Northwest Fishing Reports

I don't think this one is a cutthroat.
http://www.washingtonlakes.com/Resize.aspx?pic=2.jpg

It was shown on the main page as a cutthroat from Lake Lenore.

You sure? I think it's a sea run...:compress: :compress:

The old image upload system used to upload images in overwrite mode. :(

There are still a few images in the system that were overwritten.... obviously.

Would someone tell me what that is? Ling?

Marc Martyn wrote:Would someone tell me what that is? Ling?

Yeah, Marc, it's a lingcod...pacific lingcod...I caught one near 48 pounds out at the "long hole" last summer. they come bigger than this, too...kinda crazy...all they do is EAT.

from: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/lingcod.htm

Life History and Habitat

Geographic range: From Kodiak Island in Gulf of Alaska to Baja California; center of abundance near British Columbia and Washington

Habitat: Larval lingcod are epipelagic, living in the top layer of the ocean. Juveniles settle on sandy bottom near eelgrass or kelp beds. Young adults and adults move to rocky habitats or seaweed, kelp, and eelgrass beds where prey is abundant.

Life span: About 20 years (that's why it's so sad when an old female gets killed -- much like an old halibut or old red snapper.

Food: Larvae are zooplanktivores, feeding on tiny floating animals including all life stages of copepods (small crustaceans), as well as small amounts of amphipods (small, shrimp-like crustaceans), euphausiids (krill), and decapod (crustaceans such as lobster and crab) larvae. Small juveniles living near the bottom prey upon copepods, shrimp, and other small crustaceans. Larger juveniles shift to clupeids and other small fishes. Adults feed primarily on bottom fishes (including smaller lingcod), squid, octopi, and crab.

Growth rate: Lingcod grow rapidly; they reach approximately 12 inches in their first year. Females grow faster than males after 2 years.
Maximum size: 5 feet (they can grow to 7 feet -- trust me -- I've seen them this large and so have divers)...
Reaches reproductive maturity: Males begin maturing at about 2 years and 19.7 inches, whereas females mature at 3 or more years and 30 inches. In the northern extent of their range, fish mature at an older age and larger size.

Reproduction: The fecundity (reproductive potential) of females ranges from about 40,000 to 500,000 eggs. In late fall, male lingcod aggregate and become territorial in areas suitable for spawning. Mature females are rarely seen at the spawning grounds, and it is assumed that they move into spawning areas for only a brief time to deposit eggs. Females lay large egg masses in crevices and under ledges in shallow near-shore habitats during winter and spring. Males guard the nest sites for 8 to 10 weeks until the eggs hatch.

Spawning season: December through April

Spawning grounds: Spawning generally occurs in waters 10 to 33 feet below mean low water over rocky reefs in areas of swift current.

Migrations: Males are generally considered non-migratory and territorial, remaining close to the place of their births at depths from 30 to 1,000 feet. However, migrations over 62 miles have been recorded for sexually immature fish, and evidence suggests a seasonal onshore movement by females associated with spawning.
Predator/prey interactions: Gastropods (mollusks), crabs, echinoderms (such as starfish, brittle stars, and sea urchins), spiny dogfish, and cabezon eat lingcod eggs. Predators of juveniles and adults include marine mammals, sharks, and larger lingcod. Adult lingcod are voracious predators, preying on fish, squid, octopus, and crab.

Commercial or recreational interest: Both

Distinguishing characteristics: Nicknamed buckethead, the lingcod has an enormous mouth and jaws set on a head that looks too big for its body.

Looks like something out of Jules Verne:shaking:

Marc Martyn wrote:Looks like something out of Jules Verne:shaking:

Let's just say you won't be hooking any on Amber this summer

GOOD!!!!:cheers:

lingcod scare me. i would never dive where lings live.

JT26 wrote:lingcod scare me. i would never dive where lings live.

They are actually quite timid of human beings...when I've dived at the Edmonds Dive Park...they get spooked easily...but just think if they were at all like sharks...wow...I wouldn't even get near the salt!!

Marc Martyn wrote:GOOD!!!!:cheers:

Speaking of good, it's a darn good eating fish. Halibut or cod have nothing on Lings. Best tasting fish in my opinion. Toothy critters, sure aint pretty, but boy they are a fun fight, and are outstanding table fare...

Sam Kafelafish wrote: but boy they are a fun fight, and are outstanding table fare...

They really aren't a fun fight...it's like pulling up an old car tire from the bottom of the ocean with some cement in its holes...the problem is...they don't fight...they just are dead weight...but I do agree...they taste fabulous!

kuttkilla wrote:

Sam Kafelafish wrote: but boy they are a fun fight, and are outstanding table fare...

They really aren't a fun fight...it's like pulling up an old car tire from the bottom of the ocean with some cement in its holes...the problem is...they don't fight...they just are dead weight...but I do agree...they taste fabulous!

I like how they just grab your lure and smack it darn hard. They get real pissy around the boat too, and are fun to reel in when they munch on that little rock cod you just hooked...

Sam Kafelafish wrote:

kuttkilla wrote:

Sam Kafelafish wrote: but boy they are a fun fight, and are outstanding table fare...

They really aren't a fun fight...it's like pulling up an old car tire from the bottom of the ocean with some cement in its holes...the problem is...they don't fight...they just are dead weight...but I do agree...they taste fabulous!

I like how they just grab your lure and smack it darn hard. They get real pissy around the boat too, and are fun to reel in when they munch on that little rock cod you just hooked...

To each their own I guess...I always know the difference between hooking a nice hali and hooking a large ling when I fish Constance, Partridge, Dallas, and Hein Banks in April...the halis take the rod and bounce it...while the lings just bend it solid...speaking of which...I better get ready for the hali opener in the Straits and Area 9 -- the West Side of Whidbey can be dynamite on the opener

**Funny how this thread should no longer be in the "moderator support forum" but rather in the saltwater forum...there is some good information herein.**

sorry, I disagree. I think they fight pretty darn good. I've had big lings grab my bait and turn around to get back into the rocks, and if that happens forget it. BUt I do agree that for the size a freshwaterfish fights harder - walleye and lakers excluded.

Marc, I could have sworn I saw one swimming under your pontoon the other day.

Oh No, Not In Medical Too!!!!!:pale:

There's another good reason to have a hard bottom on your pontoon boat.

Sam Kafelafish wrote:

Marc Martyn wrote:GOOD!!!!:cheers:

Speaking of good, it's a darn good eating fish. Halibut or cod have nothing on Lings. Best tasting fish in my opinion. Toothy critters, sure aint pretty, but boy they are a fun fight, and are outstanding table fare...

Nothing can compete with fresh deep fried ling mmmmmmmm.

I do like Ling Cod and just as good is True Cod.I like it sauteed in a pan with lemon juice and a nice white wine.Let it steam just a few minutes.Now thats good.Fried fish is ok but I'd rather taste fish then oil.:chef: