Puget Sound Fishing Alone

Hi All,

I am new to this forum, and new to the area. I would love to get out on the Sound once it warms up and try my hand at salmon fishing from a kayak. Unfortunatly I don't know anyone here that both likes to fish and has a kayak. (I will be getting mine soon...a Hobie Rev). Herein lies the question, and please pardon my ignorance, but I am wondering if any of you fish out on the Sound alone? I do know that sea kayakers have a code of never kayaking alone, but since I am on the Sound, and somewhat still surrounded by land, isn't it relatively safe?

The reason I ask is that I would love to get out on the water and get my line wet for a few hours after a day at work. Last summer, I noticed the sun is out until at least 8pm, which means I would be able to get in 4-5 hours before dusk. I also noticed that Marine Area 11 doesn't get too much traffic (at least by Browns Point). And to be safe, I'd come in before dusk. Or would this be an idiotic thing to do?

EDIT: I forgot to add, that I do see the occasional kayaker (not fishing) out there alone

By the way, if anyone wouldn't mind showing a newbie around it would be greatly appreciated (I don't mind if I have to drive up north to Everett area either)

Thanks, and PLEASE pardon whatever ignorance I might have.

Andy

Welcome to the NWKA Andy!!

Welcome to NWKA! and as I am sure you will hear alot Welcome to the Cure/Sickness

hey man i am new to the area as of last july but i fish the sound pretty regularly by myself...and i think there are a few people here that do...i live in west seattle...where are you at...id be happy to go out with you and i am sure there are some others who would be willing too...i have a hobie revolution its pretty sweet on the sound

but as far as safety...as you'll see in many many posts...a few that are active now...its all about preparation and knowing what conditions are most dangerous to you

the sound is very cold water in fact check out this thread for in depth information on cold shock and hypothermia courtesy of Kalitype

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,2446.0.html

I suggest at least reading that thread to get some basic knowledge on what you need and what can be harmfull


We have been meeting up pretty regularly in and around the seattle area lately for various forms of kayak fishing...keep an eye out for posts on upcoming events and meets

I've been fishing Puget Sound for some years now and most of the time it's by myself. I'd like to fish with other people but there's just not that many of us out there. With a check on weather/marine conditions and with the right safety equip. I think it can be plenty safe.

There's some places in the sound that take some extra consideration like the Point No Point/ Foulweather Bluff area because of it's tide current and winds so getting to know the sound is very important. Do some research on the sound and try and learn the easy/difficult areas.

Like I said, I do fish the sound most of the time so when you get your gear together, holler and let's get out there!

Z

so far i have always gone by myself...i always leave a "float plan" with my wife and take a vhf radio and cell phone (in a ziplock) with me and i stay out of high traffic areas with big boats.  i think the biggest danger out there is motor boats running you over.  i usually stay close to shore and not out in the middle of a channel.  one of my favorite aspects of kayak fishing is that its quiet and peaceful and typically fishing in areas boaters wont go so by nature its a little more isolated...

so far i have always gone by myself...i always leave a "float plan" with my wife and take a vhf radio and cell phone (in a ziplock) with me and i stay out of high traffic areas with big boats.  i think the biggest danger out there is motor boats running you over.  i usually stay close to shore and not out in the middle of a channel.  one of my favorite aspects of kayak fishing is that its quiet and peaceful and typically fishing in areas boaters wont go so by nature its a little more isolated...

Wouldn't mind seeing some reports from your neck of the woods.. 

Z

Welcome Andy---There's a guy named Rob who fishes in his Revo at Brown's Point, there's a decent launch there, and good parking.  You can stay in pretty close, the water is about 90 feet deep just a couple hundred yards out.  See this link:

http://www.salmonuniversity.com/pss_browns_pt.html

   The Point is exposed to the west and north wind---if a north wind, just pedal around into Commencement Bay, there's a good shelf along the shore that holds a dropoff to 180-220 feet.

   

so far i have always gone by myself...i always leave a "float plan" with my wife and take a vhf radio and cell phone (in a ziplock) with me and i stay out of high traffic areas with big boats.  i think the biggest danger out there is motor boats running you over.  i usually stay close to shore and not out in the middle of a channel.  one of my favorite aspects of kayak fishing is that its quiet and peaceful and typically fishing in areas boaters wont go so by nature its a little more isolated...

Wouldn't mind seeing some reports from your neck of the woods.. 

Z

just a couple of weeks ago in my neck of the ocean...havent gone since, dont want to break the curse!

Thanks so much for all the help. I have several more questions hopefully you guys don't mind helping a newbie like myself out.

I'll try to hook up with you guys once I get my kayak...in other words, get my tax return.

Thanks so much for all the help. I have several more questions hopefully you guys don't mind helping a newbie like myself out.

I'll try to hook up with you guys once I get my kayak...in other words, get my tax return.

No worries. First search the forums and if you can't find an answer, ask away! Give us a holler when you're ready to fish.

Z

I'm new to the website but have been dropping crabpots from my kayak and jigging from my kayak for a couple of years mostly around area 13. I used to catch rockfish and sole while killing time to check the pots and hook the occasional dogfish. I just added a fish finder an anchor system and more rod holders for more gear. I've been planning to go for salmon this year. From my research it might still be a bit early. But I'd be willing to go out with you, but just remember Im just a beginner.

Welcome aboard!!! One of our members Em7b5 actually lives on Brow's Point as well. He fly fishes pretty much exclusively, but I'm sure he would show you the ropes around the area. I live in Lacey and spend a lot of time in the south sound, so if you ever wan to get together sometime just shoot me a PM. Lee isn't far either. He is just right down the road in taco town.

As for going out alone, I think most of us do quite a bit. It's nice to have company, but time and work typically don't allow for this. I just leave a float plan with the wife, make sure the tides/weather are right for where I want to paddle, make sure my cell phone is charged, and head for the sound. Just make sure you know your gear, and are confident in self rescue.