Seal Problem

eaglemaniac

eaglemaniac

Well-Known Member
It's obvious to me, that the seal predation problem on hooked Recreational Salmon is getting to epedemic proportions. I have fished the Bates Beach area for over 25 years. The last 4 years have been progressively worse. And then I read about other areas experiencing the same scenario on a regular basis. I understand that this is a contentious issue, but this is one that has to be addressed. I've seen everything from small bombs to pellet rifles, pistols, chross bowes and my personal fave the Slingshot. I find if you get one close to the marauder it will dive, hopefully putting it off your troll. Anyone else with suggestions or solutions?
 
My buddy carries a slingshot in the boat and is not above having a shot at them when they start to hang around. Seems to do the trick. This is on the West coast VI though and it doesn't sound like the problem is as bad on the West side as it is on the East.

We see seals and on occasion have one come after a fish but it's not that common of an occurance. I don't worry about it when I'm playing a fish other than if I have seen one hanging around recently when I hook into a fish.




Edited by - kildonan on 06/05/2005 17:03:45
 
My buddy carries a slingshot in the boat and is not above having a shot at them when they start to hang around. Seems to do the trick. This is on the West coast VI though and it doesn't sound like the problem is as bad on the West side as it is on the East.

We see seals and on occasion have one come after a fish but it's not that common of an occurance. I don't worry about it when I'm playing a fish other than if I have seen one hanging around recently when I hook into a fish.




Edited by - kildonan on 06/05/2005 17:03:45
 
Well Kildonen, on ECVI here are some numbers from fishermen I know in area.

1 day hooked 4 lost 4 to seals
1 week hooked 16 lost 15 to seals
1 day hooked 6 lost 5 to seals

These are recent comments from 3 fishermen I know. Personally my numbers are bit lower. I've had 8 confirmed seal losses so far this year. Last year I totalled 9 losses to seals. I'm afraid at this rate it will be a record year for seal losses for me.

I also think it will be a record year for anglers loosing patients and dead seals washing up on the beach.



Edited by - Nick Nameless on 06/05/2005 17:22:43
 
Well Kildonen, on ECVI here are some numbers from fishermen I know in area.

1 day hooked 4 lost 4 to seals
1 week hooked 16 lost 15 to seals
1 day hooked 6 lost 5 to seals

These are recent comments from 3 fishermen I know. Personally my numbers are bit lower. I've had 8 confirmed seal losses so far this year. Last year I totalled 9 losses to seals. I'm afraid at this rate it will be a record year for seal losses for me.

I also think it will be a record year for anglers loosing patients and dead seals washing up on the beach.



Edited by - Nick Nameless on 06/05/2005 17:22:43
 
YIKES, Nick. Sounds nasty. That would **** me off too. I live in Victoria, I have had trouble with seals in the Sidney area when fishing there but on the Sooke, Port Renfrew side, things have been good compared to what you describe.

Not sure what you can do about it except maybe trailer over to the West side and fish there or pack a 30-06 with you and cull off the herd. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>



Edited by - kildonan on 06/05/2005 18:27:35
 
YIKES, Nick. Sounds nasty. That would **** me off too. I live in Victoria, I have had trouble with seals in the Sidney area when fishing there but on the Sooke, Port Renfrew side, things have been good compared to what you describe.

Not sure what you can do about it except maybe trailer over to the West side and fish there or pack a 30-06 with you and cull off the herd. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>



Edited by - kildonan on 06/05/2005 18:27:35
 
Lost the one fish I caught over two days to a seal off discovery island last week. and I'm SURE it was the same bugger that took a fish from me last year. same place. Flipped it around in the kelp right in front of me. Nearly shot flares at the fricken thing. Seems to me we should encourage a native food fishery or american trophy hunt or something. I mean if the Japanese can eat sea cucumbers for gods sake surely someone can see the healthy nutritional value in a seal.
Jimmy Pattison- here is an opportune money making venture for you. seal steaks --yum yum
 
Lost the one fish I caught over two days to a seal off discovery island last week. and I'm SURE it was the same bugger that took a fish from me last year. same place. Flipped it around in the kelp right in front of me. Nearly shot flares at the fricken thing. Seems to me we should encourage a native food fishery or american trophy hunt or something. I mean if the Japanese can eat sea cucumbers for gods sake surely someone can see the healthy nutritional value in a seal.
Jimmy Pattison- here is an opportune money making venture for you. seal steaks --yum yum
 
Has any one tried catching one on a rod and reel?

XL herring, very large halibut hook. steel leaded and hang on
 
Has any one tried catching one on a rod and reel?

XL herring, very large halibut hook. steel leaded and hang on
 
Have you ever seen those cutesy bumper stickers, I (heart) my Poodle, I (heart) my St. Bernard ???

Mine says

I (CLUB) PINNEPEDS

It's good to have friends.
It's better to have friends with boats.
 
Have you ever seen those cutesy bumper stickers, I (heart) my Poodle, I (heart) my St. Bernard ???

Mine says

I (CLUB) PINNEPEDS

It's good to have friends.
It's better to have friends with boats.
 
quote:
Has any one tried catching one on a rod and reel?

XL herring, very large halibut hook. steel leaded and hang on
Click to expand...

I'd suggest marlin rod/reel and troll a cut plug salmon. I realize using salmon as bait is a no no. But it seems each hook up I get becomes bait anyway. It's just a matter of if I get lucky and not catch anything with the bait.



Edited by - Nick Nameless on 06/06/2005 16:46:53
 
quote:
Has any one tried catching one on a rod and reel?

XL herring, very large halibut hook. steel leaded and hang on
Click to expand...

I'd suggest marlin rod/reel and troll a cut plug salmon. I realize using salmon as bait is a no no. But it seems each hook up I get becomes bait anyway. It's just a matter of if I get lucky and not catch anything with the bait.



Edited by - Nick Nameless on 06/06/2005 16:46:53
 
The orcas right now are in the south sound.Tacoma seattle,they are wiping the seal population off the map down there.they estimated they have eaten around 700 out of 1400 in a couple of months mabe they will move north,when they get low.

thanks the runt
 
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