Shelter Cove Salmon Opener - 4/6/13

Saturday, April 6th is very likely to be the salmon opener for Shelter Cove.  I plan to be at the Cove at first light on that day.  Salmon trolling will be the focus, and I anticipate having the entire day to devote to it.  Ab diving, shore fishing and boogieboarding opportunities will be other options!  If we're lucky on the conditions (less than 8' swell, less than 15 knot winds, in general) and lucky on the bite, we could get on some great early season salmon action near shore - usually .75 to 1.5 miles from launch.  Some days its smaller fish 6, 8 and 10 pounds, and others there are some early season fatties around - I've seen a 40"+ 24 pounder taken near the Whistle in April from a powerboat that I was paddling near.  They were at the same depth and speed as me, and that's how hard salmon fishing can be!  That was the opener two years ago - saw and heard of quite a few caught, but also some skunked - including me!  Domenic got one about 10 pounds that day, so as a 'group' we did fine!     Last year on opening day we switched it up and I got a 10 pounder and he didn't get one - again, it was a day where we heard the powerboats getting some but also some skunks.  And, again, we were happy to have caught one between us.  Some days though...  Man, you live for those days when every anchovy you send down 15 or 20 pulls is getting hammered!  I've limited out on smaller fish out there a few times on days like that where it was hot action, and those days are great, don't get me wrong.  I think I prefer a day where you know of some fish being caught but it's no easy task to hook one.  When you keep a good presentation out there - the double-hooked chovy being my favorite - and you cover the miles at a good depth, pulling each stroke of the paddle against the resistance of a DeepSix, you will eventually be rewarded with that legitimate big fish hookup and fight that will last in your memory and fuel the passion behind getting back to that experience!  That's where I'm coming from.   

I'll update this hookup as the opener is confirmed and the dates draw near enough to see some wind and swell predictions.  In the mean time, prepare for salmon season!  That's what I'll be doing.   

I know of at least three other members who are planning to be there - Domenic, Matanaska and Murfman, we're a group of four for now!   

Im armed and ready.

Im armed and ready.

Right on!   

Maybe we can get this member to join in too...   

I think I am gonna try to make it up and join you guys. Love the cove it just the 5+ hour drive that makes it tough. But if I am lucky enough to swing my net it will all be worth it.

Gotta give the beach comber a call...

Likely in.

You know I'll be there.....can't wait to get back out on big blue!

In. See you there.

I was sweating it a little until I got my work schedule for the next 4 weeks...I get April 5,6, and 7th off...too cool - I'm good to go!!!

I'm wondering about cheap lodging at Shelter Cove...I'll come the day before the opener and probably leave late the 6th (if it goes well maybe stay until late the 7th)

Any suggestions on the best price Inn, motel, etc.?

-Murf

Ok...just grabbed a room at Mario's!

-Murf

Oh boy! I really hope there is good weather in May to try for some salmon too!   Wish I had caught more last year, but was being distracted by WSB 

Just booked my room at the beach comber. Crossing fingers for fishable water, hungry salmon, & a bloody yak!!!

Spoke with Prophet last night, he's planning on being there.

I'll try to make this. I need to learn to troll for salmon from experts .

I just joined NCKA about a year ago. I'm interested in going salmon fishing. Can someone tell me what is the nearest town with a motel.