Pacific Beach Sand Crabs & Salad

[Midnightpass]

I'm heading down to stay at the Crystal Pier Cottages and would like to know the availability of sand crabs in Pacific Beach and how the kelp situation is... Has anyone been in the area that can help the Old Man out?... I've checked out a few web cams, and I see some small clumps of kelp on the beach, but it's hard to tell if there is a lot of eel grass, or how bad the kelp is.. Is it fishable?... Crabs around?
Thanks,
Butch

[Perch killer]

Did a gray light minus tide session 10 days ago straight out from PB Drive. That area seems to always have a good inner trough & some good size holes but the kelp & grass were real bad that day, barely fishable & no sand crabs. Made a move south to Mission near Belmont Park. Much better conditions and found crabs. Perch fest but no corbina or croaker yet. 3 days ago, real good surf conditions but no crabs so go figure. I would first look under the pier for crabs and then check out both north & south side of pier for salad conditions. You're probably aware of the no fishing MLPA north of the staircase at Diamond St. If you decide to go further south to BP area, LG tower 13 can be real good and straight out from the rest rooms at the north end of park lot. If I get out that way next week, I'll give you a heads up.

[Midnightpass]

Thanks for the intel... The pier is the go to spot for crabs when I go down there... Sometimes just micros though... I'd get some blood worms from up here to take, but my bait shop (Big Fish) stopped carrying them. .... I know it's hit or miss on the kelp at this time of the year... It is what it is... The pier is closed down past the cottages for storm damage repairs, so fishing that is out (I'm not much for pier fishing anyway, but my Son or Grandkids might want to).. It's our annual trip down there for the last 18 or so years, and we'll enjoy just being there... The Granddaughter is going to The University of Oklahoma for collage, so it might be the last time all of us make this trip together... Boy am I missing that girl already ....
Butch

[Perch killer]

Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle in Oceanside usually always has BW's. Right off the freeway. OB pier is closed also, storm damage. Best bet for the kids is the Shelter island pier on the bay.

[Midnightpass]

Thanks, I’ve used PCB&T for bloodworms while staying in Carlsbad.. Nice shop…. I thought about pumping ghost shrimp, but I don’t think my wife would be happy with us getting mudd all over the inside of her shiny bright car. …We’ll probably just surf fish and forgo the pier fishing, but thanks again for the suggestions…
Butch