my experience fish bite as the storm approaches, and the barometer is dropping. As the the storm is over you the bite drops and picks up as the storm departs, barometer rising.

One of the things I would do on the charters, if I had a elementary school aged kid on board I would snap off the barb and ask them if they want it. Most kids were excited to have it. The barb will grow back.

In my charter business in S.F. bay I have handled thousands of sting rays (we also call them mud marlin). The safest way to remove the hook without getting hit with the barb is to flip them over on their back. From that position they cannot arch the tail, and the mouth is right there to remove the hook. Our average size is around 24-30" across the wings. That size stays in the net while working on it and makes getting it back in the water easier. The mouth is a crusher mouth without teeth, but one hell of a bite. Mud marlin in S.F. bay can get over 100lbs and we would hook one that size about once a year. That size gets the line cut. And yes I have been stuck with a barb once. A small one that kept managing to not stay on it's back. I was kneeling to remove the hook, took my eye off it for a split second and got it in the thigh just above my knee. That barb has layers like serrations that tear the flesh as you pull it out. Bled a lot and hurt like hell but no reaction. Some people eat the wings, there is a fillet size strip of meat on the bone in the wings.

My mom would say "you can't see past the end of your nose"

You guys were at the "sugar barge" restaurant. I tried to Google rusted prop as well LOL.

Congrats on the great catch. You are a very good photographer. Nice clear water too.

My earliest fishing on my own was around 10 years old. I am 69 now. Twenty three of those years were as a sport fishing charter boat Captain.

Wind always makes fishing tough no matter what. Not sure if you are in a boat or on the shore, The advice above for casting is very good. If you are in a boat the wind will limit your techniques. Drifting will be difficult due to the increased boat speed. I would concentrate on trolling as the boat is under power and can be controlled better.

Had a great time with Saw1. Fished a lot places that I have never been. Thanks Steve for a fun trip!

Marine Life Protected Area