It's been one week since the Morro Bay public boat launch ramp reopened to San Luis Obispo County residents only.
There are a couple of signs throughout the city letting people know that while the launch ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, it's for locals and the harbor patrol is making sure people are complying.
This comes after the launch ramp closed more than a month ago.
"We're just happy because we were all ready to go April the first so we've been waiting for what, 20 something days," said Local Fisherman and Captain, Will Hawk.
Hawk, who owns fishing boat, Joy Sea, showed us that the fish are biting too.
"We got our limit. We got 30 fish today. We went all the way up to Cambria," Hawk explained.
"Today was a pretty good day actually," said another Local Fisherman, Anthony Randazzo Jr. "I didn't expect much because the forecast wasn't very good at all and I couldn't
even see land the whole time but I ended up getting my limit of rockfish and lingcod."
Though this may be enticing to other recreational fishermen, only San Luis Obispo County residents are able to launch from Morro Bay.
"All of my Bakersfield friends don't like it," Hawk said.
"We get tons and tons of calls and most of them are calling and asking, 'is the ramp open yet for everybody?' and 'no, sorry,'" said City of Morro Bay Harbor Director, Eric Endersby.
The harbor patrol is checking too.
"They checked my ID though to make sure I was a local resident," Randazzo said.
"While we love all our fishermen to come here from far and wide, it's not right now. It's just wait a little bit longer," Endersby said.
Masks are strongly encouraged plus social distancing should be practiced.
With salmon season kicking off this Friday, even more fishermen are expected to hit the water.
"We're just glad we can get out and enjoy god's creation and get some ocean therapy after being locked up," Hawk said.
The harbor patrol says they have not issued any citations but a violation could result in a $1,000 fine.
The sport launch ramp opened last Friday in Avila Beach, also, just in time for salmon season.
