Re: [Paddlewise] Trolling

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:59:00 -0800
David Seng wrote:
> 
>   This is just one of the things that concerns me about trolling.  I
> mentioned in an offline message to TomW in Seattle that I don't know
> where I'd keep a fish, and the thought of dragging a salmon on a
> stringer seems dangerous.  [snip]

>   Does anybody out there on the list actually fish......and catch, from
> their kayak?  Especially any salt water paddlers/fishers - how do you
> deal with handling fish in an environment where there are large toothy
> creatures around?  

> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: BRADFORD R. CRAIN 

> >     Last summer I hooked what I believe must have been a porpoise,
> > while trolling from  my kayak. The action took place in British
> > Columbia. Had I been using a hand line, I would not be around today.

I fish for critters when kayaking, and mainly for bottom-dwellers, not
usually being in a place where it is legal (or, likely) to catch a salmon. 
I just whack my rockfish on the head and use a close-tied stringer or hang
them on the aft deck.  It's cool enough where I paddle the fish is very
fresh when cooked a couple hours later.  Many days of this, and never had
anything come sniffing around for a free lunch, AFAIK.

Regarding hooking something bigger than you are -- been there, done that! 
In the Broken Group (Barkley Sound, BC), while *bottom fishing*, I snagged
a harbor seal, who took off like a scalded snake, dragging me and my boat
along for a ride.  I had to cut the line to avoid a capsize.  Although I
was using a conventional rod and reel, I do not think it would have been
very different if I had snagged the piniped with a handline.  The knife is
close at hand when I fish.

Regarding Dave Seng's concern: It is common to have a seal or sea lion nab
your hooked salmon while mooching (slow-speed trolling) from a charter
boat, so his concern is valid.  I suspect that if the salmon is close-tied,
the pinipeds will not bother it.  On 30 feet of mono, though, they love to
nail 'em!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Mon Feb 15 1999 - 17:59:51 PST

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