2014 Cascadia Big Fishing Year

[uplandsandpiper]

2014 is almost here folks and I am really looking forward to it. I've decided to pursue a "big fishing year" in the Cascadia region by trying to catch/harvest as many species of game/food fish and invertebrates as I can. I've been pouring over reports on this website (really appreciating hot spots available to premium members), internet fishing archives, YouTube, angling magazines, and putting my library card to good use in preparation.

I've put a minimum goal of 50 species I would like to reach before 2015 rolls around. I've been pretty explicit about the rules I am setting for myself and because I am using "species" I won't get credit for steelhead vs resident rainbow trout. However, I still intend to target the varied fisheries that single species provide e.g. kokanee vs sockeye or Lahotan vs Coastal Cutthroat.

I've put together a website that lays out the rules and various for myself and where I will regularly provide updates on my progress, tips on what I did to be successful or what led to my failures, and reflective thoughts on my experiences. You can check it out at http://www.bigfishingyear.net

I am hoping I can count on my fellow fishermen and women to help me reach my goal. I'm not asking for money or anything like that just shoot me a line if have any advice on particular species or want to share in the experience by going fishing with me or even doing your own big year.

Tight lines everybody!

[drysuperfly52]

haha, that sounds like a pretty cool idea, i take it you were a fan of the Big Year with steve martin and jack black.

[fear_no_fish]

Page is bookmarked, very cool idea that I'm looking forward to watching unfold.

[kingroobes]

Awesome idea! My only suggestion is that when you're done you rank them by 1: most fun to catch 2: most difficult and 3: tastiest!

[uplandsandpiper]

haha, that sounds like a pretty cool idea, i take it you were a fan of the Big Year with steve martin and jack black.

Shame to say I have not seen it yet but I started birdwatching when I was about 10 so the concept is pretty familiar to me. I'm definitely a data nut so the idea of keeping a list makes it all the more enticing. Plus there is something to be said for being excited about catching bluegill and pike minnows.

[uplandsandpiper]

Awesome idea! My only suggestion is that when you're done you rank them by 1: most fun to catch 2: most difficult and 3: tastiest!

This is an awesome idea! I will certainly do this. Thank you.

[uplandsandpiper]

I've added the "O-fish-al" Big Fishing Year calendar to my website. This is a rough outline of target species, dates, and tactics I have planned for achieving my goal. Please feel free to peruse the calendar and make any suggestions for techniques for species or to suggest overlooked species.

http://www.bigfishingyear.net/page6/index.html

I will be adding more months as time allows. Looking at my database June-October is probably going to be my busiest time as I take advantage of warm water fisheries, migratory pelagics, the long day light hours, and extreme tides (to gather the spineless masses).

Tight lines!

[kodacachers]

Love it!

[uplandsandpiper]

Just a quick update for those following my big fishing year.

I am up to 7 species so far. I made a recent trip to the Puget Sound where I picked up several new species. Be sure and check my website http://www.bigfishingyear.net to keep up with my progress.

Here is a little video I put together of some bottom/squid fishing and shell picking I did in the Puget Sound.

[uplandsandpiper]

Just a quick update for everybody. I am up to 17 species. In the past week I added steelhead and pacific eulachon on the Kalama and Cowlitz Rivers respectively. Been a lot of fun so far. I am hoping to hit 25 species by May 1.

I post my updates on my website and facebook pages so be sure and check them out. When I have the time and lighting conditions I also do video on YouTube. Be sure and check them out and enjoy.