I have been away in Thailand, and had a wonderful time snorkeling and watching the beautiful tropical fish. I also ate a lot of fish, and highly recommend the garlic/pepper, or sweet Thai chili preparation. I didn’t go fishing, as they were only catching one kilo tuna.

Reports have been generally good locally for the winter chinook, however. Try Porlier, Thrasher, Grande to Whalebone, or off Orlebar to the Cannery. The fish generally hold within 10 feet of the bottom structure this time of year, but sometimes the bait stratifies at shallower depths, so it pays to watch the fishfinder and adjust the gear to bait school depths.

Rhys Davis teasers in clear green scale for whole or strip baits, Coyotes in black/white, glow green/silver, or silver prism, or the green spackleback hoochie are good baits to troll behind flashers. Try Tomic plugs or large Apex with no flashers, as they work well in the clear winter water.

Most of the fish are undersized this time of year, and must be released gently. The legal fish are running six to 13 pounds. These are the best tasting fish of the year, with high oil content, and rock hard flesh.

Prawning is good off the Flat Top Islands. Try tuna cat food fished at 320 to 350 feet for best results.

Good fishing!