Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709

Quick Links

Washington Lake Report
King County, WA

Details

01/21/2018
41° - 45°
Smallmouth Bass
Cloudy
Morning
01/22/2018
1
2751

Went to Gene Coulon to try and get my first fish of 2018. No such luck! I threw a Rapala Shad Rap, then switched it up to a Ned rig. I got a small nibble on the Ned rig, but no hook up. I've been skunked the past several outings trying to catch bass from shore. I'm waiting for the weather to get warmer. I finally got a kayak, which I'm really itching to try out. But since I'm a newbie I figured I'd better wait until the water gets warmer before I go out there and try to figure out how to kayak fish.

If anybody has any tips on kayak bass fishing in the area, I'd really appreciate it. Looks like Lake Union would be a good place to try.


Comments

ballardbrad
1/23/2018 8:06:47 AM
I can't say I'm a great winter bass angler but I am doing three seminars on "Kayak Fishing the Pacific Northwest" at the Washington Sportsman's Show in Puyallup (Thurs, Fri, Sun) and the Seattle Boat Show (Tues, Thurs, Fri). Times and locations on both websites. Best, Brad Hole / Kayak Fishing Washington
knishino
1/23/2018 2:15:02 PM
Wow! That sounds great. I hope to make it to one of your seminars. Thank you!
boyscoutman
1/23/2018 8:10:15 AM
I have been kayak fishing now for 4 years. lake union probly isn't the best place to go for a beginner I would try a smaller body of water such as a small lake depending on how well you can kayak. getting a feel for one is Important. ounce you get good at paddeling you should then start fishing in it. lake union has salmon in it and if you were to catch one it will tow you around, even for an expirenced kayak fisherman salmon can tip you. kayak fishing is incredibly fun and I hope you enjoy it.
knishino
1/23/2018 2:16:36 PM
Thank you for the advice. I really appreciate it. I'll have to try and find a smaller lake nearby to get used to paddling. Can't wait to get on the water!
Ripleyboy
1/23/2018 12:19:39 PM
What is a "ned rig"?
Amx
1/23/2018 1:13:01 PM
Do a Youtube search to see how to tie, what to use and how to fish it.
knishino
1/23/2018 2:17:22 PM
Yes, YouTube is great. A lot of Ned rig videos on there. It's my go-to bait when the bite is tough.
TMBob
1/23/2018 7:44:28 PM
I plan on attending one of Brad’s seminars on Thursday....would be worth it for you to go. Maybe we will see you at Coulon when it warms up. I have a place for you to fish for those bass this spring in that Kayak.
knishino
1/24/2018 5:10:19 PM
Hi Bob! It would be great to see you at Coulon again. I'd appreciate any tips on places to fish for bass in the kayak. Tight lines!
ronjratsubicbay
1/24/2018 6:19:23 AM
I rigged the pully system along the side of mine then took (for a small lake) 2 lb weight then attached it to one of those retractable dog leashes. Easy to let out with a line added for depth. Have to pull it in but feed the line back in the retractable leash just to keep it out of the way. Lose lines and small boats is a safety hazard.
knishino
1/24/2018 5:13:22 PM
Thank you for the tip on the anchor trolley system. I will definitely plan on installing one.
bob johansen
1/24/2018 8:05:33 AM
It is nice to finally see a bass report -- it has been a while. I know that canoe fishing is now considered old fashion but I think that they are far better than float tubes and Kayaks. I have probably fished about 200 lakes in Washington from a canoe and find them comfortable, stable, light weight and room for all your gear. They can be used on all lakes - big or small and the carrying yoke makes them easy for a short "carry in." No dis-respect to any float tubers or kayakers intended.
knishino
1/24/2018 5:18:33 PM
Wow! Thank you for your comment. I bought your book, Washington Bass and Panfish Guide, and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. What a wonderful resource. Thank you so much for writing it. I will definitely be referring to it often to scout out new places to fish for bass.
YellowYak
1/26/2018 12:28:34 PM
Bob I don't know if you have had a chance to try one of the fishing focused kayaks but that might change your opinion. The Hobie ProAngler and others similar ones where you pedal with your legs are awesome for fishing. You can have your hands free to fish while moving and no paddle on your lap getting in the way. They have built in storage for tackle, anchor trolley, spots to mount a downrigger, wiring for sonar, rodholders, and super comfortable seats. Also you can pedal with your legs all day without getting tired. It is about as strenuous as walking. Also, it is a "sit on top" design so you don't have to worry about water splashing if it is a little rough. I have a PA12 that I fish year round on Lake WA for salmon, trout, panfish, bass and I love it.
bob johansen
1/28/2018 7:40:17 AM
Thanks Yellow Yak, I'm sure you are right. However, it is too late for me - Old age (88) has taken a toll. I even gave my canoe to my Granddaughter because, as light as it is, it became too heavy for me to load onto my canopy top. No regrets though, I had hundreds of great fishing trips in it.
Leave a Comment:

Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709