Moss 4/23

Looks like Joel wants to make an early launch so I will leave it to him to post the time. Weather looks like it will hold, hopefully the fish will!

Hey Dave how did you rig your FBR?

On Saturday, the fish seemed to be around 30' down, vs. the 85' Sunday when Stuart got his.  I just had a 4-oz banana weight in-line.  Hooked up as I was reeling in to check my bait after trolling slowly around for awhile.  I am likely to go with a sinker release and heavier weight if they stay that deep.

Anyone got any advice on not to lose a salmon?  Very loose drag?  Just how soft are those mouths?

I'm in for early Saturday...

-- Dave

Dave...

In Stuart's article he hit on the key to keeping salmon on the line... a long rod (8 to 9 ft) with a moderate to slow action to act as a long shock absorber. Any slack in the line and they'll spit those barbless circle hooks like nothing.  A smooth drag also helps.  I upgraded the drag in my Abu 6500's this year just for this reason (ala Alan Tani).  I'm hoping it will make a big difference this year as the Penn HT100 wet drag is far smoother than the original Abu dry drag.  Also, don't let their head out of the water and get them in the net as quickly as possible.

It's tough and can be frusterating... I've lost many more salmon than I've ever landed.

Erik

Stu and I launched at 5:45 last time and we already heard the boaters getting hook-ups - by the time we got to the fleet, the bite had slowed down. So, I plan on launching by 5 and paddling directly to where the fleet is and hope for the best  

I might not be sober from the night before that early in the morning! What the hell, I'll see if I can make it up. Might be the guy coming solo out to meet you guys. Then again I do have the fastest yak of all do I might be able to catch up. So did I mention I went striper fishing today? I am going to do my best pirate impersonation now....."ARRRRR there be some big ole momma's in them there waters."  


Dave, as for losing salmon...well don't feel bad. I think I have been beaten like 4 to 1 on the hookup to land ratio. It all started this one time at fishing camp....

See you guys saturday morning.

-Brian

Looks like I am cleared for Saturday as well.  I might not make it down for a 5am start, but will start paddling as soon as it is light enough to do so

From what I've experienced and heard, the bite is best in the grey of dawn, so your odds go way up getting out there early.  Weather is also less likely to sock you.

In light of the skunk today by the guys that made it out and the car troubles, I am sticking close to home and will try for stripers. Winds in the 30 plus range this evening, hopefully will lay down overnight.

-Brian

I was just looking at the harbor cam and it looks nasty as all hell out there right now.

http://www.stagecoach-wireless.com/Cameras/SCSH/Pos2.htm

Yep guys looks blown out, Monterey bouy is reporting 25mph winds and 5' wind waves. Joel and I are going to skip it.