Patrick,
Here's the technique I found to be the most fun. Keep in mind that it may
not be more effective than fishing sink lines or trolling big coho flies
the traditional way but it is more visual . . . or should I say "visceral."
Troll the boat forward slowly enough (we were going 5mph) through the rips
to orient your fly directly astern. Cast a dryline (make sure it is clean
and floats well) with 12-15' leader tapered to 0 or 1x as far as you can
perpendicular to the boat. While the line bellies out and is drawn to the
wake, you can either strip (slow or fast) or pull and jerk it give the
popper action. I like making violent jerks to really draw attention to the
fly. Look for follows on the swing and get ready for the strike when the
fly straightens behind the boat. If you choose to troll the fly in the
wake, strip it violently back to you about ten feet, then let it drop back
a foot or so. If they are following, they will strike. Keep an eye on your
fly. If you see the fish, you can strip it away from shakers and feed it to
the big guys. Mostly, just kinda adlib it, you may find another way to
appeal to their aggressive, predatory behavior.
The fish were quite a way out at Neah Bay (Duncan Rock and Tatoosh). At
Sekiu, everyone is gathered together way outside. I'm sorry I can't give
you better info on this. We were in a 23' Bayliner and, frankly, I didn't
even think about distances. Maybe someone out there can help.
FYI: I was using a 10' 8wt Scott with an Abel #2 and a Mastery Bonefish
Floater. I also used poppers that were tied on #8's with a #4 stinger and a
#4 popper (it's overall about 2" long and scraggley). The larger popper
size is important in that it will float the larger stinger.
Good luck and please let me know how it goes and take photos if you can. I
am writing an article on this.
Let me know if you need more info,
Leland.
>Hey Leland,
>
>I tied about two dozen of your beach poopers this weekend and will take them
>to Sekiu this Saturday. Are there still lots of fish left up there? I hope
>the seas are calm since we are going up in a 18' aluminum boat. Were you
>fishing the rips? How far from shore did you fish?
>Curiously,
>Patrick
