Its been a while so I thought I would update on my progress to catch/harvest as many species of fish/shellfish in OR/WA as possible in 2014. I set a minimum goal of 50 species and I am only 10 away with 40 species!!! I am fairly confident that will be achieved by the end of July so logically the next goal would be 60 with 75 species seemingly unlikely but possible.
Here is a quick grab bag of my top 5 favorites of the year:
1.) Kayak Springers on the Willamette River
My first day out after springers in March produced a fish for myself and one for my fishing partner. Should of stopped there with a perfect season!!!
2.) Swan Island White Sturgeon
Miserable weather and high water made for awesome sturgeon fish. Landed over 20 sturgeon from the kayak with several oversized taking me on 10 and 15 minute slayrides.
3.) Big Searun Coastal Cutthroat
Usually I am ticked off when I find someone else occupying my steelhead slots but I was pretty happy to find this dude who went for a pink and white wooly bugger jig.
4.) Ana Reservoir Wipers
The last wiper fishery in Cascadia. After a long day in the rain some night fishing paid dividends. Caught 4 wipers which are a good fight even on steelhead gear including this 17" keeper.
5.) Willapa Oysters
A hugely overlooked fishery. Easy as razor clams and delicious.
I'm partial to them fried.
More pics to come soon I hope. Be sure and check out webpage http://www.bigfishingyear.net/ or subscribe my Facebook page to keep up with my progress.
