I use a light weight spinning reel and trout pole w/8-10lb test line + a herring jig and about an inch or two of pencil lead (Ole Spawnout likes using his 50# handline). Anything will do tho as long as your using the convential herring jig. I use various types of jigs but if your heading down to Westport I'd stop in at England Marine and p/u a six hook Rainbow Skin Sabiki (I like to support the local folks). Ole Zaks Tackle Mfg. has some six hooks w/beads that work great here in South Sound (when you can find herring) and will work well at the boat basin.

Please checkout the WDFW Regs, remember herring are considered forage fish, read the rules!!! no more than nine single hooks, not to exceed 3/8" gap between point and shank and no more than 10lbs people! Make sure the ole Zebco de-liar is rust free when you weigh the bucket.

To process herring, the commercial boyz like to starve 'em in pens prior to processing. The purpose for this is two fold but for your purpose simply put them in a large cooler w/ice and saltwater and get 'em home quick. Once there, I place then on a no stick cooky sheet and freeze then. Once frozen, use your ole vacuum packer and pack them by the dozen. I like to diplomatically approach my meat man at the market for some styrofoam trays to buy to place then in then vacuum pak 'em.

Everything I ever learned about this stuff I learned from Spawnout.......a true gentleman (albiet a cracker)!

5000D