Keeping The Yamaha's In Shape

Given it's been several months since I last had a line wet, it also means the Yamaha's haven't been dipped in the water in a while either.  So, with some sun in the forecast, last weekend (1/22), we got the boat out on the water to run some fuel through the motors to make sure everything is in good working order.  I couldn't be more pleased with how the Hewescraft and Yami's ran.  The whole family decided to join, including our latest addition born just 2 months earlier for his first boat ride.  Tabasco Todhunter (better known as "bait boy" or "camera boy") joined us for the ride as well.

Ross Island Bridge, Willamette River, Portland, Oregon

My Co-Captain (Big-G)

My Co-Co-Captain (Little-G)

Is Springer Season Here Yet?

I can't believe that it's been 108 days (October 9th, 2010) as of this posting since I caught my last fish, let alone wet a fishing line (accomplishing both last on 10/9).  108 days is a long time to watch the vacuum packed stock of krill fed, red fillets dwindle in the freezer while one thinks about their next fishing opportunity.  One thing is for sure, I haven't had a single day go by that I wasn't preparing for my spring attack; at least mentally.

This year, we're going to go even harder after the prized catch, leaving no chance for missed opportunity.  In preparation, earlier this month, I purchased a case of the finest green label Puget Sound herring money can buy.  That's 420 rock solid herring that are ready to spin and swim; into Mr. Chinook's mouth.   It's only fitting that the first post on "Herring Bytes" is about herring to be used for this year's salmon fishing.

Given I purchased a years worth of bate at once, along with my anticipation of a lot of salmon needing freezer space this year, I purchased a new upright freezer for our food, and am using the old freezer above the garage fridge strictly for bait.

1 full case = 35 dozen green label herring (420)

Stacks of green label!