I have heard many times by reputable anglers that hugging the kelp or rock piles can be productive for kings. That said, the few times I have tried trolling or mooching along kelp I got in to large black rockfish schools that obviously kept me from effectively fishing. I could troll faster but I have heard big kings tend to like a slower presentation (assuming gear works effectively at that speed). Thanks in advance for any help. I want one of those 40+ kelp kings!
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Salmon in kelp and avoiding rockfish.
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It just takes a lot of trial and error learning which rockpiles/kelp lines are safe to fish for kings, without being covered up in rockfish. Some of the better spots we fish have a wash rock, with sand in front.
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Originally posted by 270ti View Post...trial and error learning which rockpiles/kelp lines are safe to fish for kings, without being covered up in rockfish.
Today I was by myself and played bumper cars, but missed two, lost one and landed two in about 3 hours. Quarters were so tight and turns so sharp I had to quit using the drop weights I prefer and switch to the downrigger with the bait back only about 15'. And I never had more than 10' of wire out of the downrigger! Everyone fishing deeper was cussing the rockfish and gray cod, but I never got a one."Lay in the weeds and wait, and when you get your chance to say something, say something good."
Merle Haggard
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Thanks guys. Sounds like its trial and error time. I am going to be "handtrolling" the summer king opener with sport rods. I was hoping to avoid the power trollers and hang tight in kelp. Now I know the best bet is to start scouting exclusively kelp lines despite the fact if I have some better open spots. I think this is going to be fun!
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Originally posted by elhewman View Post...best bet is to start scouting exclusively kelp lines despite the fact if I have some better open spots...."Lay in the weeds and wait, and when you get your chance to say something, say something good."
Merle Haggard
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What Brown Bear said, also, at least for me, I crank the speed up, nothing less than 2.4kts over ground. Kings can catch that bait, no problems. Also, planer boards help fish those tight waters without spooking those shallow fish as well as makes me a little less nervous about bumping a rock I didnt; know about.Life's too short for an ugly boat
Blaze N Abel Charters
Kodiak, AK
www.alaska-fish.com
https://www.facebook.com/BlazeNAbelCharters/?fref=ts
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Good stuff guys. Great Advise on planer boards I will give that a try! Any recommendations on what type? Are you using them in conjunction with weights or divers? I could see some advantage into getting into the nooks and crannies with that technique.
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If inlines, run offhsores for planer boards and jsut a 2-4oz lead.Life's too short for an ugly boat
Blaze N Abel Charters
Kodiak, AK
www.alaska-fish.com
https://www.facebook.com/BlazeNAbelCharters/?fref=ts
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Originally posted by Zeek the Greek View PostOk, I got the part about running the downrigger 10' deep ... how deep (or shallow) is the water you're doing this in?
To tell the truth, all of our kings this year have come from water less than 20' deep. We've pulled seven and lost several others from 8' or less so far. Fun stuff, because the kings are rockets in such shallow water. Like I said though, "bumper cars" until you get to know an area real well. The big green button on top of Scotty electrics should be red instead, because is actually a PANIC button for when you find a new shallow spot."Lay in the weeds and wait, and when you get your chance to say something, say something good."
Merle Haggard
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Originally posted by BrownBear View PostI know the areas we fish real well, and will come into 15' with 10' out. Some places demand shallower, so in them I'm only running out 5' of wire. Feels kinda foolish to look down and see the balls, but the fish will make it a happy sight. With 5' out I get a little light footed when the sounder ventures shallower than 8', but it's really no problem. I'm using metal flashers or fishing with none and only 20-25' of line out though- the plastic ones are bad for sailing up on top when you get in water less than 10', but the metal track straight and true.
To tell the truth, all of our kings this year have come from water less than 20' deep. We've pulled seven and lost several others from 8' or less so far. Fun stuff, because the kings are rockets in such shallow water. Like I said though, "bumper cars" until you get to know an area real well. The big green button on top of Scotty electrics should be red instead, because is actually a PANIC button for when you find a new shallow spot.
... perhaps if I get a day to myself I'll give it a shot.
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Well worth it!
When you get shallow, conditions get important. In my area it's generally bait in the shallows, incoming tide, overcast with a little chop. Too bright, too slick, little bait or falling tide, it's pretty blank. But if bright and flat with bait, look just a little deeper for kings waiting to ambush stragglers or make quick dashes into the shallows. I start shallow, then work a little deeper with each pass.
Have fun!"Lay in the weeds and wait, and when you get your chance to say something, say something good."
Merle Haggard
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