About Mussel Point Hump

Mussel Point Hump is an outer, exposed rock pinnacle rising off the seafloor near Bodega Bay, with depths running 50 to 85 feet over hard structure. The pinnacle holds aggregate rockfish through their May–October peak and lingcod from July into February, while Pacific halibut work the area April–September and Chinook and Coho salmon move through on their spring and summer runs. Rockfish come readily on bait fishing with squid, shrimp flies, cut bait, or live anchovies, and jigging with metal jigs or swimbaits pulls fish off the high rock. Lingcod respond best to jigging with metal jigs and leadhead jigs or to live bait such as live rockfish and sardines worked close to the pinnacle. Salmon are targeted by trolling anchovies, spoons, hoochies, and flashers through the surrounding water, with mooching anchovies or herring as a slower alternative.