Crooked Island Report

As you may or may not know Crooked Island, Bahamas was dealt a severe blow a couple of years ago that nearly wiped out the entire Island. Hurricane Joaquin was the culprit.
My wife and I returned this past December to find that the fishing and local residents have done a nice job rebuilding. The Fishing guides are busy and the fishing has rebounded with lots of Snook and Tarpon in the lagoon and creeks. The Bonefish are doing well also and you have to try the Live Bait Fishing. Snorkeling is also a great adventure as the reefs are abundant on Crooked Island.
The Beach walks are second to none.
If you want to experience true Bahama Life this is the place.
I would definitely recommend booking a trip. It will be an experience of a lifetime.
www.cribonefishing.com for details.
Scott and Wanda Christensen can help you book your trip.
Jim DeGolier

Winter Blackmouth

Blackmouth fishing in the San Juan's (Area 7) is great this year. Just make sure to use barbless hooks and Knotless net to have minimum impact on the fishery.
One hour before and one hour after tide changes are the best.
Good Luck
Jim D
Master Marine Boat Center
Mount Vernon, WA

Winter Fishing.

There are still a lot of opportunities for fishing. I think for most of us we change our priorities this time of year to focus on family and food. Some just go somewhere warmer.

Some great getaways for warmer climate would be like Fishing in the Bahamas. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.  Pick a quiet Island like Crooked Island and you will just about have all of the white sand beaches and fishing that you can stand. Visit CRIbonefishing.com for the best guides and packages around. They really need our help too after the hurricanes the last two years in a row. Fishing and tourism is what most of the island residents count on for their income. They're not asking for any handouts, they just want you to come and let them serve you.

If you decide to stay around here and fish there are plenty of year round lakes open and the fishing is still pretty good. Lake Campbell & Lake Samish come to mind. Then there are a bunch on the east side, too.

Salmon are always crazy in Whatcom Creek, but you should take your goggles and go down and watch first before trying to get into combat.
Blackmouth will be opening December 1st in area 7 and it promises to be quite active.
The first weekend will be crazy because they have two derbys that weekend. it may be better and more relaxing during the week.
Have fun and keep it light.
Best wishes for the Holidays,
JD 

Shrimp still going strong!

Area 7 West is still a great area for shrimp and I have heard a lot of success stories. Make sure you have the right gear and check the regulations, but get out there and enjoy the beauty and the bounty.

It's Official! Fishing Will be Open!

We have an opportunity to get out on the water and regardless of what some may say we can use fishing as an excuse.
As a fisherman of over 60 years in the San Juans, I have seen ups and downs in Salmon Seasons.
When I was younger I was very competitive when it came to fishing. After taking my wife and kids along almost every weekend for five or six years my wife pointed out an observation that really changed the way I enjoy the water. She said, "I've noticed that most of the fish you catch are caught before 10AM in the morning. So, Why don't we fish until 10AM then go explore the islands and beaches with the kids and we will ALL have fun?"
It changed the way we spent time on the water and she was right we all had a lot more fun, caught just as many fish and made good memories.
Don't let life pass you by with the great natural beauty that we have to enjoy. Fishing, by itself, is not profitable, but when you learn to relax and enjoy the beauty it is very profitable for the body and soul.
Have fun this summer!

We Will Have a Salmon Season This Year!

Despite all the "Doom and Gloom" that we've been hearing, an announcement is coming soon for the 2016 salmon fishing season. We have so many things to be thankful for.
We all have to work together to keep the Salmon Habitat and stock in good shape and that means some sacrifices along the way.
I think the WDFW and The other parties have done a great job, for the most part. They have worked extremely hard to walk the fine line of responsibility to bring us an opportunity to partake in another fun year of being on the water. Let's not waste our opportunity to enjoy our natural surroundings. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Be good stewards and enjoy your summer. You'll never get this one back. Make sure and teach your kids to smell the flowers but leave some for those that come behind you to enjoy. May those who come behind us find us faithful.
Have fun and be safe on the water.
JD Jim DeGolier

The Close is near! But a New season is coming!

Salmon Fishing in the San Juans (Area 7) is just about to close for a short time.
The upside is that fishing reopens December 1, 2016 for Blackmouth (Chinook).
Minimum size will be 22" and they must be marked fish (clipped fin) to keep them.
Release all native fish. Please use the proper release methods.

The fishing should be good. there are signs that we have anchovies in the area right now so this should bring a lot of salmon following behind.
My brother and I were fishing for silvers (Coho) last weekend and one of the fish we caught had a large anchovy in its throat. It was a fresh unmarked anchovy so it wasn't someone else's bait and there weren't many other boats around either.

This should be a good Blackmouth season. I always get excited about Blackmouth, because I think it's the best fishing of the year. Generally, you don't have to go as far or fish as long to catch fish.

Have fun and be safe.