Some catch salmon during short season

"The abbreviated two-week salmon fishing season on the west side of Whidbey Island has closed, with mixed success reported by fishermen.The season in Marine Area 9 opened Sept. 1 and closed Sept. 16. It will reopen Oct. 1.Russ Ramsey, a member of the Whidbey Island Chapter of Puget Sound anglers, said shore fishermen using herring or casting Buzz Bombs did well at times at Bush Point and Lagoon Point. He visited Lagoon Point Sept. 8 and was happy to see many successful anglers, some with bright 10- to 12-pound coho. The rain must have triggered the fish to come our way, Ramsey said.Others weren't so lucky. Larry Schneider, owner of Bush Point Rod & Reel, has years of experience fishing from his boat, but this year was not memorable. I haven't caught any fish, he said Wednesday. I went out five or six times. Although he saw others catch a few fish, he didn't see a lot of action. Nothing red hot, that's for sure, he said.With Area 9 closed temporarily, fishermen will turn their attention elsewhere. Area 8-2, roughly from the entrance to Holmes Harbor all the way around the east side to Possession Point, opened Sept. 16. That includes the popular Possession Point Bait Co. fishery, which opened two weeks ago thanks to a special season and now remains open through Oct. 31 as part of the general 8-2 opening.Area 8-1, including Holmes Harbor, Skagit Bay, Hope Island and Deception Pass, opened Sept. 1 and closes Oct. 31.Check the Fishing in Washington pamphlet for salmon fishing rules and regulations before going fishing. "

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