Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 08:21:11 AM
The less fished for, yet more common, Sculpins are what I'm talking about.
I downsized my gear to target Rock Sole (with some success) and happened on these tasty morsels. I've been using 3/8 to one ounce jigs and Gulp tails. The jigs have mostly been ones I've made as arabou jigs are quite expensive. We've caught them on just a leadhead with the Gulp though.
My favorite feathers to use are from my long gone Barred Rock hens. If anyone has these feathers, 4-5 inch, I'd be happy to get them. 😉
The first five photos are of last night's dinner. I did let the Buffalo Sculpin, with the big spikes, go as it was too small. The last photo is a day's catch that included my first Whitespotted Greenling, three large Staghorn Sculpins and a smallish Rock Sole. From here forward, besides the Staghorns, I'm not keeping any under 13 inches unless I need to fill out a plate....
Good fishing! Will edit to post pics from my phone.
Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 08:24:13 AM
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Post by: Jonathan_S on August 22, 2019, 08:27:25 AM
Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 08:28:47 AM
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Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 08:31:05 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 22, 2019, 08:36:18 AM
Post by: Hilltop123 on August 22, 2019, 08:40:37 AM
Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 08:54:16 AM
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Post by: Stein on August 22, 2019, 08:57:40 AM
I've never seen sculpin that big. Those things are monsters.
Post by: KP-Skagit on August 22, 2019, 09:01:45 AM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on August 22, 2019, 09:17:24 AM
looks like good times :tup:
Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 09:25:03 AM
Any one try Red Irish Lord scuplin? I released a big boy last week and am still wondering if it was a good decision. That said, we ended with 5 cabezon all over 20" so nothing to be disappointed about. BC not WA.
RIL's are in two of those photos. They taste almost as good as Cabezon, which are also sculpins.
Sole fishing is the kid's favorite activity. They are great eating as long as you can get into the bigger ones. Just about anything you throw down there will work, we usually either use rubber tail jigs of some sort or squid on a hook. The squid really stays on good and will last through many fish.
I've never seen sculpin that big. Those things are monsters.
Apparently the record for Great Sculpin, the big brown ones in the pics, is over 4#. :yike: I thought mine was a big one at 1.7 pounds. The record for Staghorn is only 0.8 pounds.
Post by: Stein on August 22, 2019, 10:17:04 AM
Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 10:19:04 AM
Ah, we only catch the staghorn.
The big Stags are edible but not as good as the Greats or RILs. They are easier to filet though as they have little to no scales.
Post by: Buckewe on August 22, 2019, 12:05:44 PM
Post by: Angry Perch on August 22, 2019, 03:40:56 PM
Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 03:57:21 PM
I have a barred rock I will have to save some feathers. If I can get enough I will let you know
Thanks. The stiffer feathers like the one on the right are probably not as good. Two to four inches would be the best.
This is great. Just the kind of fishing I'm interested in learning about in area 6.
Look for gravel/cobble bottoms for the Sole and sandy gravel is where I am catching the best sculpins. They seem to like the moving water areas also. I back troll a lot to negate the wind and try to stay mostly above my lightweight jigs.
Post by: Angry Perch on August 22, 2019, 05:39:53 PM
I have a barred rock I will have to save some feathers. If I can get enough I will let you know
Thanks. The stiffer feathers like the one on the right are probably not as good. Two to four inches would be the best.This is great. Just the kind of fishing I'm interested in learning about in area 6.
Look for gravel/cobble bottoms for the Sole and sandy gravel is where I am catching the best sculpins. They seem to like the moving water areas also. I back troll a lot to negate the wind and try to stay mostly above my lightweight jigs.
I need to get used to 1 ounce jugs being “light”!
Post by: lokidog on August 22, 2019, 11:15:43 PM