Opportunity Abounds!! 1

This has to be the most exciting time of year for me.  Not because the Seahawks have two first round picks, or the fact that the Mariners have a team worth watching this year and no it doesn't have anything to do with the Cougars spring game this week either.  What gets me excited these days is that this weekend is the start of our season and by our I mean recreational fisherman. 

I know the Bassmaster Classic was a few weeks back but for us her in the NW the bass fishing is just now starting to really heat up.  Ever since last spring when we were catching so many bass from shore I have been waitng for this week to happen.  As I said in my lake Washington report earlier this week, I started fishing the shallow waters in my area of the lake looking for that spring time bass bite. On Monday it finally happened and it has been happening every day for me since.  I am quickly developing an obsession for chasing these critters.

My son Mason with Bass Pro Marc Marcantonio on Lake Washington

Not in to bass fishing?  No problem, this weekend also marks the start to trout fishing all over the state.  This is probably the single best opportunity to get someone on there way to a healthy fishing addiction.  Many lakes throuought the state have been stocked and my two local favorites are Beaver Lake and Pine Lake on the Sammamish Plateau.  For more on joining 300,000 other Washington residents this weekend for the trout opener read Nelly's blog.

Not in to the freshwater game?  Well all of you "old salts" get your chance next weekend with three openers that you can bet will be well attended.  First, the shrimping openers is one that has seen participation rise over the last few years.  Whether you are a fisherman or not, if you own a boat you like to shrimp.  Not only are these the tastiest morsels that come out of the Puget Sound but they are also a great pastime with the family.  Mix your bait, find a spot, drop your pots, drink beer, retrieve pots, harvest, and repeat.  It's that easy and a great time out on the water.

For bottomfish lovers, next weekend has to be your favorite weekend of the year as well.  We see both lingcod and halibut opening on the same day and after last years halibut season you can bet the fleet will be out in full force.  Although Mutiny Bay off Whidbey Island was red hot last year, with the late opener this year your best bet is probably hitting the various banks out in the Straight around Port Townsend.  For lingcod, find a good rocky pile or breakwater, toss a jig, and your in business.  Many ling lovers take time to go out the night before to catch some flounder to use as bait.  Lingcod is one of the rare opportunities that we have to use live bait here in the State of Washington. 

Good luck to all that will be hitting the water the next two weeks, and make sure you tell us about by phoning in a report at 866-979-3776 from 6-9 every Saturday morning or posting a report with some pics on our reports page.