Shelter Cove - 8/2

Wind is in the forecast for the weekend, so I made some time today and ran down to the Cove.  Got on the water shortly after 4PM as the last of the powerboats were heading in.  I got the end of the day story on chanel 68:  NO sport boats caught salmon today!     The commercial season started at the Cove the other day, so I was out there with the real fleet!  Of course they were all out of sight, as what I gathered is that they are the only ones to catch any salmon because the fish have been really really deep (like 40 FATHOMS!).  These guys are talking about 20 and 40 pound lead weights on the radio...  Different league!  Anyway, I knew there's always at least the outside chance of a salmon hookup, so I trolled out past the Bell and to the Whistle.  I was sporting my brand new blue X-Factor that I just picked up from Hawk (HumBoats Kayak Adventures out of Eureka - "Swellrider" from this board) today.  Hawk had stoked me out with two demo days with this boat, so it was like I was already totally used to it, but it was really that much sweeter to have my own boat today and get to know it.  I decided to start trolling deeper so I'd catch some rockfish for sure since I knew the salmon chances were slim.  I picked up the usual few blacks and a couple blues and also a fat kelp greenling, two gophers (NEVER catch those!), a decent 19.5" vermillion, and a 6-8# ling that I released at the boat.  When I hooked a black or blue while trolling I'd stop and jig that reef - 50-70' of water, so some of the fish were on a Megabait, but the ling came on the trolled chovie behind a dodger and deepsix, which was cool.  The dolphins buzzed me early and played around my boat for a few minutes - I got a few good pics and enjoyed having them make me feel welcome.  I truly got some awesome therapy today after a really fun vacation with the family where I missed my ocean!    

Very cool Eric.
I hear ya on the gophers. I am sure they greeted you in their usual style.
Just as bad as a seagull flying over head.

Good report Abking, awesome pics. Wish I could have been there for your maiden voyage. We'll hit it up soon maybe a night drift on the bay.

Hi Abking,

Wish I was there fishing with you.  Boy, I really miss that place.  I'm on a business trip in Fishkill, NY and should be back in time for the MBK derby. Hope to see you there.

Take care,

Sailfish

I'm just glad to see somebody else keep down the gopher population, not just me,  .

J

Wishin I was at The Cove right meow....
Thanks for the pics and report!

My parents were up there last week and there was a big hubbub in the campgrounds. Seasons had to kick out some "farmers" because they were drama w/their monster trucks, new ATVs, huge RVs, etc. Apparently they were from Honeydo...hey, isn't that where YOU live?! LOL!
 
PK

I enjoy your reports even move having fished up there myself last spring.  I can't wait to get back up there.