The Outdoor Line Forum

I got out today with a buddy and we fished the east side of Possession and the tin shed with one shaker and no bait seen. Moved up to the racetrack and found bait but no takers. We finally decided to troll toward Everett and at the south end of the racetrack we got hit. My rigger releases but no fish. About 15 seconds later the other rod is hit and it's fish on. After a really nice fight, the fish gets close and it's one of those "We're going to need a bigger net" moments. I have a fairly small net for blackmouth because it's easier to store and handle when I'm solo. After one miss, we finally get it in the net and it is a big boy, but it has that extra fin. Very painfull to unhook and let go, but nice to catch. It was a very solid 15 to 18 lb chinook. Perhaps one of the early springers, or just a really nice native blackmouth. Either way, it was a sweet fish.

Ouch!
I know it hurts to let those go, especially this time of year, but good job in doing so!
Selective fisheries are one of the main reasons we're getting expanded time on the water.
Myself? I would rather let a wild fish go than have the boat sitting in the driveway!
Thanks for the report David!

David, I fished racetrack on Wed. morning as well. Dropped the gear at the south end of the track and headed North, hooked one after only ten minutes but lost it rather quickly. No fish after that, did see bait on the sonar but no fish. Oh well, it was nice to get out!