The Fish

The mornings are getting colder, foggier and right down damp. Starting to hear the echoes of deer and elk season up in the mountains and the sounds of cars and trucks whizzing by no more than 20 feet from me and my kayak. Do the people going to work even see me in the slough next to 101 and what are they thinking if they do see me (that lucky SOB or that fool) it doesn't matter for my life is here in the fog and water while they go ever so on their way to work. Probing the inlet creeks and overhanging brush dipping every so subtle in the salt looking, no take that back waiting for that thud and reel screaming run. Thinking salmon right now but you are wrong the right answer is stripers. They are not the mighty beast one thinks about but the 2-3lb.ones that have reckless abandon for nothing. Casting 3in. baitfish and patterns in the main channel and crab and shrimp patterns in the back tidal flats. Been picking up 8-12 fish per trip so one can't complain but it is starting to slow way down and thoughts are starting to drift more towards salmon or what is left of the season (been hitting it hard earlier and holding my own) which if the weather will hold should be good for a couple of months. Look out salmon in the lakes I am coming for you!

I drive 101 to Bandon once a month  through Coos Bay . I never see anyone fishing the sloughs and wonder why not. Stripers are one of my bucket list fish but I just have not put much time in on them.   I know Coos Bay has been a hot spot for stripers in the past. Glad to hear of your success.