Etiquette in a Combat Fishery: Brewster Pool Sockeye

[@jamesmikkelson7636]

I was out there twice this last week, doing my part and joining the circus, and when you say keep your head on a swivel you really mean it. Even though the fishing was good, I had had enough after a few hours and three in the boat. Part of what I love about fisheries around here is that there are lots of places to go where you don't encounter anyone and the fishing can be great. This morning on a little known lake, I launched at 6 and had my limit at 6:30. No one around but the loons. The day before yesterday down at Rufus trolling for triploids and no one was around.I really like your videos Tyler. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@deej9367]

As someone who fished Lake Washington sockeye for many years, it pays to be blunt but respectful.

[@spiltmilt]

Exactly. People need to learn.

[@travisyates9633]

I was at Brewster yesterday 7/13 for my first time and caught my first Sockeye in my kayak. What an experience and thank you for your videos and information. I Met Mauk at his shop and as we were talking he mentioned you. Great guy. Also I saw a couple of boats collide and get their gear tangled up. No hostilities but it does happen. thanks again you rock.

[@OutsidewithTom]

Oh man, if I had to deal with crowds like that I think I would just find a different hobby. Good on you for keeping your cool when that boat got too close. I think my blood pressure went up a little bit just watching it on video. 😁

[@MrAcuta73]

That kind of fishery, it's more about the food than the experience. Get the groceries and go home ASAP. Buoy 10 and Drano Lake come to mind. Great chance to catch fish, not a great nature experience. LOL

[@OutsidewithTom]

@@MrAcuta73 Lol, I guess that spot does seem strikingly similar to the grocery store on a Saturday.

[@400classelk4]

This is what happens when people blast spots on social media. KZbinrs show up and leave with the locals spots destroyed in the aftermath. I’ve witnessed it firsthand how loose lips sink ships. 😢

[@stevezerr4539]

Thanks for another great fishing trip . Your patience and persistence is second to none .

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

Dude, navigating, propelling, charting, fishing, netting, baiting, and catching by yourself. Holly smokes, I think I would have lost two poles, two years and fell in the water twice. Nice work.

[@noyzizi]

I'll be taking my first ever trip to Brewster soon and bringing the kayak. Your videos are the only thing that gives me confidence

[@boise2Talay7886]

I lived in Idaho for 30+ years and could never get myself enthusiastic enough to visit areas that feature elbow to elbow fishing people during both the Salmon and Steelhead seasons. Of course a major difference with the Idaho Salmon and Steelhead crowds is they are located on the river banks as opposed to out in boats on open water. I think you handled that situation much better than I would have, my reaction would have likely included a few f bombs for sure. At the same time I appreciate and wholeheartedly endorse your advice, it's a complete waste of time to allow yourself to become enraged and you never know when the person you just directed angry words toward might decide it's a good time to pop off a few rounds in your direction. I think you got rewarded somewhat by the fishing kharma spirits based on your ability to stay reasonably cool. The reward was what you described as a personal best Sockeye you were able to harvest at the end of this video. Thanks for sharing!

[@chubbrock659]

I was at fish lake a few weeks ago and had an older couple running a small aluminum boat with the lady in the front holding an open umbrella over her shoulder. No way the guy could see out the front with her umbrella blocking the view. They we were wandering all over aimlessly and cut right in front of me and I had to evade them or we’d have collided. I told them to be careful and they were apologetic so I didn’t push the issue but the idiots are out there haha.

[@MavHntr]

another nice video. Combat fishing for a reason, the groceries stack up there for the cooler water.

[@Girthology]

Healthy reminder that being in a kayak is like riding a motorcycle. Always gotta be as visible as possible, but act like noone can see you.

[@nevadaboy9769]

Back in the mid 70's up in Alaska we would fish the Russian River a few miles upstream before it flowed into the Kenai River & it wasnt very big prob 50 ft at its widest if that, but we were fishing for Sockeye & the banks were elbow to elbow with Orientals so when you hooked one you had to yell fish on & it was crazy those salmon would head back down stream & you were jumping over ppl, logs & rocks chasing it trying not to snag everyone, ill never forget those days lol i was 12

[@robbysmusic8507]

Watched a lot of fishing videos and you are living proof that Kaya fishing is more productive than motorboating yes you do catch more fish in a kayak Why I do not know but I'm firmly believe in it

[@kevinwaggy2656]

I remember years ago.... a boat next to us hooked a Chinook at the coast next to us... they thew there boat in neutral and started drifting towards all 50 boats in the area...I said to the couple there are no boats to your left...slowly work your boat and fish that direction... something I always do out of courtesy to others...instead they choose to argue with me... some people have a real problem with common sense...

[@nicholashayes2291]

There is a lot to learn from this video. I thought you handled yourself well. Catching beautiful tasty fish but other crowding you takes some fun away. I’m glad you landed a Hawg far from others and could play him out. Makes a guy wonder if he stayed more on the outskirts of the pod of boats, is the fishing just as good and maybe less headache? Love the Baker Lake Sockeye video also. I grew up not far from there. Thanks for the great content!

[@Redneckkratos]

RAMMING SPEED!!!! lol but in all seriousness I’m glad you’re ok and as a life long fisherman I gotta deal with disrespectful people fishing alongside me too

[@danielsteele2471]

Thanks for the video! I had hoped to see you up there to thank you for all the awesome content. I fished Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from a kayak and overall found it be to a very friendly vibe. I guess it helps that this is a combat fishery with plenty of fish for everyone. For others that are looking to try this fishery from a kayak - don't be surprised if you are the only hand powered craft (at least on a weekday) and expect to hear a lot of conversations about your efforts that carry very well on the water. Mostly good natured and a lot of people are just curious to check in on how you are doing. * a logistics note - I launched from Cassimer Bar on the Okanagan. Tuesday night I could drop in right next to the bridge but Wednesday morning they dropped the Columbia down several feet and even my sand tires were sinking past their axles, not a great feeling at 4am. The tribe was not using their ramps when I was done for the morning so that saved me a lot of pain on the exit.

[@spiltmilt]

Yeah the river levels go way up and down daily

[@timmywood100]

good fishing at the mayham jam. we talked a couple of days ago at walmart about palmer lake. i went there this morning only three boats out .but got my limit of kokanee 16 to 21 inches thanks for the advice.

[@Dogman82556]

Thanks for this man it’s good to see different ways to handle things.

[@shockcoach]

We were combat fishing the sound at mid-channel on Thursday. Fortunately we limited out on Chinook in one pass and were out of there.

[@brownlax16]

Nothing like trolling with 100 boats around lol.

[@richpleiss1864]

And Baker p Ha-ha. Got tangled up last Tuesday at Baker first time after 11 days of 3 trips last year and 1 trip this year. 45 ' deep 60' set back. But everyone was cool about it. Hats off to you to always comeing up with current and interesting content! You do a great job editing , so funny!!

[@shockcoach]

I see they bumped the Baker limit up to five fish.

[@richpleiss1864]

@@shockcoach yes, record return year.

[@hectorhinojosa5168]

Great Job to not lose your cool with everyone else almost running you over! Great Video!!!!

[@bruceparker1945]

My hat’s off you! I appreciate the tips but I can’t imagine fishing like that. My stress level went up 10 fold just watching. Think I will avoid combat fishing.😅

[@loganfishbeard]

It might be called combat fishing but boat control is rerally more of a dance. Those who know the steps can gracefully weave amongst each other. In especially intimate situations I find a tiller is absolutely necessary to maintain resposive boat control unachievable from a remote controlled trolling motor.

[@blakejacobsonV]

Love the content man! Hope to see you out there sometime!🤠

[@milomarcille2488]

If some one doesn’t notice me, I just ask in my nice voice how the fishing has been! Loud enough you know they hear you, and I do it early enough they have time to avoid me. Very effective

[@user-gn6uc5dn6u]

Watching you land fish is painful. But the bravery you have fishing around all the idiots in larger boats is astounding!

[@spiltmilt]

Netting solo on hot fish is no easy task

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

I’d take red sockeye over a chinook any day, however, both are good…. I thought the Fraser river BC was their southern range, guess not, almost 100% certain there’s no sockeye in California…. Often pays to leave the crowds, but they’re there for a reason obviously.

[@billsturdevant4524]

That guy from Idaho that nearly hit you was running three rods when we saw too. That was early Wednesday July 12.

[@Euro_Garage]

isnt there a 2 rod limit?

[@Foxhole11]

He had kids in the boat

[@mikeellickson4199]

Very very informative!

[@ropeman3916]

You handled that perfectly 🤙

[@Badkharma21]

In some of our smaller pools they had to set up a draw to control numbers. Much better fishing.

[@dkat1108]

You handled that way better than this old man. This happens to all boaters/kayaker's. I have had huge party boats get way to close me in a kayak in the fricking ocean when I was already there and fishing.

[@marksheldon5241]

What cooler do you use on your Kayak? I watched your after catch care comparison video, so wondering what you have your ice in that sits behind you that is big enough for those big fish.. love your content.

[@spiltmilt]

I use a catch bag from Columbia PFG

[@martinfleming759]

At the end of the video you said that when they get here they're stuck here til the fall rains. I don't follow. Don't they just head up the Okanogan? And if you could explain about the thermo barrier at the mouth, that'd be great, too. Thank you!

[@morgankruse4666]

The water temperature in the Okanogan gets too warm for the fish so they stay in the Columbia until the rains come and water temperature drops in the Okanogan

[@martinfleming759]

@@morgankruse4666 thanks, makes sense!

[@Spencer_Plant_Projects]

Lol I saw someone brandish a gun when they got called out for boating like jerks and tangling geat at Brewster. Sometimes these meat fisheries bring out the nuts

[@collinmc90]

ohhhh this is why nobody was up north the last few days. I felt like the fishing has been wide open lol. Everybody must be down there.

[@benwilcox54]

The lower Columbia and Willamette have many combat zones 😂

[@dognzo893]

Nice net jobs!! 😁

[@fishwhistle9666]

You are so damn smart bud. Lol general courtesy seems to be lost on so many anglers and they wonder why....

[@greenpea9412]

If my local lake was that occupied they could have it. Nothing relaxing about that at all. Wow.

[@PhattyBarnett]

I keep seeing that dodger with the pink circles in your vids. Is that your favorite for sockeye? What reflective tape do you like to use?

[@spiltmilt]

Its been one of my more productive dodgers for Sockeye. Its not actually a reflective tape is UV fluorescent pink tape

[@danielgerman4459]

Were do you buy the moon jelly flashers

[@silveredsilence]

What size of reels are you using and is there a brand that you recommend?

[@warreng8637]

oh man that's crazy...stay safe out there...

[@outdoorsy2603]

What color of blade did you use for the later bite im headed over for the week on saturday

[@spiltmilt]

Chartreuse and orange

[@MatthewsFabrication]

Great video. What bait did you use? Didn't hear what you said

[@spiltmilt]

Coon shrimp

[@TacomaSteelhead]

Another great video!

[@kevinredden7833]

Tyler, what hooks do you use for Sockeye? I saw your video on hooks for Kokanee. Would the wide gaps but in a 2/0 or 1/0 size? I was using 2/0 Gamu Octopus's at Baker and losing most of the fish.

[@spiltmilt]

I use size 1/0 Matzuo Octopus Sickle Hooks: amzn.to/3PT8zgK

[@kevinredden7833]

@@spiltmilt Thx!

[@crx88dx]

What is the name of that boat ramp ? I have a small kayak and I usually need to avoid the big traffic at the other boat ramp

[@spiltmilt]

Its located behind the Wells Wildlife area headquarters.

[@erikjohnson6434]

Nice fish there man!

[@johnholman9313]

What rods are you using for the sockeye?

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Wow. That’s crazy. Too many people for me.

[@pancakeface5717]

Great video Tyler. Yes to etiquette, and the way things are trending combat fishing is going to become the norm in many fisheries (speaking to you from Vancouver, WA, home of early and instant season cancellations. Question: does the crowding extend through the day and into the evening in Brewster Pool? Thank you.

[@spiltmilt]

The evening time is a good bite and generally about 10% of the boats out there

[@pancakeface5717]

@@spiltmilt Thanks Tyler, good to know. I will keep that in mind for next year's trip planning...if gas prices come down.

[@jackbaskin371]

Question Tyler: With all the people fishing the Brewster Pool, have you tried fishing the stretch from Wells Dam up to the Methow River? Every fish in Brewster Pool has to make that journey. I have a 20' Pontoon and really do not want to get involved with having to fight my way around the water to catch fish. How about a little further upstream from the Okanogan River.

[@spiltmilt]

I don't think you would have much success. I've fished a lot at Chelan Falls and I don't see many Sockeye caught there despite many people trying. Your best bet would be to target the Okanogan from the Bridge down to the big sand dunes but the tribes net that section heavily during weekdays.

[@derekarnold-z4i]

You have discussed your tackle combos and maybe I missed it, but what is your rod, reel and line combos? How much different are your rods and reels compared to Kokanee fishing? Love the videos

[@spiltmilt]

I use fairly beefy rods, the same I use for Chinook...just in case I hook a Chinook

[@darrellcollins1581]

You got any pics of spiners you use

[@spiltmilt]

Linked in the description

[@chubbrock659]

How long does it take you to kayak a mile by pedaling? Also, are you exhausted by the end of a trip?

[@L-ct3wo]

Where do you find current reports i am a fellow kayaker but never fished out the Columbia in a kayak.

[@spiltmilt]

Do you mean "current" as in "river flows" or current as in "recent"?

[@stevegoodwin3789]

What rods do you use for your sockeye fishing at Brewster?

[@spiltmilt]

Rods = Shimano Trevala 7' L amzn.to/2UY80IB Reels = Coldwater Low Pro amzn.to/3D8fMC8 or Tekota 300LCamzn.to/46EO6Ci

[@trenthaynes6831]

Dose anyone know where you can buy the looney coonies bait? Is it in stores or online purchase only?

[@spiltmilt]

Online is easiest

[@briang4583]

Do the sockeyes you're catching taste similar to a kokanee? How does the meat color and texture compare? Just curious. Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

Firmer and a little less oily otherwise very similar

[@Colton.Rogers]

Just curious, what rods are those?

[@BourbonForageFishing]

Remind me where this is so I never go there 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@davidfarrens3572]

This is why you need a 8ft pole with a Big yellow or orange flag on it sticking up.

[@joeys7519]

What is your workout routine your looking healthy

[@spiltmilt]

Currently running 25-30 miles a week, 2 half hour session upper body workout, and 2 fifteen minute ab and legs sessions a week.

[@mikeellickson4199]

Is it a breach of etiquette to use downriggers in such crowded conditions?

[@spiltmilt]

Nope just keep those setbacks 40' or less

[@mikeellickson4199]

Thank you!

[@wayneroberts7852]

Haha more patience than me! Id be cussing him like a sob!!! Haha

[@glennbooher4298]

Where do you get your looney coonies?

[@spiltmilt]

I buy mine online. They ship fast! limitout.myshopify.com/

[@cliffbz2301]

What brand c00nies do you prefer, and do you notice a difference in the brands

[@spiltmilt]

I notice a difference in the quality of the coon shrimp, their firmness, and their ability to stay on the hook. That is why I always try and use Looney Coonies limitout.myshopify.com/

[@michaelelam4274]

First, AWESOME VIDEO. Thanks for that. BTW, You forgot the loonie coonie in your tackle list. Whatsa Loonie Coonie?

[@spiltmilt]

It a cured coon shrimp limitout.myshopify.com/

[@ulysse9811]

I tried fishing for sockeye here in canada but its such a warzone i cant stand it. Id rather fish for kokanee or rainbow somewhere else.

[@ChiCityYaker]

As much of a combat fishery as it is out there, I'm shocked you don't have more run-ins like this. Although its not your style....admittedly I would binge watch boater rage vids if you did lol

[@spiltmilt]

I make special effort to anticipate problems like this which is why I tend to not have many issues. Additionally, 99% of folks out there are do a great job.

[@bandgadventures4796]

We fished that fishery for many a year, and truth be told you DO NOT have to be part of the COMBAT aspect of the fishery. We always fished on the periphery of the crowd and caught many fish.

[@spiltmilt]

This is true but there are certain areas that do produce large numbers of fish inside the fray.

[@ryanbarton6739]

What percentage of salmon you catch would you say were stocked in Canada b.c.? I can't even keep any keep sockeye 😢😢😢😢😢😢 Great videos keep them coming 👍

[@ulysse9811]

They open on osoyoos lake when the run is good but it's a warzone and I can't stand it I'd rather fish for kokanee or rainbow somewhere else

[@spiltmilt]

Very few are "stocked" they are wild production fish from the Okanogan River/Lakes system but they all come from BC

[@dangerbier9587]

When you learn how to fish and boat from the internet that’s what you have to fish around. It has become more common unfortunately with the media exploit

[@scottrouwhorst881]

Nice

[@wadeflores6978]

And he was from effin IDAHO!!! I would have told him to go back.

[@ElliottMorris]

I will never fish the Brewster pool alone again for the reasons you showed. Too many close calls.

[@danybrown5598]

Get your hooks closer, since you keep 1 hooking

[@wrwarnerhall]

This is awesome! Wish I had the guts to troll into a wad of boats.... also wish my old town was a pdl drive. Would make all the difference I think.

[@davidfarrens3572]

I bet they blame you because you're in the yakk. And probably hooking up.

[@deitrickorullian505]

Big sockeye would be nice to take home but it's just not worth the stress and gymnastics, it's like the toilet bowl over at drano, not worth it! Sadly with DFW closing the river early each season our salmon fishery will soon probably be only a few days instead of a few weeks which will lead to more of this combat circus, at that point may as well just chase kokanee and book a trip to Alaska if I want big fish.

[@AKPakrat]

that's a big nope!!!! NO fish is worth that kind of stress.....

[@Smoot307]

No way I’d fish that spot. Combat fishing isn’t for me

[@Carlb328]

That is not for me, big fish or no big fish.

[@dallaswood4117]

Nah bro that isn’t relaxing for me at all that’d be a hard pass I’d rather catch planter size bows in peace

[@lawrenceblue8207]

I would not fish anywhere near the rest of the boats, I would stay away, and not get involved, talk about etiquette fishing.

[@spiltmilt]

And I will go home with a limit and you probably won't. We all don't cram in there because we like each other 😂

[@snakeriverscotto]

Fishing is fun and all, but that looks like it totally sucks. Why be there?

[@spiltmilt]

That's where the fish are!

[@frankrizzo3958]

Dude was oblivious