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What do you do if you are a frustrated river angler and you just
can't wait to get hold of the first spring of the year? With the
high, dirty water on the Bulkley and Skeena this year you have three
choices. You can go and fish the Kitimat, fish the salt chuck or
stay home. Of course, the last one is not a reasonable alternative,
since I find that lack of fishing is a misdemeanor, and the more
I miss the meaner I get.
The Coast
The Kitimat is getting into prime season right now. The river has
been fluctuating but is very fishable and springs are being landed.
The only trouble is, that with anglers not able to fish anywhere
else, you may have to put up with more people. You can avoid the
crowded areas and seek out the less fished spots or make sure you
arrive earlier or stay later than the others. Springs are in the
bay at Kitimat and most catches are in the 20-35 meters (65-100
foot) range.
The fishing at Prince Rupert right now is very good. Wish I were
there. Those big Skeena springs are showing up and anglers are doing
well around the usual hotspots. A 90 kg (200 pound) halibut was
landed last week, which means that some of those big females are
following the salmon in. My fishing buddy from Terrace phoned me
on Monday morning. "Bob, just leaving the fishing grounds,
do you want to know how we did? I said "Not really." After
all it would just make it harder waiting till I got out there myself.
He told me anyway. "We brought out 23 springs and 6 halibut."
Thanks buddy. See you in two weeks.
The Basics
Many of us grew up in a fishing environment and were taught by
moms and dads, friends, grandparents. It was a subtle education.
We gradually absorbed all the little pointers over the years and
now we don't think about it, but know what works from experience.
A new angler starting out must feel completely bewildered.
So much to learn, so little time. There is a wealth of information
out there for those thirsty for info. Many books are available on
all aspects of the sport; videos can give you 20-40 years of an
expert's accumulated knowledge in a one-hour video. The Internet
gives you access to an unbelievable amount of tips and techniques.
There is however a few basics that are absolutely key to increasing
your success.
(All previous issues are stored in the ARCHIVE
for your convenience)
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Hooks
First, and most important, keep your hooks sticky sharp. All hooks
should stick on an inclined fingernail. The famous Charlie White,
with his underwater videos, show salmon inhaling a herring and spitting
the bait out with no sign there was even a bite. I am constantly
amazed at the anglers who hook bottom; manage to release, only to
cast out again without even checking the hook. You should check
that hook every time you hook bottom.
Clean Hands
Keep your hands clean. As I mentioned last week, trout and salmon
have a keen sense of smell. Your hands should be free of all odors.
Keep them clean with a biodegradable soap.
Be quiet
Sound carries four times better underwater than above. Fish like
a Great Blue Heron, slow and quiet. When wading go slowly and keep
out of sight. In the boat don't shuffle around, drag the tackle
box, rattle the anchor chain, let junior play drums on the side
of the boat, let man's best friend run back and forth, etc. If there
was a dinosaur in your living room you would probably know it, don't
let the fish know you are there.
Light Line
Use as light a line as possible to do the job. I remember one time
at the very prolific Takysie Lake south of Burns Lake. Upon heading
out early in the morning I talked to an old fellow on how the fishing
was. He said, "Worst I've ever seen, been coming here for 20
years and it must be fished out." I couldn't help but observe
his tackle. He was using a nine foot salmon rod with a gang troll,
but what I really noticed was his line. I asked him "What size
line are you using." He replied, "30 pond test, I don't
like to lose tackle." I thought to myself, you don't like to
catch fish either. Takysie is famous for its abundant 12-16 inch
rainbows but with 30 pond test? We happened to meet again as he
came into lunch. We had released 32 fish between the three of us
on a little inch long spoon, by itself, a Triple Teaser. Again I
asked him how he had done. The results were predictable. "Worst
I have ever seen it, no sense staying around here, I'm heading home.
How did you do?" All I could think of was agreeing that, "...yes
the fishing was slow."
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