Halibut in the Sound

Bummer about the lack of fish, but any day that includes a whale encounter is a good one as far as I'm concerned.

I have seen seals, porpoises, and sea lions from a distance.  I even went whale watching in Maui in a big boat, but a whale 20 feet away sitting in a 14 foot kayak - that's scary.  Do whales like to eat Mangos or Bananas? Because my Hobie is Mango color and looks like a banana sitting in the water.  Here I was just telling the Seattle Crew Roll Call guys I was getting back into saltwater fishing in Puget Sound having just purchased a kayak.  I have been reading about kayak safety in the forums and no one mentioned anything about whales at least I don't recall reading anything about whales.  Great whale pics, but have any surprise/fearful expression selfies?

Haha. Well, that's my first experience with whales on the kayak, ever. I'm surprised I had the wherewithal to get the camera out, as  my jaw was agape the entire time. The whole thing was over in 15 seconds or so. They took a few breaths then dived.

First, I think it's exceedingly rare to have one surface near you. Second, they're likely cognizant enough of their surroundings not to surface directly ON you. Third, they're grey whales, which are very slow (well, about 4-5kts), and move very deliberately. Not like humpbacks or orcas (neither of which I've seen).

Kinda neat - my gf actually just finished this book (http://www.amazon.com/In-Heart-Sea-Tragedy-Whaleship/dp/0141001828), and read that whalers used to determine the location at which grey whales would surface next based on (1) knowing their speed of 4-5knots, and (2) seeing how many breaths they took before diving, since each breath corresponds to one minute underwater. So next time you see/hear some spouts in the distance, do some trig and see if you can get close.

Those are great pics...  Totally jealous    I paddle around in the south Sound area, but so far nothing better than a couple sea lions off Gig Harbor mouth and they were too far away for pics...  We're taking a whale-watching tour out of Juneau on our 30th anniversary cruise next month, hoping for good close encounters there.  But to be in a kayak, oh YEAH!

Jim

Those are great pictures!  Whales love to get close out here.

DWB - here is what one our most experienced members wrote a couple of years ago. (It stuck with me, so I searched for it):

Here's what I've learned over my years surfing and yaking:
Grey Wales love to check you out but go out of their way to keep you safe
California Sea Lions talk a good game but back off when slapped with a paddle
Stellar Sea Lions are scary, territorial bullies.  Slowly retreat and let them know you understand.
Great Whites If you see em you're fine.  If you didn't....well, it's too late.
Porpoises treat you like a long lost friend just passing thru.
Dolphins know you're a lesser species but are humble enough to acknowlege your presence and make you smile.
Orcas know they can kill you but have no interest in eating such a nasty creature.

-Spot-

wOOOw!  that is close!  that poor whale.  I wonder what happened to him. 

I suspect the poor bite was due to the current.  There was a negative tide last weekend.  Halibut fishing is generally better on smaller tidal exchanges.  But, doesn't usually stop me from trying!

PS I'm from Downer's Grove / Andersonville (IL). 

this is pretty great. thanks for searching.

I'm heading out to Freshwater Bay this Thursday.  Forecast looks good with wind less than 10 knots, less than 1 ft wind waves and relatively mild currents. 

I'm heading out to Freshwater Bay this Thursday.  Forecast looks good with wind less than 10 knots, less than 1 ft wind waves and relatively mild currents. 

I'll be interested to hear how this goes, as I'm thinking about heading out there for the last open Saturday. Good luck!

Success!!!  Not huge but fills the tank well of my ok ultra 4.3

Nice!  Looks very tasty.

Outstanding! Was it crowded out there?

Congrats man!  excellent fish.  Look at that deck - totally clear! Love the simplicity!

Great fish and congrats! Any details you care to share? Not waypoints or anything, but bait, depth, etc...