California Dawn Sportfishing

Late post on our trip up to the banks on Sunday. The day started off with 64 degree water and flat conditions. There was a constant barrage of mako sharks taking fish and getting hooked. (Nothing landed). Not having any drift Made ling cod a bit challenging although we did get some good ones. 19 of them and 27 limits of RC. Clouds of jumbo yellowtail rockfish filled the screen all day. We did our best to not fill out on them too quickly. There was some good scores to come from the north of where I fished. We were down on the west end of the shoal and found great rockfish and spotty lings. All in all it was a fun experience to get back out on the banks again. Over 35 square miles of rocks to check out. We’re gonna have another trip up there when the weather settles. It’s a 2:30 minute ride up. I believe we can fit a sand dab stop in for the next trip. I believe the next trip could be a banger. Looking at possible dates. This upcoming Saturday or Sunday . I know I canceled a handful of you out for Monday and Tuesday’s trip. So I’m adding a couple more possible days before we start our crab combos.
No advance bookings on Cordell Bank trips. I will make a post to call in for reservations. It will be short notice. just because of weather.
Thank you to everyone that jump on the boat when I get an idea to do something different…….
For reservations
(510)4175557 or reserve online

We had some wild fishing at the islands today. The El Nino has brought so many sharks to the area. We were bringing up lots of fish but in half all day. It wasn’t enough to slow down the bite as the rockfish and lings were wide open. We hooked 8 on one boat. We managed 3 makos, limits of lings and rockfish.
Final count
California Dawn 2
40 ling cod (limits) to 22 pounds
200 rockfish (limits)
1 mako shark to 105 pounds
New California Dawn
190 rockfish (limits)
5 ling cod
2 mako sharks to 100 pounds
We will be at Cordell tomorrow
For reservations
(510)4175557 or reserve online

Some tackle ideas if you are fortunate enough to have a spot on one of our upcoming Cordell Banks trip.
Braided line is a must!
Please no monofilament or Dacron!!!!!
We fish 40 pound braid on our rentals.
You can use up to 65 pound but anything heavier will undoubtedly float a bit and may cause tangles. There are many things that will catch a ling cod. We are recommending swim baits with 16-20 oz heads. The water is deep! We will be in the 300 to 400 range. There is a closure zone around the banks and you  cannot fish inside of 50 fathoms of water . We will be targeting lings to start the day. This is why we are recommending bigger jigs so you don’t get the schoolfish . There are plenty of rockfish anywhere around the banks. We have shrimp flies on 80 pound. I am not planning on stopping for dabs. From the guides and private boaters that have been out there, live bait has not been necessary . What’s your number? Grab your stuff ahead of time if you can. The Berkeley Baitshop has what you may need as well. Please show up early if you need jigs from the shop. I am planning on departing no later than 5:15. If everybody shows up by five, we will depart . It’s a nearly 60 mile run roughly 3 hours. Please make sure you’re geared right if you are geared too lightly, we will ask you to go to a heavier set up .  I have some examples in the pics. If you missed out on these specials, we may schedule another trip to the banks on Friday and Saturday. I’m keeping a close eye on the weather and will announce if we are going on these days. I’m seriously excited about going out there. It’s been roughly 30 years for me personally and fishing was amazing last time I was there. Should be some great fishing since the banks have been closed for over a decade.. Our regular staff will be on board including chef Tami so bring your appetite. See everyone this week!
Captain James