Oh My God, It’s A Sea Monster!

I have caught a wide variety of fish. I have caught literally thousands of various Trout and Bass. I have also landed Tuna, Mackerel, Barracuda, Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut, Sturgeon and a number of sharks. But the ugliest fish I have caught is a Lingcod.

I will never forget the first time I encountered one. I was fishing on a “party boat” out of San Diego, California. We had caught some very tasty Sand and Calico Bass on the trip. A friend and I decided to drop out baits down to the bottom to see what we could pull up. It didn’t take long until he had a nice fish on. His rod had a deep bend in it, so we knew it was a sizeable fish. I looked on with anticipation, but I was horrified when I first saw the Lingcod. “Oh my God! What is that?” I almost cut his line. I knew it must be some sort of Sea Monster! It was ugly with a set of chompers that could really put the hurt on a fellow. I am sure my eyes were the size of coffee mugs. My friend was also bewildered as to what he should do with the creature.

We yelled for the deckhand, “Gaff, Gaff”. I am sure I said, “And bring a gun!” By this time others were gathering around to see what my friend had caught. You see, it’s seldom, that someone asks for a gun on a fishing trip.

The deckhand said, “It’s a Lingcod”. As he grabbed a gaff, I thought, “He isn’t going to bring that thing on board is he?” The deckhand gaffed the monster and it lied on the deck flopping around. I am sure I heard it say, “Come here big guy. I am going to eat you!” It took all of the self-control that I could muster to not jump overboard. I didn’t want to be any where near that vampire fish.

I was glad to see the deckhand take a club and bash it’s head in. I asked him to hit it a couple more times, because I was sure it could come back to life with a chainsaw in it’s fin!

We were later informed that Lingcod is very good to eat. But wasn’t convinced. I was also freaked out when I saw, that the meat has a greenish tint to it. I was sure that this fish was nothing, in which a great and wise God had created.

“I know. It’s an Alien from another planet!”

I have since learned that these are a real treat to eat and they can be found around rock piles and jetties. I am planning to take a trip to get some of these monsters soon. I will be fishing with, Captains Reel Deep Sea Fishing out of Newport, Oregon. Here is the link to the website: http://captainsreel.com/. Contact me if you are interested in coming along.

By: Ken Bear Cole
Fishing with Bear LLC

The World’s Best Job!!!

Being able to turn a passion into a vocation is the dream of many. I am extremely fortunate to be able to take clients fishing. I love to see their excitement as a trout attacks their line. With pride, confidence and glee they sound off “FISH ON”! Others seem surprised, “OH MY. I THINK I HAVE A FISH”! I go to their side with net in hand. You see, I too, want to see the fish, but it’s their excitement, that makes me want to do this job. My job is all about having fun and allowing other to do the same.

I haven’t always been so fortunate. Not so many years ago, I lost my job. The economy was in a bad spot and construction was worse. I was an Estimator and Project Manager in the Electrical field. Even though I had sent resumes to many Electrical Contractors, it seemed they were not hiring. Most were cutting back on the office staff. I tried many creative ways to make a living during that time. I was able to pick up some consulting at times when a contractor was bidding a multi-million dollar electrical project. The money was wonderful, but the work was short lived. After nine months and close to one hundred resumes sent out, it was time to leave our apartment. Being a businessman, I did not want to inflict harm on my landlord. So when we were almost out of money and I had sold my boat for the previous months rent, we gave our 30-day notice. I remember the manager asking where we were moving. I replied, “I don’t know. We are going homeless”. They were shocked at my response. We had never missed paying the rent on time. A wonderful friend offered a room in their house to us, as we were packing most of our possessions in storage containers. My wife, our small dog and I headed off to the small town where they lived. We only brought the essentials, which would fit in our cars. We had no idea when we could afford a place of our own.

I finally received an appointment for a face, to face interview with a company in Sacramento, California. We had lived in California previously and did not enjoy the lifestyle. But it turned into a job offer. The company advanced me $3,000 as a six, month loan so we could afford to move and find an apartment. Within a week, I realized this company was less then ethical. I hated my job! But they were paying me well, so I kept my thoughts and feelings to myself and did the work.

I have not told you that story so you would feel sorry for me. We came out the other end as better people. We now have a nice home and a 22’ boat and I go fishing often. What could be better? But I hope you will think of my previous situation as you encounter people who have been shipwrecked by their current economic situation. I hope you will do what you can this holiday season, along with the rest of the year, to help someone. That person on the corner with the sign could have been me. A dollar hamburger could help at times. You see, it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! And remember, Friday looks like a good day to go fishing!

By: Ken Bear Cole
Fishing with Bear LLC

It’s Ponds for the Winter

Here in the Pacific Northwest, winter means cold, wet weather. Many choose to stay inside. The boats are covered as most hibernate until Spring or Summer.

There are still some very good fishing opportunities in local ponds. Many of the ponds are home to warm water species like Bass, Bluegill and Crappie in the summertime. But they are stocked with trout during the winter. These ponds are also host locations for state sponsored youth fishing events. When Fish & Wildlife stocks the ponds for the fishing events, they have been known to put in some nice fish! I have caught some very large trout (5-10 Lbs) in some of these ponds.

One of the nice things is that you don’t need to get up in the middle of the night to catch these monsters. Many times fishing is quite slow until afternoon. That’s when the water has warmed one or two degrees. You see, slight temperature changes can make big differences in the bite.

The coastal lakes are also heavily stocked during the winter. Steelhead are often placed in these lakes after they have spawned at the hatchery. Keep a close eye on the stocking schedule at your state Fish & Wildlife’s website. Here are some links:

Oregon http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/willamette/

Washington wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports_plants.html

What’s important is to keep enjoying fishing. I for one get too grouchy when I haven’t been fishing for a while.

PS: Don’t for get those electric socks! They work great!

By: Ken Bear Cole
Fishing with Bear LLC

I Love To Hear A Fishing Reel Scream

There are few things that make a fisherman’s heart jump like a screaming reel. It happened twice on Saturday! This is a common sound if you are fishing for large fish like tuna, but when you are in a lake, fishing for trout, it’s a special time.

Many have had the frustration of hooking the bottom of the lake or river. Line is pealing off your reel, but the pulsating of a large fish is absent. You’re just hopping you can get your lure back before the line breaks.

That wasn’t the case on Saturday! Henry Hagg Lake is known for it’s huge trout (a 19 Lb trout was caught this spring) and state record smallmouth bass. It is well stocked with trout through out the year. It also has a vibrant number of natives, which are born each year from the many “hold over” trout. The water is clean, but not as clear as some lakes in the region.

On Saturday, the surface water temperature was 54.5 degrees. Perfect for trout. But the weather was far from perfect. We had driving rain and fifteen mile per hour winds. The top on my boat was of little help. We would have been drenched without rain gear. We had caught four or five trout when one of my clients asked, “What’s happening”? His reel was singing and line was racing off. I had warned my clients, that this lake has some large fish in it. If we hook one of these monsters, it will start taking line. I gave the command for everyone to reel up their lines. I was turning the boat so we could follow, what I thought was a large fish! As the boat turned, he started reeling up line. With the wind and rain, it wasn’t easy to see the green fishing line. I didn’t want the line to go slack, because the fish could spit the hook. A few moments later, just that happened. The bend in the rod reduced and the tip stopped pulsating. The fish was gone and I was truly sad.

With coming about quickly, I had made a mess of some of the other lines. As I was untangling the lines, the fisherman who had hooked the big fish, re-baited and let his line out. The wind was causing us to drift at a slow pace. I couldn’t believe it when his reel started singing again. Another big fish, or was it the bottom? No, it’s a fish alright. He fought that one for a while, but the results were the same. He lost the fish. I was frustrated, by loosing two large fish on this trip.

We ended up catching our limits within five hours. One of trout weighed close to two pounds. But, it would have been nice to catch one of the monsters. I will return with other clients and we will continue to catch our limits. And yes, some will be monsters!

By: Ken Bear Cole
Fishing with Bear LLC

Fishing During Autumn

Autumn begins the time when the “fair weather fishermen” stay at home, but that is a real mistake! The cooler weather brings life back to those lazy trout, which were hanging in deep water during the summer. They were lethargic in the warmer water because it had a lower oxygen level. But they are back with a vengeance! I am finding hungry fish at Hagg and Detroit lakes. They are up by the surface and fattening up for winter.

The bank fishermen are picking up fish at a rate of one every hour or so. Those in a boat are doing much better. I picked up 25 in about 6 hours.

They are attacking small lures like Roostertails and Meps. Flashers and a worm tipped Wedding Ring have also done well. But my favorite is trolling flies! Just give them a jerk every once in a while, and the Trout and Kokenee will swallow them up. Since there is little drag when trolling a fly, you can use your ultra light rods. And then hold on for the fight! Many times you will pick up larger, “hold over” fish. These guys have been feeding on insects all summer. They will strike hard and fast.

If you start loosing fish while bring them to the boat, place a snubber on your line. Hook it up to your main line before you leader and fly. It will act like a shock absorber and prevent the hook from tearing the soft tissue on the sides of the mouth.

Make sure you bring you camera, because Fall is also a magnificent time to get out and enjoy the vibrant leaf colors.

Don’t forget your rain gear. It is excellent for blocking the wind on a blustery day. It will also keep you healthy and dry in the rain. Remember, if you get sick and miss work, your wife might object the next time you want to go out fishing.

So, enjoy the fall, and catch lots of fish!

By:    Ken Bear Cole
Fishing with Bear LLC

Surviving Tough Times

It’s hard to miss that there will be some difficult economic times ahead. I have been through tough times before and my fishing skills helped put food on the table.

I was living in Northern California when I was injured on the job. Because I was the main breadwinner in the family, the loss of two thirds of my income really hurt! There were lots of changes, that were made unwillingly, but this was survival time!

We sold the boat and one of our cars to reduce expenses, but I still needed maintain my sanity. I went from working 40-50 hours per week, to going to the doctor’s office and physical therapy three times each week. I had too much free time on my hands.

I had been fishing for Trout and Bass for a number of years, so I decided we were going to eat a lot of Trout and Bass for the next year. I realized I could buy a dozen night crawlers for $1.50 and about $2.00 in gas and convert it into dinner for one and a half nights.

This accomplished much more then just putting food on the table. It also provided me with a sense of accomplishment. I was being proactive. I wasn’t just sitting around feeling defeated and depressed. Don’t get me wrong, I had plenty of those feeling, but I would not allow them to capture my life.

You see, fishing is was more then a way to provide food. It provided peace. I could get away and spend time on mountain lakes. I saw Bald Eagles snatching fish from the water and carrying it off to their family. I observed the silly squires scampering as they played and hunted for food. Fishing is a type of therapy for my. It allows that rubber band to unwind a little so it doesn’t break and hurt someone else.

So it you are stressed out over life, thing about going fishing. Get away and relax. Contact your local sporting goods store for good fishing locations. Remember times will get better! They always have and will again.

By: Ken Bear Cole

Fishing with Bear LLC

Fly & Bobber Technique

As a professional fishing guide, I am often asked if I “fly fish.” My common response is, “yes, I fish with flies, but not with a fly rod.” Most people are surprised to here that you can catch trout on flies with a bait casting or spinning rig. The truth is, this method will out fish most of the purists 8 to1.

Most fishermen, who fly fish, do so from shore. Conventional fly fishermen need to wade out into the water, or utilize a float tube, to create the required distance behind them for casting. If you use a spinning rig, you can keep you feet dry and cast much further then your purist friends.

One of the secrets lies in a water bobber. This is a plastic bobber, which has a hollow center tube. You can thread you line through the tube allowing for an adjustable distance between the fly and the bobber. The reason I use a water bobber is that the tube can be pushed on one end of the bobber to allow water to partially or fully fill the bobber. This provides weight for casting distance; but will sink slowly when fully filled, or floats when only partially filled. This solves one of the biggest problems when fly fishing, which is getting the fly to the fish.

I thoroughly enjoy catching trout or bass on flies. They seem to fight harder because the hook is usually lodged in the corner of the mouth. The trout tend to become airborne more when hooked by a fly.

Rigging for Flies: (See Photo)
Main Line: Runs through bobber & bead, then ties to barrel swivel.
Leader: Tie the fly on 4-pound fluorocarbon line or leader. Leader length should be 6-8’. Tie the leader on to the barrel swivel.

The Presentation:
Fill the bobber approximately half full of water.
Cast the bobber. Give a little flick on the rod to locate the fly and bobber. This will also straighten out the leader to prevent knots. Retrieve the fly slowly.

If you see a fish rise, cast past the rise and retrieve the fly through the rise ring in the water. The trout will strike quick and hard. They think they are crushing an insect in their jaws. Many times you will see the fish take the fly. Set the hook! You must keep the tension on the fish or he will spit the hook.

If the trout are not rising, completely fill the bobber with water. When you cast it out, it will sink slowly. Count to five or so and retrieve slowly. The longer you count before retrieving, the deeper the fly will run. You will need to play with the depth until you find the fish.

Have a wonderful time fishing!

Ken Bear Cole
Fishing with Bear

I love bobber fishing!

I love bobber fishing! It is so exciting to see your float move or start to go under the water. Too often people miss the fish because the pull on the line when the fish has let go.

Let me tell you the story of Bill and Rita. They are a very active retired couple. They lived all over the country while working as a teacher and postal inspector. Rita told me at one point, they moved three times in five months. Since retired, they have become world travelers.

I met them just after they returned from an Alaska trip. They tried fishing in Alaska, but weren’t very successful. One of my clients told them to book a trip with me. They were told, “Bear will get you fish!” I target Trout and Bass not Salmon or Halibut. I fish with ultra light gear rather then broom sticks (heavy rods).

We met at one of my favorite lakes and headed out to find the fish. They seemed to enjoy the luxury of my 22’ pontoon boat. They snuggled up on the sofa as I searched for the fish.

Well, it didn’t take long to spot a nice size school of trout. I stopped the boat and dropped the anchor. I set up the rods with a nice fat night crawler and bobber. I showed them how to cast and offered my assistance if desired.

As the bobbers sat on the water we started to get to know each other better. As we were talking it started. Rita’s bobber started to bounce in the water. First a bump, then it went under, but came up soon. Rita asked what happened? I told her that trout seldom just swallow the entire worm like a Bass will. Trout like to pick at it first. Her bobber started to dance again. Boop, Boop and then it went down and stayed down. I told her to reel in her fish. Rita was so excited to see the trout on the end of the line. She actually caught 3 fish before Bill got one. Bill would see the bobber start to move and try to set the hook. I told him to be a little more patient. He complied and started to haul in yummy trout.

They caught about 45 trout that day. They were actually close to their limit after only an hour and a half of fishing. We spent most of the day doing catch and release and enjoying the bounty! I have two live wells on board the boat, so we can keep the fish alive and fresh. Sometimes the challenge is catching a smaller fish to set free so we can keep a larger trout.

Bill Rita and I had a wonderful time on the boat that day. Rita told me that she has never caught that many fish in her entire lifetime. Rita said they would do it again. Bill said he wanted to book three trips next year.

And just think, it all started with a bobber and worm.

Ken Bear Cole

Seasick. The Worst Kind of Sick!

I have been fishing for over 45 years and have fished in all sorts of waters. I have fished lakes, rivers and out in the ocean. Ocean fishing is often exciting because you are not quite sure what you will find. But one thing is for sure, you’ll find someone who is seasick on the boat. This may be their first time on the ocean or may be a veteran puker. I have never suffered from this plague. THANK GOD! Sure at times I have felt a little woozy, but I have never thought my stomach lining would end up in the sea.

No one thinks they will get sick this trip. That’s all part of the fun. You may be sleeping just fine in the bunk area, when you wake up and sprint up the stairs for fresh air. You are somewhat shocked when the fresh ocean breeze is mixed with the fumes of diesel exhaust. That’s all that’s needed to trigger your stomach’s reverse mode, as you head for the rail. The veterans have taken the latest and greatest formula to prevent this personal disaster. Some have even decided it’s not best to get plastered prior to leaving the dock. I have been told that being drunk on a rolling boat at sea, is much like being in a blender, on pulse mode, with the lid off.

Around dawn, when the others rise to start fishing, is not when you want to see someone like me. You see, I often make $20 – $40 in bets with the other passengers, that I will eat a live anchovy. Those who have enjoyed a pleasant evening of sleep, find this activity quite entertaining and are willing to part with $5 to see the show. Anchovies are a little salty, but quite healthy. It’s a great way to start the morning, unless you have been up all night seasick. I actually feel sorry for these tormented souls. I just thought they would be up by the bough of the boat, hopping they will fall into the ocean and drown. Many a powerful man has been reduced to a limp rag by this horrible blight.

Some are like lottery winners in that they have purchased the ticket before, but have never won; but this time they have received the toe curling grand prize. Just like any other form of nausea, soda crackers and ginger ale help settle the stomach. But for some, more drastic measures need to be taken. If you are on a day trip, you will probably just have to tuff it out. If you are on an extended 2-5 day trip your health may be at risk, so more drastic measures are warranted. I have seen two things, which work when all others have failed. 1) Allow this person to drive the boat. It seems that focusing on driving the boat helps re-program the brain and inner ear. The captain will need to be assured your stomach is empty. The wheelhouse is his domain. He will not tolerate having it contaminated. 2) Have the seasick person put on a life jacket. Secure a line to the jacket and put him in the water. Bobbing in the ocean stops the seasickness. Thirty minutes is usually sufficient to cure the problem. It is recommended that you check the area for Sharks and Barracuda, or you may have another problem on your hands. It tends to hurt business when a passenger is eaten on a trip.

I would never wish seasickness on anyone. It is truly a horrible monster. It is always good to prepare prior to a trip on the ocean. A trip to the drug store can save hours of agony.

Remember to come Fishing with Bear for a great time on the water.

Ken Bear Cole

Fishing with Bear LLC

The Fish Whisperer

I have some of the most wonderful clients who fish with me. They range from young families, to retired people. But some are more unique then others.

Tom is a former Navy man who loves being out on the water. He has many colorful tales of life at sea and foreign ports. Although his stories are entertaining, that is not what makes him so interesting.

I have never before heard someone sweet talk a fish on to his line. When he feels the fish starting to nibble it all starts.

“Oh baby. Oh Baby. That’s it. You know you want it. Come on, take it now, take it now honey! Oh yah, Oh yah, that’s it. You can do it. You can do it. Yah! Yah! I got you now! I got you now!”

And then he calls for the net. “ Oh Bear, I got one, I got one! There you go get it, get it.”

Once the fish is in, Tom is ready to do it all over again.

I told him, “It’s a good thing you don’t talk in your sleep. Because, you would have a difficult time explaining the dream to your wife in the morning.”

I can just hear it now.

Mona (Tom’s wife): “What were you dreaming about last night?”

Tom: “I was catching fish.”

Mona: “Oh, Really? What was her name?”

Tom: “What do you mean?”

Mona: “Well, it sounded like a roll in the hay to me. Have you been seeing someone else?”

Tom: “No Baby! I was just dreaming about catching fish!”

Mona: “Well, if I ever find out you’ve been cheating on me, you’ll be catching a frying pan up side you head! I am serious! Have you been Cheating?”

Tom knows he is in trouble now. He’s starting to see the third eye appear on her forehead. If he doesn’t do something quick, she could get a knife and do a Bobbit on him.

Tom makes a desperate move. He snuggles up close and gives her a big hug. “Oh Baby, you know I’d NEVER cheat on you. You see the fish I bring home.”

Mona is starting to calm down. The third eye is fading.

“You sure you didn’t buy those fish at Costco?”

Tom: “No honey, come on. I am telling you the truth. Why don’t you come with me next-time. You’ll see.”

Mona: “Ok”.

The next day I get a call from Tom. “Bear I need to go fishing, and I am going to bring my wife!”

Tom insists on the first possible date. He pays extra to not have any other passengers. He sounded as if it were a matter of life and death.

The next week we went out. Mona is a very attractive lady with a vibrant personality. It was wonderful having them both on the boat. But, when the bobber started bouncing, I heard:

“Oh Yah. Oh yah. Go get it. Oh you got it baby. Yes! Yes! Yes!”

But this time it was Mona making those sounds.

Go ahead Tom. It’s safe to talk in your sleep now.

Ken Bear Cole

Fishing with Bear LLC