Each week one of the Salmon University experts answers reader questions in our “Ask a Pro” feature. This week’s questions are answered by Tom Nelson. Submit your own question here.

Q: What is your preferred method to catching fish at Buoy 10? Thanks, Mike

A: The Buoy 10 fishery is the world’s simplest fishery: lots of fish, lots of fishermen. Since the area is usually very crowded, it is hard to fish with downriggers without picking up several other lines. By using a 2 to 4 ounce sinker and plug cut herring, you will be fishing the same manner as everybody else and catching fish. Add a scent to your bait and be sure and brine your bait.

Q: Great site you guys have, wish I knew about it sooner. I have read material from another salmon pro who uses red Hot Spot Flashers for Kings. In all of your references you refer to green flashers. My understanding is the red works best for Kings and green for Silvers. What are your thoughts and recommendations regarding each? Thank you – Dave

A: Either color will work. The most important thing that flashers do is create sound. Secondly, flashers allow you to troll faster and cover more water. The more water you cover, the better chance you have of catching fish. When we refer to green flashers, really what we are talking about is glo flashers, which always glo green. If you are fishing the top 50 feet of water, the chrome flashers will work, but once you get deeper than 50 feet, you are better off using glo. But remember, still the greatest virtue of the flasher is the sound it makes.

Q: Do you know the GPS numbers for the Eastern Bank? Thank you – Gene

A: Hi Gene- GPS coordinates for Eastern Bank are N 48 degrees 17’ x W 123 degrees 58’. It is a large bank located between Port Townsend and the San Juan Islands. Technically it is in Area 7.

image courtesy Raellynn and Melissa (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Tom Nelson

Tom Nelson is the publisher of salmonuniversity.com. Known throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Dean of Saltwater Fishing,” he has helped develop and test tackle and gear for Scotty, Pro-Troll and Silver Horde, is a regular speaker at area sports shows, has taught more than 5,000 students how to fish during his classes at western Washington community colleges, and is the co-founder of the Puget Sound Anglers.