Whales

I just read another fishing report from yesterday where the pinks were thick off Picnic Point/Shipwreck. Then, they mentioned a 10 Orca whale pod 1/2 mile out around 0815 - mostl likely feeding on the pinks. Cool but does anyone know the proper SOP for encountering whales in a Kayak? Run? Stay calm and make soothing whale noises? Just curious & want to do the right thing for safetys sake.

I just read another fishing report from yesterday where the pinks were thick off Picnic Point/Shipwreck. Then, they mentioned a 10 Orca whale pod 1/2 mile out around 0815 - mostl likely feeding on the pinks. Cool but does anyone know the proper SOP for encountering whales in a Kayak? Run? Stay calm and make soothing whale noises? Just curious & want to do the right thing for safetys sake.

Pull out the camera.  Take pictures.

Killer whales are highly intelligent and most likely this is one of the resident pods that feed on fish only.  They have no real reason to attack.

-Allen

I think by law you have to give them at least 100 yrds.
They know you are there and don't care. Very cool animals. Take pics if you can.

I think by law you have to give them at least 100 yrds.
They know you are there and don't care. Very cool animals. Take pics if you can.

It has been updated to 200yds. See the folowing: http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales-Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whales/Recovery-Implement/upload/Vessel-Rule-Q-A.pdf

If one decides he can fly, make sure their are tourist around with video equipment, I've only seen the one yacker landed on, we need more diversity, & I plan on staying far enough away, cause my yack is a small toy for them.

I had heard on King 5 news last week that a transit pod of orcas where cruising off of Muary Island. Has anybody else heard where they are now? I think it would be a unique experience to see them. I'll keep an eye for them this weekend while fishing off of Dash Point area.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/orca/

Thanks for your posts. I feel much better now:) The whales have their 300 feet. I have that image in my mind of the whale becoming airborn and landing on that kayaker. I'd be worried I would look like a seal in my wetsuit if I became seperated from my yak due to a flying whale.

Sounds like that would be extremly rare so in the meantime I'll just make sure my camera batteries remain charged. Thanks all

I have that image in my mind of the whale becoming airborn and landing on that kayaker.

If you are talking about this:
 

 it is a fake done for a Korean Poweraide commercial.  Very clever, though.