8-2 Blackmouth 12-9-11

[David]

I was able to get out today for a try at blackmouth and crab. I started at Elger Bay and after several passes and seeing no action on the other boats, I relocated nearby and managed to find one. Caught on a needlefish Ace Hi and a new design Qcove breakaway flasher. Crab pots are everywhere, and set between 30 and 150 ft of water. Perfect for making it interesting trolling for blackmouth.

Crabbing was a challange. Plenty of crabs around, but they were almost all too small or female (some with eggs). Only 3 keepers. I think all the commercial pressure has sorted out the legal ones.

[Nelly]

Nice fish David!!!
That is one fat blackmouth!

I think you hit the nail on the head with regard to the commercial pots and the tough crabbing right now.

Don't forget to try several areas with your crab gear.

For example, if you launched at Camano Island State Park, run north, find 60-75 feet of water and bomb a pot there.

The bottom slopes more north of the park than in Elger Bay and commercial crabbers like to fish a number of pots where they do not have to pay close attention to a rapidly changing bottom.

Good job and keep it up!