Flat calm waters with a slight westerly swell greeted us today. We took off from the boathouse at 08:00 and cruised thru Metlakatla Pass to the outside. I had shivers running up my spine because I knew that this was the perfect situation for Jigging bottom fish. We left Prince Rupert in our wake and headed out 35 miles to a spot I had been dreaming about the night bofore.
Outside the Tree Knob group of islands we started Jigging an area that has been known to produce giant Lingers. The bottom is very sticky and it is easy to get hooked up. Bob and JD were well versed in jigging so it was not long before our first hook up.
To make a long story short we ended up with 9 Lingers, 1 20 lb Snapper and an assortment of different Rockfish. I try to move around a lot so not to pluck too many fish off the same spot.
There are a handful of operators who take pride in smashing the bottom fish. Over the years we have tried to limit the amount of killing in one spot. We talk every day about new areas to visit. It usually means a longer trip out, but in the long run, we must try to conserve our bottom fish.
Returning to Prince Rupert we picked the Crab and Prawn traps up and headed to the cleaning table. I like to cook the crabs at the dock so the boys can sample them while I clean and bag the fish.
Out tommorow for early Chinook and Halibut. I have been told by a few people that the Springers are here. A few of the guys are crushing them on the outside of Tugwell Island trolling Cut Plugs at a depth of 35 feet right beside the Kelp patch. Tomorrow will tell if this rumour is true.
