You Gotta Think Like a Fish
OK, I admit it. I’ve stared at the end of a rod with nothing going on, I mean nothing, for way too long. During these times I learned a good trick or mantra: "You gotta think like a fish." I mean, if I was a salmon, where would I go? Chinook salmon bite for three reasons: hunger, territorial aggression, and curiosity. So where are they?
Before you catch them, you’ve got to find them first. Look around you. Which way is the water moving and when is the next tide change?
Chinook salmon (Kings) differ from other salmon in that they generally hug the structure along the coastline, using it to get out of the current. They will sit just inside the back eddy and wait for the food to come to them, or just sit there and rest, waiting for the next slack tide.
At slack tide they all leave their hiding spots and feed in a frenzy until the tide turns. Then they seek shelter somewhere on the other side of the structure. If you fish these spots, odds are you’ll spend a lot less time staring at the end of your fishing rod and a lot more time catching fish.
One of my favourite tricks is to make short passes at a likely area until I get a fish, then keep attacking that spot until the action stops. In between passes pull your gear and make sure your hooks are sharp, the leader isn’t damaged and the bait is rolling. Then motor as close as possible to the spot and drop your gear. Many times you’ll get a fish on the drop!
When you "think like a fish" half the fun is in the hunt, but remember, listen to the radio. Sometimes other spots are producing better and it might be worth checking out.