Entries Tagged 'San Francisco Bay' ↓

3 Million Gallons of Raw Sewage Spilled into San Francisco Bay

November 20th, 2008 — Richardson Bay, San Francisco Bay

The spill occurred in Richardson Bay between 5:30 and 8:30 this morning (2/1/08). It is thought that the sewage did not contain chlorine which is used to treat sewage. They currently do not know how the spill occurred. Do not come into contact with the water. There is a picture of the spill at abc7news: 2.7 million gallon sewage spill in bay

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President’s Day on The Bay (Part 2)

November 16th, 2008 — Alioto's, Angel Island, Berkley Marina, Day Cruise, Delta, Fishing, My Boat, Sam's, San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Sturgeon, Tiburon

This is a followup guest post by Balz (part 1 can be found here: President’s Day on the Bay.)

When I checked my messages on Saturday morning, the last thing I expected to hear was an invitation from my friend Unit to go boating in the Bay.

“Isn’t this February?!” I thought to myself. “Is The Unit crazy?”

Yes, yes he is. Crazy like a fox.

Sunday morning found me scouring the Berkeley Marina looking for signs of life. While I was initially disappointed to learn that there is no deli there, the lack of a bait and tackle shop was downright shocking. (According to the folks who work at the information desk, however, both will be coming soon.)

Undaunted in my quest, I picked up a couple of sandwiches at Safeway before venturing to the Berkeley Bait & Tackle Shop at 2221 San Pablo Ave. This store couldn’t be any more authentic if it had been locked in a time capsule 50 years ago. Don’t go there if you’re looking for the latest in equipment and gear. Do go there if you’re looking for some friendly advice and live grass shrimp. ¼ lb of grass shrimp, complete with a block of ice to keep them fresh, cost me only $3.50.

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By 10:30, I was parked near the pier in the Berkeley Marina wondering where The Unit intended to pick me up. As I saw him approach in his 22’ boat, my mission become uncomfortably clear: I was going to have to navigate from the parking lot to the shore, making my way down moss-covered boulders, catch the boat before it clipped any rocks, and then jump aboard while I pushed it clear, all without dropping any of the food or bait.No problem.Upon further investigation from the bay, we would later discover a public boat launch (not marked by any signs from the road approaching the Marina ) located not more than 200 yards nautically from where I jumped on the boat. (Editor's Note: I tried to explain the boat ramp location over the phone prior to disembarking from the jetty rocks.) Due to the Marina ’s design, however, walking to the same dock from where I had parked would have meant approximately 1.5 miles, and I had already done my cardio for the weekend. This laziness would come back to haunt me when I returned ashore via the same route in the afternoon and took an unscheduled swim with my ill-fated PDA/Phone.Sturgeon were the morning’s objective, and we ventured out to San Pablo Bay in anticipation of favorable tides and optimal depth. We found both of those things along with a collection of other fishing vessels just off the shore of China Camp . By now, the thin fog and 50-degree starting temperature had given way to sunshine and 70’s. Knowing that our grass shrimp wouldn’t last long under those conditions, we conspired to impale them on sturgeon hooks that seemed much too big for their tiny bodies.

Grass Shimp on Sturgeon Hook

Whether it was the fault of the rigs, the bait, the conditions, or the fishermen, I cannot say, but no sturgeon were inconvenienced in any way due to our actions on Sunday. After approximately 3 hours of sincere but vain attempts, The Unit and I agreed to cease all sturgeon-catching efforts and focus our attention on getting as much enjoyment out of the afternoon as the beautiful weather would permit.
We picked up some friends at Sam’s in Tiburon before venturing to Angel Island , where we discovered a beautiful secluded beach. The views of both Marin County and the Golden Gate were simply outstanding from this vantage point. Were it not for the litter (which was observable, though not overwhelming), this beach and its inherently exclusive access would make an excellent spot for a romantic picnic.
But I digress. We returned to Tiburon for a brief bite before heading home.

Balz With Cat

The notoriety of Sam’s, with its fantastic menu and extensive bar, worked against us in this instance. Faced with a 2-hour wait, Unit and I opted to wander down the boardwalk for sustenance. We happened upon a gem in Alioto’s, which served up bruschetta and old-world-style pizza that was delicious and timely as well as reasonably-priced.

Incredible Day

Our bellies filled, we headed back to the Berkeley Marina with choppy water in front of us and a gorgeous pink and orange sky at our backs. As indicated earlier, my return to shore could be called many things: humorous, uninspired, tragic… anything but heroic.
But my clothes will dry, my bruises will heal, and my insurance will cover my phone.

And we’ll all be back on the bay sooner than you think.

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Fishing Trips This Weekend

November 12th, 2008 — Coyote Point, Fishing, Oyster Point, San Francisco Bay

I went fishing on both Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. In both cases I was fishing between Oyster Point and the San Mateo Bridge.

On Saturday I used freeze dried bait from Big 5 without success.

On Sunday I used frozen and live bait and caught several soupfin sharks.

I had a great time on the water.

One of the regulars at Coyote Point said he caught 6 strippers 1 fairly large. I need to figure out what he is doing!!!

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San Francisco Bay Leopard Shark [pic]

November 9th, 2008 — Coyote Point, Fishing, Leopard Shark, Oyster Point, San Francisco Bay

Last Friday (the only day that wasn't perfect weather for 6 days in either direction) I was interviewing a candidate for a job with my company. The candidate was from the east coast so I thought it would be fun to take them out for a cruise and some fishing on the Bay with one of my business partners...

The Bay was borderline white cap all day. It even rained a little. None the less we persevered.

We started out of Coyote Point. With our first destination being McCovey Cove on the way passing Candlestick... (The candidate liked sports). Here are some pictures in the cove (sorry for the blackout but this is an anonymous blog)...

We then headed to the Berkley Marina for some live anchovies. $30 a 1/2 scoop. They were all dead by our first stop at the end of the old fishing pier. Frozen anchovies from now on as my boat does not have a live well. Live shiners if available.

Anyway we spent a little time in Berkley, but the weather was not pleasant so we headed for Oyster Point.

We caught a nice size Leopard Shark. Here are some pictures.

All in all a fun morning.

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San Francisco Bay Area Fishing Guide — Book Review

November 9th, 2008 — Boat Ramp, Book Review, Coyote Point, Fishing, Half Moon Bay, Oyster Point, San Francisco Bay

I recently purchased and read the book San Francisco Bay Areas Fishing Guide by Ray Rychnovsky.

It is an excellent primer and refresher on fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area. It covers everything open ocean, ocean reef, near shore, beach, the entire San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, the entrance to the delta, and many area freshwater lakes.

There are details on which time of year for which fish and techniques for catching each type of fish.

Also incredibly useful are details on various boat launches through out the area.

The book was published written in 1999 and is therefore a little bit out of date. For example, Sun Valley Bait and Tackle in San Mateo no longer exists. (Bummer!)

All and all this is a must read for any Bay area fisherman. You will learn if you didn't already know and remember if you already forgot.

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Marina Bay Yacht Harbor

November 9th, 2008 — Boat Ramp, Guest Berths, Marina, Restaurant, Richmond, San Francisco Bay

Marina Bay Yacht Harbor is located in Richmond, CA

Phone: 510.236.1013

Website: http://www.marinabayyachtharbor.com/

Slips: 850

About the Marina:

This marina was built on the site of the historic Kaiser Shipyard that was used during World War II. The marina is relatively new and offers many features for those who choose to dock here. Boats up to 120 feet long are welcome here and the amenities are superb.

What You Need to Know:

Is power available? Yes 30/50 amp power is available for all slips. In addition, all slips come with dock boxes and water.

Are there any pump out stations? Yes, the marina offers pump out stations and the use is absolutely free.

Is wireless internet access available? Yes, at this time the marina does provide its guests with wireless internet access.

Is there a launch ramp? Yes, there is a public launch ramp located right at the marina.

How about fuel? At this time, fuel service is not available. However, there is fuel service within a short distance of the marina. Please contact the harbor master for more information.

What kind of security is available? The marina offers complimentary 24 security patrols as well as an electronic gate.

Are there any nearby boat works? Yes, you can find numerous boat works and chandleries in the area. The marina also offers washdown stations.

Is there a restaurant? In addition to being within a short distance of several restaurants, you can visit the Salute E Vita Italian restaurant right at the marina. They offer authentic Italian cuisine, as well as a complete wine list and a full bar.

Is there a wait list? Yes, some slips do have a wait list. However, there are numerous ones currently available. (please see the list below).

How do I get to the marina? Please visit their website or contact the harbor master for exact instructions on how to reach the marina by water or by land.

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Fees:

Please note that these fees and availability may change.

These slips are currently available.

42 ft. X 14 ft.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-107 $400.00 $388.50

56 ft. X 20 ft.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-229 $500.00 $546

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-251 $500.00 $546

40 ft. X 13 ft. 6 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-134 $400.00 $340

40 ft. X 14 ft. 6 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-188 $400.00 $360

70 ft. X 23 ft.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-170 $200 $647.50

44 ft. X 17 ft. 6 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-191 $400.00 $407

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-195 $400.00 $407

1340 Marina Way South Slip D-183 $400.00 $407

30 ft. X 11 ft. 9 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip F-174 $300.00 $225

1340 Marina Way South Slip F-190 $300.00 $247.50

1340 Marina Way South Slip F-235 $300.00 $225

26 ft. X 9 ft. 8 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip E-147 $300.00 $214.50

30 ft. X 13 ft. 3 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip E-196 $300.00 $225

1340 Marina Way South Slip E-294 $300.00 $225

30 ft. X 13 ft. 2in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip E-158 $300.00 $225

30 ft. X 12 ft. 9 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip G-113 $300.00 $217.50

40 ft. X 13 ft. 3 in.

Address Slip Deposit Rent

1340 Marina Way South Slip E-227 $400.00 $360

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Blue Angels Arrive in San Francisco for Fleet Week

October 14th, 2008 — CA, San Francisco Bay

The time has come again for Fleet Week in the little town of San Francisco, and the spectators and residents should wear their ear plugs and have binoculars at the ready. The sights will be amazing, as the Blue Angels will be flying for four consecutive afternoons. Thursday and Friday sessions are for their rehearsals while Saturday and Sunday will be the main performances.

The Blue Angels are an elite fighter pilot team, flying F/A-18 Hornets. They are well trained in flight maneuvers, able to fly within inches of each other and perform all sorts of complicated maneuvers. They arrived on Monday afternoon, flying over head the Golden Gate Bridge, with their red, white and blue smoke. They arrived at the San Francisco International Airport, landing within 15 seconds of each other, less than the regulation.

Over tens of thousands of people have come out to see the expertise and skill that the Angels possess, along with a parade of ships on Saturday and air shows. A seat in the official grandstand will cost the patron $25 dollars to $150 dollars, but look up from any other part of the park, and it is free for all to see and enjoy.

Starting on Thursday, the Blue Angels will practice their formations and routine over a five-hour period of time. Friday will see the other aircraft practicing. During all of this, windows are shaking, dogs are barking, and so on and so forth. If you wanted peace and quiet, this will not be it.

On Saturday, four ships are going to parade to the waterfront from the Golden Gate Bridge and the show will begin an hour later. The Blue Angels will perform for about an hour that afternoon. Again in the evening the Blue Angels will make an appearance, this time to sign autographs at Pier 39. On Sunday the Blue Angels intend to perform an encore, and the ships will be offering free tours between 11 o'clock in the morning and 4 o'clock in the evening.

Here are highlights for the events taking place during Fleet Week in San Francisco, California:

Thursday: Between noon and 5 o'clock in the evening the Blue Angels will be practicing their flights over San Francisco.

Friday: Between 1 o'clock and 4 o'clock pm the Blue Angels and air show participants will conduct practice flights.

Saturday: Between 11:30 and 12:30 there will be a Ship Parade, followed by an air show from 12:30 until 3 o'clock. Between 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock the Blue Angels will perform.

Sunday: Between 11 o'clock and 4 o'clock Ships will tour at Piers 15, 29, 30 and 32. Between 12:30 and 3 o'clock there will be an Air Show, followed by a Blue Angels show between 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock pm.

Monday: Between 11 o'clock and 4 o'clock Ships will tour at Piers 15, 29, 30 and 32.

Tuesday: Between 11 o'clock and 4 o'clock Ships will tour at Piers 15, 29, 30 and 32.

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The Maltese Falcon Flies into San Francisco Bay

September 28th, 2008 — Boat, Boating, CA, San Francisco Bay, Yachts

The Maltese Falcon, believed to be one of the world’s largest yachts, arrived in San Francisco Bay this weekend. The giant 289 foot yacht, owned by entrepreneur Tom Perkins, is arguably one of the most talked about boats in recent history. The main controversy stems over whether or not it is the largest yacht, but it certainly is one of the world’s largest symbols of wealth.

Perkins has been vague on the actual cost of building the ship, stating that it was somewhere between $150 and $300 million. He found the hull for the ship, which is steel, in Turkey, and the behemoth took several years to construct. A crew of twenty is needed to operate the ship, but Perkins has stated that one person could operate it. Despite it’s huge size, there are only accommodations for twelve guests. The rest of the space is taken up by a model Maserati, a media room that would defy even the best on land and many other luxurious features.

The public had a rare chance to get inside the Maltese Falcon earlier this year, when it was listed for sale for $169 million, but it was quickly taken off the market. The ship also briefly did a stint as a charter yacht, where you could rent it for the cool sum of $550k a week.

The Maltese Falcon will easily be visible in the Bay when it arrives, and is in the area to take part in a few events hosted by the San Francisco Yacht Club. Perkins planned to sail out to meet the ship in his other yacht, which is 122 feet long. He will board there and then sail around the Bay a few times.

Perkins is the author of Sex and the Single Zillionaire: A Novel, as well as his memoir, Valley Boy: The Education of Tom Perkins. He rose to prominence in the 1980’s, after having been mentored by two of the greatest names in Valley history, David Packard and William Hewett mentored him. He was once married to the novelist Danielle Steele, but as the title of his latest book suggests, he is now single.

The ship’s main competition, in terms of overall size is the Athena, owned by Barry Diller and James Walker. While the Athena is larger in dock, experts claim that the Maltese Falcon is longer in the water. There are few ships that can claim to come close to Falcon, and the ones that do reportedly take into account their bowsprits when calculating length, but this practice is frowned upon in yachting.

The Maltese Falcon will remain in the San Francisco Bay briefly before resuming its trek around the world. Captained by Chris Gartner, the ship has sailed from Turkey, where it was recently completed two years ago. Numerous celebrities and people of note have stayed on board, and many are looking forward to greeting the ship as it arrives in the Bay this weekend. It is not often that residents are greeted with such a historic site.

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California Hatchery Salmon Truck Delivered To San Pablo Bay

June 18th, 2008 — Delta, Sacramento, Salmon, San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay

Here Come the Salmon In an unprecedented step in an attempt to revive the wild California King Salmon population the nonprofit Fishery Foundation of California trucked all all hatchery raised King Salmon to the top of the San Pablo Bay. The effort took 2.5 months an involved some 20 million fish.

The step was taken due to the severe decline of wild salmon returning to spawn in the American, Feather, and Mokelumne rivers. An all time low this year, which resulted in a complete closure of the west coast salmon fishery. Next year is predicted to be even worse.

The fish released this year will return as adults to spawn in 3 years time... 20% of the released fish where tagged to track to which rivers they return... According to the California State Fish and Game Department, fish released via truck delivery and net pens into San Pablo Bay are 200% to 400% more likely to survive to adulthood and return to spawn. The idea being that fish released directly from the hatcheries have a number of additional threats with which to deal: intake pumps, pollution, and other hazards. But the main reason seems to be the deteriorating condition of the Sacramento Delta and contention over water resources.

The operation was paid for by sport fishing license stamps for San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.

I sure hope this works...

Hatchery Salmon Here are a few other articles on the Salmon delivery...

Do your part... help the worldwide fish stocks... Only eat sustainable harvested fish. One example is the Kona Kampachi

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