The Fishing Corner

By Larry Dublanko

I possess a T-shirt which reads “So many fish, so little time.”

This saying has characterized my personal fishing experience so far this summer. I know fishing is getting done because I have been able to observe the efforts of others.

For me, my best excuse has been several out of town trips which were not conducive to fishing. Early summer, I traveled to Israel where I could only watch others fish the Sea of Galilee. I wouldn’t even know where to begin there. Besides, the only fishing I saw was commercial vessels supplying local restaurants. So, the closest I got to fishing was eating St. Peter’s fish while in Israel.

Next, I found myself in Moses Lake. This would have been my best opportunity, but I must confess I missed the chance. Golf took precedent over fishing, and all I could do was watch from afar as anglers wet a line in a variety of ways. Some fished off the dock at the lake while others were up at the crack of dawn, fishing from boats in several choice locations. These spots are commonly known to the locals and would take a learning curve of time that I did not possess. Furthermore, I was more preoccupied with trying to stay cool in the 103-degree temperature. My instincts told me it would be a minor miracle to catch a fish in that kind of heat.

For our 50th wedding anniversary, my wife and I made the trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Now, I have to admit there are fish everywhere in the waters of this region. Snorkeling opened up a whole world of sea life which includes so many different and colorful fish. Deep sea fishing was out of our budget, but I learned that guides take people along drop-offs where the colder water meets the warmer water. It is in these locations that big fish find food for their existence. While I saw many charters and several anglers fishing from the shore, I never saw a single take down. I was convinced to stick to snorkeling and concentrate on viewing the fish in their habitat.

Again, we ate our share of local fish. My wife came home with several ideas on fish preparation which means I am going to have to get with the program locally.

Speaking of local fishing, smart anglers are having to apply themselves strategically if they want to bring home fish. Due to extremely low water, fishers are needing to concentrate on what is left of the ocean fishery.

This year, there were some challenges in this regard. Yet, salmon were being caught and folk were bringing home tablefare. I heard of a 50-pound plus king taken which will definitely turn heads.

In addition, bottom fish and tuna were being given consideration as well. The options were great in the blue water. On shore, jetty and surf fishing are still getting attention. These are fun fisheries.

The more difficult fisheries in our area are still the lake and river options. It isn’t because there aren’t any fish. It is because the summer conditions make the success rate a challenge.

This problem will not last forever in Grays Harbor. Eventually, the rains will come and inland fishing will rebound.