Summary: Happy New Year!  2004 has started out with a decisive, drenching torrent to keep us inside and dreaming of fish.  Get your gear together and be ready to grab and run when the clouds part.
 
 

STRIPED BASS: Forget the bays, unless you have nothing better to do, and head up the rivers or work the smaller sloughs.  Lots of debris and fresh water pouring down the system, and cold temperatures are not helping.

STURGEON: Remember that from now until March 15, you cannot legally take sturgeon from the waters between the three bridges.  For a more precise definition, check 27.95 of the DFG regs.  There was a good bite around Coyote Point last week but it has vanished.  Best shot right now has to be between San Quentin and China Camp on shrimp baits or pile worms. Getting diamondbacks there is a daily occurrence.  Also consider Point Pinole.  Fish have been fairly shallow of late, and the muddy water is a boon.  Rain is a plus, too!

PERCH:  Rain is not a great help for perch fishing within the bays, and it shows lately, with mediocre results along the rocks and pilings.  Some large pile perch around, but they are solitary and it is a long time between bites.  Better action is possible on the surf north of the Gate, with some nice barred and redtail perch available on bait or plastic grubs.
 

MISCELLANEOUS SPECIES:   Kingfish, and that is it.  Find a pier and work the tide.