If you're fishing Washington waters in 2026 — or thinking about it — this episode is your early-season cheat sheet. Jake Lint from LFS Bellingham breaks down his halibut setup, derby strategy, and go-to lures for Bellingham Bay salmon. Plus, Olivia Erb shares what's happening with LFS's Women in Fishing campaign and everything you need to know about their upcoming Spring Fishing Seminar.

In this episode:

• Jake's halibut rigs, bait, and how he targets fish early season in 60-80 feet of water
• What he learned running halibut charters in Alaska — and how it applies to fishing the San Juans
• Gear recommendations for Bellingham Bay salmon (including West Coast Tackle picks)
• A 58-pound halibut, a lost 100-pounder, and a 76-year-old Vietnam vet who pulled anchor by hand
• LFS's Women in Fishing campaign and the incredible stories behind it
• What to expect at the LFS Spring Fishing Seminar on April 25th

Timestamps:
00:00 — Meet Jake Lint & Olivia Herb from LFS Bellingham 
03:00 — Jake's guiding background: six years, Alaska halibut charters 
06:30 — LFS Spring Fishing Seminar: April 25th details, free food, prizes & 20% off 
09:00 — Halibut opener April 2nd: Jake's day-one spots and depth strategy 
11:00 — Halibut jigging setup: the stinger hook and why it's non-negotiable 
16:30 — Fish Northwest Derby recap: the 58-pounder they landed and the 100-pounder they lost 
21:00 — Big halibut safety: harpoon, gaff, and boat protocol for large fish 
24:00 — Salmon season outlook: Bellingham Bay proposal and 2026 projections 
27:00 — Go-to lures for Bellingham Bay salmon (West Coast Lures breakdown) 
31:00 — Rod & reel recommendations at every price point 
39:00 — LFS Women in Fishing campaign: stories of women reshaping the industry 
47:00 — Closing question: how to get the next generation excited about fishing

Key Takeaways:

• Early halibut season means shallower water — start at 60-80 feet and go deeper as the season progresses.
• A stinger hook on your jig is non-negotiable when jigging for halibut 
• Circle hooks don't lose fish 
• Small, white lures (West Coast Tackle fatty 2.5 in ghost white) dominate the Bellingham Bay bubble.
• You don't need expensive gear to catch fish — match your gear investment to how long you plan to use it.
• Getting kids into fishing is about comfort, sugar, and going somewhere they'll actually catch something.
• Women are reshaping the fishing industry, and LFS is actively telling those stories.

Resources & Links:

• LFS Bellingham (Sports Fishing Dept — ask for Jake)
• LFS on Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @LFSMarine
• LFS Spring Fishing Seminar — April 25th, 10AM–3PM, Fisherman's Pavilion, Bellingham: Link to RSVP on Facebook
• Fish Northwest Halibut Derby (April 11–12)
• Anacortes Halibut Derby (May 2–3)
• West Coast Tackle
• OnX Maps (land ownership + public access app)
• Anglers Unlimited Gold Membership Waitlist

Ready to level up your fishing? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold — monthly expert seminars, step-by-step courses, fishing maps, and a community of anglers who want you to succeed. https://anglersunlimited.co/gold

Fishing for a Reason is the Pacific Northwest saltwater fishing education podcast for new anglers