How I KAYAK Fish for KING SALMON on Seattle's Puget Sound (and why I do it this way)

[@PhilipWeissinger]

Super cool video man love to see a smaller channel like this with good quality vids

[@joshuatenorio181]

Nice kingfisher 3.5 “cookies n cream.” Always a go to lure.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Wow, good eye. I grabbed it from a bucket in a bait shop over a year ago and did my best to figure it out based on pictures online. I’ll update the description.

[@joncox2203]

Great video as always! I like to run at least 200lb braided line on mine, I just a snubber to breakaway the ball if snagged up on something.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Thanks for the detail about the breakaway strategy.

[@luisvargas9825]

Awsome! Im a kayak angler from eastern wa, the idea of fishing the sound is pretty intimidating. If your ever up to teaching someone I’d definitely make the trip over the mountain!

[@rayz671]

@luisvargas9825 it's just like a big lake that you have to check the wind forecast. I wont go out if its over 6 knots. Certain areas have high currents when there is a big tide swing. Point defiance, deception pass, tacoma narrows, to name a few. Not many kayak anglers go there. Hot Summer days I won't use a dry suit in the sound. Occassionaly I'll wear dry pants. Any other time, I'll suit up.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Thank you so much! I think I’d need a charter license and insurance and stuff to do personal lessons. So don’t offer them at this time. It is pretty approachable for the most part. Rayz671 definitely had some good advice.

[@rayz671]

@@luisvargas9825 I tell people, it's like trolling for trout. Just bigger gear and faster 🤪

[@Blakesworld17]

Love the video! I’m here in the PNW too and deciding between a kayak setup vs a small boat.. maybe I’ll see you out there one day!

[@MacNmey]

Kayak fishing is a completely different kind of fishing. It's like touring on a motorcycle verses a car.

[@Blakesworld17]

@@MacNmey that’s a great analogy. Except on my bike I don’t think I can call what I do touring..😂I’ve done both, and likely I’ll eventually have both. Which do you prefer? Boat or Kayak?

[@MacNmey]

@@Blakesworld17 I really love the pureness of Kayak fishing. I'm sorta a newbie myself, but it's become something more than I thought it would be. For the ocean I have a first class dry suit, safety vest and waterproof VHF transceiver. My Hobie Outback is super stable and I feel totally secure when out on the ocean. The most hazardous part is coming back in through the surf. That part must be sorted out to make land without risking the loss of some gear. It's nice to know you can access the water anywhere you can get to some kind of a beach. Even if you don't catch fish, it's truly a back to nature experience just being out there fishing on a human powered Kayak. I'm sold on it.

[@MacNmey]

Here's a thought. In dry land deer hunting the season is much longer for "Bow hunters" because obviously there aren't as many bow hunters out there, it's a much more back to nature type of hunting, and it takes more effort and good fortune to bag a deer or elk, etc; with a bow. Has there ever been any effort by the fishing Kayak population to lobby for an extended salmon fishing season for human propulsion only kayak fishing? Hmmm.....

[@kayakfishingpnw]

I can’t tell you how many times I had the exact same thought. It’s pretty hard to catch salmon from a human powered vehicle on a single barbless hook. I also can’t imagine that we do material damage to the populations by keeping at most two fish in a day. It does seem like we should be afforded a longer season or exempt from certain emergency regulations. Our season is functionally shorter because we can’t go out in high winds or big waves.

[@tcbaldwin2000]

Great Video. Thanks for sharing your day! Nice fish too.

[@RNG-999]

You 100% would have lost that fish if you didn't pull in the downrigger beforehand! lol! Good on you!

[@youraveragefishkeeper]

Nice job. I was also out there as well. I ran into some rope and I though I lost forward for about an hour. So I just drifted near shore and jigged. Then I discovered my problem when i decided to leave and I decided I was back in business after quickly unraveling the mess.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Gear failures are the worst! Especially in short seasons. Glad it wasn’t too serious.

[@avatar5548]

Bro wtffffffff dude I literally saw u unloading ur kayak at Edmonds pier today and using that exact kayak and gear and now when I got home I get ur vid on my feed after I was skunked

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Sorry you got skunked! I actually did too today. But I was fishing in marine area 13. So, that wasn’t me. Tight lines!

[@Atarizlol]

I feel lucky that the Orcas rolled up on us while we were fishing when I was a kid - it was terrifying and amazing all at once. I had no idea there were rules in place for viewing, but they came right up next to us as we were fishing (probably within like 10 feet or so).

[@kayakfishingpnw]

It’s awesome when it happens. I think the idea behind the law is that you shouldn’t approach them. They could be hunting or mating and you shouldn’t disturb them then. There isn’t much you can do when they approach you.

[@Atarizlol]

@@kayakfishingpnw yeah it was crazy, no experience like that one for sure!

[@russellworman2899]

Nice, I think I saw you out there on the 2nd or 3rd this year we were out there both days in a boat but we down in that corner alot. Great job, we managed to get a few both days

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Congrats! And thanks! That probably was me.

[@rayz671]

Nice. I got skunked 2 days 😪. Lots of careless and inconsiderate boat anglers at EB this year.

[@gfivezero]

Same here! Had a couple on, but they must not have been hooked well.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

It was a tough eb season. Agreed. I also hooked 4 caught one. And more issues than normal dealing with boats. Next year I might just start at like noon to avoid the crowd. Hope it picks up for you in the rivers or for coho!

[@Mr23soccer]

Limited every day with 3 ppl you just gotta know how to fish EB get in where you fit in

[@fishingdoge8798]

@@Mr23soccerJust pure luck. Willing to be lots of people use your gear and fish the same spot. You just happen to troll by 3 blind fish.

[@rayz671]

Are your drive cables too tight causing the squeaking?

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Just got it examined by the Hobie rep at the outdoor emporium. The spine is slightly broken. Second spine breakage this year…

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Breakaway section to the downrigger... What lb test are they thinking? I think I have 50 lb braid on mine.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

I don’t have much experience with it. Instinctively, I’d go with 30+. Another commenter above suggested a snubber.

[@wizzle89]

I have the hobie revo and it quite tiresome to use my 5lb downriggwer ball for longer than 1 hour. What size ball are you using and do you find it a physical grind to troll? I also use the lake troller.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

I use a 4lb ball on a Scotty lake troller. I think you can basically build up just like running or biking. I find it manageable, but I’ve been at it very consistently for over 4 years. I also run and bike a fair amount to make sure I don’t get too exhausted on my kayak.

[@MRohCRACKER]

Dang, I didn't realize the COHO population has gotten that bad. I remember as a Kid in the 90's Competing in all the Salmon Derby's. So Many boats as far as the eye can see. Though I Haven't Fished for Salmon since my youth, I do hope that there comes more conservation efforts to preserve the Privilege I had growing up. It Makes me pounder what the results would be like if Legislation were to Suspend Fishing for 5 Years while Hatchery's Continue their work.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

It’s really the kings, not coho that are down. There are a couple endangered/threatened populations of coho but i believe the populations in Seattle area are pretty healthy. The Edmonds and Everett coho derbies are still active and I’m even planning on participating in the Edmonds one, weather permitting.

[@dougwilliams3276]

love the Video

[@fishingthenw1642]

EB was nuts this year. So many crazy boaters willing to trade paint just to catch a fish. Lol Didnt look to bad when you where out. If your going to be on that river it flows into for opener, ill be out in my autopilot 120. Orange and black. Come say whats up. Id love to meet ya.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Do you mean the duwamish season starting August 20th? I’m going to try to catch my first river king this year a little up river. Is that where you’ll be?

[@fishingthenw1642]

@@kayakfishingpnw I'll be from the launch under the bridge, to as high as my kayak will take me.

[@null2396]

@@fishingthenw1642could you please elaborate on this fishery? I've never tried it in my kayak but I'm curious to hear more. Setup, tactics etc

[@fishingthenw1642]

@@null2396 it's a 3.5 day fishery a year. Usually productive for chinook salmon by trolling varying lures/baits. Fish it like any other part of the puget sound. Not sure if they are reopening this year. So you can try the 2025 fishery.

[@jonathanbattey3901]

So 3.5 days starting on the 20th?

[@xinwang4013]

Nice catch!

[@towley3d789]

very nice!

[@OptimizEvony]

Would you recommend a diver as the most effective way of trolling without a downrigger? As a paddle kayak angler, I've mostly stuck to mooching, but haven't had any success yet this year.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

I’ve had success mooching for them but only in high density areas. Divers make sense, but I did tangle with another boat’s line with one. So I’d just make sure to have some space if you’re going to use one.

[@OptimizEvony]

@kayakfishingpnw yeah it seems like mooching is hit or miss. I did go tonight a got a hit on my mooching setup that I was trolling at the end of the night. Tomorrow I'll try a diver

[@holdenclark2894]

Yeah salmon populations are decreasing but you think the fisherman are the main cause not the native Americans netting the puget sound with gill nets form one side to another fisherman are not issue

[@kayakfishingpnw]

There are a ton of factors at play. I was mainly just saying that since they are threatened I make a point of trying not to waste them or over harvest. Most people don’t. I just didn’t want to post a video that would help newer fishermen catch a bunch and be really disrespectful to the salmon. I especially don’t think that kayak anglers are rapidly depleting the population lol.

[@jeffkatzer]

Nice one!

[@TheCave99]

How much weight did you use on the downrigger? Is it a Scotty lake troller? Thanks

[@kayakfishingpnw]

4 lb. I’d love to upgrade to 6 but would need a different downrigger.

[@JamesAlexRoorback]

Down rigger on a kayak??? Dang!

[@peterpham4846]

Hi, I am just getting into kayak fishing. Where are you fishing at? It look like you are over by Aliki Beach area?? Any help on a good place to salmon fishing would be much appreciated.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

The rule of thumb is to fish by any point with a name. Meadow, alki, west, Williams, and many others should have fish. The main thing would be going on a really calm, low wind day, and staying close to shore.

[@ryanterry6952]

What lb test braid do you use on your downrigger?

[@kayakfishingpnw]

200 but now that I’m really thinking about it, that’s an absurd overkill.

[@rommelcalimlim]

I’ve been thinking to start kayak fishing, any tips or advice that will help me.

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Basically prioritize safety. Stay close to shore on calm days for your first several trips. I’d even suggest renting a kayak for your first trip or two. I’ve taken people out that absolutely hated it. You don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a kayak if you don’t end up using it. Joining groups like Northwest Kayak Anglers can help you get oriented.

[@rommelcalimlim]

@@kayakfishingpnw Thanks for the advice.

[@MacNmey]

@@rommelcalimlim If you're planning on going out on the ocean in a fishing Kayak, probably plan on purchasing a "Dry Suit." Probably don't need one if using in protected waters close to shore. A VHF all weather transceiver is a must have also for that unforeseen emergency.

[@rattusrodney]

why such a light braid? why not 60?

[@kayakfishingpnw]

Never really thought about it. Basically, I use small reels and want to pack them with line so the fish can run. I’ve never had it break and it can be kinda dangerous to use really heavy line in a kayak because you won’t be able to break it in the event of a snag. I’d definitely respect the decision to use heavier. It would be less likely to bind. I’ll think about it more. Thanks for commenting!

[@rattusrodney]

@@kayakfishingpnw im at point bbob 98281 and yak a lot; but i've lost way less with 60lb and it also slices thru weed too...love the vids..thx

[@andis9076]

Release it ?

[@kayakfishingpnw]

I retained it.

[@goch907]

Yep. Alaska has none now.

[@mikeboston421]

there are about a billion sea lions eating all the salmon,

[@vague-rant666]

And native Americans raping it with nets

[@chirpinsquirrel8710]

Seals whales and the government is why the salmon are depleting

[@ccarter0069]

Puncture the fishes brain with a hook? I've caught hundreds if not 1000 salmon/steelhead and have never seen that. Not even close... Have you?

[@kayakfishingpnw]

A charter captain mentioned it as a possibility. So, I think that’s what’s going on. I can say I’ve caught about 5-8 shakers that were hooked deeply through the roof of the mouth and were definitely dead. The combination of a large hook and small fish can be hazardous in my experience. It’s great that you haven’t had that happen. Do you use spoons? It happens to most for me with spoons because the hook is so far back and small fish go for it.

[@ccarter0069]

@kayakfishingpnw Thank you for the reply! The 4 years that I lived in Michigan, I did troll spoons. I saw mortality from dragging a shaker around for a while and essentially drowning them, but that's it. For the last 11 years, I have fished Oregon/Washington. On the 360s, we catch 8-14 inch fish, and they don't die as long as you don't drag them around. That being said, those are 3.5 spinners with either a treble or 2 single hooks, not a spoon with a large siwash type hook.

[@ccarter0069]

@kayakfishingpnw A charter capitan has definitely seen waaaay more fish caught than I, along with more ocean fishing time. That makes sense! I see why it's possible now. Thanks

[@oneofthosepeople2101]

The or an are endangered because of the thousand percent increase of shipping and ferry traffic in puget sound. Along with the massive population increase and the toxic runoff from their homes and cars. They poisoned puget sound and the seaweed and kelp are almost non existent. Even fishing puget sound and Washington’s ocean since 78.

[@vague-rant666]

That doesn't compare to native Americans raping everything with huge nets

[@CMBCanfield]

You’re teaching 1000’s how to harvest a staple food of the endangered Orcas to promote…conservation? [If this was a SpongeBob SquarePants episode, “2 hours later (French Jacques Cousteau accent),” there would be 100’s of kayak fishermen surrounding you on Elliot Bay, harvesting all the remaining staple food of endangered Orcas, followed by beached Orca carcasses lining Alki Beach!]. 😊

[@vague-rant666]

You have to be high on fentanyl

[@heimdallr2453]

you should rename this to "how i piss off every other sport fisherman in puget sound by getting in their way with my dumb plastic boat"

[@nicksoutdooradventures71]

How much line you let out before clipping into the down rigger ?

[@kayakfishingpnw]

About 30 feet. I think the shallower you fish the more you should let out. So for kings it theoretically shouldn’t matter much.

[@ogbuke1]

nice yapping! yap yap yap yap yap