Hey guys! The Pink Salmon (aka humpies) are entering some of the river systems in Western Washington right now and they will be coming in the millions this season. You all know that I am a bass angler at heart, but I cannot ignore the good eats that salmon is. Brown’s Point is a location that many of these salmon will pass to reach their birthplace in the rivers. Imagine yourself with access to catching salmon without a boat, from the shore, AND without the need for waders.
Browns Point – Giving It Up on Wed 08-12-09 Report
8:20 PM - Fast Approaching Nightfall, Patches of Pink Amid a Cloudy, Gray Canvas.
Got to Brown’s Point at about 8:20 pm with my son. That is when I realized that I brought the wrong Curado D reel. I brought the Curado D that was less than 2/3 full with 8# mono. Doh!
According to the people I talked to on the way down to the beach, the fishing was slow and a bit tough. Fortunately for me, I had my good luck charm (my son) with me. I also started to think that the 8# test just might be my ticket to getting into the fish. The challenge and game plan would be to play the fish properly so as to not break the line.
8:25 PM - First Cast
First cast made. I offered the first retrieve to my son, but he declined. He appeared to be more interested in eating his snacks and guzzling soda than wanting to catch his first salmon. I didn’t blame him.
8:30 PM - First Hook Up
My buzz bomb got hammered and I drove the hook home as I said quietly, “Got ‘em.” The pink fought with great vigor. Unfortunately, by way of my impatience and some fear that my line might break, I did not heed my game plan to play the fish. The end result was a lost fish that took advantage of the barbless hook restriction as I attempted to horse it to shore. The pink salmon tossed the hook with authority. That all too well known sinking feeling settled in as the belief my best chance to land one crossed my mind. Double Doh!
8:40 PM – Second Chance
I was blessed with another good strike and set the hook. This time I played it right and eventually landed this pink with someone’s net. Ah yeah, first salmon of the season.
I apologize for the bad pics. The salmon kept squirming.
9:00 PM – Packing Up and Heading Home
I decided to head home so that I could clean the salmon. Not a bad for a 40 minute outing, especially that my pink and one other were the only two caught in this period. I think I am going to stick with the 8# line the next time out.
He isn’t squirming anymore.
Conditions
Light, Occasion Drizzle, Overcast Skies and Windy
Gear: Lamiglas 8’6” Rod, Curado 201DHSV with 8# test (oops!)
Lure: Pink Buzz Bomb
