Neah bay: Steelheader.net- Steelhead, Salmon and trout fishing

August 13 & 14 report from Neah Bay.

Son & I chartered the six-pack Puffin with Cap'tin Steve and Forest. Big Salmon Resort handled the money. We were blessed with four no shows - went about 6 miles west of Tatoosh in very mild water. PERFECT! A bit overcast all day and sea level visibility was 300 yards.

Busy fish finding we came across a huge school of sardines boiling at the surface. Abundance offered their presence front, both port/starboard, and rear - they followed our boat for about an hour - no salmon but them - and no birds! “Very strange!” Cap’tin said several times.

Down rigged at 90 feet - ball-line angled 45 degrees or better depending on boat speed/current changes. Exact depth was unclear until at an idle - 90 feet...BAMM! First of three 20# Kings (perfect condition - no marks) within 30 minutes. Next wild Silvers - darn! Off they went... Moved the boat away from them...rigged at 45 feet...BAMM! First of three 8# Silvers all clip't and bright. In between that rush came a small pink and our work was done - all within 3 1/2 hours. Pleasant ride in – Cap’tins knowledge was mentoring in tone with heartfelt emotion about the way the Bay has evolved. Thanks Cap’tin.

NEXT DAY:

Fifteen anxious rod benders signed in aboard the Wind Song with Cap'tin Dave with Jonathan. Lifted off near 5:15 – Wind Songs 860HP pushed us past 36 miles for Canadian Halibut. First rotation of eight went to the assigned side and BAMM!, BAMM!, BAMM!, BAMM!, BAMM!, BAMM!, BAMM!, all together as we lifted our lead (first time) off the bottom at 320 feet.

Deck hand Jonathan gaff lifted slab after slab – continually helping us from launch to dock. Jonathan labored hard and with his great smile - kept us pumped as we cranked 30 'buts from 50 fathoms. Challenged to keep our balance - one at 87, displayed some fancy foot work – topped off with a cool rope trick), some did a bit of chum’in (I was the first - without breakfast - I thought I was safe - nope & ouch!) the rest watched our bounty surface - bent rods in arms - eager to yell "FISH UP". Instantly Cap'tin Dave and/or Jonathan showed how the real pros get the fish in the hold and the next guy a fish'in.

Some dogs, a few cod, & a flounder mixed in and released - within 4 hours, our work: done.
As we motored home, - Jonathan filet all 30 tagged - then bagged our fish. Half way in we were crossed by a small pod of Killers, then past Flattery a sea lion munched and flipped the 'buts carcass in the air seconds after Jonathan discharged for recycle and reached for the next to filet.

Amazing trip - incredible Cap’tins and Deckhands - rugged/comfortable vessels - no worries!

Cannot wait for next year!

Best to you all

TitanPalmer.com (coming soon)