Our start was delayed by stubborn winds, but hope lingered in the forecast, promising calmer weather by noon. We finally launched at 11 AM. Though the wind still tugged at us, the waves had settled. The tide barely shifted, with just a modest 0.8-meter difference between high and low.

The latest fishing report promised hatchery Coho between 50 and 100 feet. After two hours and a handful of wild coho, we shifted our focus deeper, dropping lines to 90 to 175 feet with the 5-inch MVP Tackleworks herring. At 175 feet, my lure barely settled before a powerful salmon hit. For 14 thrilling minutes, we battled, only for the fish to slip away at the boat when the hook popped free. Release was inevitable, but the excitement lingered.

Randy and Jim wanted the second rod rigged with another MVP herring, so I grabbed a 4-inch lure. The rest of the day brought us many spring salmon and coho, but the elusive hatchery coho remained out of reach. Of the seven boats on the water, we were chosen for a DFO inspection. The officers found us fully compliant and mentioned that fishing was slow, with no hatchery coho caught by anyone.

Next up is opening day, and AP Tackleworks is sending me their latest creation, the Moon Jelly herring. Stay tuned for the next chapter in our fishing adventures.