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An Interview with Carl "Easy Limits" Costenbader
by Uncle Wes, February 08, 2005
Carl “Easy Limits” Costenbader, I think the name says it all “Easy Limits”, Carl is on the fast track to becoming a Northwest legend not only because of his tremendous catch rate but his willingness to help others. Carl has been known to tell you exactly where he has been fishing and what he was using, anything that might help your success rate. Carl has also given his own money in support of the triploid fishery in the State of Washington. A moderator on a couple of different sites; a local site here in Washington and another international site based out of California where he shares his knowledge and experience with others through out the world. His fishing photos are famous, him with a big ol’ ear to ear grin usually holding some very nice fish. Yes I’d say Carl has this legend thing pretty well wrapped up.
UW: Carl how do you always seem to be where the fish are?
CC: If I am fishing the salt water I always plan my fishing trip around the tide changes. If there are fish around they always bite on the tide change. Not to say you can’t catch fish during other times day but the tide change bite is always best. Freshwater fishing is a little more of a gamble. I usually fish lakes in the spring or fall when water temperatures are just right. I like to fish the rivers in the fall when the salmon are running.
UW: How long have you been fishing Washington?
CC: I have been a hardcore fisherman since 1999. When I was a kid my family had boats and we were always spending our weekends on them. What’s a kid to do when surrounded by water? Fish. My older brother Craig and I use to have a ton of fun catching piling perch when we spent our summers over at Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island. My family always participated in the Boeing Salmon Derby when I was a kid, too.
UW: What is your favorite fishery and what method seems to work best for you here?
CC: Every year I always look forward to the migrating king salmon off of Redondo. My favorite method is trolling fast and deep with a white/glow Hot Spot flasher followed with a white/glow hoochie or a 4.0 Coyote spoon. The Redondo area is also good for migrating coho and resident king salmon (blackmouth) in the winter.
UW: How many different lakes and rivers have you had the opportunity to work?
CC: I have fished countless lakes and a few rivers. I think I have actually fished just about every lake in King County. River fishing is not one of my strong points. I guess I need to spend a little more time doing some river fishing. I do have a personal preference towards fishing lakes and saltwater over rivers.
UW: Which lake is your favorite and why? Also what seems to be the best method to use?
CC: Deer Lake on Whidbey Island is probably my favorite lake. Due to the driving distance for me I get a chance to fish Deer maybe once a year and I am never disappointed. The lake has really nice fish and no crowds. The color red is the key to fishing Deer Lake. Whether it be tossing red spinners, plunking red Power Bait, or trolling red plugs. You are going to catch some nice fish out of Deer Lake.
UW: Do you have a favorite river? How do you approach this body of water for your best results?
CC: My favorite river would be the Green River. It is my favorite because I have lived around green for all of my life, I am familiar with it, and the river can be very fishy. The Green has a lot to offer including four species of salmon, steelhead, and white fish. The Green is also user friendly. Lots of bank access and the river is very accessible by boat whether you are fishing near the mouth of the river or using a drift boat higher up in the river. Pulling plugs or drifting spoons have caught a lot of fish for me out of the Green.
UW: What do you think about the triploid fishery? Is it beneficial to trout anglers here in Washington?
CC: I do enjoy the triploid trout fishery and I think the triploid program is beneficial to trout anglers. Catching big fish are what memories are made of. I think it is a lot more fun catching bigger trout than catching the little eight-inch trout that are stocked in most lakes in the springtime. I have supported the Cooperative Trout Enhancement Program (CTEP) in the past. I think CTEP is a good program worthy of everybody’s support.
UW: If you could name one person who has been the most influential in your fishing experience, who would that be and why?
CC: I would say my buddy Barry Dubnow has been the most influential person in my fishing life. The guy loves to fish and can catch fish anywhere at anytime. I have learned a ton from him.
UW: Which rods, reels, and line do you prefer? Why?
CC: Rods _ cheap ones. I don’t like to spend a whole lot of money on gear. An expensive rod won’t help you catch more fish and if I break the rod it’s no big deal. Reels – I like the Okuma series reels. I have several Okuma spinning reels and Okuma downrigger reels. Best reel for the buck in my opinion. Line – I like to use Fireline. Small diameter, zero memory, and super strong. On my downrigger reels I like to use Ande. Great price and super strong.
UW: I heard a rumor at one time that you are considering starting your own guide service. Is that something you have considered?
CC: I have considered starting my own guide service. I am currently still considering. The thought is always in the back of my mind. Maybe some day being a guide will become a reality for me.
UW: What’s the funniest thing you have ever seen while you were out fishing?
CC: I don’t know if there is one funny moment that tops the rest of them. I have had the pleasure of seeing some pretty funny stuff though. I do enjoy watching ‘ramp antics’. One of my favorite times of year is during the summer at the Redondo ramp when the king salmon run is in full swing. There is usually a good minus tide around lunch time when all of the fisherman are coming back from their morning outing and the pleasure boaters are getting ready to launch. The combination of those two elements makes for some great entertainment.
UW: What advice would you give anglers out there to improve their success?
CC: Watch and learn. If other guys around you are catching fish and you are not, pay close attention to what they are doing and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Number two: study up. There are many printed resources on how to catch fish such as Fishing and Hunting News. Plus, there is the Internet. There are many fishing web sites that have forums that you can participate in. Usually, the fisherman on fishing web sites are experienced and most are more than happy to help with advice.
Thanks to Carl for his time and conversation. To the readers, I hope you enjoyed this interview.
So until next time may the fish at the end of your line be the one of your dreams.
