Few anglers troll Dallas Bank for blackmouth during winter months, but they should. While countless anglers drive past this productive area blackmouth are left behind, in an area rich with bait. During incoming tides the east side of the bank will likely produce the best results, but anglers might still find willing fish on the west side. During outgoing currents the best place will be the west side. Anglers can also fish the northern end of the bank on both tides.

Needlefish hoochies work well here

Look for bait and don’t be shy about looking in the shallow areas of the bank, especially at the northern end. When trolling here find the contour line you want to work, anywhere from 80 to 140 feet and keep your gear as close to bottom as possible, within 10 feet if possible. Currents here will force you to troll with currents on your beam so “crabbing” into the current will help to keep you on the contour line and correct depth.

Best Tides: high or low

Best depths: 80 to 140-feet.

Best methods: trolling within 5 to 10-feet of bottom. Bounce bottom occasionally to kick up the sediment.

Best trolling lures: mini FAT Squids, Squiddy Squids, Coho Killers, Kingfisher Spoons and Floochies.

Boat launches: Closest access is from John Wayne Marina in Sequim, but anglers can access the area from many other area launches including Port Townsend and Keystone on Whidbey Island.