Hi Zozo,

Just took a break while I'm getting my boat set of for tomorrow.

Don't know anything about the Hoodsport humpies, but I have fished for them on a number of occasions elsewhere.

The general rule for humpies is pink. Pink hoochie behind a pink or silver dodger works well in the salt near Mukilteo. I plan on hitting it once or twice this year starting in August, you can come if I have room. I usually use a downrigger for controlled depth fishing. Your steelhead rod will do just fine.

Pinks are also available in the Skagit and a few other rivers in that area. I have mostly used plunking gear. A spreader bar, 5-6 oz weight, 20" leader, and a pink winged bobber. Add a sandshrimp to that and you will usually have a fish on in a few minutes. I would also be happy to show ya how when they start running.

Eatin' wise, the humpies are okay, but they rank 4th or 5th as far a salmon go. I usually smoke them as they have a high oil content and turn out rather well. I have bbq'd a few with okay results, but nothing compared to a sockeye, silver, or king. The trick is to clean them quickly and get them on ice. I only keep hens, as a source of eggs, and have never had a hard time catching a limit.

Hope this helps.

Andy