11 Gray Whales & 300 Dolphins
The marine layer kept ocean conditions smooth all day. Numerous bait balls full of northern anchovies were spotted all over the zone today and there were plenty of common dolphins (200+ at 9am and 100+ at 12 noon) feeding on these little fish. Numerous California sea lions also joined the attack. Several of these massive balls of fish tried to escape their fate by moving under and around the twin hulls of the Condor Express. The cycle of life played out first hand for all to see. The gray whales continue to move through the zone in large numbers, and were seen solo as well as in pairs all day on both trips. They don’t care a bit about bait balls, but were observed migrating north (west) with short down times and long surface intervals all day. There were frequent tail flukes to be seen as well. 3 grays were watched on the 9am trip and 8 more were watched on the 12 noon trip. All the action was again found west of Santa Barbara Harbor.
All trips are a “go” for Saturday. If you are out, stop by the wheelhouse and say “hi!” I’ll be there with my camera to catch the action. You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express