I am just getting back from a 3,000 mile road trip through Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. While spending hours and hours in the car I had some thoughts about fishing reports and how others use and misuse them.

Hearing a positive fishing report gives me confidence that fish are there and were recently willing to bite. Maybe I can pick up a few new techniques. I think these are very positive things, ecspecially for realitvely green fisherman like myself. Sharing info is very much appreciated by many on this website.

I also enjoy looking at fish porn from time to time. Seeing some of the trophies the guys on this website catch are truely awesome.

However some negatives can result from fishing reports. I am a big believer in if your not the one making the report you have missed the fishing. The best time to be fishing is all the time - don't wait until somebody tells you they had a great day because it will be too late. People can fall into the trap of chasing good reports all over the country side and never getting to know the good fisheries they have right close to home. I myself have fallen into the trap of driving clear across the state to fish a "hot" river while passing up good water hours closer to home that will be holding just as many fish.

If you are new and learning resist the temptation of ambulance chasing and learn the the water close to home. Find a home water. This is where you will have your most success. After you learn the basics slowly expand your horizons. I am by no means saying never fish new water - just stike a balance.

Probably one of the worst examples of misused reports are the guys that sit around and wait for the Fishing and Hunting News to come out to figure out where they are going fishing. These reports are weeks old and what you will probably run into are packed meat fisheries for dark fish and fishermen that don't really know what they are doing or where to go.

Don't be afraid to blaze some new trails or hit fisheries at other than the "peak" times. You might be pleasently surprized with what you find.


Steve

Well I have to say I'm a Washington and Salmon greenhorn as well, I've recently retired from the Navy and moved here from San Diego. I always wanted to see Washington, but the Navy never got me here. I've only had the opportunity to fish a few spots, Purdy Bridge, Narrows Park, and Fox Island. I read the reports and posts, but limit myself to fishing the areas closer to home. I will branch out and hope to know most of the rivers and areas of the sound eventually. In the last month I have caught a few Coho, maybe a dozen, and tied into one King which I lost due to another Fisherman, an ugly story I won't go into. But I have to say I love this area, I love these fish. I can spend 6 hours standing in the sound casting a spinner and catch nothing (which has only happened a couple times) and still walk away with a smile. I cannot wait to get a boat and head out to the areas I hear everyone talk about , but as of now I'm content to listen and learn, and fish where I can. I am having a ball!

Nif Nif, I smell transplants!! Welcome! My family homesteaded here in 1860, and we never left. Just remember that you don't have to pay california-like prices when buying a home up here.

later
Ryan

P.S. Set the hook twice!