Washington state is home to an all-star cast of native and hatchery salmon. Every year, anglers take to the rivers, lakes and bays around the state to try their luck at landing their own big keeper. Redondo, Washington, is located in central Puget Sound, just north of Tacoma and offers recreational anglers year round salmon fishing opportunities.
Types
Redondo is lucky enough to host all of Washington's salmon species. Chinook salmon are the largest, often called King salmon. They are primarily found in saltwater, making Redondo an ideal location. Chum salmon are the second largest and though they pass through the waters outside Redondo, they are harder to find in saltwater. Coho, or silver salmon are incredibly popular, because of their numbers and excellent fights. Pink salmon are commonly found outside Redondo and are identified by their large humped backs. Sockeye salmon are the smallest salmon, but they are favored for their taste above all other species. Keep in mind that the Sockeye season is generally very brief, so stay updated on opening dates.
Geography
Redondo's Poverty Bay and nearby Dumas Bay are filled with small baitfish that attract hungry salmon before they head into freshwater. These bays are rich in nutrients primarily because they are protected by the natural barrier of Vashon Island, just across the bay from Redondo. Redondo is also lucky to be at the mouth of a geographic bottle neck between Vashon Island and Washington's mainland. The sound shrinks from a wide five miles to just two, focusing salmon into your waiting lines.
Techniques
The best way to fish for salmon in Redondo is to troll, or mooch, using herring or other fresh bait. Downriggers are exceptionally useful in these waters, bringing your line down to specific depths. Decide depth using a fish finder and locating schools of baitfish. Work the narrow pass between Vashon Island and Redondo. If you do not have access to a boat, consider fishing from the Redondo fishing pier. Jigging works best from the pier, utilizing bright spinners or spoons with eggs or live bait.
Licenses
All anglers 15 years of age or older, must purchase and carry a fishing license from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. These licenses are available at designated Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife offices and most sporting goods stores. For fishing at Redondo, anglers need only purchase a saltwater fishing license. Licenses are available in denominations of single or multiple days, up to a year. Anglers must also record and submit a catch-record card to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, even if they do not catch anything. These records help the Department plan future hatchery numbers and control populations.
Warning
Though the waters around Redondo are relatively calm, fishing outside the protection of Vashon Island is dangerous on days when there is strong weather. Tides near Redondo often have large exchanges. If you are fishing from a boat, consider the possible difference in depth when fishing to avoid running aground. Also, the area around the Salty's restaurant on Redondo Beach is very popular with scuba divers. Keep away from the area to avoid snagging divers on your lines.
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