Springtime Boating on Puget Sound

The Whaler managed to escape the barn a couple of times this spring. Both times it got to Langley before I managed to corral it home. It’s too early to fish for anything in saltwater; I’m waiting for Lingcod season to begin on May 1st. My first trip on April 14th was so cold that my friend and I had to wear balaclavas. Fortunately, just two weeks later the weather had warmed considerably, and my friend David and I were able to go in more comfortable conditions. He came home grinning from ear to ear (maybe he’ll buy a Whaler soon?). He learned fast and made a great deckhand. Now I’m chomping at the bit for fishing season to begin.

A big part of springtime boating is just getting ready for the fishing season. Lingcod are some of the tastiest fish around; I would almost choose one of those over chinook salmon. They are big and ugly, but then they probably think about me too. While waiting for the season to start, I’m trying to gear up to catch them. It turns out you can’t just lean over the gunnel and yell “Yoo hoo! Here fishy fishy!” (at least it’s never worked for me). You have to buy a bunch of stuff and learn how to use it. I’ve spent a couple of evenings this week getting all my tackle together for the weekend. I’m all set now for two people to catch some bait fish, and then use that to catch lingcod. This will be my first time using “big fish” tackle. Fortunately, most of the stuff I already bought last year.

I always feel like I know nothing about fishing, but this week I realized that I’m not starting from zero anymore. At least I know how to tie a fishing knot, and can tell the difference between a baitcaster and a spinning reel. I’m fairly confident I can at least catch the bait fish. Wish me luck!