I'm also happy because a lot of you are sending me messages. I'm starting to think of this blog as a big, never-ending conversation, and I hope all of you feel the same way. Two e-mails got me thinking about my role as an outdoors writer. I'll usually name the places I've been fishing -- unless we're talking about sea-run cutthroat trout fishing in Puget Sound or I'm going to a special place that most people don't know about.
I wrote about the Kalama River this week. I know the Kalama isn't a secret river, but it's a good place to fish. I'll never tell you what rock to fish from -- discovery is a big part of angling -- but I'm always willing to share what lures or flies are working for me. I don't name exact spots -- especially my cutthroat beaches -- for two reasons:
First, I've spent a lot of time -- and gas money -- finding my spots, and I don't want to see 30 anglers pounding the water at my favorite beach. And finding your own spots is a big part of sea-run cutthroat fishing. It's fun and rewarding to scout beaches and try them out during different tides.
Second, sharing top fishing holes -- especially cutthroat trout spots --with thousands of people is considered downright evil. My friends would never talk to me again.
All this babble takes me to a couple of nice notes.
Jack Douglas, who lives in Lacey, is going to Mexico next week -- good move! -- and he wants some suggestions for lures to cast from the rocks. Marty Wicklund is also headed for a tropical Mexican beach, and he's also looking for good lures.
Well, I'd bring a LOT of Krocodile and Kastmaster spoons in a variety of sizes. Most Mexican beaches that have rocks or reefs swarm with jack Crevalle, roosterfish, ladyfish and sierra mackerel. They also have a lot of snappers, which are often called pargo. Krocodiles and Kastmasters cast a mile and catch a lot of fish. I'd also bring some jigs with wiggly rubber tails -- the ones that local guys toss for bass work great. Some Rapala plugs should fill out your selection. Bring lots of lures because big Mexican fish will break you off! If you're fly fishing, toss a few Clouser Minnows, Lefty's Deceivers and saltwater poppers into your tackle kit. Believe it or not, these flies can outfish regular lures, especially if you're out on a panga -- a small fishing boat -- for the day.
Some beaches fish best on an incoming tide, while others fish best on the falling tide. I'd fish my brains out early in the morning, which is a special time on a tropical beach. Rocky beaches are good! Beaches with rocky points are the best!
Marty also wanted some hints on good local beaches for sea-run cutts. Marty, we all now know that I don't tattle on my favorite beaches, but I can give you one hint: They are all on public land. I'm going to get a sit-on-top kayak this summer and start cruising all the inlets. Kayaking seems like the best way to fish parts of Puget Sound that don't have much public access. So it goes -- my bank account gets smaller and my collection of gear gets bigger.
I hope all of you have outdoor plans for the weekend. The weather looks really good -- especially for late February. I'm probably taking my daughter Courtney snowboarding at Crystal Mountain on Saturday. I just want to cruise the slopes and get lots of sun and fresh air.
Have fun and stay safe!
