Halibut Kayak Fishing 2016?

When the Ling opener approaches, there is usually a group heading to westport.  Otherwise, check the strait of JDF, it's a good place to learn.  Whatever you do, check the weather, tides, and CURRENT before you launch.

Deepzoom.com is a good place to check currents.  magicseaweed, NOAA for weather

Lee - thank you! Where exactly in JDF? It looks like few dozen miles long, can you name some particular places?

Historically,  people have caught fish near the bays or just pulling off the side of the road the closer you get to the coast.  I only have one go to spot out there,  but I was asked not to share it.  Once you get towards Neah bay there are at least a dozen pull offs close enough to the water to launch from. 

Lee - thank you, I heard a little bit about Neah Bay. I thought maybe there are some closer public launches, maybe around Port Angles - Sequim, nothing?

yea, there are a ton. almost too many to list. spend some time on google maps, find the green blobs (public parks), and then go from there. freshwater bay holds halibut and is pretty sheltered - about as sheltered as anything in the strait. everything in the strait can be subject to strong currents, so check your tides/currents before you decide to go.

DWB123 - thank you! I hope I will find a time! Sorry if I am asking too many questions. It is because there is a pretty long drive and I think it is a good idea to learn as much as possible before going

no problem! questions are good.

spend some time searching the archives here on NWKA. There's a ton of resources, and i'm sure you'll find most of your questions have been answered already. it's a very helpful resource.

   Well Eugene,

 You have been given some great advice already and I hope you pay attention to the comments that have been made. Take the time to search through past threads..... it'll do you a lot of good.
 You have never stated what salt water experience you have so I have to recommend that you start small and then build on your time on the water. There is a lot of salt near Seattle and a lot of kayakers nearby too. Hook up with a few others, get some time on the water this spring , and then go after some butt.
 If driving distance matters  to you (and it sounds like it does) start close then expand as time and gas allow. The many bays of the Straight will allow you to find bottom fish and a possible halibut. Just pay your dues by exploring and growing until you score. In time you will.
 It's good of you to be asking questions. Search a lot. Learn all you can. And have fun doing it.

Mark Collett - thank you! My saltwater experience is nothing outstanding - areas 8-9-10-11, you know, Puget Sound, Golden Gardens, Edmonds, Nisqually, etc. Couple of storms maybe, nothing of course to compare with offshore. I have a good stable kayak, it forgives many mistakes. Of course offshore was always in my dreams. And I do not like drive too far not because of gas, but because I have small 2-door car (2 seater) with small roof and there is no way to mount kayak, but suction mounts that I use. They are pretty reliable, but not for a long time, you should to stop and check it out, maybe add some pressure if needed every 1-2 hours. So for example if I go to Neah Bay I have to make ~5-6 stops

Sounds like your car is smaller than mine....but I do fine with a 2dr civic.  I have a full size SUV...the civic is just more economical and fits the bill for long distance runs.  I often travble 450 miles per weekend to get on fish.

Now that suction mount has me a bit worried but I suppose it can be done with proper precautions. 

I overload my rack...twice the carrying capoacity of the racks.  But I also have a strap that ties down the rack to my car that runs through the seals and inside of my car. I also add another strap over the kayaks and run them through my vehicle.  Yah, it destroys the seals, but they also aren't coming off if the rack fails. 

It's not the normal driving that scares me...its the tandem trailers that blow by me going the opposite direction that batters the kayaks. 

My vehicle....two hobie outbacks.....

. And I do not like drive too far not because of gas, but because I have small 2-door car (2 seater) with small roof and there is no way to mount kayak, but suction mounts that I use. They are pretty reliable, but not for a long time, you should to stop and check it out, maybe add some pressure if needed every 1-2 hours. So for example if I go to Neah Bay I have to make ~5-6 stops

Maybe it's just me but that suction cup thing sounds dangerous.   

Maybe it's just me but that suction cup thing sounds dangerous.   

Yes, I feel exactly the same way) Here it is http://www.westmarine.com/buy/seasucker--paddle-board-rack--14772800

I think at a minimum I would run a ratchet strap through the inside of the vehicle (open both doors and run through) just in case those things gave up.

I think at a minimum I would run a ratchet strap through the inside of the vehicle (open both doors and run through) just in case those things gave up.

Sure, and the same way you can hook-up to hood and trunk/hatch door. I have seen examples in internet.

I used to run a set of Malone inflatable tube roofracks on my Honda Civic.  I made certain to use straps thru-the-doors *plus* hood and trunk tie-down straps.  No way in hell I'd have gone on the road without having every single one of those in place...

With everything in place, though, I was quite comfortable taking it on the highway...

Jim