Yes folks, here we are on the cusp of the fall Chinook salmon season. The weather is on and off, wet and dry, calm and windy. One day I’ll fish eleven hours and never get a tug – not one – and end the day exhausted. The next day I might get a tug, hook the fish and then loose it for no reason other than the hook pulled free. The next day I’ll fish 7 hours, get three tugs, and land all three salmon. That’s the way it goes. Salmon fishing is an addiction for some of us. No way escaping the facts.
Here are a few frames from a recent GoPro video plus a fairly random assortment of scenes from the last several weeks fishing in the ocean and in the estuary and just general stuff I found when I downloaded photos recently. I hope you enjoy the non-fish scenes as much as the fishy ones.
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On the topic of Chinook salmon, these are among the most spectacular gamefish I have ever had the honor to pursue. Occasionally I’ll catch one, and every fish is precious. If you fly fish for Kings you understand already.
Jay Nicholas, September 26, 2014.
I know the clouser-in-the-ear trick cast pretty well. It is so much easier with barbless. Got tetanus shot recently? Take care Jay.
Understand oh soooooo completely! That tug and that feeling always feel like the first tug. Just can’t describe it……
Jay, I already have down the 11 hours without a tug part. I’d like to get to the 3 tugs in 7 hours part.
First: not my ear, just an anonymous friend. Second: that tug is one of the most powerful drugs, but not everyone is potentially addictive. For those of us who are, pity the souls.. Third: Wet weather has had me fishing but a little the last month, but my friends have been ranging up and down the coast looking for the right water conditions -finding fish on occasion. Me? Got one today! OMG it has been a long time but sooooo nice to hook up. Thanks to all for your good wishes. Tore a tendon in my left foot and am wrapping in garbage bags to fish. Serious commitment on my part. Best luck to all anglers out in the rain, wind, and occasional shine. JN.
Jay, are the Coho through running? I’m down in Medford and I have some friends who were wanting to head over to Brookings or Bandon to target Coho, but if you’re already into Chinook maybe we’re too late 🙁
I’m no coho expert so you should check with someone who knows the systems you are targeting. We’ll see silvers in our north coast rivers in November snd December but frankly I’ve found them unpredictable and relatively immune to my tactics so I focus on kings and am happy whenever I get a silver grab. This has been quite a strong coho run and have caught more than usual. Good luck whatever you fish for! JN.