But if that doesn't work, and you're only catching little guys (or nothing at all), it's time to start thinking about stretching something else.
I suggest the truth.
Seriously folks, nothing says "fishing season" like a good ol' fishing tale.
And while I wouldn't suggest big bold-faced lies like "I caught that 40-pounder on a 3wt fly rod using dental floss and a gum wrapper," with a little practice and some homework you'll be the envy of your naive fishing buddies.
For my part this year, I plan on using the skillful, age-old art of exaggeration.
Twenty-pounders will bulk-up to 30. Halibut in the 100-pound range will be called "monsters." And all my future stories will end with the tagline "it was my best fish of the season."
To prepare for this year I have watched 238 hours of fishing shows on the Outdoor Channel.
And I suggest you call your cable or satellite provider and follow suit. Those boys can sure spin yarn.
I watched a show last week about a Kenai king fishing trip that I think makes my point.
First off the show's host said they caught a total of six big kings during the half-day float trip. But the cameraman must have been sleeping on the job because they showed only two.
One of these "trophy fish" was estimated at 65 pounds.
But, to my discerning eye, it looked about 40. And we all know the TV adds 10 pounds to everything.
The other fish was bigger, I'm sure. But the show was sponsored by the new Nikon "big fish series" camera lens, so I'm still holding judgment.
All told, it looked like they were all having a great time. Which, I guess, in the end, is what fishing season is all about.
So go out, get your poles wet, try these hot spots and you might just catch your best fish of the season.
No foolin'.
Anchor River Kings
Recent rains have muddied the Anchor a bit just before the king kickoff Saturday morning at 12:01 a.m., but the river is in good shape overall.
Stan Harrington at the Anchor Angler said he saw kings up by the bridge last week when the water was clear.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has its sonar system in the water now and should start to publish run counts any day.
With muddy water, dark flies tend to work the best, although most anglers will be bait-fishing with eggs.
The snow pack is all but melted up river so a string of dry days could drop the river level in a hurry.
If the water is clear try something brighter in chartreuse or pink. Fishing after high tides is still the best bet, although some decent holes exist that should hold fish.
The Anchor River is open Saturday through Monday for the next four weekends.
Remember your king stamp. If you keep a king you can't fish in the Anchor or Deep Creek the same day.
The Fishing Hole
The Kings are in. Herring and eggs are working with varying degrees of success. Fishing here early in the season might require some time investment before hook up, but those fishing the incoming and outgoing tides are having the best luck.
You can keep two kings per day out of the hole. Kings over 20 inches must be recorded immediately on your license.
Kachemak Bay Halibut
Halibut fishing has been picking up but most fish are small. Large fish start showing up in late May and June. A 203.6-pounder is still leading the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, however, so it won't take a huge fish to get into the money. Remember your derby ticket before going out.
Homer Spit Dolly Varden
Dollies can be caught by using small silvery or orange spinners from shorelines near features such as spits or rock outcroppings. Some success has been reported off the end of the spit.
Tight lines.
Got a fish story? Email me at ben.stuart@homernews.com.
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