Shelter Cove - 6/3

Having just read Malibu Two's frustration with slow fishing and the lost ling and CafeCraig's skunkage, I have my own somewhat agonizing story for the day...  I had prepared myself physically and mentally this past week for a big day at the Cove.  As last night wound down I got my truck all loaded after a long day of fun with the fam at the river, then I tuned in to a few internet sites and found an extremely promising report of 20-35 pound salmon caught Saturday within yakking distance of the launch at Shelter Cove.  I was stoked!  It was hard to get to sleep I was so excited.  Got up at 5AM and hit the road.  I had figured on possibly ab diving, but that didn't hold a high priority as I was much more anxious to get to salmon trolling.  I arrived at the Cove about 7AM and checked out my hot-spot at Abalone Point - too muddy for a pleasant dive (1' viz...), so I was off to gear up and go salmon trolling.  Boats were launching one after the other even though it was a 1.2' minus tide.  The fog was low and pretty thick - could barely see the Bell Buoy...  I geared up and headed out.  Started trolling right after clearing the moorings in the harbor because I saw dolphins and some bait right away.  The fleet had set up camp out past the Whistle Buoy - that's where Saturday's hot action had been.  Picked up a couple of rockfish on the troll (WMA), so I stopped and jigged a minute and picked up a double - black and red.  Kept the red, then continued the salmon quest.  Got out with the fleet and spent the next few hours presenting some nice bait:  after giving up on the WMA I put on my trusty chovie and hoochie behind the flasher and DeepSix, then later I ditched the hoochie.  I checked my bait often enough to be sure I had nice presentation, but it just wasn't my day.  The agonizing part was hearing on the radio of quite a few 30+'s being caught around me, and seeing some slobs boated next to me.  The PB's were for the most part using the wire to get down, but they were only at 40-50', so I should've been able to hookup...  Consolation:  there were certainly PB's that got skunked too, but, man!, that hurts!     Headed back in and really I am pleased that my body felt as good as it did after 7 straight hours on my ass and 10.5 miles of trolling.  Another day...   

Oh yeah, I was also pleasantly surprised to see two other yakkers out there today.  They were catching rockfish by the Bell Buoy and I briefly spoke to one of them who told me they were from Sacramento.  Welcome to Humboldt!

I offer my deepest condolences...you "only" got a double red+black...and a couple rockfish. BooHoo! [tiny violin playing]
Hahaha! Just messin with ya! Hopefully your extended time will result in 30 minute limits next trip!

Thanks for the report,
PK

tiny violin playing

PK

Thanks, PK!     I was also lamenting the fact that we didn't have a mini-armada of NCKA warriors out there, because at least one of us would've hooked up a huge f'ing king!  Check your calendars for a free time to come up - I'm hoping to go back in 2 weeks.

Eric

Maaaaan, sorrry to hear that, I had the same thing happen to me on saturday, super fishy area and I couldn't even jig a nibble.  It was kinda eerie for me though, there were seals actin freaked out all around me.   Yep, i'm in the skunk crew also.  jtf..

Hang in, its still early. Somethings telling me its going to be a pig of a salmon season.