So we have a heat wave, 4th of July weekend with crowds and traffic amidst a drought. What’s an angler to do? How about hitting the coast? Stripers continue attacking in the San Francisco Bay and beach anglers on the San Mateo County Coast also are getting bass. Party boats get rock cod from Crescent City to Morro Bay. Pick your port. Two things worth watching are albacore off Fort Bragg. Fish were caught Sunday but boats haven’t been back out. Also squid are in Monterey Bay. White sea bass should follow. Here are this week’s Best Bites:

SAN FRANCISCO BAY striped bass: Striper limits are common. Raccoon Straits have been productive, as has China Camp. Halibut are caught at Paradise. Party boats with 35 anglers are getting limits. Hi’s Tackle Box (650) 588-1200; Loch Lomond Marina (415) 456-0321 Sole Man Sportfishing (510) 703-4148

LAKE ALMANOR trout, smallmouth: As long as the hex hatch is on, Almanor stays on the list. Smallmouth are the most frequently caught, but trout (rainbow and browns) and salmon are feeding deeper. Doug Neal: (530) 258-6732 http://www.almanorfishingadventures.com

CROWLEY LAKE trout, perch: It’s an a.m. bite here. Heat and wind take over by mid-day. Trout bite remains good and its best in the middle of the lake in 40 feet of water, 30 feet deep. All the standard stuff is working. Bait fishing is good in McGee Bay in 24 feet of water with inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Fly fishers also score in McGee and Big Hilton. Perch bite is going strong. Work McGee Bay along the 395 shoreline. Guide Mickey Baron (760) 937-3245; Crowley Lake Fish Camp (760) 935-4301

MAMMOTH LAKES trout: Plants of large trout went in this week. A group of 4 on Tuesday brought in five 8 pound trout from Mary. Mary and George are pushing out the most and the largest trout. Trout Teasers or Mice Tails work well. Twin and Mamie also are fishing well, but not on the same level as the other two. Rick’s Sport Center (760) 934-3416

PACIFICA striped bass: Striper bite continues. Mussel Rock has been the best spot. The beach below the apartments has also been productive. Bass are also on the beaches in Half Moon Bay. Low tide seems to be the best time. Rusty Hook (650) 355-8303, New Coastside (650) 359-9790

COASTAL rock cod: Crescent City, Eureka, Bodega Bay, Golden Gate, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Morro Bay all report the same. Limit rock cod fishing with a strong showing of ling cod. Great way to beat the heat.