Fishing Report

FISHING REPORT

Submitted by Eli Michael

July 2010

July is usually one of the nicest months of the year.  Lakes still have a lot to offer and the summer salmon season begins on the salt.  July 14th marks the crab opener this year.  This is a season which is highly anticipated.  With a little effort and know how you can really clean up on the crab.

My next class will take place during the Fall quarter the dates for this class will be Tuesday September 21 6:30 to 9:00 P.M., Tuesday September 28th. 6:30 to 9:00 P.M., and Saturday October 2nd. From 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Scott Christenson should also be offering some classes if fly fishing is more up your alley.

For details contact Whatcom Community College via internet http://www.whatcomcommunityed.com , phone (360) 383-3200, or via catalog.

Freshwater – Rivers

Please check Regs. before fishing to avoid a ticket.

Nooksack River From Lummi Indian reservation boundary to yellow marker at FFA high school barn in Deming:  Opens first Saturday in June. 

There will not be a lot going on in the main river at this time of year.  If you are interested in fishing the main river at this time of year.  Worms, eggs or spinners might work well to catch any cutthroat or dolly varden that might be hanging out in the river.

Nooksack River From yellow marker at FFA high school barn in Deming to confluence of North and South forks:  Opens October 1st.

North Fork Nooksack River: From mouth to Maple Creek Opens first Saturday in June.

There may be a few dolly varden in the North Fork at this time of year as well as some cutthroat.  Worms, eggs, spinners or spoons might work.  If the river is running muddy then bait would be a better choice.

There will be quite a few spring run kings in the North Fork at this time of year but we do not get a season on them.  If you happen to hook one release it immediately.

North Fork Nooksack River: From Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls.  Opens first Saturday in June.  Selective gear rules.

I would use the same tactics as described for the lower North Fork.  You may hook into a king along this stretch as well but you are not allowed to keep any nor are you allowed to fish for them.

North Fork Nooksack River: Upstream of Nooksack Falls including all tributaries and their tributaries.  Opens first Saturday in June.

This stretch of river may be your best bet if you are looking to catch trout in the river.  Being higher up it will be quicker to clear and should have some resident rainbows and possibly a few cutthroat.  Some of the tributaries may have some brook trout as well.  When fishing small water for trout in rivers and streams small is usually best.  Worms or eggs fished under a bobber or drifted with enough lead to keep it near the bottom will work.  Spinners such as small Rooster Tails or Panther Martins in 1/16 to 1/8 oz or Blue Fox or Mepps in size 0-2 can be very productive.  Spoons such as Daredevils and Kastmaster on 1/16 to 1/6 oz sizes are also excellent choices.

Middle fork Nooksack River: From mouth to City of Bellingham diversion Dam. Opens first Saturday in June.  Selective gear rules.

This stretch of river may be worth a look for some trout as lures are your only choice I would try some smaller spinners and spoons.

Middle Fork Nooksack River:  From diversion dam upstream including all tributaries.  Selective gear rules.  Catch and release except up to two hatchery steelhead may be retained.

I have never fished this stretch of river but I would imagine there might be some potential for good trout fishing.  Small lures would probably be your best bet as bait is prohibited in this stretch of river.

South Fork Nooksack River: From mouth to Saxon Rd. Bridge.  Selective gear rules, catch and release except up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Opens first Saturday in June.

This stretch of river can have good rainbow trout fishing again small spinners and spoons will be your best bet as bait is not allowed.

South Fork Nooksack River: From Saxon Rd. Bridge to Skookum Creek. Selective gear rules catch and release except up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained.  Opens first Saturday in June.

Once again without trying to sound too repetitious.  On this stretch of river small spinners and spoons should produce best results.

Good colors anywhere on the river for trout include brown, black, chartreuse, pink, red, white, silver and gold.

 

Skagit River: From mouth to hwy. 536 Bridge.  Open year round.  Feb. 15th – May  31st selective gear rules.  As of June 1st. the river is open to all fishing methods.

There may be some sea run cutthroat in the river at this time of year.  Drifting whole night crawlers or eggs can work well.  Throwing small spoons such as Dick Nites, and Wicked Willies might work as well as weighted spoons such as Kastmasters and Dare Devils or Rooster Tails and Panther Martins to name a few.

If there are cutthroat in the river then you will want to look for them in the slower water and around structure such as rip rap banks, pilings, and log jams.

There are also a few sturgeon in the river throughout the year.  Look for them in deeper holes.  Fish an area for about 30 minutes and if you don’t get anything then move to another hole.  Use a couple of sand shrimp and a 5/0 hook.  Use a short leader (12-20 inches) of 80 lb test dacron.  Attach your sinker to a Slydo and use enough weight to stay on the bottom.

Skagit River: From hwy 536 to mouth of Gilligan Creek. Opens June 1st.

This stretch of river may also have cutthroat and sturgeon.

Skagit River: From Gilligan Creek to Dalles Bridge at Concrete Opens June 1st.

This stretch of river should have a few dolly varden in it.  I would fish for them the same way I would fish for cutthroat.

Skagit River: From Dalles Bridge at Concrete to Highway 530 Bridge at Rockport Open June 1st.

There should be some dolly varden in this stretch of river

Skagit River: From 530 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River.  Opens June 1st.

This stretch of river is open for spring chinook from June 1st. to July 15th.

Popular methods for fishing the Skagit for chinook include drifting eggs, back trolling plugs, and fishing large spinners.

For drifting eggs you will want to use a large chunk of roe on a size 2/0 to 3/0 hook.  Use about a 3 ft. leader and enough lead to maintain contact with the bottom.

When fishing plugs you will want to fish them near the bottom.  How much weight you use and how fast your boat and the current will be the factors which control your depth.  Use a three way swivel and a dropper to a cannon ball lead. 

Of you are using unwiegheted spinners you will want to fish them the same way.

If you are using weighted spinners such as Blue Foxes you will want to find slow water and swing them through the holes.  This technique works best if you throw your presentation slightly upstream and retrieve with only enough tension to get your blade to spin.

 

 

Skagit River: From Cascade River to Gorge powerhouse opens June 1st. Selective gear rules.

There may be some rainbow, cutthroat, and dolly varden in this stretch of river.  Keeping in mind that it is selective gear rules I would try casting small spinners and spoons.

Skagit River: Gorge dam upstream to Ross Dam First Saturday in June to October 31st.

I would imagine that this stretch of river should have trout and possibly dolly varden.  Eggs, worms, spinners, and spoons should all be good choices.

Cascade River:  From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Bridge. Opens June 1st.  Salmon open June 1st.-July 15th.

This is a good place to pursue spring chinook especially if you do not have a boat.

Fishing eggs under a float is an excellent presentation for this stretch of river.  Fishing yarn in pink, orange, or chartreuse can also work well.

Throwing Blue Foxes in a variety of colors can also work.  Silver and chartreuse, blue, or pink as well as straight silver or gold can all work well.  Do not limit yourself to these colors as any color might work at the right time.  Size 4 or 5 Blue Foxes seem to work best as they show up better in off color water and appeal to a chinook’s aggressive side.

Look for these fish to be in the deepest holes in the river this can be limited to a few holes as the river is quite small and the open stretch is very short.

Keep in mind that this small river can get quite crowded.

In order to check river flows you can Google “Washington river flows” and the search should show USGS river flows or more specifically:    http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/current/?type=flow

In order to check Lummi Nation netting schedules call (360) 384-2252

In order to check Swinomish and Sauk Suiattle netting schedules call (360) 466-4112

BC FISHING REPORT

ALL BC RIVERS REQUIRE SINGLE BARBLESS HOOKS

*           Fraser River - British Columbia  So far it looks like there may be an opening for Chinook around July 16th.  At that time there will be a slot limit allowing you only to keep fish from 30cm. to 77cm (11.8 inches to 30.3 inches).   This opening may come sooner or later depending on the fish counts in the river.  It is not yet known whether or not there will be a Sockeye opener yet.

 

If the river opens up soon then it should be well worth it to get out on the Fraser and do some chinook fishing. 

 

The most popular technique involves a 1 ½ oz to 4 oz. lead ball on a dropper and a 10 to 14 ft leader.  The 15 to 20 lb. test leader consists of a size 1 to 3/0 hook with a piece of yarn.  For main line 40 to 65 lb braided line in hi-vis yellow is the preferred choice. 

These long leaders will slip into a fish’s mouth and is referred to as flossing.

 

Another popular technique is referred to as bar fishing.  This is a heavy duty version of what we would refer to as a plunking rig.

This rig consists of a lead heavy enough to maintain contact with the bottom in heavy current (6-20 oz.).  The weight is set up on a dropper, a leader with a large hook (3/0 to 7/0) and a huge Spin N Glo (sz 2- 000).  This rig is placed in the travelling lanes of the salmon and the large size creates flash and vibration that the salmon can detect in the murky Fraser River.  This setup is used with a sturdy rod and heavy line.

The catch and release Sturgeon fishery is always open and always worth a try for those seeking big game in local waters.  Sturgeon should be active with the warm weather warming up temperatures in the river.

Cutthroat fishing is another option expects them to be near tributary mouths and in sloughs feeding on outgoing smolt.

Remember that if you are going sturgeon fishing you will need to purchase a sturgeon conservation stamp even though sturgeon are not allowed to be retained in B.C.

Stop by on your way up, and we'll give you all the latest news and set you up with the gear needed to be successful!

*     Vedder/Chilliwack River - British Columbia

 

The Vedder River re-opens July 1st. for fishing at which time there should be a few red chinook in the river.  Expect this run to improve as time passes. 

I would try the standard float and yarn set up for these summer run chinook.  Use enough weight so that your float is near neutrally buoyant set your lead so that it is a few inches off the bottom and use a 2-3 ft. leader with a 1 or 1/0 hook with a small piece of yarn.  Eggs will also work well.  I would use 12 to 15 lb. test leader and main line.

For deep slower holes it may also be worthwhile to throw some size 3, 4, or 5 Blue Foxes or similar spinners.  Small spoons such as Dick Nites should also work.

Chehalis River

Thompson River - British Columbia    The Thompson River is currently closed to steelhead fishing.

                                       

                                        More to come please check back or call us.

 

 For updates in the lower mainland, contact our friends at Hub Sports in Abbotsford, (604) 859-8316

For scheduled fishery openings and closings you can Google dfo pacific or more specifically: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/default-e.htm-19k

For river flows Google environment Canada river flows or more specifically: http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/formnav.asp?lang=0

 

 

 

Saltwater Fishing Report

Saltwater Area 7  Salmon: Opens July 1st.  Halibut: Closed.  Rockfish: Closed.  Lingcod: Closed  Cabezon: Opens May 1st. 20 fathom restriction applies to cabezon.

Salmon: Opens July 1st.  From July 1st to July 30th. Chinook: min. size 22”, other salmon species- no min. size.  Daily limit 2 (combined).  Only one Chinook may be retained.  Please note closures as listed in the regs.

This time of year is a good time to troll the islands for chinook.  With Fraser bound kings in the mix there is definitely potential for some big fish.

Trolling is still the most popular method at this time of year. 

A few popular methods include fishing herring either cut plug, or in a helmet.  Spoons such as the Coyote, Coho Killer, and Kingfisher among others  in cop car, chartreuse, or green spatter back are a few of the more popular colors.  Hootchies and Ace Hi Flies also are excellent choices in the same colors used with the spoons.  All of these lures are generally accompanied by a flasher or a rotating flasher.  Another method which is catching on is to attach a chain of rotating flashers to your downrigger ball.  This added flash will definitely draw fish closer to your presentation and enhance strikes.

When trolling in the summer also remember that the fish are not necessarily confined to the bottom 15 ft. of the water column.  They may be suspended at any depth.

The trick as with black mouth is still finding the fish.  This can be hard considering how many nice looking spots there are to fish but not enough fish to be at each spot.  Point Disney on Waldron, Parker Reef and Point Lawernce on Orcas, Lummi Rocks, and Eagle Point off of Cypress are a few of the well known spots for chinook fishing in the San Juans.

Another excellent fishery at this time of year is the near shore fishery for silvers. 

This fishery takes place from Sandy Point to Birch Point. 

In order to catch these fish you will want to look for jumpers in water anywhere from 5 to 40 ft. deep.  As a guideline         I do not fish an area unless I see bait breaking the surface or fish jumping.

There are a number of methods which work well to catch these fish.  You will want to use light gear by saltwater standards.  A heavy trout rod or a light river rod in a 7 to 10 ½ ft. range would be ideal.  You will want to use light 8 to 12 lb. test line.  The same lures that work in the river also will work well for beach fishing. <

  • JUNE 2010 FISHING REPORT  ( 1 item )

    FISHING REPORT

    Submitted by Eli Michael

    June 2010

    June is an excellent month for fishing we usually have nice weather and there are many fishing choices available.

    Many rivers and streams open this month.  Trout fishing is still good in many lakes and most warmwater lakes will be at their peak this month.  Kokanee fishing will also be underway.

    In the saltwater there will still be a few weeks left to fish for lingcod, and cabezon will remain open through November 30th. 

    For details contact Whatcom Community College via internet http://www.whatcomcommunityed.com , phone (360) 383-3200, or via catalog.

    Freshwater – Rivers

    Please check Regs. before fishing to avoid a ticket.

    Nooksack River From Lummi Indian reservation boundary to yellow marker at FFA high school barn in Deming:  Opens first Saturday in June. 

    There will not be a lot going on in the main river at this time of year.  If you are interested in fihsing the main river at this time of year worms, eggs or spinners might work well to catch any cutthroat or dolly varden that might be hanging out in the river.

    Nooksack River From yellow marker at FFA high school barn in Deming to confluence of North and South forks:  Opens October 1st.

    North Fork Nooksack River: From mouth to Maple Creek  Opens first Saturday in June.

    There may be a few dolly varden in the North Fork at this time of year as well as some cutthroat.  Worms, eggs, spinners or spoons might work.  If the river is running muddy then bait would be a better choice.

    There will be quite a few spring run kings in the North Fork at this time of yeat but we do not get a season on them.  If you happen to hook one release it immediately.

    North Fork Nooksack River: From Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls.  Opens first Saturday in June.  Selective gear rules.

    I would use the same tactics as described for the lower North Fork.  You may hook into a king along this stretch as well but you are not allowed to keep any.

    North Fork Nooksack River: Upstream of Nooksack Falls including all tributaries and their tributaries.  Opens first Saturday in June.

    This stretch of river may be your best bet if you are looking to catch trout in the river.  Being higher up it will be quicker to clear and should have some resident rainbows and possibly a few cutthroat.  Some of the tributaries may have some brook trout as well.  When fishing small water for trout in rivers and stram small is usually best.  Worms or eggs fished under a bobber or drifted with enough lead to keep it nearthe bottom will work.  Spinners such as small Rooster Tails or Panther Martins in 1/16 to 1/8 oz or Blue Fox or Mepps in size 0-2 can be very productive.  Spoons such as Daredevils, and Kastmaster on 1/16 to 1/6 oz sizes are also excellent choices.

    Middle fork Nooksack River: From mouth to City of Bellingham diversion Dam. Opens first Saturday in June.  Selective gear rules.

    This stretch of river may be worth a look for some trout as lures are your only choice I would try some smaller spinners and spoons.

    Middle Fork Nooksack River:  From diversion dam upstream including all tributaries.  Selective gear rules.  Cathc and release except up to two hatchery steelhead may be retained.

    I have never fished this stretch of river but I would imagine there might be some potential for good trout fishing.  Small llures would probably be your best bet as bait is prohibited in this stretch of river.

    South Fork Nooksack River: From mouth to Saxon Rd. Bridge.  Selective gear rules, catch and release except up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Opens first Saturday in June.

    This stretch of river can have good rainbow trout fishing again small spinners and spoons will be your best bet as bait is not allowed.

    South Fork Nooksack River: From Saxon Rd. Bridge to to Skookum Creek. Selective gear rules, catch and release except up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained.  Opens first Saturday in June.

    Once again without trying to sound too repetitious.  On this stretch of river small spinners and spoons should produce best results.

    Good colors anywhere on the river for trout include brown, black, chartreuse, pink, red, white, silver and gold.

     

    Skagit River: From mouth to hwy. 536 Bridge.  Open year round.  Feb. 15th – May  31st selectove gear rules.  As of June 1st. the river is open to all fishing methods.

    There may be some sea run cutthroat in the river at this time of year.  Drifting whole nightcrawlers, or eggs can work well.  Throwing small spoons such as Dick Nites, and Wicked Willies might work as well as weighted spoons such as Kastmasters and Dare Devils or Rooster Tails and Panther Martins to name a few.

    If there are cutthroat in the river then you will want to look for them in the slower water and around structure such as rip rap banks, pilings, and log jams.

    There are also a few sturgeon in the river throughout the year.  Look for them in deeper holes.  Fish an area for about 30 minutes and if you don’t get anything then move to another hole.  Use a couple of  sandshrimp and a 5/0 hook.  Use a short leader (12-20 inches) of 80 lb test dacron.  Attach your sinker to a Slydo and use enough weight to stay on the bottom.

    Skagit River: From hwy 536 to mouth of Gilligan Creek. Opens June 1st.

    This stretch of river may also have cuthroat and sturgeon.

    Skagit River: From Gilligan Creek to Dalles Bridge at Concrete Opens June 1st.

    This stretch of river should have a few dolly varden in it I would fish for them the same way I would fish for cutthroat.

    Skagit River: From Dalles Bridge at Concrete to Highway 530 Bridge at Rockport Open June 1st.

    There should be some dolly varden in this stretch of river

    Skagit River: From 530 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River.  Opens June 1st.

    This stretch of river is open for spring chinook from June 1st. to July 15th.

    Popular methods for fishing the Skagit for chinook include drifting eggs, backtrolling plugs, and fishing large spinners.

    For drifting eggs you will want to use a large chunk of roe on a size 2/0 to 3/0 hook.  Use about a 3 ft. leader and enough lead to maintain contact with the bottom.

     

    Skagit River: From Cascade River to Gorge powerhouse opens June 1st. Selective gear rules.

    Skagit River: Gorge dam upstream to Ross Dam First Saturday in June

    Cascade River:  From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Bridge. Opens June 1st.  Salmon open June 1st.-July 15th.

    This is a good place to pursue spring chinook especially if you do not have a boat.

    Fishing eggs under a float is an excellent presentation for this stretch fo river.  Fishing yarn in pink, orange, or chartreuse can also work well.

    Throwing Blue Foxes in a variety of colors can also work.  Silver and chartreuse, blue, or pink as well as straight silver or gold can all work well.  Do not limit yourself to these colors as any color might work at the right time.  Size 4 or 5 Blue Foxes seem to work best as they show up better in off color water and appeal to a chinooks aggressive side.

    Look for these fish to be in the deepest holes in the river this can be limited to a few holes as the river is quite small and the open stretch is very short.

    Keep in mind that this small river can get quite crowded.

    In order to check river flows you can Google “Washington river flows” and the search should show USGS river flows or more specifically:    http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/current/?type=flow

    In order to check Lummi Nation netting schedules call (360) 384-2252

    In order to check Swinomish and Sauk Suiattle netting schedules call (360) 466-4112

    BC FISHING REPORT

    ALL BC RIVERS REQUIRE SINGLE BARBLESS HOOKS

    *           Fraser River - British Columbia  So far it looks like there may be an opening for Chinook in July.  It is not yet known whether or not there will be a Sockeye opener yet.

    Cutthroat fishing is an option this time of year. 

     

    The catch and release Sturgeon fishery is always open and always worth a try for those seeking big game in local waters.  Sturgeon should be becoming more active with the warming water and eulachon run.

    Cutthroat fishing is another option expects them to be near tributary mouths and in sloughs feeding on outgoing smolt.

    Remember that if you are going sturgeon fishing you will need to purchase a sturgeon conservation stamp even though sturgeon are not allowed to be retained in B.C.

    Stop by on your way up, and we'll give you all the latest news and set you up with the gear needed to be successful!

    *     Vedder/Chilliwack River - British Columbia

     

    The Chilliwack portion of the river will be closed to all fishing in May.

     

    This month the Vedder is open to fly fishing only.  There may be some opportunities for cutthroat in the river at this time.

    Chehalis River There should be a few steelhead in the system at this time.

    Thompson River - British Columbia    The Thompson River is currently closed to steelhead fishing.

                                           

                                            More to come please check back or call us.

     

     For updates in the lower mainland, contact our friends at Hub Sports in Abbotsford, (604) 859-8316

    For scheduled fishery openings and closings you can Google dfo pacific or more specifically: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/default-e.htm-19k

    For river flows Google environment Canada river flows or more specifically: http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/formnav.asp?lang=0

     

     

     

    Saltwater Fishing Report

    Saltwater Area 7  Salmon: Closed.  Halibut: Closed.  Rockfish: Closed.  Lingcod: Opens May 1st to June 15th, 20 fathom restriction.  Cabezon: Opens May 1st. 20 fathom restriction.

    Halibut: Closed

    Lincod: Open May 1st.-June 15th.  20 fathom restriction (cannot fish deeper than 120 ft.) Lingcod can be easy to catch if you can find them.  The hard part can be finding them and catching one that fits the 26-36 in. slot limit.  Lingcod are found in the areas which are the hardest to fish.  They like rocky bottoms, steep drop offs, and strong current.  These areas allow for places to hide out of the current so they can ambush prey being swept over their lairs.

    There have been some major changes to the regulations intended to protect declining stocks this year.  For the first time a 20 fathom restriction has been imposed while fishing for lingcod or other bottomfish.  There has also been a change in the slot limit.  It has changed from 26-40 inches to 26-36 inches. 

    Lingcod are aggressive predators and are not shy.  A large bait will produce results as a large meal provides more value to a lingcod for less effort.

    6 to 8 in. curly tail single and double tail grubs work well fished either off of a jig head or a single 8/0 or double 5/0 setup on a short leader.  There are two ways to go about choosing a color.  You can either go bright or bold (white, glo, purple, or chartreuse) or natural and subtle (motor oil, transparent chartreuse, or brown with gold flake).  Fish these with a light lift and drop technique. 

    6-10 oz lead jigs will also work.  White is an excellent choice, especially in deeper water, as is plain chrome, especially in shallower water, or any color that will catch there attention.  Jigs should be fished aggressively by lifting your rod up and letting the jig drop on a slack line.  If your jig hesitates on the way down be sure to set the hook as it is likely to be a fish.  Jigs give most of their action on the drop.  This is when the majority of fish will strike.

    Bait is my number one choice and the simplest to fish.  The benefit of bait is that it is natural and naturally smelly.  The downside of bait is that after a strike there is no guarantee that your bait is still there.  For bait I like to use the largest herring I can find.  Use at least Blue Label which are listed as being 7 to 8 inch size.  I like to use a 50lb test leader with two 5/0 hooks tied about six inches apart.  For purple or black label use two 8/0 hooks tied eight to ten inches apart.  If you catch a greenling they also make good bait as long as they are kept alive.  For greenling use an 8 to 10/0 double hook rig tied about 10 inches apart.

    For my bait set up I either use a small spreader bar or a cannon ball attached to a barrel swivel with a duo lock snap.  I make my own spreader bar out of coat hanger or wire from a hardware store.  I set it up so that the short end is about 3 inches long and the long end is 5 inches long.  For my leader I use 50 lb. monofilament and tie my leaders about 15 to 18 inches long.  For weight I will use a 4 to 12 ounce cannonball depending on depth and current.  I use 8 ounces most of the time as that seems to be just about right.

    When choosing a spot I try to find a place where I am fishing from shallow to deep.  This allows me to drop down the contour staying near the bottom while losing less gear.  Fish will take advantage of this also because it pushes feed over where they are holding.  I always plan on having a backup spot in case the current is too strong or moving the wrong direction where I choose to fish.

    For gear I like to use the lightest rod possible.  Considering that I might be using up to12 ounces this is not particularly very light.  I like to use a 6 ½ to 7 ½ ft. rod rated 20 to 40 lb test.  The new Shimano Voltaeus, and the Shimano Saguaro are great rods for the price.  The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger rods are just about right as are the Penn Mariner rods.  I like to use a sturdy conventional reel that will hold at least 200 yds. of 50 to 65 lb. test braided line.  Shimano makes the TR series reel.  These are the best value.  I prefer the TLD by Shimano as it is super durable without spending an arm and a leg.  The Penn GTI is also a good choice.  As far as rods and reels are concerned these are only a few examples.

    Rockfish:  Closed to all harvest of rockfish.

    Cabezon:  Opens May 1st  20 fathom restriction.  Cabezon are also mostly caught incidentally while fishing for lingcod.  If you are trying to target them specifically then you will want to focus on kelp beds and water between 20 to 80 ft. deep.  I have caught them much deeper but they seem to be abundant in shallower water.  I have yet to discover the perfect cabezon bait, but I have found that they will bite all the previously mentioned bait.  They seem to prefer jigs and plastics though.

    Clamming: Always Open, unless listed as closed in the regulations; or call 800-562-5632 to check for health advisories or emergency closures.

    This is the time of year when the good clam tides start showing up in the tide book.

    Crabbing: Area 7 Crabbing is opens in area 7 south and east on July 14th.  Area 7 North opens August 11th.

    Shrimping: Area 7   Spot prawns open May 1st, and again on the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 21st, and 22nd.  Additional dates will be announced if a sufficient quota remains.

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