It's that time of year again - when the Puget Sound's waters are dotted with boats filled with anglers hoping to snag the perfect salmon.

Pretty much, these boats are clueing you in to the fact that as far as salmon season goes, this is the peak.  And, of course, if you're in a boat trawling, chances are likely that you'll find fish. 

But even if you don't have a boat, you can take advantage of the area's fishing and still get lucky.

According to the Point Defiance Boathouse (5921 N. Waterfront Dr., in Point Defiance Park, 591-5325) information line, the fishing is very good from the Boathouse pier, but good fishing is to be had just a little bit of everywhere.

Mark Wickes, an employee of the Boathouse, recommends putting a line in at the Les Davis Pier or at Dash Point anytime of day. However, fishing at the Boathouse dock tends to be the best around 3 p.m.

"The pinks are in, making it better on the docks," Wickes explained.

While he says the season has been good for kings this year compared to last, the pinks are the ones that really seem to be in peak right now, followed by silvers.

To get the tasty morsels on your line, Wickes recommends at least a medium action rod with a 12- to 20-pound test line for casting. The bait that seems to be catching fish the best has been the Buzz Bomb catching lure, followed by jiggers and Point Wilson Darts.  Another favorite among fisherman and fish - cut plug herring (if you're not squeamish about cutting up live fish, that is) - is on sale at the Boathouse now.

And while the fishing season is at its peak now, it's going to stay strong through the middle of September, so there's still time to plan a boat outing as well as just to head out with a rod, reel and line.

Just make sure you have your fishing license and know the rules of the game. Go to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Web site at www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishcorn.htm for useful links or call (360) 902-2700.