The importance of cold, nutrient-rich water on the Oregon Coast is well known: minerals kick-start a cycle that feeds all creatures including plankton, filter feeders and predatory fish. When normal upwelling patterns fail to develop, ocean productivity falls. In order to combat a lack of upwelling in recent years, a group of researchers is attempting to use technology to artificially cool ocean water and increase productivity.
How It’s Possible
Dr. Lirpa Sloof, a Nobel Prize-winning oceanographer from India, has been working on his ocean cooling technology for over 30 years in Norway, Peru, Iceland and most recently, Northern California. As a visiting professor at Humboldt State, Dr. Sloof has completed a fully operational ocean cooling facility in Trinidad Bay. The “Cold Shower”, as its known, is nearly the size of 4 football fields and works by spraying 100,000 gallons of water per hour through mesh bags filled with ice. The cooled water sinks, creating a “mini” upwelling event in Trinidad Bay. Dr. Sloof declined to say exactly how much ice is used daily, but admits that usage is “significant.”
Results Noteworthy
Dr. Sloof and his team has been able to cool the water .0001 degree Fahrenheit. While this may not sound significant, researchers believe it is. The slightest amount of cooling will theoretically lead to a “Domino” effect that leads to more and more cool water. The results have been so positive that Dr. Sloof has applied for federal economic stimulus funds to install a full-scale facility near Coos Bay. The cost of a full scale ocean cooling facility is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $200 million and could create as many as 4 new jobs. “Of course, we’ll need a lot more ice for such a facility,” said Dr. Sloof. In order to mitigate a lack of ice in Coos Bay, Dr. Sloof proposes to haul ice in on cargo ships from as far away as Alaska. If feasible, entire icebergs may be brought in from areas where local waters are already cold enough. Towing icebergs would have the additional benefit of cooling water all along the coasts of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon during the journey south.
Cold Shower For Florence?
Dr. Sloof is already looking ahead to establishing facilities like the Cold Shower in Florence, Newport, Garibaldi and Astoria. When natural upwelling patterns fail to materialize, Dr. Sloof can simply flip a switch and set into motion a colder ocean. Is this the future direction of ocean research? I don’t think so. April Fools.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Navigable Waterways Are Part Of Oregon’s History
I got an e-mail a few weeks ago asking about navigable waterways in Oregon and urging me to let readers know a little bit about the history of issues surrounding navigable waterways. After making a few calls and doing some research, here’s what I found out: navigability is a complicated issue. And it seems to boil down to folks who feel strongly about land ownership rights and those who feel streams and streambanks are in the public trust.
The Quick And Dirty History
At statehood, the federal government granted the state of Oregon all navigable waterways. A navigable waterway was one that could be used in commerce. This was still a pretty gray area. Some streams might only be used for commerce at certain times of the year. Are they considered navigable year round or just in the winter? And what about moving logs? Certainly a small stream could be used to move timber if splash-dammed. Does that mean even very small streams are navigable? The answer is probably not. The basic idea behind granting the streams to the state of Oregon was to make sure people were free to travel through areas and could not be stopped by private landowners. Navigability – like many other issues – isn’t absolute. If a deed was issued that pre-dated statehood, it supercedes state law. There are some cases where landowners were deeded the streambed. That wouldn’t affect your ability to float a river, but it may stop you from anchoring or traveling (or fishing) below the average high water mark. I don’t know of anyone that has researched how many of these types of deeds are out there, but it’s generally believed to be few.
What This Means To You
In 2005 the Attorney General of Oregon issued an opinion on public use and state ownership of waterways. Navigable was defined as “capacity, in terms of length, width and depth, to enable boats to make successful progress through its waters.” In addition to allowing use of waterways up to the line of ordinary high water for boating, the opinion means that the doctrine authorizes other water-dependent uses such as swimming, fishing on foot, hunting from a boat and other similar activities requiring the use of the water. It is also important to note that state ownership includes the streambank to the mean high water mark. This can be determined by the presence of upland vegetation. The Department of State Lands press release can be viewed online at
http://www.oregon.gov/DSL/news/pr0531_ag_nav.shtml and the full opinion can be viewed online at www.doj.state.or.us/agoffice/agopinions/op8281.pdf.
Not all navigable waterways in Oregon have been declared as such. You can still get a ticket for trespassing, but it is unlikely to stand up in court. At least this is what I have been told. The hassle of the whole deal is that you’ll have to appear in court and defend yourself. One last final thought: I’d have to think many conflicts could be avoided by treading lightly, leaving a streambank cleaner than you find it, and practicing some common courtesy.
As always, I welcome your opinions on this and other issues.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
The Quick And Dirty History
At statehood, the federal government granted the state of Oregon all navigable waterways. A navigable waterway was one that could be used in commerce. This was still a pretty gray area. Some streams might only be used for commerce at certain times of the year. Are they considered navigable year round or just in the winter? And what about moving logs? Certainly a small stream could be used to move timber if splash-dammed. Does that mean even very small streams are navigable? The answer is probably not. The basic idea behind granting the streams to the state of Oregon was to make sure people were free to travel through areas and could not be stopped by private landowners. Navigability – like many other issues – isn’t absolute. If a deed was issued that pre-dated statehood, it supercedes state law. There are some cases where landowners were deeded the streambed. That wouldn’t affect your ability to float a river, but it may stop you from anchoring or traveling (or fishing) below the average high water mark. I don’t know of anyone that has researched how many of these types of deeds are out there, but it’s generally believed to be few.
What This Means To You
In 2005 the Attorney General of Oregon issued an opinion on public use and state ownership of waterways. Navigable was defined as “capacity, in terms of length, width and depth, to enable boats to make successful progress through its waters.” In addition to allowing use of waterways up to the line of ordinary high water for boating, the opinion means that the doctrine authorizes other water-dependent uses such as swimming, fishing on foot, hunting from a boat and other similar activities requiring the use of the water. It is also important to note that state ownership includes the streambank to the mean high water mark. This can be determined by the presence of upland vegetation. The Department of State Lands press release can be viewed online at
http://www.oregon.gov/DSL/news/pr0531_ag_nav.shtml and the full opinion can be viewed online at www.doj.state.or.us/agoffice/agopinions/op8281.pdf.
Not all navigable waterways in Oregon have been declared as such. You can still get a ticket for trespassing, but it is unlikely to stand up in court. At least this is what I have been told. The hassle of the whole deal is that you’ll have to appear in court and defend yourself. One last final thought: I’d have to think many conflicts could be avoided by treading lightly, leaving a streambank cleaner than you find it, and practicing some common courtesy.
As always, I welcome your opinions on this and other issues.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tillamook Needs Our Help
A good friend asked me to post some information about something going on north of here that we should all know about...
Dear Friends,
All of us who care about the rivers of Tillamook County need to get pumped up for a fight. We need to act, and we need to prepare ourselves for more action in the future. Here's the deal: A handful of county politicians, backed by the timber industry, are using the current recession as an opportunity to attack Oregon's State Forests. They have been effective at pushing the Oregon Department of Forestry to drastically increase harvest levels since 2001. But last November, ODF came out strongly against further increases, and recommended that harvest levels be scaled back based on their best science. The timber industry and Oregon's rural counties were outraged and moved to cut ODF off at the knees.
This week they introduced legislation that would redefine ODF's mandate for forest management by defining the value of state forests as only timber revenue. Their bill also includes a declaration of emergency upon passage, giving them an express lane to their goal of 90% harvest in 40 years.
Attached is the first in a series of articles designed to inform the public and call for action to help us kill this bill. I ask you to read it and distribute it to everyone you can. Post it on your blogs, print it in your mags. If you disagree with what I've written, or if you find errors, let me know. I'm happy to work on it until you are satisfied. And there will be more to come--more stories, more details, more photos. The next piece will focus on the positive, by showing off the world-class steelheading that Tillamook County offers, and emphasizing the need to protect her rivers. If the attached word file is not a format that works for you, let me know what you need. And lots more photos are available.
Also attached is a map showing current plans for logging the Wilson River watershed. It is this sickening sight that was the catalyst for this effort. House Bill 3072 came a few days later.
Thanks to Bob Van Dyk at the Wild Salmon Center for starting this dialog, to Jeff Mishler for stoking the fire and providing photography, to Dave Moscowitz for consulting on the house bill and political system, and to Guido Rahr, Jay Nicholas and Ivan Maluski for their commitment to the Tillamook.
Let's kick some ass
Dear Friends,
All of us who care about the rivers of Tillamook County need to get pumped up for a fight. We need to act, and we need to prepare ourselves for more action in the future. Here's the deal: A handful of county politicians, backed by the timber industry, are using the current recession as an opportunity to attack Oregon's State Forests. They have been effective at pushing the Oregon Department of Forestry to drastically increase harvest levels since 2001. But last November, ODF came out strongly against further increases, and recommended that harvest levels be scaled back based on their best science. The timber industry and Oregon's rural counties were outraged and moved to cut ODF off at the knees.
This week they introduced legislation that would redefine ODF's mandate for forest management by defining the value of state forests as only timber revenue. Their bill also includes a declaration of emergency upon passage, giving them an express lane to their goal of 90% harvest in 40 years.
Attached is the first in a series of articles designed to inform the public and call for action to help us kill this bill. I ask you to read it and distribute it to everyone you can. Post it on your blogs, print it in your mags. If you disagree with what I've written, or if you find errors, let me know. I'm happy to work on it until you are satisfied. And there will be more to come--more stories, more details, more photos. The next piece will focus on the positive, by showing off the world-class steelheading that Tillamook County offers, and emphasizing the need to protect her rivers. If the attached word file is not a format that works for you, let me know what you need. And lots more photos are available.
Also attached is a map showing current plans for logging the Wilson River watershed. It is this sickening sight that was the catalyst for this effort. House Bill 3072 came a few days later.
Thanks to Bob Van Dyk at the Wild Salmon Center for starting this dialog, to Jeff Mishler for stoking the fire and providing photography, to Dave Moscowitz for consulting on the house bill and political system, and to Guido Rahr, Jay Nicholas and Ivan Maluski for their commitment to the Tillamook.
Let's kick some ass
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Estuary An Important Fish Habitat
When talking about healthy salmon runs, most folks know about the importance of good spawning habitat in streams and plentiful food sources in the ocean. There is another habitat that salmon use extensively, both as juveniles and adults. The estuaries along the Oregon coast are important transition zones where fish grow strong before making their ocean voyage. Young salmon and steelhead use the estuary to gradually acclimate to salt water. Returning adults take refuge from high water temperatures in the estuary, waiting for the river to cool down. Sea-run cutthroat trout (Bluebacks) may spend most of their adult life in the estuary, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. And the fish that feed the salmon depend on the estuaries – herring use Eelgrass as their spawning habitat, laying their eggs directly on the strands.
What Is An Estuary?
An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water, with one or more freshwater streams dumping into it. Examples of estuaries include Puget Sound, San Francisco Bay and our own Siuslaw Bay (and lower river). Estuaries are typically the lowest stretches of rivers, where tidal influence occurs. Depending on the amount of fresh water entering an estuary and the strength of tides, water can have a wide range of salinities. Typically on the Oregon coast, colder, denser salt water moves in a wedge along the bottom with an incoming tide. Lighter, warmer fresh water will be higher in the water column.
Estuary Habitat Changing Over Time
Though I wasn’t around in the mid 1850’s, I can tell you that our estuary would have looked a lot different that it does today. Marsh lands along the river were diked and drained for cattle grazing. Tidegates (a type of water control that open to let water out but close to prevent water from coming in) prevented free fish movement in the system. Large trees were removed, or were not allowed to gather as they might naturally in the estuary. There are accounts of early trappers being met with logjams that spanned the whole river. A big difference from today!
What We Can Do For Estuaries
Groups such as The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, state and federal fish and wildlife agencies and local watershed councils (plus many others) have undertaken many different projects to restore, conserve and protect estuaries, including land acquisitions, riverbank tree plantings, and in some cases, breaching dikes. County, state, federal and non-profit organizations offer tax credits, and, in some cases, pay money to landowners willing to help save this valuable fish habitat. Land owners would be wise to replace rusted and non-working tidegates with newer, fish-friendly tidegates, or remove the gate all together and allow natural conditions.
For more information on landowner programs or volunteer opportunities, give me a call or send me an e-mail and I’ll point you in the right direction.
See You On The Water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
What Is An Estuary?
An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water, with one or more freshwater streams dumping into it. Examples of estuaries include Puget Sound, San Francisco Bay and our own Siuslaw Bay (and lower river). Estuaries are typically the lowest stretches of rivers, where tidal influence occurs. Depending on the amount of fresh water entering an estuary and the strength of tides, water can have a wide range of salinities. Typically on the Oregon coast, colder, denser salt water moves in a wedge along the bottom with an incoming tide. Lighter, warmer fresh water will be higher in the water column.
Estuary Habitat Changing Over Time
Though I wasn’t around in the mid 1850’s, I can tell you that our estuary would have looked a lot different that it does today. Marsh lands along the river were diked and drained for cattle grazing. Tidegates (a type of water control that open to let water out but close to prevent water from coming in) prevented free fish movement in the system. Large trees were removed, or were not allowed to gather as they might naturally in the estuary. There are accounts of early trappers being met with logjams that spanned the whole river. A big difference from today!
What We Can Do For Estuaries
Groups such as The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, state and federal fish and wildlife agencies and local watershed councils (plus many others) have undertaken many different projects to restore, conserve and protect estuaries, including land acquisitions, riverbank tree plantings, and in some cases, breaching dikes. County, state, federal and non-profit organizations offer tax credits, and, in some cases, pay money to landowners willing to help save this valuable fish habitat. Land owners would be wise to replace rusted and non-working tidegates with newer, fish-friendly tidegates, or remove the gate all together and allow natural conditions.
For more information on landowner programs or volunteer opportunities, give me a call or send me an e-mail and I’ll point you in the right direction.
See You On The Water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Bad News For Sand Shrimp, Ocean Salmon Fishing
Scientists at Oregon State University are studying the huge decline in sand, or mud shrimp populations on the Oregon Coast. The problem seems to be an introduced parasite called Griffen’s isopod, which attacks the shrimp by entering through the gill chamber. Once inside the shrimp, the parasite sucks the host’s blood, destroying the shrimp’s ability to reproduce. Griffen’s isopod effectively turns the shrimp into a zombie, not killing them immediately. So many shrimp in Oregon’s estuaries are still alive, but unable to reproduce. Griffen’s isopod is non-native species that was probably introduced to the West Coast through ballast water from an Asian ship as the parasite occurs naturally in China and Japan.
The effect of the sand shrimp’s decline is not immediately known. The shrimp are an important food source for fish and birds, and losing a large amount of biomass has an effect on the entire system. How much of an effect is unclear. Sand shrimp are filter feeders, and their decline may mean lower water quality and silt build up.
In some areas of Oregon, the isopod has been less effective in destroying the sand shrimp populations, and researchers at OSU are currently trying to find out why. Researchers are comparing distributions from last year and previous years to determine patterns. Researchers add that some estuaries are more successful at larvae recruitment, which means not all hope is lost.
Ocean Chinook Season Probably Not Happening For 2009
Historic low returns of Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River system means the likely shut down of commercial fishing off Oregon and California for 2009. Biologists estimate a return of just over 66,000 fall Chinook for 2008, despite an ocean fishing closure. The Sacramento River fish are in trouble: recent poor ocean conditions when these fish went out, water draw-downs, introduced species and poor water quality all factor in to the low returns expected for this year.
Last year’s closure of commercial salmon fishing was the largest such shutdown ever. The State of Oregon estimated that the closure meant the loss of $45 million and over 750 jobs. Oregon applied for federal aid and probably will again this year. According to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, the value of Oregon’s ocean salmon fisheries is about 3% of the average for 1979-1990. With closures looming, the value is not likely to change.
The bright spot in ocean fisheries will be the large number of Coho salmon predicted to return to the Oregon Coast in 2009. Recreational anglers aren’t likely to be as restricted as last year, according to ODFW. The Columbia River is expected to have a return of approximately 1.3 million fish.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
The effect of the sand shrimp’s decline is not immediately known. The shrimp are an important food source for fish and birds, and losing a large amount of biomass has an effect on the entire system. How much of an effect is unclear. Sand shrimp are filter feeders, and their decline may mean lower water quality and silt build up.
In some areas of Oregon, the isopod has been less effective in destroying the sand shrimp populations, and researchers at OSU are currently trying to find out why. Researchers are comparing distributions from last year and previous years to determine patterns. Researchers add that some estuaries are more successful at larvae recruitment, which means not all hope is lost.
Ocean Chinook Season Probably Not Happening For 2009
Historic low returns of Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River system means the likely shut down of commercial fishing off Oregon and California for 2009. Biologists estimate a return of just over 66,000 fall Chinook for 2008, despite an ocean fishing closure. The Sacramento River fish are in trouble: recent poor ocean conditions when these fish went out, water draw-downs, introduced species and poor water quality all factor in to the low returns expected for this year.
Last year’s closure of commercial salmon fishing was the largest such shutdown ever. The State of Oregon estimated that the closure meant the loss of $45 million and over 750 jobs. Oregon applied for federal aid and probably will again this year. According to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, the value of Oregon’s ocean salmon fisheries is about 3% of the average for 1979-1990. With closures looming, the value is not likely to change.
The bright spot in ocean fisheries will be the large number of Coho salmon predicted to return to the Oregon Coast in 2009. Recreational anglers aren’t likely to be as restricted as last year, according to ODFW. The Columbia River is expected to have a return of approximately 1.3 million fish.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Smell You Later
Why A Salmon’s Most Important Sense Is Easily Affected
Look around at any tackle shop here in the Northwest and you can see the importance anglers put on scent, especially when it comes to salmon and trout fishing. There are literally hundreds of different options, each claiming to be the “one you can’t go without.” Friends, let me tell you why these scents aren’t about attracting fish, but covering up any bad smells we impart on our gear, line and bait. Often overlooked, scent is very important to my fishing success and will be to yours. And the importance of scent goes beyond fishing: the chemicals we use everyday can affect the health of fish runs.
A Salmon’s Most Important Sense
Salmon are extremely sensitive to scent. That’s how they’re able to find their way home after years and thousands of miles traveled in the Pacific Ocean. Just how sensitive you ask? Over 30 years ago, researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks placed one part human skin in 8 billion parts water, causing salmon migrations past a fixed point to stop for up to a half hour. Other research indicates that salmon can detect 1 drop of water from their home stream in 250 gallons of water. A salmon’s ability to detect smells is hundreds of times greater than the best bloodhound. So not only do salmon use scent to find their way back to home waters, but use smell to avoid danger and to find food.
And since their olfactory organs are so keen, salmon are easily affected by different pollutants. Several studies have demonstrated that mechanically plugging the nostrils of adult salmon stopped them from being able to locate their home stream. Scientists at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA have demonstrated over the past 6 years that pesticides and heavy metals can impair a salmon’s sense of smell just as effectively as plugging their nostrils. An ingredient in North America’s most commonly used herbicide, sold several different names (including Roundup) severely affects olfactory awareness in salmon. A 30 minute exposure to atrazine at 1 part per billion reduced the activity of olfactory neurons by more that 10 percent and reduced response to predator scents by nearly half. Exposure to such pesticides can have life and death consequences for salmon. Copper exposure caused similar numbing of juvenile salmon’s reactions to predator scents.
Dealing With B.O. (bait odor)
Nearly every thing we have with us on the boat will leave an offensive odor on our lure or bait: gas, oil, grease, sunscreen, and maybe the biggest – us. Every one of use releases serine (an amino acid) every time we touch anything on the boat. Serine is the same substance found on the skin of big-time predators such as seals and sea lions. The presence of serine will shut down a bite.
There are two ways to deal with offensive odors while salmon fishing, and I recommend using both ways: hiding them and adding cover scents. First, always use latex gloves (or nitrile gloves if you’re allergic to latex) every time to bait up. When putting on sunscreen, apply it with a pair of gloves then discard the gloves. Don’t let your bait touch the bottom of the boat, as you might as well have stepped on it (i.e., you’ve added the same scent). Also, keep and small bucket with water and Lemon Joy on the boat and wash down your knife and bait cutter after every use, and wash your hands in it. This dish soap breaks down greases and removes scents, and fish don’t seem to mind the “lemony” smell.
You’ve probably already added some cover/attractor scents to your brine, but don’t be afraid to take it a step further. There are many companies that make herring and anchovy oils designed to attract salmon. ProCure™ makes several great scents that are made with real baitfish and are widely available. I’ve had great success with them. You can buy (or make) an injector and fill the fish with oil, making the scent last longer. On your spinners, spoons and lures, try gel scents, which have a consistency that keeps them on metal and plastic baits for longer periods. I apply a very small amount (remember – its powerful and salmon have an incredible sense of smell) and re-apply every hour or so. If you want to change scents, scrub your bait clean and start with a new scent. Treat your rods, reels, line, weights and all tackle mindful of scent. I wash all my gear in a very mild Lemon Joy bath several hours before I hit the water. This can also be done after you get off the water for the day as it will help clean salt from your reels and prevent corrosion. Remember: any bad scents your equipment has on it can find its way to your bait.
Over the past several years I find myself pulling those weeds instead of spraying them with herbicide. After all, my daughter and pets play on that lawn too. To me, there’s something unnatural about a lawn that looks like the fairway of your local golf course. I urge you to stop and consider before the next time you apply chemicals to your lawn or put something down the drain. I know the fish will be thankful.
See You On The Water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Look around at any tackle shop here in the Northwest and you can see the importance anglers put on scent, especially when it comes to salmon and trout fishing. There are literally hundreds of different options, each claiming to be the “one you can’t go without.” Friends, let me tell you why these scents aren’t about attracting fish, but covering up any bad smells we impart on our gear, line and bait. Often overlooked, scent is very important to my fishing success and will be to yours. And the importance of scent goes beyond fishing: the chemicals we use everyday can affect the health of fish runs.
A Salmon’s Most Important Sense
Salmon are extremely sensitive to scent. That’s how they’re able to find their way home after years and thousands of miles traveled in the Pacific Ocean. Just how sensitive you ask? Over 30 years ago, researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks placed one part human skin in 8 billion parts water, causing salmon migrations past a fixed point to stop for up to a half hour. Other research indicates that salmon can detect 1 drop of water from their home stream in 250 gallons of water. A salmon’s ability to detect smells is hundreds of times greater than the best bloodhound. So not only do salmon use scent to find their way back to home waters, but use smell to avoid danger and to find food.
And since their olfactory organs are so keen, salmon are easily affected by different pollutants. Several studies have demonstrated that mechanically plugging the nostrils of adult salmon stopped them from being able to locate their home stream. Scientists at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA have demonstrated over the past 6 years that pesticides and heavy metals can impair a salmon’s sense of smell just as effectively as plugging their nostrils. An ingredient in North America’s most commonly used herbicide, sold several different names (including Roundup) severely affects olfactory awareness in salmon. A 30 minute exposure to atrazine at 1 part per billion reduced the activity of olfactory neurons by more that 10 percent and reduced response to predator scents by nearly half. Exposure to such pesticides can have life and death consequences for salmon. Copper exposure caused similar numbing of juvenile salmon’s reactions to predator scents.
Dealing With B.O. (bait odor)
Nearly every thing we have with us on the boat will leave an offensive odor on our lure or bait: gas, oil, grease, sunscreen, and maybe the biggest – us. Every one of use releases serine (an amino acid) every time we touch anything on the boat. Serine is the same substance found on the skin of big-time predators such as seals and sea lions. The presence of serine will shut down a bite.
There are two ways to deal with offensive odors while salmon fishing, and I recommend using both ways: hiding them and adding cover scents. First, always use latex gloves (or nitrile gloves if you’re allergic to latex) every time to bait up. When putting on sunscreen, apply it with a pair of gloves then discard the gloves. Don’t let your bait touch the bottom of the boat, as you might as well have stepped on it (i.e., you’ve added the same scent). Also, keep and small bucket with water and Lemon Joy on the boat and wash down your knife and bait cutter after every use, and wash your hands in it. This dish soap breaks down greases and removes scents, and fish don’t seem to mind the “lemony” smell.
You’ve probably already added some cover/attractor scents to your brine, but don’t be afraid to take it a step further. There are many companies that make herring and anchovy oils designed to attract salmon. ProCure™ makes several great scents that are made with real baitfish and are widely available. I’ve had great success with them. You can buy (or make) an injector and fill the fish with oil, making the scent last longer. On your spinners, spoons and lures, try gel scents, which have a consistency that keeps them on metal and plastic baits for longer periods. I apply a very small amount (remember – its powerful and salmon have an incredible sense of smell) and re-apply every hour or so. If you want to change scents, scrub your bait clean and start with a new scent. Treat your rods, reels, line, weights and all tackle mindful of scent. I wash all my gear in a very mild Lemon Joy bath several hours before I hit the water. This can also be done after you get off the water for the day as it will help clean salt from your reels and prevent corrosion. Remember: any bad scents your equipment has on it can find its way to your bait.
Over the past several years I find myself pulling those weeds instead of spraying them with herbicide. After all, my daughter and pets play on that lawn too. To me, there’s something unnatural about a lawn that looks like the fairway of your local golf course. I urge you to stop and consider before the next time you apply chemicals to your lawn or put something down the drain. I know the fish will be thankful.
See You On The Water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Change Your Approach In Low, Cold Water
It’s been a cold and dry winter so far. With the lack of rain lately, the fish are still around, but you’ll need to rethink your approach to consistently catch fish. Here are a few tips that are sure to help.
Downsize Your Offering
Steelhead can be spooky in low water. Try using small baits of eggs (dime-sized baits), small corkies (or sometimes no corkie), 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jigs, and smaller plugs. With increased water clarity, steelhead will notice smaller offerings and not be turned off. I will often use size 4 or even size 6 hooks in very clear water. A good choice in clear water is a small clump of eggs under a bobber. Use a small piece of split shot to keep the bait down.
Lighter Leader Makes A Difference
Downsize your leaders to catch spooky fish. I commonly use 8 lb. test. Another good option is florocarbon for leader. Florocarbon is almost invisible under water and you can use the same knots that you use when tying monofilament. Also, it is very strong stuff. These conditions are also perfect to use a longer leader. Try fishing a 4-foot leader to trick spooky fish. When fishing plugs, get them further back from the boat so you’re not scaring fish.
Try Fishing Later In The Day
Steelhead tend to be lethargic in cold (below 40 degrees) water. Let everybody else fight the icy roads and frozen rod guides. After the crowds have thinned and the water warms up, give it a try. The fish that weren’t moving first thing in the morning will become more active after the sun comes up. Concentrate on tailouts and slower, deeper runs to find fish. If fish are feeling pressured from drift boat traffic, they will also find cover in broken water and riffles.
Other Tips
And speaking of frozen rod guides, try spraying Pam® Cooking Spray on the guides before you start fishing. I’ve heard of other solutions such as Vaseline and silicon-based sprays, but Pam seems to be a good solution. Always have a dry towel handy so your hands don’t freeze. Also, make sure you have plenty of pre-tied leaders. The last thing you want to do is try to tie an egg loop with light line when you can’t feel your fingers.
Fish Low In The System
There’s an old saying steelheaders use, “when the water is high, fish high (on the river) and when the water is low, fish low. Fishing low on the Siuslaw, Swisshome and below is your best bet.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Downsize Your Offering
Steelhead can be spooky in low water. Try using small baits of eggs (dime-sized baits), small corkies (or sometimes no corkie), 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jigs, and smaller plugs. With increased water clarity, steelhead will notice smaller offerings and not be turned off. I will often use size 4 or even size 6 hooks in very clear water. A good choice in clear water is a small clump of eggs under a bobber. Use a small piece of split shot to keep the bait down.
Lighter Leader Makes A Difference
Downsize your leaders to catch spooky fish. I commonly use 8 lb. test. Another good option is florocarbon for leader. Florocarbon is almost invisible under water and you can use the same knots that you use when tying monofilament. Also, it is very strong stuff. These conditions are also perfect to use a longer leader. Try fishing a 4-foot leader to trick spooky fish. When fishing plugs, get them further back from the boat so you’re not scaring fish.
Try Fishing Later In The Day
Steelhead tend to be lethargic in cold (below 40 degrees) water. Let everybody else fight the icy roads and frozen rod guides. After the crowds have thinned and the water warms up, give it a try. The fish that weren’t moving first thing in the morning will become more active after the sun comes up. Concentrate on tailouts and slower, deeper runs to find fish. If fish are feeling pressured from drift boat traffic, they will also find cover in broken water and riffles.
Other Tips
And speaking of frozen rod guides, try spraying Pam® Cooking Spray on the guides before you start fishing. I’ve heard of other solutions such as Vaseline and silicon-based sprays, but Pam seems to be a good solution. Always have a dry towel handy so your hands don’t freeze. Also, make sure you have plenty of pre-tied leaders. The last thing you want to do is try to tie an egg loop with light line when you can’t feel your fingers.
Fish Low In The System
There’s an old saying steelheaders use, “when the water is high, fish high (on the river) and when the water is low, fish low. Fishing low on the Siuslaw, Swisshome and below is your best bet.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
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