Out today--- magnificent weather. Stopped and nailed a nice ling near Eagles Cove. Went up to Chatham and fished almost up to Rock bay. Two other boats fishing. During the three hours we were fishing, we saw 1/2 doz nice schools of chums finning and the odd jumper along the kelp beds and the wall. Right off the bat I landed a nice 10lb coho that was released. Next we had a double header after running through a school of chums--- lost both. On the return pass I had a strong hit at 75 ft. Then nibbled the hoochie and when I tried to set the hook, it ran toward the boat. I told my partner not to pull in his gear as I didnt think it was a big fish..WRONG!!! It turned and dove. Not like a spring but straight down! My partner hastily got his rigger and rod out of the way and readied the net. After about 10 min we had the fish nearing the boat--- my partner let out a yell "STEELHEAD!" when it passed the boat 5 ft off. Long and snakey, estimated the weight around the 20lb level.
We knew then we would have to let it go-- but we wanted a close look at it and maybe a picture so I guided it toward the net. But as luck would have it, just as it was crossing the lip of the net, it gave a shrug-- and slowly swam off... the flasher tried to whack me in the face..... Grins and hi-5s !! Bit later my partner nailed another coho that had to be released too. Tide stopped pushing, so we headed off to Greensea. About 8 boats working the area. We didnt see any fish on the surface, but we did see a guide boat land a double header of chums and other boats got singles. As for us-- nada.. On the way back to CR, we stopped at Separation Head and dropped the gear. My partner almost immediately hit a very lively coho-- it fought like a tiger. Turned out to be an unmarked 15lb slab, chrome brite!!!!! Great way to end the trip. Is it worthwhile trying this weekend?? You bet! Have fun kiddies, I will be out again on Friday.
Thus endeth the lesson..............