Great post Jay. I agree that we are just getting into the swing of things weather wise. I am hoping to get out and try the jigging thing and some other methods.
Just a reminder to all of those that want to try this fishery for the first time.
#1 - SAFETY FIRST. They are only fish and not worth risking your life or others over. A subscription to Buoyweather is a big help and you want a 2 day weather window so you don't get caught with your pants down out there.
You need a big enough boat with more than usual safety equipment and enough fuel to stay within the thirds rule.
I believe it is best to hop on a boat that has done it before to see what it is all about before taking your own boat out there.
Research, research, research.......There are numerous threads on this forum, ifish, and bloodydecks about this fishery and how to do it SAFELY. I researched it for about 2 years before finally being asked to go out. That trip ruined me for the rest of my life
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#3 -FINDING THEM. Get a subscription to Terrafin and learn how to use the information from the shots. Knowing a commercial tuna fisherman doesn't hurt either lol
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#4 - FISHING for them is easy once you find them. Lots of info out there on this and again research. Pacific Net and Twine in Parksville has everything you need tackle wise. This is the least important part of this fishery IMO.
#2 - CARE of the fish. A side from the SAFETY being number one with this fishery I think caring of the catch properly is the second most important part of this fishery. You need to bleed them well for 15 minutes min. then get them into a slush of 2/3 salt ice to 1/3 seawater right away and leave them in there for 45 minutes to an hour before packing carefully in salt ice with ice surrounding each and every fish. Don't pack them tight together. You need 10 lbs of ice per fish you keep and enough extra ice for your slush and replenishing your slush through out the day as it melts. If you are having them processed at St. Jeans or other they want them in the whole, guts in, and head on. You can brain spike them. They have ways to tell if you have taken care of them and if they are cold enough. Follow the above instructions and they won't turn you away.
Don't rush into it. Do your research and please be SAFE and CARE for the catch. The fun part just comes naturally
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Cheers,
Sculpin
We got to the edge of Louden and it was pretty sloppy and it was still building see so we decided to put he gear out but could not really get the temp. we were looking nothing higher them maybe 57. started to troll out and ended up putting about 4hrs in..we did find one of our long finned friends that wanted to play....
