general question

Ok having been out in the sound a few times now Im curious of something... is it a bad idea to think about launching at say des moines marina and paddling across to Robinson Pt. since the route would be crossing the shipping channel?  I don't notice to many ships coming through there but I know if you were to cross and had a ship coming it could be your last voyage... I only ask because of the upcoming salmon season and am thinking of hitting Robinson and Redondo to Dash Pt for my salmon this year and am hoping to catch all four species I fish for (kings, silvers, chum, and pinks) in the salt from the yak I know kings can be kinda thin down this way but still gonna give it a go

I can't claim to be one who knows if there are rules about such things.  However, I wouldn't see it as a problem... I would be more concerned about tides and current verses ships.  That being said I would keep an eye out for them and make sure I stayed out of their way... way out of their way.  Those guys make some big wakes.   Good luck.... oh, i believe the big ship is supposed to give way to the little one, so even if one is baring down on you, hold your ground, he will turn.

Wink, wink.. Jab, jab..  Ya he'll turn!

Good luck.... oh, i believe the big ship is supposed to give way to the little one, so even if one is baring down on you, hold your ground, he will turn.

Big ships tend to turn slower than small ones...Regardless of the legality of ones actions why would you play chicken with a large ship?


Especially considering we are talking about crossing traffic lanes.

From:
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent

"(j) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane."

Just give right of way to the ships in the shipping lane and you should be fine.

micah - you did catch the wink indicating I was NOT serious about them having to move for you, right.

micah - you did catch the wink indicating I was NOT serious about them having to move for you, right.

Oops, sorry I feel silly now.

The only issues I see are whether you can do the 2 NM back after the 2NM there and a few hours of fishing.  Remember even N/S winds increase the effort to hold an E/W course.  If the wind would drift you north at 1kt you need additional effort to prevent that drift.  Also, timing your crossing back at slack current may be helpful. 

I think Zee has routinely crossed the sound to Jeff Head.

I have gone from Ruston Way over to Browns Point quite a few times and it is not too bad at all...The things you have to watch for are wind, tide change, and the ships of course. Once you commit to going, paddle your ass off and get to where you are going - don't hang out in the shipping lane any longer than you have to because those ships bear down on you WAY faster than you think. You will be paddling along, in a groove, and then look behind you and here comes an Evergreen ship around the corner...Those ships haul ass and their wake is gigantic. Just really watch the tides and the wind and you should be OK. Always look over your shoulder. Morning is the best because on a nice day the water gets way choppy in the afternoon from all the boats and if the wind picks up. Take it easy, relax, and think before you go and you'll do great.

Do ships still sail mostly on an outgoing tide?

I've been at Point Robinson numerous times in a power boat - seems like an area that the wind and chop likes to frequent.  Not sure I'd want to go over in the morning when its smooth, then have to fight the chop on the way back in the afternoon.  Maybe take the ferry over to Vashon if you really want to try that area?  Many times we launched at Redondo, went across, didn't do all that well - only to find when we came back to Redondo that all the other fishermen did better just hanging around Redondo/Dash Point - especially if you're after pinks.

Ok so im thinkin im not gonna try crosing the shipping lanes alil to sketchy for me lol anyone ever try fishin the clay banks by pt defiance if so any luck?  Also where can i get a safety flag for my yak lookin for one after my recent outing to meridian...

Ok so im thinkin im not gonna try crosing the shipping lanes alil to sketchy for me lol anyone ever try fishin the clay banks by pt defiance if so any luck?  Also where can i get a safety flag for my yak lookin for one after my recent outing to meridian...

 Most major department stores will have safety flags in the bicycle area. Or try your local bike  shop.