NorthWest Kayak Anglers
Regional Discussions => Montana Kayak Fishing => Topic started by: pmmpete on April 18, 2016, 09:53:32 PM
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While downrigger trolling for lake trout by an underwater ledge in Lindbergh Lake, I caught a brown rockfish. After an initial big surge, it made several smaller runs, and then settled down with a steady pull as I played it to the surface. I had my net ready, but was able to grab it without the assistance of the net.
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i444/pmmpete/P4174540a_zpsaokna4ck.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/pmmpete/media/P4174540a_zpsaokna4ck.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i444/pmmpete/P4174541a_zpszuxwswx2.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/pmmpete/media/P4174541a_zpszuxwswx2.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i444/pmmpete/P4174544a_zps1hpmppda.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/pmmpete/media/P4174544a_zps1hpmppda.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i444/pmmpete/P4174547a_zpsrtihylpo.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/pmmpete/media/P4174547a_zpsrtihylpo.jpg.html)
This is the third time I’ve hooked a rock and pulled it to the surface while trolling along this ledge. See http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=14371.0 for a previous report. The rocks are pretty unusual, with many pits and pockets which can hold a hook. This rock looks a lot like a fossilized clam shell.
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Nice rockfishing in the big sky country, that's hardcore fishing Pete, I'm guessing you need a saltwater fix how's it looking for May 21st for ya?
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The Brown Rockfish can also be caught while jigging in the winter.
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i444/pmmpete/P3054023a_zpsqjdhk77k.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/pmmpete/media/P3054023a_zpsqjdhk77k.jpg.html)
These rocks have layered deposits, sort of like travertine fins, which hooks can catch on.
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Pete, I'm sure someone with your expertise understands brown rockfish grow very slowly and it would be best to follow catch and release fishing methods, especially with those of "breading" size that are difficult to get to the surface. I have heard that this is a tough species and can do well even when gaphed, so that might be an option if you wanted to save the net. I doubt any re-decending devices would be needed as they have a very strong body structure and I've never known one to to suffer ROCKFISH-BAROTRAUMA....
Also, avoid attempts to pierce the exposed organ as I've heard some fisherman have had serious personal injuries trying to hold the rockfish while exerting considerable pressure during the process of attempting a piercing move.
While I understand they are quite tough and very hard on a filet knife, so please keep only what you need and release others for future generations...
MYTHS