Sometimes the best fishing moments happen when you’re not even trying. In a compelling 2-minute, 26-second video from Mack’s Lure, veteran angler Ernie Mills MSGT (Ret) demonstrates exactly this principle while anchored off Winter Harbour, BC.
What begins as a patient wait for halibut transforms into an exciting King salmon encounter that offers invaluable lessons for anglers everywhere.
The scene opens with Mills anchored and waiting, lines set for halibut in the productive waters near Winter Harbour. But as any experienced angler knows, the ocean has its own agenda.
“Oh, there he is right there already. Nice king,” Mills announces as his rod suddenly comes alive with the unmistakable power of a chrome-bright Chinook salmon.
This moment perfectly captures the essence of multi-species fishing strategy. While the primary target was halibut, Mills remained alert and prepared for whatever the British Columbia waters might offer. His weapon of choice? A 1-ounce Silver Blue Sonic BaitFish that would prove irresistible to the passing salmon.
What unfolds next is a masterclass in proper jigging technique that differs dramatically from the aggressive bottom-bouncing typically associated with halibut fishing.
Real subtle, not real jigging it hard, just little twitches,” Mills explains, revealing the key to his success. This finesse approach proved crucial, as he notes: “And he came back and hit it the second time, but he just buried it.
The salmon’s cautious behavior, investigating the lure twice before committing, demonstrates why aggressive presentations often fail with these intelligent predators. Mills’ patient, subtle approach allowed the Sonic BaitFish to flutter naturally through the water column, mimicking wounded baitfish that trigger predatory instincts.
The choice of a Silver Blue Sonic BaitFish wasn’t accidental. As Mills explains, it was “a great match for the herring in the area near Winter Harbour, BC.” This color selection exemplifies the critical principle of “matching the hatch”, which is using lures that closely resemble the local forage base. The flash and profile of the silver-blue combination created the perfect illusion of an injured herring, exactly what prowling King salmon find irresistible.
Once hooked, the real challenge began. “So, this is like we got to watch cuz we’re on anchor. So, they’ll go under the boat sometimes around lines, this and that. So, it’s a little more difficult to land him,” Mills explains while battling the powerful fish.
It is a unique challenge fighting large fish from a stationary platform. Unlike trolling situations where boat positioning can assist in the fight, anchored fishing requires superior line management and spatial awareness. “But just tire him out and we’ll get him in,” Mills adds, demonstrating the patience required for success.
The veteran angler’s calm demeanor under pressure is a testament to proper fish management technique: maintaining consistent pressure while allowing the salmon to expend its energy.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson comes when Mills mentions: “We got a hali bite going on in the front corner, too. Double header king.” This reveals the importance of maintaining awareness across multiple lines and species opportunities. Even while focused on landing one fish, experienced anglers stay alert to additional activity.
“Nice way to kill some time while you’re waiting for the heli bite,” Mills quips, perfectly summarizing the opportunistic mindset that separates good anglers from great ones. The “heli bite” reference to halibut fishing reminds viewers that this salmon was a bonus, the reward for staying prepared and adaptable.
The choice of tackle proves crucial for this dual-species approach. “Yeah, it’s 1 oz uh Sonic BaitFish, small hook,” Mills notes, highlighting how proper equipment selection enables success with multiple species.
The smaller hook size required finesse in the fight: “So, it’s in there, but we got to be nice and easy on him and and just tire him out.”
This equipment choice demonstrates the balance required in multi-species fishing. You want it to be heavy enough for large salmon yet subtle enough for effective presentation. This video shows how the Sonic BaitFish’s unique three-attachment-point design, with the line attached to the nose, creates optimal action for vertical presentations in current.
When the salmon finally decided to strike, there was no hesitation. “He wanted it. He swallowed it in there,” Mills observes while working to extract the deeply embedded hook. “Yeah, he hit it twice, came back after it, and when he hit it, he socked it right in. Took it down hard.”
This is a great demonstration of the difference between a salmon’s investigative behavior and its commitment strike. The initial cautious approaches gave way to an aggressive take that buried the hook deep. This is exactly the kind of strike that rewards a finessed and patient angler.
Mills is always prepared for more action: “One good fish deserves another.” This optimistic outlook, combined with his continued subtle jigging technique, demonstrates the mindset that leads to consistent success on the water.
The encounter serves as an example of how preparation meets opportunity in fishing. For anglers seeking to improve their success rates, this video offers invaluable insights into the art of adaptability.
PRO TIP: Whether you’re targeting halibut and encounter salmon, or vice versa, the principles remain the same: stay alert, use appropriate tackle, match your presentation to the conditions, and be ready to adapt when opportunity presents itself.
The waters off Winter Harbour provided the perfect classroom, and Ernie Mills delivered a masterful lesson in turning a quiet moment into an unforgettable fishing experience. Sometimes the best fish are the ones you weren’t specifically targeting. So be ready to seize the moment.
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