Do any of you fellas who fish S and E of Admiralty Inlet (Port Townsend) jig for your blackmouth? I know there are plenty of current-rich grounds for jigging, yet I rarely hear of it on this BB.

It seems puzzling to me, because jigging is so incredibly effective for those fiesty blackmouth, but then again sitting back and BS'ing and watching rods is OK too.

So, what's up?

its one of my favorite ways of fishing for anything, just drop a jig and fish.

I would like to catch a salmon jigging. It's my preferred way to catch walleye. I've tried some Pt. W. darts with no results. Any jigging info. would be great!

I have had some luck jigging for blackmouth in area 8-2, and having mooched at mid-channel bank, I wouldn't hesitate jigging there as well. However, if you get too much tidal current, it can be difficult to do effectively.

I prefer using Point Wilson darts because they come in a number of different sizes, weights and colors. The one I use most often is a 2 1/4 oz. candlefish, in white, with a slight bend in the bottom section of the jig. I trade out the treble hook for a couple of 2/0 siwash hooks on a split ring (facing opposite directions) and use powerpro to minimize the effects of the tidal current.

Also, be sure to add a good sampo swivel in there somewhere, or the fish will have a good chance of rolling off the hook.

I find that my best luck has been right on the bottom, but I have had blackmouth strike at the jig up in the water column, even right below the boat as you first drop your jig down.

The large 5" buzz bombs also attract fish and seem to work at least as well as the PW Darts. But the 5" are very large and the 4" don't seem to have enough weight to really stay down where you want them to.

Looking forward to hearing tips from some of the others on the board, as I really enjoy this method of salmon fishing - it nice to enjoy the slow drift and then wham, fish on!

Thanks for starting this thread Fun5!

PS: I just picked up the new High Speed Ambassadeur 7001 with jigging in mind. Unfortunately, I the only hookup with is Sunday was a squid I found right on the bottom in about 100' of water.

I agree with jeff, the current only slows down on the mid channel it never realy stops moving, there is at least 90 feet of water with a strong current most of the time (not realy any eddies to stay put in either) on the whidbey side west of ft casey there is a ledge that drops from 90 to 80 feet I have caught BM jigging there but you have to fight your way through a bunch a greenling to catch them....Note you cant fish from the middle of the soccor fields to the middle of the hill where the fort is for a long way off shore I think its either 400 or 600 yards.

Have done quite well jigging especially if there is lots of bait. Best bet is to stay near the bottom unless most of the bait is showing up higher. One example is Mission bar where the bottom drops off real fast. We drop anchor in 20ft of water and let out enough rope to hold us over 60' of water. You can see the bait being carried off the bar about 20 to 24ft below us and thats where we work the darts. Buzz bombs work also but you will lose a lot of fish cause the treble usually hooks them on the outside of the mouth.

Fun 5 when the blackies are in chasing candlefish I wouldn't use any else personally.I used jigs exclusively for years in the same area you are talking about.Less tidal flow is a plus but I've had quite a few takes while dropping down and the jig moving sideways(at least it seems)Try Dungeness Stingers.Maybe 3oz.Maybe Green Pearl and use a single siwash 5 and 1/4 funner acres out :p

I don't think I've seen "Dungeness Stingers" Led Zepfin, where do you find them?

I'm always up for another jig

DJFISHS2SX: Is Bowman bay any good for blackmouth? Thanks for the tip about Ft. Casey area, I'll have to try that this winter.

Jeff

Jeff D ,I haven't had the need to buy any for some time but seem to remember buying them at Outdoor Emporium,Narrows Marine,Sportco and Rite-Aid.In other words not too hard to find.The stingers look alot like the Reapers that many use in B.C.

Jeff you know I never try bowmen for BM...Ive been told that area is some of the best fishing around, and I do a ton of ling cod fishing not far from there and I fish the east side of lopez and thatcher pass for kings/BM during the summer....the first problem I can see right off the bat is deception pass and that part of the sound rarely is smooth water during the winter...I want to take a trip up to the islands during the winter but its always a gamble because the weather/wind. I have a few great places that I fish alot during the summer that are just calling my name. the spot Im talking about is just about inbetween ft casey and ebby beach....lots a BM there in the summer....but like I said quillbacks/greenling/lings/dogfish well drive you nuts....DJ

PS I want to go jig some spoons, I do well with spoons when I fish them, but I fish them during the slack, by the sounds of the above posts Im missing out on something....I well have to develope some confidence in jigging in the current...

JeffD "you got mail"