NorthWest Kayak Anglers

Regional Discussions => Washington Kayak Fishing => Topic started by: bjoakland on March 18, 2009, 10:05:09 AM

Title: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on March 18, 2009, 10:05:09 AM
See this post for initial information....
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,2389.0.html

  So, good news!  I spoke with the Park Ranger at Sucia Island today, and we have a green light!  With the very helpful assistance of Ranger Ted Schlund. I have made reservations for the group camp site (small non-refundable reservation fee covered!).  The site is the Echo Bay group camp site and is located on the narrow bit of land between both Shallow and Echo bays. I've reserved all sites (8 I beleive) and the group shelter as well.  Each camp site and the shelter cost $12 per night, payable on site.  There are other camp sites available if our numbers require them and they aren't occupied.
 Ted said that launching from either sand beach is an easy option as the distance between them is less than 100 yds. My understanding is that there is a college group moving out the day of May 1st, and that we have the only reservations on the island for that weekend, at least so far.

Map Link:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sucia_Island_Map.png
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on March 18, 2009, 11:09:19 AM
I"m all in.  I'll be there one way or another!  I'd like to formally reserve a spot on HGH's mothership (lemme know my share of the costs).
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on March 18, 2009, 11:58:25 AM
Awesome!  Good work on the reservation.  You have the ideal spot with easy access to both sides of the island.  I like to fish the West and Northwest side of the island which is just outside Shallow Bay.  It's literally just a couple of minutes from your camping spot to a nice rocky dropoff outside Shallow Bay which bends to the North.  It's on my calendar too.  I'll be in Shallow Bay (weather permitting) on a Sea Ray Sundancer 260 that belongs to my Dad.  We'll be coming out of Anacortes.  Let's talk when we get closer.  I'm pumped.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yakker on March 18, 2009, 01:29:57 PM
HBH, have you got room for a Pygmy kayak "Coho" --approx. 17'- marine plywood, not plastic.  Wanted to see if my ride would fit before making final reservations.

And you and the group plan on leaving on Friday out of B'ham?

Just trying to get some details for the wife.

Rob.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on March 18, 2009, 04:37:50 PM
i am still planning on it...leaving friday may 1 and returning sunday may 3 in the afternoon...slip c45 blaine marina...i have carried 4 kayaks on the front (bow) of my boat before and i assumed we could fit 2 more on the rear cockpit as needed...Rob, i believe the 17' pygmy would fit on the bow, i have a 16footer that works except i dont know how "delicate" the finish on your yak is...mine is plastic so idont care if it gets rub marks on it...we could use some foam and try to lash it down carefully so it doesnt scratch? i dont know how fussy you are about the varnish...i am including a pic of the PB so you can see for yourself how we can fit kayaks on it...i typically place one on either side inside the rails and two more on the front deck sitting loose (tied down so they dont blow away) and i think we can get two more over the rails on the back deck lashed down.  i am planning on sleeping on the boat and there is room for two more pretty comfortably...i am planning on bringing my dinghy to use to shuttle back and forth to the beach as needed...this is going to be fun!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on March 18, 2009, 05:35:41 PM
I'm in...I would like to ride on the boat if there is room...I can split cost with the rest of the group...I will bring a tent though so I won't be sleeping on the boat...Any thoughts on approximately what time you would be leaving friday...morning/early afternoon/or evening?

This is gonna be awesome...I sure hope the weather isn't too crazy
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on March 18, 2009, 06:26:22 PM
As if you needed any more help getting fired up...I dug through my Sucia photo archives and put up a few good pics of the area.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Fishesfromtupperware on March 18, 2009, 07:09:29 PM
That sounds like waaaay too much fun! I've built up the WAF, but I've just plunked down my entrance fee for the Jacksonville Classic and I missed the last one. Y'all should have a really good time!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on March 18, 2009, 07:50:06 PM
i was thinking about leaving friday late morning?...am i safe to assume this is a bring your own food event?
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on March 18, 2009, 07:55:30 PM
No food.  Just salt, pepper and lemon.  ;)
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on March 18, 2009, 08:01:47 PM
Ya i would imagine it would have to be a bring your own food event...hopefully we can catch some fish to fry up though

also do you know if there is anything on the island...i mean do they have water or ice or anything like that

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on March 18, 2009, 08:09:54 PM
water yes, ice no, pit toilets, no power, picnic shelter yes, remote and primative yes, peaceful and quiet yes, gorgeous yes

i will plan a bringing some firewood to cook ling?
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yakker on March 18, 2009, 10:39:17 PM
i dont know how "delicate" the finish on your yak is...mine is plastic so idont care if it gets rub marks on it...we could use some foam and try to lash it down carefully so it doesnt scratch? i dont know how fussy you are about the varnish...

Not to worry about the finish- its got plenty of scratches already with lots more to come.
I too will be bringing my food and planning on camping on the beach.  Probably be a good idea to bring a cooler with plenty of ice as well.  Glad to hear there is water available. 
So, add my name to the official passenger list and I'll be in touch as it gets closer to THE day.
Thanks again,   Rob.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on March 19, 2009, 04:22:33 PM
yakmonkey, yakker, yessnoo, HBH, deepcolor, lemon, salt, pepper,

who else?

i sure hope it gets warmer!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: SilverKing on March 21, 2009, 12:16:26 AM
I just bought a new Outback and Im really excited about Sucia, fishing up there is awesome!!!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on March 28, 2009, 01:35:25 PM
doing a little upgrading/rigging for the upcoming trip....and i got a little help...wants to know why she cant come
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on March 28, 2009, 07:20:36 PM
Sounds like you need a nice small yak and a barbie pole for the next trip out!! ;D

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yakker on March 28, 2009, 10:06:03 PM
HBH, got her signed up for the AOTY yet?

   Doing a little upgrading of my own-- finally got the VHS radio, a Humminbird 55s, another safety factor checked off.  Plus should be fun to see who's catchin the fish and where in real time.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: [WR] on March 28, 2009, 10:09:59 PM
HBH, your garage looks like a fun place for younguns... nice storage of the boats btw,
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on March 29, 2009, 09:41:45 AM
she asked for a pole for her bday so she has her own barbie pole already...my son built the rack for me in his shop class at school...its pretty cool, its on 4 casters and fits through the garage door and stores all my stuff, i can roll it around inside the garage to make more space...currently she rides around in the tank well of my 160
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: SilverKing on March 31, 2009, 10:44:26 PM
I just intalled the transducer for my new humminbird in prep for the trip, I hope your still planning on me rolling with you HBH. I fished the anacortes derby this weekend at Sucia and there are alot of rockfish all over. YEAH!!!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on April 13, 2009, 03:26:35 PM
O.K. Gentlemen, time for formalizing.  Let's start with a headcount.  We will need official confirmation replies.

HGH - confirmed
'Yak Monkey - confirmed
yessnoo -
yakker -
silverking -
OPEN SLOT -

deepcolor, we have you showing up and joining us, but arriving via a different Powerboat.


Departure is Friday, May 1, at Noon. Let's try and have everybody show up by 10am.  That gives us time to leave early if we are efficient. Everything will be carried from the parking lot to the slip.  HBH has added his slip location to the NWKA Google map, and it's also listed in this topic. I intend to fit everything for camping in one large duffel bag, with the exceptions of fishing poles. I'm sure a cooler would be fien if you want one for food. I won't be packing much gear into the kayak, in order to keep it from being too cumbersome and heavy when manhandling on the deck.
As for cooking gear, I'll be bringing my small backpacking camp stove and HBH is bringing some firewood.  More firewood is always a good idea!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on April 13, 2009, 05:36:53 PM
Well i am in...
I guess i will try to bring lots of canned food and stuff but i don't think i can get around bringing a cooler lol...
seems like it could get pretty packed up with 6 peoples 3 day supply of food

anyways if anyone would like to share a tent or something let me know...that way maybe we can cut down on some things (that plus i don't actually have one yet but i will buy one if it comes to that)
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on April 13, 2009, 08:19:28 PM
HGH - confirmed
'Yak Monkey - confirmed
yessnoo - confirmed
yakker -
silverking -
OPEN SLOT -
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yakker on April 13, 2009, 11:15:26 PM
O.K. Gentlemen, time for formalizing.  Let's start with a headcount.  We will need official confirmation replies.

HGH - confirmed
'Yak Monkey - confirmed
yessnoo -
yakker -
silverking -
OPEN SLOT -

deepcolor, we have you showing up and joining us, but arriving via a different Powerboat.

HBH & YM, just letting you officially know I am coming as well--will see you all on Friday May 1 at 10 am.  Looking forward to the trip.

Rob.
Departure is Friday, May 1, at Noon. Let's try and have everybody show up by 10am.  That gives us time to leave early if we are efficient. Everything will be carried from the parking lot to the slip.  HBH has added his slip location to the NWKA Google map, and it's also listed in this topic. I intend to fit everything for camping in one large duffel bag, with the exceptions of fishing poles. I'm sure a cooler would be fien if you want one for food. I won't be packing much gear into the kayak, in order to keep it from being too cumbersome and heavy when manhandling on the deck.
As for cooking gear, I'll be bringing my small backpacking camp stove and HBH is bringing some firewood.  More firewood is always a good idea!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on April 14, 2009, 04:11:15 PM
Correct Gentlemen.  I'm heading out Thursday afternoon with my Dad (Big Joe) and myself (Andrew) on his 26 foot Sea Ray Sundancer called Mountain View.  We'll be in Shallow Bay (weather permitting) and I'm planning on fishing the slack low tide early Friday morning.  And then the slack high tide around 9:30.  I'll keep an eye out for a pile of kayaks on the front of a cabin cruiser coming around the markers around 2 pm or so. 

I'm really looking forward to pulling some ling lips since I've been getting blanked on the spring chinook run.  PM me your cell phone numbers and I'll do the same.  And I'll keep channel 16 on too.

DC 
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on April 14, 2009, 05:03:17 PM

Quote
HGH - confirmed
'Yak Monkey - confirmed
yessnoo - confirmed
yakker - confirmed
silverking -
OPEN SLOT -
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on April 14, 2009, 08:25:41 PM
I always kinda thought that thresher sharks were supposed to be good eating also...but i could be remembering wrong...

back home i know they ate blue shark...mako was the preferred meat but people were content with blue shark from what they told me

we never marinated our shark in milk...ive heard of it but honestly i don't really know what the point is....

most of the shark we ate we caught cleaned on the spot and took it up and fried it right then...no freezing or anything...that's the best way...
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on April 14, 2009, 09:02:49 PM
how did i post this on here...i thought i was on the other thread wth lol

im tired...and i gotta get up at 3 am to make my 6 oclock flight :(
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on April 15, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
how did i post this on here...i thought i was on the other thread wth lol

im tired...and i gotta get up at 3 am to make my 6 oclock flight :(

It's all the shark pee you've been eating w/ your shark..  :D

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on April 16, 2009, 12:11:10 AM
Just got an email from the Holiday Market in Burlington and it has a link to the '09 Marine rules. Link below.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/northfalcon/2009_marine_area_rules.pdf
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yarjammer on April 16, 2009, 09:05:29 AM
What's up with closing Halibut Friday-Sunday?  I guess people with traditional jobs are exempt from Halibut fishing w/o taking time off from work. >:( >:(  This state F___'n sucks.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: polepole on April 16, 2009, 09:24:37 AM
What's up with closing Halibut Friday-Sunday?  I guess people with traditional jobs are exempt from Halibut fishing w/o taking time off from work. >:( >:(  This state F___'n sucks.

Which marine area are you seeing this in?

-Allen
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: steelheadr on April 16, 2009, 09:50:55 AM
What's up with closing Halibut Friday-Sunday?  I guess people with traditional jobs are exempt from Halibut fishing w/o taking time off from work. >:( >:(  This state F___'n sucks.

Maybe I should move up to WA. With Sun/Mon off, I've been shut out of springers and sturgeon down in OR. Now I'm waiting for the coastal chrome to show up in a month or 2...
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yarjammer on April 16, 2009, 10:49:14 AM
What's up with closing Halibut Friday-Sunday?  I guess people with traditional jobs are exempt from Halibut fishing w/o taking time off from work. >:( >:(  This state F___'n sucks.

Which marine area are you seeing this in?

-Allen

Crap... I misread  :-[ Areas 6-11 & 13 are the ones I was thinking of... I just reread it and it is Thursday through Monday, not Monday through Thursday.  Oh well, the rules are still confusing.  I never realized Rockfishing was such a lottery, the first one you catch is your limit in some of the areas.
 

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on April 16, 2009, 11:29:19 AM
Crap... I misread  :-[ Areas 6-11 & 13 are the ones I was thinking of... I just reread it and it is Thursday through Monday, not Monday through Thursday.  Oh well, the rules are still confusing.  I never realized Rockfishing was such a lottery, the first one you catch is your limit in some of the areas.

Yep, pretty much forget rockfishing in the sound. The rules are crazy but I think they're doing a great service. They keep the crowds down and keeping certain fish stocks from evaporating. The sound used to be rich in many kinds of fish. It was pounded extremely hard through the years and now it's only a shadow of it's former self. Pole's told me of the days when rockfish and lings were plentiful throughout the sound and you could even catch true cod.

If you really want rockfish it can be good around Neah Bay and then further south in Seaside or Pac. City OR. Both around 4+ hour drive. And although the rockfishing may be little in our state there's a lot of other kinds of fishing out there for us. ;) How about some SMB, LMB, lakers, cutties, steel, salmon? If you ask me we're pretty lucky... and it's even a pink year!! :love10:

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yarjammer on April 20, 2009, 02:14:23 PM

Quote
HGH - confirmed
'Yak Monkey - confirmed
yessnoo - confirmed
yakker - confirmed
silverking -
OPEN SLOT -


Is there still an open slot?  If so, count me in!  My other ride fell through.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on April 21, 2009, 07:11:08 AM
Quote
HGH - confirmed
'Yak Monkey - confirmed
yessnoo - confirmed
yakker - confirmed
silverking - ?????
Yarjammer - confirmed
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yarjammer on April 21, 2009, 09:39:04 AM
Whooohooo!  ;D

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on April 26, 2009, 09:16:02 PM
weather is looking good for the coming weekend!


http://www.sailflow.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=133&regionProductID=30&day=0&timeoffset=54&selected_model_id=


http://www.accuweather.com/us/wa/friday%20harbor/98250/forecast2.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&zipChg=1&metric=0

only a few days left to pack...
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yakker on April 26, 2009, 11:29:46 PM
weather is looking good for the coming weeken

only a few days left to pack...

Just noticed the weather is looking up for next weekend--yahhoo!
Hope everyone else going on this trip is as stoked as I am--damn near all I can think about!   ;D ;D
With all the excitement just want to remind everyone to go over your checklist of equipment-- don't forget anything essential--like fishing license, etc....
See you all bright and early Friday morning and thanks again, HBH, for providing the mother ship for this event.

Rob.








Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: steelheadr on April 26, 2009, 11:50:48 PM
We're all expecting big things from you guys on this trip. Not to mention some awesome trip reports...
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on April 27, 2009, 12:44:26 PM
Quote
HBH - confirmed
'Yak Monkey - confirmed
yessnoo - confirmed
yakker - confirmed
Yarjammer - confirmed
Open Slot -

I hate to have to do it, but without having heard back from SilverKing and no answer to a pm, I think it's only fair that the last spot be opened up last minute.

It does look like the weather will be nice!  Yay!  The tides are also favorable in that we have plenty of slack tide fishing opportunities.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: amb on April 27, 2009, 02:14:38 PM
You guys should have a blast.  Wish I could join you but I'll have to settle for hearing the stories instead.  Good luck all -

Alan
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on April 27, 2009, 04:06:54 PM
driving directions??:

take I-5 all the way to the LAST exist before Canada, cross back under I-5, take the first right by "subway" sandwich shop, drive approx 2 blocks, turn left into the parking lot for "gate one" parking at the Blaine Marina (operated by the Port of Bellingham)....there is a gate and a ramp down to the slips...probabaly 1/8 mile walk from the parking lot...slip C45...please PM and i will pass along the gate code and my cell phone number for access...i will be leaving for the marina about 8am friday am and hope we leave around 10-11ish friday am...stopped by the PB this am and she is anxiously awaiting some activity...
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on April 27, 2009, 07:29:24 PM
It's time to pull some ling lip.  Shallow Bay still looks really good with the forecasted wind direction so I hope to be there when you arrive - hopefully with a few AOTY points in the boat and a scotch in my cup holder.  Yak Monkey has my cell number if anyone needs it.  See you all soon.

DC
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on April 28, 2009, 09:21:42 AM
I thought I had seen all the good aerial photos of Sucia but this one is new to me.  I like it because you can click left or right and move around the island.  The link I'm posting should be of Shallow Bay.  The good fishing is right outside the bay where there are plenty of rocks and a steep drop-off.  I'll see you all there.

http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/bigphoto.asp?id=SNJ0963

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on April 28, 2009, 10:07:14 AM
save a few for us OK?
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on April 28, 2009, 11:31:16 AM
I always have some extra scotch on the rocks for friends.  And I'll leave some fish too  :D I only need one big one to get my AOTY goose egg off the board.  There are miles of good structure around the north side of the island to fish so we should all bag at least one keeper for the weekend and some good rockfish to boot.  And remember to pinch those barbs or be ready to donate $90 bucks to the WDFW.  Don't ask me how I know.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on May 03, 2009, 07:07:44 PM
someone (yak monkey) had a good weekend...
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on May 03, 2009, 09:12:21 PM
Hopefully bsteves can tell us why this fish is so blue....his meat was blue...his mouth, his gills....everything was blue..... what the heck    :o
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on May 03, 2009, 09:15:14 PM
and thanks to all those that showed up and organized...special thanks to HBH for ferrying us out to the island on a very nice boat....It was alot of fun and great fishing despite the 30 mile an hour squall we had Saturday night....including a sailboat breaking moor and hitting HBH's boat (with no damage thankfully)

I feel kinda bad for the guys on the boat that night...I mean we got soaked on the land trying to cook and stuff but they must have gotten beat to hell lol

I look forward to doing that or something similar again
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on May 03, 2009, 09:54:24 PM
It was a very good weekend indeed - except for that perfect storm part.  Thanks HBH and everyone else.  It was great to meet you all.  Pictures tomorrow.

DC
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Pisco Sicko on May 04, 2009, 09:08:10 AM
I've caught blue lings in that area, myself. I think it has to do with them matching the colors of the algae and seaweed at their home hole, a la chameleons. How that works, I don't know. Glad you guys didn't get too hammered by the front and squalls. I was thinking about heading out to a different part of the San Juans with my daughter, but chickened out when I saw the forecast. The weather was supposed to be better in Eastern Wa, so we went to Banks Lake. Saturday never did warm up as much as I thought it would. The wind switch when the front went through was wicked.

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on May 04, 2009, 11:30:58 AM
Bad asses like this were trying to keep me from getting my rockfish points.  How else do you explain them inhaling my rock before I could get it to the kayak?  And it was convenient of mother nature to slam us during non-fishing hours.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on May 04, 2009, 11:43:52 AM
Bad asses like this were trying to keep me from getting my rockfish points.  How else do you explain them inhaling my rock before I could get it to the kayak?  And it was convenient of mother nature to slam us during non-fishing hours.

What?? So you're telling me that ling is worth no points?? OH MAN!
That's beautiful ling!! Nice work DC.

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on May 04, 2009, 11:47:41 AM
That guy was worth points.  Its just that I kept catching ling...no complaints...and as the trip wound down, I had not logged a rock yet.  But I finally got a small rockfish during my last hour of fishing on Sunday morning. 
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on May 04, 2009, 02:45:02 PM
ALL ABOARD!  love the shark teeth...i think i will paint them on my boat
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on May 04, 2009, 03:05:15 PM
ALL ABOARD!  love the shark teeth...i think i will paint them on my boat

Beautiful pic HBH! Nice work putting together the trip. Hope I can make it next time.

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on May 04, 2009, 03:15:44 PM
'YakMonkey's Report - Sucia '09

   I started Friday a bit frazzled and tired, as I had no sleep the night before due to a raging case of anticipation.  The weather was nice with the wind light and the cloud cover beginning to thin.  So, I got everything packed up and headed to Blaine, with just a quick stop for a bagel and some java.  I made it to the marina a few minutes before HBH arrived, which left me just enough time to finish my uber-coffee and explore the marina for a few minutes.  Once HBH arrived, we moved our gear down to the Intrepid and got it all loaded up.  (I must say, she is a nice craft.  Hat's off to the skipper.)  Just a little while after we finished packing up, Yakker arrived.  We stopped to admire the craftsmanship of his kayak as we helped him unload from the car, very nice finish work and light as a feather.  Thumbs up Yakker!  It didn't take long and we had him loaded and ready to go.  Lo and behold, YarJammer and Yessnoo pulled into the parking lot just as we were finishing up loading Yakker.  The loading up of the last of the group went smoothly and quickly, more hands making the job simpler.  HBH did a quick review of safety issues, then we were off.
  The crossing from Blaine to Sucia was uneventful and took about an hour and a half.  We were lucky that it was only light chop and the wind wasn't really an issue.  It was nice enough that HBH piloted from the fly bridge and Yakker kept him company.  The rest of us slept or chatted in the main cabin.  On arrival we used the dinghy as a barge and hauled all the gear to shore with just a few short trips, made camp and headed off fishing.
  Friday afternoon into evening weather conditions were great.  Deepcolor had arrived the night before, and he had early reports of nice lings in our future.  Well, he was right!  I believe HBH was lucky enough to land the only keeper ling (and a nice fish too!) for that evening, and I had the bonus of the copper rockfish.  On the return trip in, some of us experienced the power of the legendary San Juan Islands tidal currents.  I could tell the current had begun to run strong when I had a hard time getting a 4oz jig to play vertically.  It was amazing how quickly it happened too.  YarJammer and Yessnoo were farther down current than I was, and had begun heading in slightly before I did.  I took a second and switched the gps over to tracking speed, and noted 1.75mph movement on a pure drift.  Going the wrong way.  Uh-oh.  So we ran back into camp against the current, which I must say is an experience not worth repeating.  That night we had a moderate fire and we enjoyed HBH's lingcod and my rockfish for dinner, along with some good company and a few beers.  A great day all around.
   Saturday started out looking rather dismal, and the weather reports were helpful but a little misleading.  I think Sucia Island is a little offshoot of the Twilight Zone (as our park ranger suggested).  The reports out of NOAA sounded absolutely unpleasant, but what we saw was another thing.  We were looking at light wind and tiny chop in the morning, so out we went.  We trickled out as we were ready, so it was more of a wandering day than the day before, but we had reviewed the tides and currents the night before so knew what our timing should be and we all had our own little plans in our fish-obsessed noggins.  I do have to admit that I can't accurately recall who caught how many undersized lings or incidental rockfish, but there was no lack of action that morning.  I was lucky enough to get my first keeper of the weekend in a 29" ling.  I tried to repeat the rockfish catch of the night before, but with no luck.  The tide change and currents had lunch time and the early afternoon as a perfect break, so we trickled in and had a lazy afternoon chatting, hiking around and general camp style goofing off.  I cleaned out my ling and we crammed it in HBH's fridge on board the good 'ole Intrepid.  Nice to have a refrigerator around!  I don't know if I could have eaten that much fish!  After the break, nearly everyone headed back out when they felt the call.  Personally, with the daily limit already met for lings, no luck with the rockfish and with legs beat up from fighting the current, I abstained from the afternoon fishing.
   With the exception of a light sprinkle and a few moments of "rain," I felt we might be far enough into the twilight zone to actually miss the weather that was reported on the radio.  I was wrong.  From shore it looked like the wind and currents were picking up, and they must have been, as the guys headed back in at almost the same time.  It began to rain more seriously so we moved back into camp, and applied all of our resources and Yarjammer's eagle scout experience and started a fire in the fire pit and later used some charcoal and made a cooking fire.  Fortunately for us, HBH was thoughtful enough to provide a few armloads of firewood and we had saved it thus far.  This allowed for a nice bonfire which was warm enough to make it worthwhile to stand out under the drizzle and rain just to enjoy the radiant heat.  It wasn't long before Yakker commented that the wind, which had been picking up, had completely switched directions.  Early on the wind had been blowing into Echo Bay from the east and had now switched to blowing in from the west.  Shallow Bay is on the western end of the island, and is where we had moored.  Every hour or so someone would peek out at the beach and check the height of the tide and just take a look at the conditions.  Fortunately the campsite itself was quite well sheltered and we were able to miss the worst of the wind.  Late in the evening, Yarjammer, Yesnoo and I went to check on the conditions and Yarjammer noticed something that got all of our attention.  It appeared that one of the sailboats had broken it's mooring as it was moving across the bay with a wildly swinging mast light indicating that it was definitely not pointed into the wind and waves.  We watched it cross the bay and it finally came to a stop very near HBH and the mothership.  It appeared that the sailboat had no lights one, until we finally saw a very small light on through one of the windows.  It didn't look like anything was going to sink, so off to bed.  Sleep was a bit elusive for me, as I kept waking up imagining my kayak slamming against the logs, but each time I realized it was just log to log contact and that my boat was high up enough to be safe.
   When morning struck, it was a shock.  No wind.  No waves. A few whispy clouds.  Sunshine.  WOO HOO!  Up and at 'em!  Yakker was the first to be up and I followed close behind. Yessnoo and Yarjammer were a little farther behind, but that can probably be explained by the beers ;) The break in the weather was quite encouraging and the mood was light and anxious.  We took a little while to have breakfast then broke camp before getting all geared up, then off to fishin' we went.    I believe that some of the guys didn't have the luck I did, but Sunday broke that spell.  It was definitely the best fishing conditions of the trip.  Warm sunlight, flat and clear water and a belly full of warm breakfast made it all seem like paradise.  Oh, and the fishing was even better!  It must have been my third or fourth spot playing a jig and I landed a 28" ling, took a picture and sent him on his way.  It wasn't long after that I switched to a smaller jig and started fishing for rockfish.  I wasn't having much luck and then WHAM, there's the 32+" ling I reported for AOTY.  DeepColor must have had a good morning too, as he headed back in and the word amongst the guys was that he landed a very nice fish.  Due to the need for him and his father to get back to Portland, they left a little ahead of us.  He waved his salutations at us with one hand and held onto his beverage with the other hand (what was that anyway, scotch?  or was that the gin and tonic? coffee? < read as jealousy!) I kept fishing for a while, still looking for a rockfish, but no luck in that department.  I landed a few undersized lings and then decided to head in and get packed up.  I met HBH while we were heading back and when I checked the time, we were a full 2 hours ahead of schedule.  Very nice.
   It wasn't long after I went in that the rest of the group came in and we loaded the dingy/barge up and got all our gear back on board.  The cruise back to Blaine was even better than the trip out.  The water was flat, the fishermen were satisfied and everything had gone off without a hitch.  Perfect weekend.
   I wish all fishing trips went as well as this one did.  I'd like to send out a huge THANK YOU to HBH for making this possible.  Without the Intrepid and skipper it never would have happened.  Thanks much, Bernie!  You Rock!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on May 04, 2009, 03:20:09 PM
A few pictures.....

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on May 04, 2009, 08:39:18 PM
Rob didnt get skunked either
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Spot on May 04, 2009, 09:39:25 PM
Well done gentlemen!  Nice report and pics not to mention the fat lings.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: kykfshr on May 04, 2009, 10:31:21 PM
Nice job and great pics.  I love those blue lings
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on May 04, 2009, 11:15:20 PM
Thanks to Deepcolor for helping me with measuring the ling...i didn't really have the gloves to handle the fish properly but i later remembered i had my lip grippers that work great if you can net them first...first time catching a ling so i was at a loss for what to do
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on May 04, 2009, 11:50:12 PM
first time catching a ling so i was at a loss for what to do

You know for all the fish you  caught this year not knowing, you better go out and buy some lottery tickets! ;)

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on May 05, 2009, 07:59:12 AM
I'm glad everyone caught fish.  That was definitely the best fishing I've seen there.  My dad caught a 23 inch cabezone on our way back to Anacortes to cap off a great trip.

Here are a couple more pictures.  A yellow ling for HBH to compliment the blue one.  And a good shot of HBH and Yak Monkey on the hunt.

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on May 07, 2009, 02:39:00 PM
gentlemen, the pleasure was mine to accompany you on this trip...my friends at home are jealous and my wife is happy i came home...what more could i want?

another trip? ;D
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on May 07, 2009, 02:51:56 PM
I'm free any weekend between now and October......
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: polepole on May 07, 2009, 03:25:47 PM
I'm free any weekend between now and October......

Lings only open until June 15th, right?

-Allen
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Pisco Sicko on May 07, 2009, 03:31:22 PM
I'm free any weekend between now and October......

Lings only open until June 15th, right?

-Allen

Yes.

The next good set of tides will be next weekend. ;D
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on May 07, 2009, 03:34:19 PM
Quote
Lings only open until June 15th, right?

So sad, isn't it?    :'(
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on May 08, 2009, 03:50:58 PM
true, but salmon starts july1!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on May 08, 2009, 03:58:05 PM
true, but salmon starts july1!
YEEEEEAH BABY!!!

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Noggin Yakker on May 14, 2009, 09:21:47 PM
A few pictures.....



Brian,
Great photos! I really like the one of yarjammer, it looks like he's floating on air.

I missed out. Mark (yessnoo) kept telling me there was a spot open, but with the N cascades hwy finally open we had to start working on the house we're building in Okanogan.

Have you put in any time at Terrell lately?

- Karl
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yarjammer on May 14, 2009, 09:45:17 PM
That picture really baffles me... I think my bow actually is out of the water.

I need to get my pictures up here still.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on May 15, 2009, 05:47:48 PM
Here's a few of my pics
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on May 15, 2009, 05:50:30 PM
and a few more
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on May 15, 2009, 07:42:57 PM
wish i was going again tomorrow... ???
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on May 15, 2009, 10:24:56 PM
me too lol
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bigdood on May 15, 2009, 10:34:47 PM
That trip looks AWESOME!  Damn, you guys are lucky.  That's the bluest ling I've ever seen.  Seen the meat blue, but the whole fish?
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: [WR] on May 15, 2009, 11:36:52 PM
That picture really baffles me... I think my bow actually is out of the water.

I need to get my pictures up here still.

been looking at that.. that has to be the clearest, cleanest water i've seen in the puget sound area.. it does look like your boat is floating on air there.. i think it's just a trick of light and angles..but then again, you may have discovered the secret levitating yak trick  >:D
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on May 15, 2009, 11:58:25 PM
Love this pic of Yar!
(http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2526.0;attach=2788;image)
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: yessnoo on May 16, 2009, 12:53:59 AM
Ya i thought that was a great pic also...yar is just in all the good pics...the floating yak...the sunset outline
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on May 16, 2009, 07:48:48 AM
Very nice pics. 

I agree with Jimmy Buffet:  "I wanna go back...to the islands." 

I still haven't replaced the paddle - lost forever during the perfect storm and living at the bottom of Shallow Bay no doubt.  I better do that so I can get back out on the water.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: steelheadr on May 16, 2009, 09:17:37 AM
Very nice pics. 

I agree with Jimmy Buffet:  "I wanna go back...to the islands." 


"where the shrimp boats tie up...to the pylons".
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yakker on May 17, 2009, 10:54:01 PM
Good memories

Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yarjammer on May 21, 2009, 09:38:14 PM
A few pic's...
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: polepole on May 21, 2009, 09:43:50 PM
Great pics guys.

-Allen
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on May 22, 2009, 12:04:23 AM
Man that's what I call paradise! Nice photos.

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: squidgirl on May 22, 2009, 07:08:33 AM
great photos. looks like it was a great trip.
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Fishesfromtupperware on May 22, 2009, 07:40:32 AM
Wow!! That looks like waaay way too much fun. :thumbsup:
(and you did'nt even have to leave the country!)

So the Ling was blue because it was cold (?)
;D (sorry)
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: HBH on May 22, 2009, 05:10:28 PM
heading out there again tomorrow am...taking the fam with me this time...hope it dosent rain :D

looking for the mother of all lings from the great depths....
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: ZeeHawk on May 22, 2009, 05:46:50 PM
heading out there again tomorrow am...taking the fam with me this time...hope it dosent rain :D

looking for the mother of all lings from the great depths....

Good luck and enjoy!

Z
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: deepcolor on May 22, 2009, 10:25:41 PM
Look for my paddle.   :'(
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: bjoakland on May 23, 2009, 07:15:18 AM
Catch that mama, H!  Even if you can't keep her, a pic of the uber-ling would rock!
Title: Re: Sucia Island '09
Post by: Yakker on May 23, 2009, 05:03:45 PM
Hope the weather and fishing/catching goes well for you and family!
Rob.   ;D