Where do we go from here?It's November and transition time. Reports from Cabo to the Channel Islands over the last 24 hours show there is plenty of good fishing to be had - if you work at it.

The Tuna Jackpot in Cabo produced what was called a record amount of 100-pound-plus yellowfin over two days, while the latest dispatch from the Royal Polaris tells of some major league kelp paddy fun.

The traditional fall finishing flurry of small kelp paddy yellows in local offshore waters is seemingly done - they might still be there, but don't expect anyone to go looking - and you can pretty much stick a fork in a season that was one of the worst in years. There's no way to sugar coat it.

At least there is some good action to be had on big yellowtail and seabass on the squid, even though the bite at Santa Barbara Island predictably toughened up. Of course, the croaker and 'tails at the islands and along the beach really never went away, so it might be hard for some folks to get fired up about it at this time of year.

That's the way some people like it, as it makes for an uncrowded chance at something special, with the alternative to load up on some reds always there (until the Jan. 1 closure date).

Meanwhile all eyes will be on the long range trips that head out in the next week or two and get back just before Thanksgiving. Those trips in past years have offered some of the best fishing all year for cow yellowfin tuna.

And then we'll all sit down and give thanks for what we have and remember a moment that made this year special, whether it was a personal best seabass or yellowtail or the simple joy of getting out on the water with friends.

PHOTO CAPTION: Friday's 3/4-day trip on the Island Spirit turned up some seabass and big sheephead to go with good calico bass fishing. Calm weather and unseasonably high temperatures helped make it a perfect day on the water. What do the next couple months have in store?

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Rich Holland's Roundup