As I reported, the jigging for Chinook slowed incredibly off The Flat Tops and Thrasher a couple of weeks ago, so we went to Entrance Island on September 27th in search of Coho. Much to our surprise, the Chinook fishing was incredible jigging off the Yellow Can and all down Entrance Reef. Two thirds of the fish were undersized 3 to 5 pounders, which were gently released, but we got into a pile of big fish, too. We managed to lose most of these (I sang the “Loser, loser, loser” song several times), but I find when jigging with really light tackle, you sometimes do lose a disproportionate amount of fish. We were fishing with one to one and a half ounce jigs in silver/blue. Dave Korsch was simultaneously bottom bouncing the Money Hole with 5 inch plugs, and had a fantastic day. These are nice, clean, feeder Chinook in the 8 to 10 pound range, with no sign of advanced roe or milt sack development. Which is a fantastic sign for this year!
An even bigger attraction than the Chinook has been the amount of Humpback Whales around Entrance. They hovered around us three times that day, and The Cabezon fished twice during the week, and had close encounters while drifting and jigging with his engine turned off. It is just an amazing spectacle, and combined with the gorgeous weather, and good fishing makes for truly magical days!
Ling and Rockfish are now closed for retention until May 1st 2023.
Prawning is worthwhile off the Flat Tops.
Good fishing!