The "unwritten" rules (for the new Salty Dogs)

[corrirod]

O.k., we've had a huge increase in "new" posters on the Salty Dog board in the last month and due to the fact most of the Dogs have been out fishing we've been a little 'lax' on our "unwritten" initiation rules.

For those new to the board, it is customary that your first post be an informative post on yourself. This includes what type of boat you might have, what fish you typically target, what boating experience you have, blah, blah, blah.. Besides the personal info we also like to hear a good fish story. It can be as simple as a day you fished with your kids, or a day you learned a valuable lesson, or ???

Unfortunately we can't all meet face to face and in order to build rapport on this board we need to know who we're talking to. Thus the reason why we have TA(tuna-holics anonymous) meetings to get together and put faces to names and get acquainted with our fellow Salty brotheren.

Other unwritten rules or guidlines might include,

--This board is for sharing info. The ocean is a large and bountiful wonder that has plenty of room for the few of us that can play on her. Zipperlips, or secret spots, are discouraged and you'll find out right away with this group that you get what you give.
Sharing info does not only mean sharing fishing spots, it also means sharing experience, sharing info on your last fishing trip(good or bad), sharing tips and tricks, sharing ideas for better ways to preserve our fisheries, etc.

--If you join this board, be an "active" member of the board, not a "peanut gallery" member who only chimes in on other's threads. Again, it's about rapport. If you're not actively posting your own threads you will have no rapport on someone elses threads.

--This forum has, up until recently, remained very debate-free. Let's keep it that way. Constructive debates regarding fishing issues are welcome but judgemental personal opinions that are not based on fact should be kept to yourself. Again, with rapport brings respect, and you'll be more likely to have people listen to your views if they know the person behind it.

--For the lurkers: For those of you that feel you do not have the experience to become an active member of the board, please don't be shy. Join the board with an "Intro" post and ask questions, attend a TA meeting, get to know this group. Experience is not necessary to become a member, but having a willingness to learn is.

There are quite a few "unwritten" rules and these are just a few of them. Perhaps some of the other long-time Dogs can add to this list.

We have a very special group of folks here that share a passion for the same playground. Although we don't always get along or agree on everything, we do ALL share the same love for the ocean. I'm proud to be a part of this great group of ocean junkies and I'll do whatever I can to protect the core values that have been established.

[BungaBunga]

OK, corrirod, guilty as charged - I'm brand new and I didn't do the introductory post. I'll get right on top o' that. Thanks for the (gentle) info!

[Kentucky Hog Hunter]

OK Rod, I'll go first...

As you can see by the number of posts I have made, I am not new to Ifish at all in fact been a member for some time now....

However, I have posted over on the other board much more than over here....

I have lived in Oregon since 1992 and have been fortunate in my life to fish the Gulf in Texas & Louisiana & I also lived on the East Coast of Florida (Melbourne) for 3.5 years.....

I own a 23' Duckworth Pacific Magnum with a 17 degree hull winshield boat..... I have been doing bar crossings in it since 1997..... I totally love fishing in the salt and have a great deal of respect for it....

There have been so many memorable trips that I can't think of just one but my trip 2 weeks ago with my good friend HogBack for Tuna was totally awesome.... First run for Pacific Albecore tallied 22 bullets for about 3 hours of fishing.... What a hoot......

Hope to make many more TA meetings by the way.... Went last Wednesday and met allot of nice people.....

See you guys on the water.....

[skein]

Good post, Rod. Excellent in fact.

Let me add a thought.

Don't forget about the trolls and troublemakers, people who flit about the internet, jumping from board to board and forum to forum and who have NO interest in what's being discussed but merely want to "stir the pot." Ususally these guys will show up with 6-12 posts under their belts and then either blast someone or try to fire up some controversial conversation. When someone with NO TRACK RECORD (as Rod mentioned) tries to start something ugly, ask yourself if he might be a troll.

And never, never, never forget the good that's come out of this forum. I used to go over to the coast and see one or two people that I knew, usually folks like me, just over to the beach for the day. Now I see friends on every dock, guys and gals who will share the day's successes or failures with me, who offer numbers or techniques or bait or even a cold one. These are the same ones who will offer a seat, or wing with me, or call me in to a bite if I'm out. Because of this forum and the sharing, caring attitudes that come with it, the coast has become a community to me rather than just a place to visit. No matter what, that's what will prevail with the Salty Dogs. Seems we have a vested interest in keeping it that way.

PS. I sure miss my boat. :depressed:

Skein

[AnglersRental]

Speaking from repeated personal expirence. :blush:

If you do something stupid or say something dumb, stand up and take your lumps, and then try to learn from it. Nobody here is an expert, and nobody here holds a grudge for long. If you just get mad and run away, you shouldnt have been here in the first place.

Brad

[SPAZZ]

Guilty also. My name is Brian. I dont own a boat yet. I am looking for one right now. I have been fishing for 30 years. Most of my fishing has been in the rivers. I have been on alot of charter boats and friends boat in the ocean. I love the smell of the sea air. You cant beat it. I am on here because I want to learn about tuna and hali fishing. I have never cought either one but I am hopeing to get the chance. Here is my story. About 3years ago we chartered salmon boat out of Illwaco. We got there the night before. 13 of us. We stayed there at the marina in the campground. We all brought beer and food. we decided it was a good time to start drinking and had a few. By the end of the night alot of beverages were consumed. we called it a night. At about 3 in the morining we heard this horn. we thought it was the waste water treatment plant horn next to us. This kept going for about an hour until we got up to see what was happening. When we got up to see whats going on we found one of the guys in our group passed out in his truck with his knee on the horn. Needless to say when were all got up for fishing in the morning we were not the most popular people in the area.

[Pilar]

Let me be the first to offer any and all assistance to the saltwater curious. If you have a desire to learn .. I strive to never be too busy to help anyone hungry to learn.

Many of us have done years of hard work finding the fish and have places figured out and methods for targeting the various species we pursue. If you are a genuine paduan learner then I will help you with GPS numbers and advice.

Nothing thrills me more than watching the new guy stack fish on his deck.

Help is just a PM away. Welcome to all you guys hanging on the fringes. Being hungry and curious is far more important than being knowledgeable. All I am asking is that you give back when you have the chance. You will know when and where to do it. I hope you can discover the joys of the ocean and the rewards of helping others discover it.

That is the best part of this forum for me. Helping others discover their inner TUNA!

Don't let a few gruff old dogs like me and Rod scare you off. We are all bark and no bite.

Thanks Rod for reminding us what we are all about.

[Beefcake]

All I am asking is that you give back when you have the chance. You will know when and where to do it.

One of the most impressive parts of this board is how much the core group is willing to give. Not just information and open seats, but they are always helping each other. For example, I'm pretty sure that Pilar has worked on everybody else's boats to ensure they are seaworthy. I have also read many posts about Dogs loaning each other gear, and picking up / delivering parts, supplies, bait, etc to others in need. When I posted that I had bought a project dory, Corrirod and Wak sent me multiple PMs with specific information about the boat out of genuine concern that I had gotten in over my head (and they were right).

As a Pup, I am trying to steal every bit of knowledge that I can from this board in preparation for the day when I am blessed with a salty boat, and I always thought that it would be a long time before I could offer anything in return. However, Pilar's request to "give back when you have the chance" has gotten me thinking; maybe a little elbow grease will suffice until I have knowledge, experience, or skills to offer. From what I understand, this philosophy worked for Woody (who offered his time carking TUNA! and helping Dogs with mechanical problems in order to earn his current position of "Most Loved TUNA! Ho").

[KROY]

Pilar,
I've spent most of my time on the other side but I wanted to just say thanks for all the help you and the Dogs have given people over the years.

I fish in the ocean in my boat about five times a year. I started in '91 crossing the CR in my 18' jetboat. I have to pick my days and stay a few miles out for salmon because of the type of boat I have. I know have a 21' jetboat with shock seats (Oh My God) and lots of dual stuff. I haven't crossed in this boat yet because I was working out some kinks. I've made a bunch of mistakes and I now error on the side of caution.

My salt story, or kind of:

I was fishing in the early 90's with my wife, mom, and dad. We launched out of Hammond and it was real foggy. I forgot my compass and decided to stay close to the buoy out of Hammond and trolled downriver. We started hooking fish and before I knew it, we passed 14 and were heading out to sea. My dad was a French Canadian and pronounced words funny. He was fighting fish for hours and all he could say was, "Don't lose that Boy." That's how he pronounce buoy. The fog lifted and we headed back in. Big screwup by me but I was young and dumb, now I'm just old and dumb.

I'll be fishing in August out of Hammond. I have a dark green NR commander with IFISH stickers below the side windows and a yellow hockey ball stuck on the VHF antenna. Say hi and share some salmon info, God knows I need it.

Thanks,
Ken

[Deepslayer]

eExcellent post Corrirod. It is always nice for newbees to know what the unwritten rules are.
,ED

[wthr4d]

Rod,

Thaks for the info. I have been posting here for a month or so and lurking for a few weeks before that and hadn't picked up on some of the "suggested requirements" of a new guy on the block as it were.

many appologies!!

So here it is:

I grew up on the oceans (and lakes) of Southern California mostly playing in Morro Bay and off the Channel Islands. I have fished from the surf, boats and kayaks through my lifetime. I have fished for perch, shark, halibut, sea bass, yellowtail, yellowfin, baracuda, salmon and sturgeon all with a certain amount of success. I moved to Oregon over ten years ago as it was time for a career change and the wife wanted to be closer to her mother. I have enjoyed the fishing and hunting of Oregon and taken responsibility for her natural resources as they were my own. lately I have been fishing a lot for salmon off Newoport or hitting the little lakes off hwy 20 &126 out of sweet home/Eugene (thats a good one for the kids).I don't own a boat of my own but mostly ride second seat with a good friend on this board, however, I have been know to Ho a seat from time to time and am ALWAYS OPEN TO OFFERS (I don't sue people either). I was happily lucky a few weeks ago during halibut season and pulled up a nice 50+ incher(no official measure was done as it was part one of a double and a long day). I am very eager to get out for a TUNA! run some day soon I have been studying the technique, shopping for gear and even drove 70 miles to attend a TA meeting!! now all I need to the invite to come aboard for a run...(hint hint).

here is your fishing story:
It was back int the early 80's I was on an all day charter out of Ventura. we went fishing the back side of the channel islands for sea bass and Kelp bass when we ran into a boiling run of anchovie(just happened to be the live bait we were using)it was weird as fishing kind off died for a second as all these little jumping fish surrounded the boat, swarming like flies jumping through the air, then BLAM! the poles in the back started going off there was a school of yellowtail "pushing" the anchovies through us and they were in a frenzy!! there weree poles running up and down the leangth of the boat, fisherpeople dodging in and out of each other. what mayhem!! I landed mine after a few runs the length of the boat, others weren't so lucky theirs went undertangling with guys on the other side of the boat. I was able to step to the front of the boat out of most of the havok and rebait for a cast out. Not something typically done in a yellowtail frenzy, but the school was passing and things were calming so the deckhand said it was okay. I cast off into the tail end of the boil as we drifted past. Just seconds Later ZZZZZZIng!!! I got a hard, FAST hit. this was NOT a yellowtail but I didn't know what it was, like a rocket here and there with rapid turns and zig zags. it was quite a battle but with 80# dacron I wasn't too worried. when I did finally get it to the boat and the hand called color, he knew just what it was....BARACUDA!!! 48" silver lightning and a darn good barbeque at that!!.

Good meeting you all at the TA meeting and I hope to see a few more at the docks. PM me if you want a fishing buddy, I'm always up for a wet line.

Paul

[Joe Schwab]

Rod, Good post. I'm probably another one of those "chime in guys" you were referring to. I have been a member of Ifish since I got back from Alaska in I think '99 or '00.

I began my salt water carreer out of Hammond in the early '70s with a brand new SeaRay 20' Cuddy that was the most gorgeous boat I ever owned. I often wish I still had it.

At the same time I was assigned to Commercial Fish Enforcemnt with OSP and spent my weekends crossing the bar numerous times. I saw more than I wanted to and gained a healthy respect for the ocean and developed little tolerance for those who thumbed their nose at her.

After retiremnt we moved to Alaska and out of sheer self defense I aquired my Masters license and began guiding on the salt and fresh water. (Some of the local guides up there left a little to be desired, and we had a lot of customers to put on guide boats.)

After 6 years up there we sold out and moved to Tillamook. I kept my license and began guiding and chartering down here. I still have my old faithful 24 foot Duckworth Pacific Magnum that I bought when I started in Alaska.

I recently began to scale back on the guiding and now only do a few special customers. Just don't need the headache or the money. I am still working for OSP part time out of Tillamook helping with offshore enforcement. I enjoy that part of the job and hope I can continue on for some years.

I like to fish the near coast but have no desire to fish Halibut or Tuna. Been there, done that, but I enjoy reading about it on the Salty Dogs.

You guys really enjoy what you are doing and that is what it is all about.

Will try to come up with some posts of my own.

[tracker]

I am new to the salty dogs. Found the site through Sportco in Fife Washington. I had been looking for a tuna site. Looks like I have have found it.

Profile: 46 years old. Alarm Technician. Graham Washington
Well experienced in Baja Mexico in hunting and fishing.

I have had a 14' Sea Nymph that I have fished out of Neah Bay for many years. In all that time I have made it out to The bank (20 miles)for halibut twice. Have tried many times but conditions and the pucker factor combined to turn me around. Have Just bought or better termed been taken over by a New 26' Sea Swirl striper. The "Just Keep Fishing." Fully outfitted although the auto pilot will be slow in making its entrance. Now the halibut of the northwest are in real trouble. But in reality bought this particular boat to kill tuna. problem! No info on where to find them. Problem solved! Salty dogs to the rescue! Hope to hunt with the dogs next weekend since this weekend is looking ify!

[corrirod]

An official welcome aboard to all those who have joined us recently. Keep the intro's coming, their great!

It's our(the old Dogs) fault for not asking for introductions and giving official welcomes as you joined the board. This is our busy season so our computer time is somewhat limited, or at least we hope it is!

As Pilar said, don't hesitate to PM, email, or even call any of us anytime if you have questions or need a helping hand. You'd be surprised just how much help you'll get if you just ask.

That said, anybody want to help me with my latest purchase? Just kidding!

[Mark Mc]

Wow, open the floodgates for the newbie introductions!

Welcome to y'all. Thanks for all the intro's and stories.

May the fish & weather gods shine kindly upon you.

- Mark Mc

[Nordic Sun]

The profile:
I have been fishing out of Ilwaco since I was 8 years old. Now at 57, I find that I enjoy it now as much as I did with my grandfather then. The quality of vessel my has improved over the years, my first boat was a Drift boat with a 25 hp motor. Then I fished out of a Pacific City dory until last year when my wonderful wife ok’e the purchase of my 2359 Trophy “ODIN”.

Last year was my best year ever. The boat tagged 185 salmon, 66 were mine, 23 were my wife’s, and the rest were friends and family.

OK that’s right we eat at least 1.5 salmon per week. If you see me walking on the dock, I am easy to recognize by the gill slits starting to form on my neck.

The story:
About 8 years ago I was salmon fishing above the bridge during the Buoy 10 season. I had my three daughters on board. As luck would have it we were putting on a fishing clinic that day, I mean we were hooking up when the other boats around us were struggling for fish. Now, it is seldom that any father would refer to his daughters as babes, but it was a hot day, and mine were looking pretty darn good. Most of you that fish that fishery know what a zoo it can be, so I am netting fish, wakin& stakin, I looked up and notice that all those fishermen, had us surrounded, and those that couldn’t get close were passing their binoculars back and forth. When I saw that I started laughing, and laughed so hard I fell into the bottom of the boat and almost ran into one of the bridge piers.

These pictures are of my youngest
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See you Salty’s in the ocean.
Bob

[PapaHog]

Hello and count me as guilty for lurking and posting a couple times without a story. I dont have much of a story when it comes to fishing execpt for bobber fishing in tidewater which I love above all other fishig. I have been fairly suscessful doing that.

Now for a few lines about myself. I am a nearly retired disabled veteran who has filled many weekends on a river bank plunking for strurgeon and salmon and drift fishing the Wilson and Trask for fall chinook and winter steelhead. My most fun is bobber and egg fishing for fall chinook in tidewater. I have many stories and memories I can tell about my experiences at the hospital hole. OH What Fun.

I have congestive heart failure and for a couple years have been unable to enjoy fishing from the bank. Up and down hills, crawling into canyons and maybe even fighting a fall king to the net may be more than I should do. Therefore I am trying to learn a new way of fishing.

Now to the reason for the salty dogs in my life. I can fish from a boat. I have a couple friends who have boats and fish in the salt out Tillamook and Hammond. They both fish the big C which at times can be sloppy.

I have every confidence in there abilities HOWEVER I want to know for myself (and my dear wife) what conditions are fishable and more inportant what conditions are not I have posted here a couple times and got good advice. I have learned a little about sea and bar conditions and can read for myself the marine forcast and know if it is safe for me to go with my friend to the salt.

We are planning a trip out of Illwalco on Sunday and from what I have learned here I believe it is going to have to calm down a little more for us to fish outside.

So many thanks to those who have helped. Your caring about your/our sport is greatly apreciated.

Because of the heart problems I am unable to fish alone as my dear wonderful wife worries about me if I am not fishing with friends. I dont have a boat but I will always be willing to help out with gas and lunch for a boat ride to the fish.

I was fishing out of tillamook bay 3 weeks ago and managed one coho and that was fun. Fished out of Warrington on a charter 2 weeks ago and got 4 tuna. That was fun.

I am booked on or invited on one boat or another 5 and maybe 6 days in August.

New life for papahog. You can teach a old dog new tricks.

Thanks

[Reel Creel]

Nice post Rod,

I could be guilty of some things myself but im a big boy so i think, and will take my lumps. But as far as posting i try to keep them short and sweet unless ive got a good idea about what im talking about.

Im still learing something ever day and hope to continue doing so, I dont have a lot of #s to share but what ive got id be happy give up and anything else that might make a day out on the big blue a little more safe or productive.

Keep the big B.S. to yourselves and leave this form for whats its for, and in my eyes that sharing things that help us all.

[PapaHog]

I post what I think is a good MY story then a post jumps all over me for posting my story and situation of why I was posting on the salty dogs.

Am I wrong or was I asked to post MY Story and a Fishing Story.

I am sorry I posted and feel sorry that reel creel thinks I should keep the big bs to myself.. SORRY :whazzup:

[PapaHog]

I have hurt feelings and this kind of treatment is what I feared when I open myself up by posting.

BYE

[Aqua-Holic]

I'm not sure PapaHog...but I don't think Reel Creel's comments were directed at you. Rather "BS" in general?

[Reel Creel]

NO PapaHog thats not what i meant about Big BS, Tell all the stories you want. Its the pot stires and belly achers that i would like to see do something else.

[Reel Creel]

Thanks Dean.

Yup!

Welcome aboard PapaHog

[crabbait]

Trust me...he was not referring to you, PapaHog. Good story and welcome aboard. Sounds like you are planning a busy August!

[PapaHog]

Reel Creel I am sorry for taking the post wrong.
:blush: I am very embarassed :blush:

Please accept my deepest apologies.

I want really bad to be a part and learn the ways of the salt.

Sorry Reel Creel

Sign me red faced papahog

[Reel Creel]

Dont worry big boy its all good

[skein]

Hey, PapaHog, welcome back! I'm sure glad you stepped back in to read ReelCreel's explanation.

We just got to know you and sure don't want to lose you now!

Welcome aboard!

Skein

[PapaHog]

Thank you guys. I will try and contribute and not just take.

Hope to meet you all at ifishstock.

ken

[Reelentless]

--If you join this board, be an "active" member of the board, not a "peanut gallery" member who only chimes in on other's threads. Again, it's about rapport. If you're not actively posting your own threads you will have no rapport on someone elses threads.

Thats me! I don't think I have much to offer since I consider myself a greenhorn. Being somewhat shy doesn't help either. I'll work on it though.

[thats my line]

THANK YOU,
for clearing the air with an informative post and dusting off the welcome mat for we whom have entered this forum recently with curiosity in one hand and the desire for community in the other.
Recently I have been befriended by members of this group at the Port of Ilwaco and would like to take this opportunity to say MUCHO GRACIAS AMIGOS.
In keeping with the unwritten rule of stating who, what, and where I submit the following.
I am retired after working as a power lineman mostly in Washington and Oregon helping to build the grid that ties the numerous dams and cities together. I have fished ever since I was a boy going for catfish in the south. I spend my winters in Mexico on the Sea of Cortez. I am partner with a friend in a 34' Mainship that we keep there for fishing marlin, dorado, tuna. I also have a 22' mexican panga which have been used by the people there for years because of their seaworthiness.
The summers I spend on the northwest coast usally in Ilwaco, Sekiu, and others. I fish sturgeon, salmon, halibut, and have went for tuna on overnight tuna charter trips.
I have a project story I would like to tell about my other boat (my first love) and yes I am 3 boat poooor. I have owned a 1974 28' Fiberform for many years. Well built, and comfortable large cabin with 2 GM 6 cylinder engines, except they were coupled to 2 OMC outdrives. WARNING to anyone shopping for an older boat, with early model OMC outdrives. Expensive to have worked on which is often and difficult if not impossible to get many of the new replacement parts.
So after many years of struggling with what to do about this shortcoming I came upon a solution I would like to share. I pulled out the engines and outdrives, plugged the holes with fiberglass (hired it done) then I mounted a dual outboard bracket on the transom and installed 2 Suzuki 140 4 strokes. I replaced the omc mechanical steering with Seastar hydraulic dual station and used my original morse throttle and shift controls by changing cable lengths.
I would offer this option to anyone that is faced with a simular power problem on a good boat.
Anyone wishing additional information or pictures or a first hand examination I will be happy to respond.
Cheers and

Keep your fly dry

[whaleraddict]

Welcome aboard Odin and all the others. Great stories. Nice pic's Odin! What a beauty! The fish I mean :grin:. I have 4 daughters and all of them are attractive as well. They love to fish. We took our youngest daughter Sturgeon fishing a couple of years ago in Baker bay and hit a phenomenal bite. She caught 8 Sturgeon in a period of 3 hours and thought that Sturgeon fishing was like that all the time. She has since learned truth .

[Fishplay]

Wow! Did we have a SNAFU?

Great post Rod......and welcome aboard to all new members!!

Please excuse me if I come across a little gruff or short in posts. I'm not a writer and tend to type responses in excerpts.

Those that are familiar with me already know that I do not consider myself an expert of anything. (Except maybe bad luck)

As far as political correctness is concerned.....I think there's too damn much of that in society as it is. I prefer to call a dog a dog.

Newbie, Rookie, FNG, Greenhorn, I've been them all more than once in my 40 years and will be one or more of them again I'm sure in the next 40.

If this bothers someone they need to take a chill pill and relax! Maybe go fishing!

The unspoken rules are important here because it lets everyone know a little background info. Knowing at what stage in the game a person is makes it easier to provide advice if asked.

I personally feel a certain degree of responsibility for the safety of the truly new to the salt that are coming here and catching the virus.

We make it very easy for the unprepared to jump in over their heads and the worse case scenario here is the loss of life.

This message(in my opinion)needs to be delivered sternly and frequently. We should stay cognate of the fact that the general public is lurking here also.

I am very thankful of the community here and will never be able to contribute in an equal amount to what I receive from it. I am however, a giving person and offer help when and where I can.

I am not the most knowledgeable person here but if there is something you need or your shy and have a question you would like addressed privately, feel free to PM me. If I can help in any way I will. If I don't know the answer to any questions I will find them.

Lets all be safe out there!

[SKSPAWNER]

Ditto the welcome to all the new Pups. If you give as well as take knowledge and experience from this board, you will find our group to be very open and willing to share with you. If your intent is to stir up discontent you will experience the wakeup call from the Dogs. Play nice and we all gain! WELCOME.

Sunny K

[Pilar]

Fishplay, thank you for stating the unspoken fear of the guys that are the old timers here. We do make it easy for the inexperienced to jump in the deep end of the pool and I too feel some responsibility for their potential misfortune.

Nothing causes me greater concern than someone stating that they would like to *follow* me to the fishing grounds. Friends ... If you cannot get their on your own as an autonomous and self sufficient boat you should get on someone elses boat and learn what you need to know. We look to each other far offshore for support and comraderie but it is understood that each boat is for the most part on it's own and relying on the preparation and readiness of that boat and crew for it's happiness. Emergencies or boat troubles are a different deal and the overwhelming response of nearby fishers to one who is in trouble is something that I am very humbled by and grateful to be a part of.

It is very easy to lose sight of the fact that the trips taken by some of us are pretty far out on the reasonability scale. We are on the perimeter for sure. Further they are not trips I would recommend for the beginner as skipper. There are just too many things that could go wrong and inexperience, lack of preparation and unfamiliarity could cause a bad outcome.

Please don't take this as a lecturing attitude. I just want at the end of the day for there to be as many salty dogs on the dock as there were at the beginning of the day. IMHO a key to being a saltwater cowboy is to recognize when you are about to go beyond your abilities and experience and also a hunger to learn more about your hobby.

Let me say this again ... I wish for all of you successful roundtrips to the fishing grounds and I believe that we should never leave any dog behind.

[corrirod]

No doubt about it. You need to know your boat inside and out and be prepared for the worst.

The reality is, that no matter how much work you do on your boat, no matter how well tuned you get it, no matter how much preventative maintenance you do to it, no matter whether the boat is new or old, things will go wrong.

There isn't a Salty Dog on this board that wouldn't bend over backwards to help you out, but you must first learn to help yourself.

There are plenty of experienced captains on this board that are glad to take new oceangoers as crew, or even ride as crew on your vessel to show you the ropes.

Take advantage of the generosity of this board, but also make sure you give something back when it's your turn.

[one shot]

Corrirod,

Thanks for the open invite to the forum. I go by "one shot" and am blessed to live within striking distance of the biggest playground in the northwest. I've been fishing for as long as I can remember and began my saltwater experience fishing the Umpqua at Salmon Harbor as a tyke. I'm no expert at saltwater fishing and know that it is a lifelong learning endeavor. I'm not quick to pass judgement on other mariners / fisherman: We all are willing to take calculated risks to enjoy the sport we love. I divide my saltwater fishing days between Newport and Winchester Bay. I enjoy fishing with my family - as many as 3 generations on some trips. I fish from a 23' Bolton with a Hamilton Jet and a GM big block, Honda 4 stroke kicker, and multiple redundancy on the nav gear (gps, compass, vhf) and always all of the safety equipment. I also spend time fishing from an 18 1/2 Bluewater with the 4.3 Volvo Penta and a Johnson kicker. . .. My primary target is chinook salmon but a friend of mine, Wak, has introduced me to fishing in the deep sea and for that I am grateful. Wak has also taught me a lot about sharing information about our sport and the satisfaction of teaching and being taught. After I began reading the message board, it became very obvious that the Salty Dog's group is special in that it allows fisherpeople to connect and share ideas and get acquainted like no other resource I've seen on the subject.

As for a fishing story, one march day about 16 years back, a friend of mine and I were fishing for anything that would bite from the south jetty at the Umpqua River. We were fishing inside the "triangle" and catching quite a few rockfish and having a great time. We were fishing with the standard sand shrimp rigging for rockfish. We heard a noise which sounded like air rushing through a pipe: We quickly hopped over the jetty to look out on the foggy Umpqua and observed a large whale with a calf right next to the jetty. That in itself was memorable, but later that afternoon, we were getting ready to leave and I took one of those many "just one last cast" casts and hooked a large steelhead. My gear wasn't really scaled to size for that fish but my friend and I landed it - a chrome bright steelhead inside the triangle in march.

I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with the group.

One Shot

[Snug 2]

I learned on my first trip out that I was never to bring any more bananas aboard. But they are so good for an unsettled stomach.

[Half fast Toyn]

someone blew it..... guess you cant call them unwritten rules now. Peanut gallery here

[Beer Waggin]

As quoted by Skein...

And never, never, never forget the good that's come out of this forum. I used to go over to the coast and see one or two people that I knew, usually folks like me, just over to the beach for the day. Now I see friends on every dock, guys and gals who will share the day's successes or failures with me, who offer numbers or techniques or bait or even a cold one. These are the same ones who will offer a seat, or wing with me, or call me in to a bite if I'm out. Because of this forum and the sharing, caring attitudes that come with it, the coast has become a community to me rather than just a place to visit. No matter what, that's what will prevail with the Salty Dogs. Seems we have a vested interest in keeping it that way.

I would have never thought the day would come when I would get interrupted while washing my boat. I can't remember a day this year when I didn't have a freind stop by to say "hi" while I was washing the boat or cleaning fish. Barbeques after a day of fishing at the beach are becoming the norm. Running into other Dogs at JC's at midnight is as common as seeing them at the boat ramp in the morning. A friend around every corner...
Four years ago, it wasn't anything like this. Amazing what a few stinky, grumpy fisherman and women (well maybe the women don't stink) can create.

Here's to all you new guys

Join us and the fun we have every weekend, but please follow some of the well given advice. There was a post a few months back that talked about when one of us goes down and what would happen. I hope we never see any of those things happen, especially to a new guy who is ill prepared. Your crew should be very important to you and many others. It's your job to make sure they come back alive and it's your job to make sure your boat is prepared. And only a crazy person would jump on a boat just to go fishing. Make sure you know who you're about to venture out with. It's just as much your job to make sure the boat you're fishing on is prepared.

Leave No Dog Behind!

[saltwater only]

OK looks like a good place to sign on and say
Fished the salt for many years out of Newport, Started
before I had my own boat. Was booked on a charter out of DB
bar was rough so they would not commit. waited around for
an hour and they cancled. Realy wanted to fish so went down
to Newport booked in and got right out right then I decided
I liked this bar better and have never looked back.
Am now on my second boat. If you've been to Newport south beach you've probabbly seen the boat, green and white 24 ft with radar , big fish box on the back, full canvas, Silvan offshore fisherman.
Decided to get my own boat when didn't get enough time on the charter so said I have to get our own boat.
Fished for everything but Tuna, would like to try that sometime, Salmon, Halibut and Red snapper when you could still fish them.
Took our children out on boat and all of them get sick. Take our grandson and he loves it and catches Halibut and is ready to go again. He's 16.
Sometimes have open seats, little harder for Halibut, have no problem filling seats then, however if anyone is looking for a ride sometime, will be glad to meet up with you and have you come over and see our boat and chat awhile or just take a look at our boat. The boat has a nice soft and dry ride. Had a good trip last weekend. Rough bar and all.
Have been a little cautious about signing up here all these good looking smart people I feel a little intimidated.

[corrirod]

Welcome Saltwater Only and One Shot!

Nothing to be intimidated about here. Most of us couldn't match a pair of socks if we had to but get us on a boat and look out! :grin:

[Pilar]

Wow! look at all the new guys. That next big TA meeting is going to require name tags for sure.

Welcome all of you and Play ball!!!

[wthr4d]

Welcome to the new guys from a new guy!!!

Saltwater only- sounds like you got a nice ride. I camp down at south beach a bit, I'll have to look for you as I walk the camp.

Paul

Have been a little cautious about signing up here all these good looking smart people I feel a little intimidated.

Where?


Welcome aboard to all.

[saltwater only]

wthr4d
you would be most welcome I will even let you drive if you want to. :grin:

[5-Cents]

Ahhhhh a major oversight on my part… a story and introduction is indeed needed!

My name is Shane. I have been married 15 years now (wow time flies when you are having fun ) and I have two great kids; a son 8 and a daughter 6. I have a feeling my little girl is going to grow up to be one of my best fishing buddies. Ever since she was 3yrs old she would go fishing with me and never complain about sitting on the boat hours on end waiting for a bite, but my whole family loves fishing and I am excited to learn how to catch more and bigger fish in the ocean!

I have a 25’ Alumaweld Formula V with twin outboard 115 4 stroke saltwater Mercs on offshore brackets. This is my second boat, the first being a jet boat which I found really didn’t meet my needs because I LOVE FISHING BIG WATER! I have only been a boat owner for 2.5 years before that I was an avid flyfisherman for 20 years. I know that sounds a bit backwards as people usually start fishing gear and progress toward the quite sport of flyfishing but I just relish the pursuit of big fish and there aint no better place to find the biguns than in the Big Blue!

I am crazy sick when it comes to fishing. I could fish all day, every day and probably never get tired of it. I love learning new ways to catch fish. I love learning about new fisheries. I love figuring out new ways to catch those fish. Above all I love teaching people how to do all of the above. I don’t think there is anything better than to be on the boat with a bunch of buddies or family and be in a hot bite. The most stoic of fishermen have to crack a little smile when fish after fish is hitting the deck and people are screaming fish on… to me there isn’t a better feeling. There’s a kinship that develops between buddies knowing that for once we did things 100% right… those are days I live for man! 25 years from now I can be tipping back a cold one talking with my friend that was with me that day and we will relive it just like we were there again… what a great feeling!

Now I guess a salty fishing story is in order….

When I was in high school my girlfriends dad, Ken, had a 28’ Fiberform with a flying bridge that he moored in Garibaldi. I would go salmon fishing with him every Saturday and Sunday. One weekend we invited my buddy Hobie along for a salmon trip. I told Hobie that he should take some seasickness meds before heading out but since he was in the Navy ROTC program he declined telling me how he was impervious to getting seasick… RIGHT!

We head out across the bar and into a good 8’-9’ swell and start trolling. It took Hobie about .0000345 seconds to start turning green around the gills and another 1.03456 seconds before he was feeding the fish!

During this time Ken was piloting the boat through the swells and I was getting all 3 rods in the water. In about 2 minutes of trolling we had our first fish on! Cool I took it! Then we had our second fish on! Cool a double, which Ken came down to take since Hobie was flat on the deck of the cabin about 5 shades greener than when we started! Just then the third rod takes a dive! Wow a triple!

Ken was piloting/fighting fish, I was fighting fish… HOBIE common get up! Hobie laid there moaning! HOBIE get up! Moan! I finally grabbed his rod! Wow two fish on at once! I wasn’t sure how to go about fighting two fish at once so I placed both rods in the holders and fought both fish at once! Ken ended up getting his fish to the boat and I ran over and netted it for him… a nice Chinook which flopped out on the deck with a loud thud then proceeded to flop around and cover poor Hobie with slime and blood. Ken and I managed to land the other two fish as well! All three were 20lb+ Chinook! What a hoot and I never let poor Hobie live that one down! :grin:

I’m looking forward to getting to know some of you guys! I’m sick and tired of some of the stuff that goes on with the zipperlip stuff on the main board. The spirit of sharing and brotherhood that the SD’s display is both refreshing and exciting

[CATCH AND EAT]

Where?


Welcome aboard to all.

But you're so cute when you are bloody. :grin:

Rod looks like you've called out ALL the Dawgs here. This is cool.

[FishGitter]

I guess I should have given a better accounting of myself when I joined the board and posted the requisite story.
First a bit about myself. I grew up on the South Puget Sound and we always had boats. I used to enjoy going fishing nearly every day, even if only for Dogfish. We moved to San Juan Island in '69 and I went to HS there. Learned to be a commercial fisherman as it seemed to be the thing to do. I commercial fished for salmon pretty much every way it can be done. I ran my own boat (a 32' gillnetter - please don't throw things at me) for 2 years before joining the Air Force. I have fished waters all over the US and Western Europe. I hit the big salt whenever my schedule and friends with boats permit. :smile:
OK, on with the story. It seems that everytime I take a charter the weather turns snotty. I don't mind the boat bouncing around, I just wedge myself in and enjoy being on the water with a rod in my hand. Several years ago I found I had a day off while in the Florida panhandle. Naturally I pre-booked a fishing trip, this one a bottom trip out of Panama City. The charter company had very thoughfully posted all of their policies on a large sign at the booking office. Number 1 was "No refunds for any reason". Number 3 was "No crowded boats". A few days later when I arrived at the dock they had a paper sign taped over their policies, "Bad weather conditions, anyone who does not want to go out today can recive a refund." Hmmm I thought, this should thin things out. Wrong! The charter company decided to leave their 2 smaller boats, 45' and 52', at the dock. The only boat going out would be the 68 footer. While a lot of people took the up on the refund it was not nearly enough and everyone else was put on the one boat. While within its capacity it was more people than the deckhands could deal with. We were almost shoulder to shoulder while trying to fish. It was a tough way to try and enjoy being on the water. Between the rod tips moving 15 to 20 feet with each roll of the boat, the skipper doing his best to hold position and people all around me chumming (I think me eating lunch started some of them leaning over the rail) it was just not the trip I had envisioned. I did manage to release around 20 fish (mostly Roughy) for another day.
The point of this rambling is that I always verify with the charter companies how many people they will actually put on a boat. If I think it is going to be crowded I look elsewhere.
I am hoping to learn a lot of tactics from the board members and can maybe pass on a few. I am still a Tuna Virgin but should correct that problem next month. :grin:
Mike

[2slow]

Well, I definitely fit the lurker category. I'm not unwilling to share knowlege, it's just that I know so little it doesnt seem that I have much to offer. I'm basicly a landlubber as I was born and raised in Montana an moved to Oregon about 12 years ago. I fished and hunted alot in Montana but the fishing was pretty limited to trout and a few walleye. Kind of gave up fishing and definitely gave up hunting once moving to Oregon as a lack of a partner and local knowledge pretty much kept me in town. Kids had a bit to do with that also. Kids are pretty much gone now and have been fishing with a friend a few times recently and the fishing bug has bitten me again. With the kids gone it seems like there is a $ or two available for a boat. Havent decided on what kind for sure yet so am trying to gather as much info on equipment, methods, and timing from you guys so that I can learn safely and effectively. I very much understand about information being a commodity that you have to give to receive. Hopefully I will soon be able to have enough experience to be able to return what I have gotten.
Dont have much in the way of a story but here is my first salmon fishing experience. Went to the guardrail hole in the Salmon River near Lincoln City. Went with a friend who only had his own drift rod. I told him no problem as I thought I had a rig that I thought would be able to do the trick. It was basically a 7.5ft trout rod with an old Mitchell 300 spinning reel, 15# test line and I was ready. Stepped to the hole, my buddy explained the how to fish the hole and a bit about manners and I made my first cast. To my surprise it was FISH ON!! Then to my even greater surprise the fish went back to the ocean while it burned up my fingers while I was trying to thumb the spool to stop it. The fish went away, I got out of the water went up to the truck, went to town and got some proper gear. I'm sure I gave the guys fishing the hole a pretty good chuckle.
Thanks for the good info guys, hope I can repay it sometime.

[corrirod]

Welcome 2slow!

There are a lot of lurkers out there that don't join the program for the same reason:

I'm not unwilling to share knowlege, it's just that I know so little it doesnt seem that I have much to offer.

Join in, ask questions. It's obvious that your interested in this ocean fishing deal and that's all you need. By speaking up, asking questions, and meeting the Dogs face-to-face you'll be well on your way to joining us, either in your own boat or one of ours.

There are a lot of guys that don't post their fishing reports just because they got skunked or they didn't catch a boat load of fish. POST THEM ANYWAY! I'm just as interested in hearing about people's rough days as I am the great ones. Perhaps some suggestions will be given so that you do better next time. Even a bad report can help others who might have been planning the same event.

Come on in! You're actually welcome to join this bunch of misfits!

[WP]

Misfits???? I only have one boat! It fits just fine
Dave

[Fishplay]

Misfits???? I only have one boat! It fits just fine
Dave

[Hogback]

My name is Randy and I’m new to the Salty Dogs, but because of the way I have been helped and welcomed by members like Puffin, Pilar, Threemuch, Keta, and numerous others I don’t feel like an outsider. This board is what I thought fishing was intended to be and finding it has restored my faith in fisherman. Until I moved to Oregon my ocean going experience was limited to a few trips on charter boats out of Dana Point. Since moving here I have been fortunate to have fished offshore with Terry (TKHH) every summer for the past 5 or 6 years. Saturday the 17th was the first tuna trip out of Depoe Bay in my boat, and with Puffin’s help I gained some valuable experience and we managed to boat 22 fish. I had to teach myself how to drift and bobber fish so I know the value of the information and help that is generously given on this board. Without Jon’s help we could have spent many fishless and frustrating trips before we caught anything.
One thing I would like to say about lurkers. Many people are slow to start something new, it may sound stupid to the experienced computer users on this board, but many don’t feel that their writing skills are up to the level of this board. I met a lurker the night before or first tuna excursion and these were the reasons why he didn’t post. It didn’t stop him from giving us three Sevenstrand 100 size tuna jigs, some Jenki leader and the use of his crimping tools to make up rigs. I believe his name was Don. Forgive me buddy if I don’t remember your name right, but I don’t forget what you did for me. Jump in you might feel a little funny at first, but the rewards are worth the initial jitters. My writing sucks too, so what. You proved Friday night that you would be an asset to this board.
Randy

[Tim]

Good thread, thanks for starting it Rod.

I jumped in here without the proper introduction as well. I got registered here to interact with y'all. I was scolded a bit for stirring the pot on one of those threads. Didn't mean to do that. I guess that was the cowboy in me coming out again. I hate it when it does that.

I'm an old worn out sea dog. Been fishing the ocean out of the Central coast ports since I was a baby. Learned most of what I know about fishing and navigating from my Dad. As I've gotten older and have had a few "rough" days on the ocean I've gotten exponentially more picky about when I go out, and have many more redundant electronic systems and saftey devices than when we started. My Dad and I started fishing in a 18 ft. starcraft with a 50 horse evinrude. No positioning electronics. Just a radio, flasher and a compass. A little different now for sure!

The line that I've seen here a few times sums it up perfectly. If that inner voice is questioning whether this is a good idea or not, it probably isn't. Turn around a go back. Go hug your wife and kids and play catch with your boy in the back yard. Those fish aren't going anywhere. They'll be there tomorrow.

I appreciate your attitudes that no Dog is left behind. It is nice to know you have help out there when you need it. You will need it someday if you go out there enough. I remember fishing down at the Pinnacle one day. Heard a call on the radio from a boat that was "at seal rock bottom fishing and had lost power". He gave his position and he was just North of us. He said they were just on the edge of the surf and suggested to the CG that they make it snappy. We pulled our lines and ran up there. He was right. They were right on the edge of the breakers. We snuck in there, threw them a line and starting trolling our way out until the 44407 showed up. Those boys bought us a beer back at the dock.

Anyhoo... I digress. Glad to be aboard, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my opinion on this board.

Cheers.

[WP]

Good attitude Tim! I appreciate those that never ignore the calls for help. Even when the problem is from operator error or poor preparation, it is still a problem and we need to help! Thanks for doing that!
Dave

[dolphinmarty]

Rod...Thanks for the invite. I guess it's time for another lurker to come all the way out of the closet. I guess I've been hesitant because I'm landlocked since Mommy and I recently put down a big chunk on a new hacienda for the family. No boat for daddy this Christmas or in the foreseeable near future. I'm Marty and am a 35 year young field engineer working at but not for Intel(I know there are a few others out there). I've spent most of my life on fresh water. Any lake, river or pond I could get to as a young fella. My first salt-water experience was salmon fishing with my father and brother out of Garibaldi on the Challenger. Brother and I each boated a pair of cohos and the old man caught the largest of the day. A single chinook at 27lbs. This is the only time my dad and I ever fished together and I wish we'd done it more often. I won't make that mistake with my little monsters!! The salt is in my blood now, but I have to pay the charter boys for the time being. Love the 'butts, lings, and all the other rocks but can't wait for a crack at Tuna. I don't have a lot to offer but am willing to learn and hope that's okay with the old salts. Leaving tomorrow for BC to fish the inner passage for Salmon and 'Butts. If anyone is interested I'll feed back some info later.

[NW JET'N]

Guilty here too! :blush: My fist salt experience was outta the port of Gold Beach. My neighbor had an old Allen Boice boat and invited my dad and I to go out for silvers. Well I was used to the fishing in the local rivers where, like most, a 1-2 fish day was a great day. It took us longer to motor out and back than it did to limit. I was in complete shock. It felt like I had been blindsided with a brick. I was like "Did that just happen?" I've been hooked ever since. The only problem I have had over the last 15 years since is that I had no boat! Well I now have a boat that I can take out on the nice days. So I doubt I get to be a full fledged Salty Dog with it but I have learned a lot here. It is quite impressive how helpful all the Salty Dogs are. I have met WP, Corrirod and Uglygreen in person now. I hope to meet many more. I am fairly young (31) to the ocean game. It has been frusterating how many times I've backed off going to the coast because of the forecast but I've got a lot of days to go so I don't want to be hasty. I appreciate all of your patience in letting me get away with rookie mistakes.

[The Machinist]

Well, I guess you could call me what ever you want as I not active on the board. I am not one to spend time BSing in answer to someone else's response. I will however try to up the percentages.

My profile, I'm 67, semi-retired after selling my obsolete gunparts manufacturing business to my son the first of the year. I had run a large gunsmith shop for years, & I guess my proffession was machinist, hence my log-on & boat name.

As for boating experience, first started with a cedar dug-out canoe at the age of about 10. Over the years & many boats later, I have been there - done that. Did some commercial salmon "Kelping" out of Westport in the late 60's & into the mid 70's in a 22' inboard that I built. Currently own a 92, 20' Tiderunner, 150 Yamaha as my ocean boat & a 16' Hewesecraft sled with a 70 Johnson jet for the rivers.

I have been fishing mostly salmon & bottomfish put of Westport, Sekiu, Neah Bay, Columbia River & Buoy 10. ever since I was 12 years old. I have many experiences & am not scared of the water, but do have great respect for it.

I live 76 miles north of Portland, so it is hard for me to get to your TA meetings, as it is also a distance to run Depoe Bay from my home for a tuna outing. The run to the tuna grounds from Westport is stretching my fuel capacity. If I lunk here more, maybe I can pick up more info on tuna & then maybe next year hitch a ride to learn more. Guess I will just have to make a greater effort to meet some of you.

In the recent past years I am PSA state board webmaster & have written many articles on how to get there, how to cross the bar, fishing, etc. which are posted there. Thru this association, I have attended many NOF meetings, & met Pete from the regular iFish board at more than one.

My story would have to be one of the days we were Kelping. My boat was very seaworthy, but not fast, so we had to be choosy where I decided to run to in the morning. This particular day at Westport, we could not find the Coho. I decided to take a chance & run out to deeper water. My boat had a flying bridge on it, & from that vantage position I spotted Coho finning on the surface. In those days we could use sport tackle. When we, (my brother-in-law & I), got the rods in & started trolling. Gene got only 4 rods off the stern & I had mine up off the flying bridge. When we got into the school, he had 3 on at once. It was fun seeing him holding one rod, fighting a salmon, reach over & alternatley reel in slack on both the other 2 rods in the holders. He then pulled the 4th rod out of the holder & slid it back so that the tip was just protruding over the stern, so he had room to fight the others.

The next thing I heard was Oh SH_t. The 4th rod was in mid air, hit the water & made one bounce before it went under. I decided that if we were to snag that line I would have to make a turn to intercept it. He proceeded to land one of the 3 fish. My line being higher was out of his way, but was way back. The next thing I had one on. As I reeled it in, I noticed something was not right. Pretty soon a rod butt came out of the water. My hook had snagged the top crossbar of his reel. I kept tension on it & as I brought it in, he just reached out, picked up the butt, & reeled in the fish still on his rod. I told him that he could keep the fish, but the rod was now mine.

Wow this is the most I have written for some time.

To those of you regulars to this board, I take may hat off to you with the wealth of information you unselfishly share.

[Badger]

I jumped in here without the proper introduction as well. I got registered here to interact with y'all. I was scolded a bit for stirring the pot on one of those threads. Didn't mean to do that. I guess that was the cowboy in me coming out again. I hate it when it does that.

No intro is a typical rookie mistake. Because its an unwritten rule, you'd have to be a lurker to even know it's proper protocol. Glad Rod started this thread too and hope it makes the intro post a little easier for a few more of the newcomers. Thanks for the background info now, even though it was late.

Its the stirring the pot to the point of getting scolded bit though, within your fist 5 posts, that has me concerned. Shame, shame on that cowboy demon inside you.

Ain't it great when you're on either end of a tow rope and one of those Motorlifeboats comes roaring in? Don't ask me how I know that. And hats of the CG for everything they do.

Anyhoo, welcome aboard Tim. Hope to see you on the water pretty soon.