FISHING -- A two-day Salmon University, March 21-22 in Kent, Wash., could improve your saltwater fishing savvy by a degree or two.

Northwest fishing experts are assembling for the ninth year to teach sessions on regional destinations and fishing techniques for salmon and bottomfish.

"The university opens with a full-day series of seminars emphasizing basic angling principles and designed to build the foundation of the fisherperson’s technique," organizer Tom Nelson said. "The second day of classes opens the field of instruction to developing advanced techniques and fishing style."

New this year is a session on smoking the catch.

And because it's a humpy year, the university more emphasis will be allowed on care for pink salmon.

Humpies return to Washington waters during odd-numbered years beginning in late July and August. The South Sound offers some of the best opportunities to catch pink salmon in the Puget Sound region, says Jeffrey Mayor of the Tacoma Tribune, who writes about the University:

The class schedule features basic sessions on the first day, with more advanced sessions on the second day.

Day one offerings include downrigger fishing techniques, jigging for salmon and bottomfish, mooching techniques, and fishing destinations of Vancouver Island, Columbia River and Pacific Ocean.

The second day’s courses are crabbing and shrimping, halibut fishing techniques, advanced downrigger fishing, albacore tuna fishing, and additional information on the ocean and Columbia River fisheries.

INSTRUCTORS: Leading the sessions are Terry Rudnick, author of "Washington Fishing" and "How to Catch Trophy Halibut"; Anthony "Tuna" Warren, veteran crew member on "Bad To The Bone"; Terry Wiest of Steelhead University; Tom Pollack, a veteran of 45 years in the retail fishing industry; Josh Hughes, Columbia River basin fishing expert; Kevin Lanier, coastal salmon fishing expert; and Nelson.

• WHEN: March 21-22.
• WHERE: IBEW Conference Center, 19802 62nd Ave. S., Kent, Wash.
• COST: $88 for the first day; $150 for the full weekend.
• REGISTRATION: Advance registration is required, (360)626-8216 or salmonuniversity.com.