Who's going to fish it? Wouldn't mind meeting a few of you Salt Chuckers on the 14th of December at the weigh-in.

Downriggin'

I'll be there Downriggin. I keep my boat at Narrows Marina, so it will be an easy trip for me.
I hope everybody gets a fish, it will show just how good Blackmouth fishing can be in the Winter. Jack

When is the derby. I am new to winter blackmouth fishing and still have not tried it yet. Sounds like you better be on the bottom to catch these fish. Also where is the best launch to use down their in the winter. I am going to have to hook up with some of you guys to show me the ropes sometime.

Troller,

The best launch would be at Narrow's (weigh-in). Launch fees on the weekend are $10 I believe. The derby will be held on the 14th of December, first light until 1PM. Cost is $15. I don't have all the particulars right now because I am out of state, but if it is like any other Narrow's derby, we're bound to have a great time!

Lastly, you are correct, target the fish on the bottom (within 10') regardless of the depth.
My preferred depth is 90' to 150', but I will venture out to 200' if the tides are strong.

Downriggin'

Sounds good I am going to have to try and make the derby. It will probably be like learning poker you need to loose a few hands to learn the game. But gotta start somewhere. So do you start out deep early. When fishing for kings I start out shallow and work my way to the bottom as it gets light. time to get the coho killers and herring out .

I start out on the bottom unless fishing for Summer Kings. If the tides are plus/minus 3 feet (meaning a 6' swing) I'll start out in 90' or so. Big tides- automatic 150' plus. Baitfish do not like the heavy current and 3 out of 4 times will head to deeper water.

Downriggin'

Blackmouth are notorious for being right on the bottom. I've caught fish in the sound that look like their nose is rubbed raw,My theory is that they root around in the sand looking for an easy meal.

Make sure you thump that downrigger ball on the bottom a few times, it's just like ringing the dinner bell . Jack

Great info guys. Yeah I am used to fishing for summer kings and working my way down as the sun comes up. If you see a 22foot green alumaweld formula v with outboard on a bracket give a wave. See you out their.

Hey there downriggin,

Will the Dec 14th tourny be for area 11 & 13? And do I call the narrows marina to enter?

Thx, ErnDog

The derby does in fact cover both areas 11 and 13- one of the reasons for this derby.
You'll have show in person to get yourself a derby ticket.

Downriggin'

Downriggin
We will be there with trailrat77 in my boat (boat name " Wynn'er") ready to take the money. Looking forward to meeting you and some of the other salty's out there. Also is there a channel on VHF or CB that you run in the sound if so drop me a email and or let us all know what channel we can hookup on.
P.S. will explain the boat name then.

King,

3rd or 4th place money? (just kiddin'- best of luck)

You can hit myself or Dangerous Dave on VHF Ch 68. We will be over off Green Pt (about a 3 mile run from Narrows Marina) or Gibson.

Stopped to pick up our tickets this morning. We bought the first 3 tickets! Where's everyone at? If folks are concerned about the weather, Russ and Stu won't send boats out unless it is at least fair... so come on folks grab a ticket!! The marina is serving up burgers and dogs after the weight in. I'll bring the cheesy digital camera and post some pics (and a pic of MY winning fish).

Wish I would have grabbed a copy of the rules, but the largest Dawg also claims $50.00!
(That has DD's name all over it!)

Downriggin'

No doubt about it blackmouth are where the baitfish are. They are feeders period. But forget about herring in December (unless you can get the fresh small ones from the marina; an exception to every rule). Cause the reason they are near the bottom, their noses are rubbed raw, their cheeks are scratched, they're banging needlefish behind a hot-spot and slammin' darts bumpin' the bottom is, repeat after me:

CANDLEFISH!

We like to troll the bottom with something long & thin, like a squid, needlefish or grand slam fly till we find em' and then send the darts down express mail till things quiet down again. They're not bashful, the trick is finding them. I know fish finders these days are much improved but it's hard to rely on them for candlefish feeders while their bellys are scraping bottom.

One other tip. In the Tacoma area, not everyone will be fishing deep in December, but rest assured they will be fishing the bottom while they're whistling "Fishing Near One of Many Docks in the Bay".

But if you really want to get the lowdown on blackmouth fishing in the Tacoma area maybe Bill H. would care to expound. With all due respect, I have known many incredible salmon fisherman throughout the Sound, but for this time of year (between steelhead runs) I have never seen anyone as unorthodox, catch as many fish and put on such extraodinary clinics, time after time, as Mr. H. Maybe not as well known as a salt chucker to y'all, but when he talks fish I'm listening, when he's fishing I'm watching. Heck, last I heard, he was still in the Tacoma area. If your lurking out there Bill, help us out and God Bless.

Do the Blackmouth Boogie!

Hey DR,
I'll be out there with Dangerous Dave, looking forward to heading down to your stomping grounds! Always nice to try a new area. I need to get over a pick up my (winners) ticket and we will see you out there!

UM

UM,

Are you heading out this weekend? Maybe we can get together, do a little fishing, and head over the marina to pick up your unlucky ticket.
I have some honey-do's to wrap up before I head out. Maybe Sunday?

Downriggin'

UM DR, What are you two talking about having the winning tickets. I have ticket 001 and 002, that means I'll end up taking first and second place....VHF Channel 68 is what the "Coho-Mojo" will be monitoring..Gonna have a full boat this time. Me, My Son, UM Rules and Rick. Oh! and of course Coho the fishing beagle.
See you all out there. Gonna do some scouting this weekend...I have a serious case of fish fever.

Alright DD, I'll let your boat take 1st- Largest Dogfish!

The new and improved secret scent worked wonders yesterday afternoon... Watch out!

Probably headed back out this afternoon if I can get out of here early again.

Downriggin'

Looks like both me and a buddy have the green light so we are in. I'm looking forward to trying out some of this bottom bouncing with the downriggers. We will be the wet cold looking guys in the open Harbercraft.
JMS

Hey Downriggin! Are you fishing this Friday????