A Little Bit About Bodega Bay

by Captain Kevin Quigley of Will's Charters.

Bodega Bay has some of the finest rockfishing on the West Coast. South of us, over fishing (mostly commercial gill nets, now banned) has led to depleted stocks. North of us offers some good fishing, but tough weather, and the proximity of safe ports to the fishing grounds severely limits access. We sit in the sweet spot.

Mention Bodega Bay and most fisherman think of the Cordell Banks, a large Seamount (under-water mountain) located 25 miles SW of Bodega Head. Perched on the edge of the Continental Shelf, it is actually the largest and northern most extension of the Farallon Islands, it just doesn't break the surface (there's a neat book about the banks called Anatomy of an under water Island). It is roughly 8 miles long and 4 miles wide, 600 ft. around the edges with peaks up to 100 ft on the ridge, offering over 30 sq. miles of extremely productive Rock Cod grounds. Cold nutrient rich water, upwelled over the edge of the Continental Shelf, provide the Banks with a constant food source, resulting in bigger, healthier fish than the population at the neighboring Farallon Islands.

Historically, this area has been fished with 2lb. balls and 3-6 hook shrimp fly rigs. Nowadays, aboard our boats anyway, the heaviest thing we use is 10 oz. jig bars (diamond jigs, hex bars, tady jigs, salas, ufo's...we sell powder coated white hex bars in the shop "cheap" that work well) with a single fly about 3ft. above it (bar and teaser rig) all the way down to 2 oz. rubber tails on light rods with 10-20 lb. test. Although "light tackle" is a relative term, we encourage our fishermen to go as light as possible.

Limits (15 rock fish) are the rule on the Cordell Banks trips with the average sack weighing 60 lbs., in the round, a 100 lb. limit is not unheard of if weather allows fishing the deep water edges. The popular Ling cod is also abundant on the Banks, but they are a not a guaranteed bonus. The skilled fisherman has a better chance as there is a little technique required (we are always happy to instruct those who are willing and able to learn something new) but a lot of lings come up stuck to a shrimp fly attached to a "first timers" rental rod, much to the demise of the serious bar caster.

In addition, we have outstanding coastal rock fishing. Usually on our boats we fish north of Bodega Bay from Fort Ross to Stewarts Point. But there are also many spots from Bodega south to Pt. Reyes. In my opinion, this coastal fishing (especially on the north coast where we literally fish right under the redwoods) is the most enjoyable trip we offer....bar none. On one of these trips the "rent rodder" can be introduced to ocean fishing with a day of non stop action, often in less than 50 ft. of water, resulting in a full limit of Blue and Black Rock Fish. While the experienced angler can bring an arsenal of light tackle (all the way down to 4lb. spinning for the really adventurous) and a bucket of light jigs (3/8 oz. Kalins Grubs, 2 oz. Scampis....on up to 4-6 oz. jig bars) and have a blast...and I mean a BLAST...picking away at the finest fish available on the West Coast, Lings, Cabezone, China Rock, Coppers, Vermillion, Golden Eye etc.) Coaxing these puppies out of the kelp, from around the wash rocks, or out of the caves they call home, is a truly rewarding angling experience.

Although we have developed a very regular clientele, we welcome and invite all interested in a productive and enjoyable fishing experience and many a "rent rodder" has become a dedicated North Coast Angler. All Captain and Crew on our vessels are eager to show you how to make the most of your day! We are always eager to instruct the beginner.