Tear
April 14, 2024 by Justin Wong
Puget Sound Lingcod: Seattle’s May Fishing Attraction
In the month of May, when the weather begins to break in the Pacific Northwest and we transition to warmer temps and blue skies here in Seattle, there is one thing that comes to mind for the angler: Lingcod! May 1st is opening day for lingcod fishing in the Puget Sound, Seattle - a day that we look forward to every year!
What fish species can you catch in Seattle in May?
May is the month of Lingcod fishing in the Puget Sound, as all the salmon fishing areas near Seattle, WA are normally closed for the month. We take advantage of this break from salmon fishing by switching gears to lingcod which are just as fun to catch and require an entirely different set of skills and fishing styles. To catch lingcod, we use controlled drift styles of boat maneuvering to fish the rocky structures of the Puget Sound thoroughly and find these predatory fish.
What areas in the Puget Sound are best for lingcod fishing in May?
When lingcod fishing in May, we fish various areas within 30 minutes of Seattle to maximize our time with lines in the water. Since lingcod live in very specific habitat/structure, it is helpful to have an experienced Seattle fishing guide who knows the best spots to target.
What does a typical day of fishing look like in May?
A day of lingcod fishing in Seattle starts with catching live bait in the morning; generally some small sized sanddabs (Flounder family) that work well for live lingcod bait. All our boats are equipped with livewell tanks to keep these baits alive while we are getting to the lingcod fishing grounds. To make things fun, we like to fish for lingcod using light tackle, which can be a kick in the pants for all ages alike when fighing these strong fish! The kids have a blast getting lots of action catching baitfish in the morning, and graduating to lingcod for the rest of the day.
Fishing Methods in Seattle During the Month of May
Like most fishing, lingcod fishing with live bait is a fishing style that takes great patience. Although the lingcod bites the bait aggressively, it takes some time and finesse to get to that point. We patiently wait for the rod to load up and then let the fish turn with the bait so we can get a good hook set on it. Then, the battle is on. It’s a battle of strength between the angler trying to keep the lingcod out of the rocks, and the lingcod using all its might and power generated from that eel-shaped body to go back down into the rocks and break free from the line. The lingcod battles might not be long, as we are in water 120 feet and less because of regulations, but they sure are fun and watching the lingcod's mouth come up from the depths wide open with a full set of very sharp inverted teeth is definitely a sight to see!
Looking to book a Seattle fishing charter in May?
Come on out and enjoy a day on the water with Cut Plug Charters chasing lingcod! May is one the best months for fishing in Seattle, and it is something we encourage any local or traveling tourist to experience. If you are interested in booking a trip with the best fishing charter in Seattle, feel free to contact us or go ahead and book your trip!
Stay tuned to the Cut Plug Charters blog for more lingcod and Puget Sound fishing updates, information about our charter, and fishing gear recommendations/technique tips to become more successful on the water.
Posted In: Seattle Fishing Reports
