Anyone heard how the blackmouth run is so far? I'm planning to go out this weekend but haven't heard good or bad.

Without downriggers, is mooching herring the best alternative? How about trolling herring with a deep diver? I would appreciate any advice. Will probably launch at Everett and not go too far (depending on the weather).

Also, should I expect the launch at Everett to be extremely crowded? I've been through the Tillamook Bay experience a few times and it has been a zoo.

Thanks in advance...


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ExtraStout

Things may differ in different areas, but around Point Defiance, Dalco, etc., if I didn't have downriggers this time of year, I wouldn't bother trolling. Mooching might be my first choice anyway. Most of the trick is keeping your offering within 20 or less feet of the bottom. That's very hard to do with any technique besides meatlining, downrigging, and mooching. For winter fish, blackmouth, lighter gear is a good way to go. Use a sinker just big enough to do the job, lighter lines, and light leader. In the summer, nearer terminal areas, the fish are transitional and seem to come shallower. At those times a diver, or even just slow trolling a heavier weighted mooching setup can get excellent results - this is at about 40 or so feet deep.

ExtraStout, If you've got a good fishfinder/depthsounder I would suggest either motor mooching a cut plug herring or jigging a Point Wilson Dart or Buzz Bombs, the key to either of these is finding bait, if you do not have a fishfinder I would troll a flasher/herring or flasher/hoochie as close to the bottom as you can get it, covering as much water as possibe, as for the divers, I haven't found one that goes any deeper than 6oz. of lead, good fishing.

Blackmouth fishing is excellant right now. Find the bait and stay close to the bottem.

Another question on Blackmouth. Can you have any success fishing from shore, or do you need a boat? Do the fish come in close to shore at places like Bush Point or Deception Pass? Thanks for any reply.

Idaho,
There are a few places where blackmouth routinely work in close, particularly in the spring. One of the best known is Point No Point. I took a 9 1/2 pounder flycasting from the beach at Seattle's Lincoln Park a couple of years ago in March. Most of the beach fishing is for immature resident coho running to about 3 pounds max at this time of the year. In the fall there are many places where returning mature coho can be taken close in. Beach fishing for salmon around here is still pretty much in its infancy and there are many things (and places) to discover. Just be sure that you can identify your fish and remember that sea-run cutthroat are catch and release in all marine areas.

Thank you for your response, Preston. I did try fishing the beach at Bush point last Fall, and had good luck with the Humpies. I am coming back the end of March, and wondered if I might do the same thing for Blackmouth; it sounds like that might be a challenge. Where is Point No Point?

On another topic, can anyone tell me the methods to use to take rockfish, seabass, or flounder from the beach or piers.

Seems like I have alot of foolish questions, but I need to start somewhere.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Idaho

Idaho,
Point No Point is at the northern end of the Kitsap Peninsula between Hood Canal and Admiralty Inlet. Take the Hansville Road north almost to the water then turn right to Point No Point County Park. The park is on the grounds of the Point No Point lighthouse and parking is severely limited, especially on the weekends.

Well...my brother and I went out on Saturday and fished both ends of Hat Island. We were expecting strong winds and rain but it ended up being one of the most glorious days I can remember on the water. Saw one keeper caught on the south end of Hat and I C&R a shaker on the north end jigging a buzzbomb. We didn't bring home anything for the BBQ but we had a great time and learned a lot. Can't wait to get back out there (with downriggers next time). Thanks to all for the advice :-)


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ExtraStout