Area 11 had the best November blackmouth fishing in 15 years (angler success).

CPUE is catch per unit of effort. Usually means fish per angler in sportfishing.

CPUE is catch per unit of effort. Usually means fish per angler in sportfishing.

Wow,  that is no small uptick either.  Any thoughts as to why?

Assuming that there are just more fish around and the fisherman are not getting more effective, it could be a variety of things. I believe hatchery releases have stayed consistent through the years, which indicates something do to with their survival. They're probably getting the enough of the right food at the right time. I'm just hoping it's an indication of what bodes for Chinook fishing Sound-wide. Last year was good in 11 in the winter and we had a great Chinook year overall, hopefully this year is better.

We'll have an idea on the openers coming January 1st. I'll bet it'll be great fishing with the delay of the season, with an extra two or so months to grow there should be a higher percentage of legal-sized fish.

Forums are often doom and gloom, but there is some optimism to be had here and there.

Fish hard.