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Many who have fished Ship creek for awhile will tell you that if you are determined(and lucky)you can start catching kings around the end of April. While I have done this myself it was pure luck on an early run year(warm/early breakup). It is getting close though, so here is some of my insight on it.
If you have never been to Ship it can be a little confusing on how to fish(techniques) where on the creek. Some may ask as to what gear they need. There are also those who are curious as to the "stories" of the mud.
Let's start with how to fish (which techniques) where on the creek.
I have seen everything from the longer "halibut" style poles to fly rods to noodle rods on the creek. I personaly use a 9' med/hev baitcaster rod n reel combo. I spool up with 120# braided. I replace my drag discs 2 or 3 times every season when I take apart and clean my reel. The mud and slt in the creek can destroy a reel if it is not properly maintained. I use 60# mono for leaders, which are about 7' in length (unless I am "catfishin"). As to what you decide to use, it is really up to you. I tend to prefer the flipping method used during the lower tide periods. I also will "plunk" roe on the high tides. Both ways can be productful if done at the right time and using the right method. For roe, I go with a 4' leader, large spin-n-glo, and a doulble hook egg loop. I use a bead or two between the hooks and spin-n-glo to help keep it from sticking and not spinning. I use enough weight to keep my bait in place in the current, ie; strong current more weight,weaker current less weight. I usually put a snap swivle on my main line, so that it slides freely on the line, and attach my weight to it. Keep line tight on pole in hand(seen too many people miss strikes or have pole go for a swim). For flipping it takes some getting used to at first but once you get the nack it comes second nature. I use beads on a long leader. Enough weight to feel it tic tic tic along the bottom and when I feel it stop I set the hook. A common mistke made by alot of people(some on purpose) and which you can be ticketed for is to rip your line out fast. This is totally unnessessary as it almost always leads to a snagged fish that by law must be released. When you pull your line out at the end of your drift, do it smoothly, fairly slowly, and if you have the room pull it out sideways not straight up. I have found that I almost never snag a fish while using this method. Another method used is lures. I rarely use them myself, but when I do I prefer a vibrax size 6. Color depends on water clarity. Usually the darker the water the brighter the lure and vice-a-versa. The most productive time for lures I have found to be an hour before or after high tide, when the current is almost stopped or starting again. If you are lucky, no matter which technique, please remember to let those around you know FISH ON. especially where there are alot of people around you. It will also help if you let those near you know if the fish is "coming up" or "coming down". This allows thos who may be in the way to move so there aren't any tangled lines. Of course with the close proximity of some people it will be impossible to avoid a tangle. If it happens to you and you are not the one with the fish, free spool your line. Make sure to keep loose control of your slack line but try not to put any tension on the line. Hopefully if you are the one with the fish, those tangled with you will do the same. As to which tecnique to use where on the creek, the only thing I have noticed is that roe is almost completely non-productive at the mouth of the creek. Other than that I have successfully used or seen successfully used every technique from the cable by the dam to the inlet. Just remember that others will be fishing the creek thier own way so try to be respectfull and work with each other and be curteous. When it comes to waders, in my opinion, if you are going to fish between the cable and the C street bridge you can get by with hip boots. Anywhere else, I strongly recommend chest waders. The mud on the lower part of the creek can be VERY unstable and it is easy to becoe stuck. For anyone new that I meet at the creek my best advice to them is watch others, if they make it safely then proceed with caution. And if you don't even see birds tracks remember that the birds are smarter than you think - STAY AWAY from that mud!!!!!!!!. While in the mud, always keep moving. It is when you stand still that you start to sink and let the mud become "cemented" around your feet. Now if you do become stuck, DON"T be a "STUD" and think you can get out alone(this goes for females too). Ask someone for help, try to disperse your weight(ie; sit or lay down) and crawl out if neccessessary. This is why I prefer chest waders. They help to keep most of the mud off, and hip boots(known on the creek as Mud Magnets) tend to get left behind. Causing you to have no protection from the mud and polluting the banks. Try to carry on the needed gear with you. They reason I say this is unfortunately there are some unhonest people out there and it can be tempting to them when your stuff is not right by you. My biggest pet peeve(and not just at Ship) is the trash left. PLEASE DO NOT TRASH OUR RESOURCES!!!!!!! There are several areas along the creek that have trash bins our bags to dispose your trash into.
The number 1 thing to remember is BE SAFE!!!!! If you are unsure of a situation seek assistance or don't do it. If you need help ASK. If you are at the creek and need advice most there are willing to give it, just remeber to be polite and those around you will hopefully return the favor.
Side note: If you want some help at the creek, I and my buddies would love to help you "hook up". We spend a good amount of time down there, so pm me when you go and I or one of my buddies will meet you there.
Sorry about the long write up
Tom
If you have never been to Ship it can be a little confusing on how to fish(techniques) where on the creek. Some may ask as to what gear they need. There are also those who are curious as to the "stories" of the mud.
Let's start with how to fish (which techniques) where on the creek.
I have seen everything from the longer "halibut" style poles to fly rods to noodle rods on the creek. I personaly use a 9' med/hev baitcaster rod n reel combo. I spool up with 120# braided. I replace my drag discs 2 or 3 times every season when I take apart and clean my reel. The mud and slt in the creek can destroy a reel if it is not properly maintained. I use 60# mono for leaders, which are about 7' in length (unless I am "catfishin"). As to what you decide to use, it is really up to you. I tend to prefer the flipping method used during the lower tide periods. I also will "plunk" roe on the high tides. Both ways can be productful if done at the right time and using the right method. For roe, I go with a 4' leader, large spin-n-glo, and a doulble hook egg loop. I use a bead or two between the hooks and spin-n-glo to help keep it from sticking and not spinning. I use enough weight to keep my bait in place in the current, ie; strong current more weight,weaker current less weight. I usually put a snap swivle on my main line, so that it slides freely on the line, and attach my weight to it. Keep line tight on pole in hand(seen too many people miss strikes or have pole go for a swim). For flipping it takes some getting used to at first but once you get the nack it comes second nature. I use beads on a long leader. Enough weight to feel it tic tic tic along the bottom and when I feel it stop I set the hook. A common mistke made by alot of people(some on purpose) and which you can be ticketed for is to rip your line out fast. This is totally unnessessary as it almost always leads to a snagged fish that by law must be released. When you pull your line out at the end of your drift, do it smoothly, fairly slowly, and if you have the room pull it out sideways not straight up. I have found that I almost never snag a fish while using this method. Another method used is lures. I rarely use them myself, but when I do I prefer a vibrax size 6. Color depends on water clarity. Usually the darker the water the brighter the lure and vice-a-versa. The most productive time for lures I have found to be an hour before or after high tide, when the current is almost stopped or starting again. If you are lucky, no matter which technique, please remember to let those around you know FISH ON. especially where there are alot of people around you. It will also help if you let those near you know if the fish is "coming up" or "coming down". This allows thos who may be in the way to move so there aren't any tangled lines. Of course with the close proximity of some people it will be impossible to avoid a tangle. If it happens to you and you are not the one with the fish, free spool your line. Make sure to keep loose control of your slack line but try not to put any tension on the line. Hopefully if you are the one with the fish, those tangled with you will do the same. As to which tecnique to use where on the creek, the only thing I have noticed is that roe is almost completely non-productive at the mouth of the creek. Other than that I have successfully used or seen successfully used every technique from the cable by the dam to the inlet. Just remember that others will be fishing the creek thier own way so try to be respectfull and work with each other and be curteous. When it comes to waders, in my opinion, if you are going to fish between the cable and the C street bridge you can get by with hip boots. Anywhere else, I strongly recommend chest waders. The mud on the lower part of the creek can be VERY unstable and it is easy to becoe stuck. For anyone new that I meet at the creek my best advice to them is watch others, if they make it safely then proceed with caution. And if you don't even see birds tracks remember that the birds are smarter than you think - STAY AWAY from that mud!!!!!!!!. While in the mud, always keep moving. It is when you stand still that you start to sink and let the mud become "cemented" around your feet. Now if you do become stuck, DON"T be a "STUD" and think you can get out alone(this goes for females too). Ask someone for help, try to disperse your weight(ie; sit or lay down) and crawl out if neccessessary. This is why I prefer chest waders. They help to keep most of the mud off, and hip boots(known on the creek as Mud Magnets) tend to get left behind. Causing you to have no protection from the mud and polluting the banks. Try to carry on the needed gear with you. They reason I say this is unfortunately there are some unhonest people out there and it can be tempting to them when your stuff is not right by you. My biggest pet peeve(and not just at Ship) is the trash left. PLEASE DO NOT TRASH OUR RESOURCES!!!!!!! There are several areas along the creek that have trash bins our bags to dispose your trash into.
The number 1 thing to remember is BE SAFE!!!!! If you are unsure of a situation seek assistance or don't do it. If you need help ASK. If you are at the creek and need advice most there are willing to give it, just remeber to be polite and those around you will hopefully return the favor.
Side note: If you want some help at the creek, I and my buddies would love to help you "hook up". We spend a good amount of time down there, so pm me when you go and I or one of my buddies will meet you there.
Sorry about the long write up
Tom
.
since he did get upset a couple times.
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