Secret Spots in OPEN Ocean??

[twisted1]

Can someone tell me how people can have secret spots out in to open ocean while fishing for salmon? We have been to Westport numerous times and always here the guys on the VHF talking in code about their secret spots. These are migrating salmon, on the move and don't hang in one area constantly. I could understand fishing inland waters with points and limited areas to fish but its the open ocean with unlimited area and huge runs of fish. Ask me where I'm fishing and what I'm using and I'm an open book. After all its not my favorite crab spot or halibut anchorage....

[MtnMuley]

Bad day on the water?

[singleshot12]

There are certain spots where the salmon congregate in large numbers and feed for a couple days before moving on. These areas are usually tidal pockets where the bait stays. You get 50-60 boats all at once in these areas and it does turn into kind of a zoo.

[Hunterman]

Check the numbers on your GPS and you have deciphered the code.

Hunterman(Tony)

[MarkyMark]

It's funny how these numbers frequently correspond to structure underneath.
Keep a log when and where you catch fish. Over a few years you could find a somewhat consistent journal of where and when to go.

Also. If you see a big commercial crab buoy or float out in the middle of nowhere by itself it more than likely is a marker for great sea bass. I have seen this more than once.

[hunt_fish]

Check the numbers on your GPS and you have deciphered the code.

Hunterman(Tony)

LOL what he said.

[Fishnclifff]

When you get out a mile or so, watch for a big wave and

fish right behind it.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Just follow a charter boat around you'll do fine.

[dscubame]

Can someone tell me how people can have secret spots out in to open ocean while fishing for salmon? We have been to Westport numerous times and always here the guys on the VHF talking in code about their secret spots. These are migrating salmon, on the move and don't hang in one area constantly. I could understand fishing inland waters with points and limited areas to fish but its the open ocean with unlimited area and huge runs of fish. Ask me where I'm fishing and what I'm using and I'm an open book. After all its not my favorite crab spot or halibut anchorage....

Its only OPEN ocean on top.  Down under there is much topography that influence the wild life just like on land.

[WAcoueshunter]

Also, on any given day, guys will find a school and want to give coordinates to their buddies to join without the whole fleet showing up. 

[sirmissalot]

It depends on the situation, but I usually think its pretty laughable the way guys like to talk in code out there. There are times when you are fishing in close on the beach, be it westport, lapush or neah bay and if you mention something on the radio about a hot bite you will be flocked like there is no tomorrow. I usually don't mind sharing information especially in person, over the phone or via PM on here but that radio can sometimes have hundreds of radio fishermen... but even then I'm not going to talk in code on the radio.

[h2ofowlr]

On the various fishing forums if you post to much info, you get ripped by the whole group.  Those spots in the open ocean are as much a honey hole as the deer stand in the woods to some.  If you have a spot marked that can limit the boat, you may only share it with specific folks.  Easy to share what you caught the fish on, minus location and secret sents or bait brines used. 

[plugger]

When I commercial fished in Alaska, All the trollers where in groups. Mainly 3 to 6 boats. If a boat found fish they would contact there partner boats in code and let them know. Big ocean, made it so you could spread out and locate. It wouldn't suprise me if some of the charters do this. This was in the mid 80's so there were no cell phones so radios were the only option.

[Bullkllr]

When I commercial fished in Alaska, All the trollers where in groups. Mainly 3 to 6 boats. If a boat found fish they would contact there partner boats in code and let them know. Big ocean, made it so you could spread out and locate. It wouldn't suprise me if some of the charters do this. This was in the mid 80's so there were no cell phones so radios were the only option.

Charters all have similar networks and in some cases are surprisingly competitive; guess it breaks up the routine long seasons can provide.

[Jonathan_S]

Bad day on the water?

HAHAHHA!

Exactly what I was thinking...