Introducing the unique Pink salmon: distinguished by their distinct life cycle, these fish follow a two-year journey, returning to their spawning rivers as two-year-olds. Adding to their allure is the intriguing fact that they exclusively run during odd years within Washington State. This year, an estimated 4 million Pink salmon are projected to traverse the Sound. Despite their classification as the smallest Pacific salmon, their tenacity in battle and delightful flavor remain unyielding. Their culinary versatility shines as they excel on the grill, particularly atop a cedar plank, and find their way into many anglers’ smokers. For numerous enthusiasts, Pink salmon mark their initiation into the world of Washington State salmon fishing, thanks to their abundant presence and approachable nature compared to their larger counterparts.
Around this time of year, pinks flood the Sound and begin to stage near their home rivers. One of the best things about pink salmon is that you don’t need a boat to catch them from the shore or pier. They tend to swim within casting distance most of the time, and at this point in their life cycle they are still actively feeding, so they aggressively attack most offerings they see. With millions of pink salmon cruising by the shoreline looking for a meal, this is the perfect time to head to your local saltwater pier or beach and bring home some pinks for the grill.
Presenting A Jig
By and large, most shore anglers fish for pink salmon with jigs. There’s no need to use bait because pink salmon will aggressively bite a well-presented jig. Buzz Bombs and Rotators are the most commonly used jigs. They are easy to use and thousands of pink salmon readily gobble them up every year. They are designed to resemble a wounded baitfish, and they flutter erratically as they fall. Rigging them up is pretty simple: put on your buzz bomb, then thread on a bead and a bumper. Then tie directly to your hook (don’t forget to pinch the barb if it’s required). I usually use a 1/0 or 2/0 hook for pinks. To use jigs, cast out to where you think the fish are at, let your jig sink for a few seconds, then reel in and lift your rod tip up. Next, quickly lower your rod tip and let the jig fall. Repeat this until you reach the shore or catch a fish. Make sure to jig all the way until shore- sometimes the fish will follow your lure and strike at the last second.
Most of your strikes will be as the jig is falling. If you get a bite, quickly set the hook and keep up the pressure, especially if you’re using barbless hooks. As their name suggests, pink salmon love the color pink! It’s a good idea to start with that color, then switch it up if you aren’t getting fish. Buzz Bombs come in a variety of different weights. For pinks, I’d suggest using the lightest weight that you can cast well. If the bite is slow, try rubbing on some shrimp, anise, or herring scent. Gel based scent will cling to the jig longer. You can also thread on a small pink hoochie for extra action. If switching lures doesn’t work, you can switch locations as well. Sometimes just walking down for a few minutes on the beach can make all the difference.
Spinners
Another viable option if fish don’t seem to be hitting your jig is to use spinners. Vibrax spinners tend to be light, so it’s a good idea to thread on some bullet weights above a swivel to help get them down to where the fish are at. Several other brands such as Mepps make heavier spinners that will get to the proper depth without additional weight. Bring several options, and don’t be afraid to add scent or thread a hoochie on.
For your rod and reel, I’d recommend using a rod that can handle ½ to 1 ½ oz. weights, probably around 8 to 10 feet in length. I highly recommend using braided line because you can feel those sensitive bites easier, but mono will definitely do the job. A size 3000 to 4000 reel will have plenty of backbone to handle the fish. Remember to rinse your reel after fishing, saltwater is very corrosive and can cause damage if not washed off.
Where To Start?
Wondering where to start? Les Davis Pier, Edmonds Pier, Des Moines Pier, Browns Point, and Point No Point are all popular locations that reliably produce pinks every year. Any beach with a point and a good drop-off will most likely hold fish. Expect to have some company, though. Just be patient and try to avoid tangling your line with other anglers, especially if the current is strong. If you go to a pier, have a plan for netting your catch. Most piers are too far from the water to be able to use traditional nets. Pier anglers have taken to using crab rings. Just lower them down to the water and scoop up your fish. It takes some practice though! Beach anglers need not use a net, simply back up and swing your fish onto the beach.
As always, be sure to check the rules and regulations before going fishing. Don’t forget to swap those treble hooks for barbless single-point hooks, if required. You can buy barbless hooks or simply pinch the barb yourself with pliers. If you’re new to salmon fishing, WDFW offers salmon identification guides. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between salmon species, because they are regulated differently. You may be able to keep pinks but not chinook, for example.
In general, hatcheries do not clip pink salmon fins, so don’t worry about checking if they’re hatchery or wild. The way to identify pink salmon is by checking the gums and the spots on the tail. Pink salmon have large spots on the tail and a white mouth with black gum line and tongue. For optimum meat quality, don’t forget to bleed and gut your catch before going home. Despite what some anglers say, pink salmon tastes great on the smoker or grill. Since they don’t have as much fat as their cousins, they have a milder taste than other salmon, which some people actually enjoy more. My favorite way to eat them is to season them with some of my favorite rub and then grill them on cedar or alder planks. They’re a great summertime treat that the entire family will love!
