Any word on how many Pinks will be returning to our rivers?

I think "Sh!tloads" would be a pretty descriptive word.

The "official forecasts" will be released at the end of next week at WDFW's first North of Falcon meeting.

4Salt is right on the money - there will be lots.

curt

I have a blast with those fish. Haters gonna hate but that's ok. I'm gonna try and put one on the ole' 5 wt this year. I'll just tie up a big nasty pink streamer fly of sorts. Haha. Can't wait.

My daughter will be 2 and a half years old for the season. She's already gearing up with a mickey mouse and princess poles. She loves fish, I can't wait to get her out this summer for some sunfish in preperation for the onslaught of the humpy's.

Gotta break out the old school GLnoodles for this season! 1382 and the 1260! it will be my first pink season in the last 2-3 runs

the pink hootchie jigs slay them on the skagit.

We had some incredible hoochie jig twitching days on the snohomish last run. I noticed I hooked way more chrome hens on the hoochies. the dick nites hooked a lot more humped out bucks than hens for me.

the jig action makes them go wild.

Anybody who drags out the trolling gear for humpies is really missing out on the fun.

My fly buddy ties up the best flys for humpies, im pretty sure they out fish anything for the slimy little buggers.
Not a speck of pink on them..

So, since this hasn't turned into a "anyone who fishes for pinks is lame" thread yet, can anyone provide tips on fishing for pinks in the salt from a solo pontoon boat?

I've only fished pinks in the rivers, but got my first experience catching coho from a beach in September. Any tips on good locations to launch a pontoon boat, or techniques?

I assume buzz bombs or pink/white jigs will do the trick if you find them, but are they easy enough to find in the salt from a pontoon with no electronics?

Thanks!

stay close to the beaches. They'll be in shallow water and you'll see them. They'll be rolling and jumping. twitch hoochie jigs and you can't miss. Kayak point wouldn't be a bad spot to put the toon in.

Go to the west side of Whidbey Island. Launch your 'toon wherever it's a public beach or a boat launch.

Look for schools of fish jumping, throw a small pink, orange, or red hootchie or paddletail worm on a small leadhead in front of them...reel up fish, repeat as necessary.

No electronics necessary...they're jumpers.

Fish on...

Todd

....and wear a PFD and watch for freighter waves.

For big fun, hang the pinks you've caught on a rope lashed to your toon.
Saw a guy do that once. Almost looked like a human bobber takedown when mr. seal showed.

That's a good word of warning re: seals and tanker waves.

Haha that's kinda funny. Seems a bit dangerous though.. i'm not sure i'd try that.

Bring a kid!

do you guys pay for jigs or make them yourselves?

I'm waiting for the pinks to show up......I'm thinking with the stocked up pink hootchies I have on hand, I'll be able to trade for some 22's.