Salmon heart-breaker at Shelter Cove

Paddled 5-6 nice solo miles trolling for salmon at the Cove today.  Didn't get there until 2PM when almost all of the PB's were already off the water...  Talked to a group of 3 with limits (6) as I got in.  The swell was big and the wind was blowing, but I was determined to get out since the season will likely end soon.  I went out to just south of the bell (1 mile+ out) and trolled for an hour before hooking up.  The report has been, and usually is this time of year, smaller fish to 10# generally.  My hookup came to the surface about 50 feet from me and I knew it was decent--10# class or better.  I faught it ever-so-gently, always thinking of my break-off in February...  Had my net out and paddle nicely stowed (8-10' swells and wind waves active), and saw it again on the surface about 35' out, then...  (uh...huh...huh{crying sounds}...) it was gone! with my hook...  So I'm condemning myself for not having brand new rigs...  But wait, I fought it for a few minutes...  it must have cut the line with its sharp little teeth...  yeah, that makes me feel better!   

I had an excellent time.     I know I was trolling too deep and too slow because I caught and released 3 blacks, 2 blues, and a grassy/olive!  It was hard to compensate with the wind and the swells, but I hooked the nice salmon (at 66 pulls on a small deep-six) before any of the rockfish, so I stuck with it and pared down to 40 or so pulls eventually.  The best part of several hours on the open ocean by yourself is usually the cold beer and satisfaction back at the truck.  My aim is that the best part will be on the water--PARTNERS NEEDED!   

Abking, too bad about losing the fish, but it sounds like you had fun anyway.  I sent you a PM, but in case you don't get it, I'd be stoked to get out there with you. Let me know when you want to go and I'll try to get up there.  I think I'm about 2 hours from you.
Dave

My heart broke just reading this keep you positive attitude.
"your line is only as strong as the knot you tie" a great man said this to me once and it stuck with me forever, I know this is not the case in you situation (big teeth) but I thought id share this saying anyway
James

Eric:  Doh!  Consider switching to a LONG noodly rod.  When I went out of Bragg earlier this year I used and old whippy ugly stick and itwas great for slow steady pressure on a barbless.   Won't land anything in a hurry, but they make a great shock absorber, and there is little opportunity for slack to develop as you ease it in.  I have a spare if you want to borrow it to try it out.

I am always willing to come up if time allows, don't hesitate to call. Pescadore is LUCKY...be sure to bring him!

Thanks for the replies--it was a bit messy to get pics yesterday--next time.

Sean:  thanks for the offer of the rod--I've already spent a few hours thinking of my needed gear changes...

Pescadore:  thanks for the offer to get together--sounds like a definite go.

  My aim is that the best part will be on the water--PARTNERS NEEDED!   

I would love to drive up there and fish with you this season.  I have to drive 3 hours to get to the good ocean fishing anyways, whats a few more.  Thanks for the report.

I would love to go get 'em up there, some abs too. Ben

Years back befoer the advent of flurocarbon people would go down to 8 or 12# when the bite got tuff.  I would use a long rod, a light drag, and FRESH LINE DAMN IT!