Moutcha Bay 2007 Derby

T-

I still need to reserve a ferry spot, too. You OK with an early departure, Tom?

I did ask if you could do early, I just didn't say how early. 

I took my cue from Allen's post. Actually a 4:45 departure from your place may be a little late.

I'm planning on working a full day on Thursday, so I'm guessing I'll be thrilled if I'm at your place between 10-midnight. (My vehicle will be fine.) Besides, I tend to get excited before these kind of events, and don't sleep much the night before, anyways. By the end of the event I'll be tired. That's partly why I chose a 2:00pm departure from Swartz Bay.

The closest state park, to the border, is Birch Bay. It would be too late, by the time I can get there.

Pisco,

Don't worry about that departure time on my account.  With two of us to spell off on the driving, we should be okay.  Besides, if you bring a pad for sleeping on deck, you can usually catcth a really good nap on that ride over to Nanaimo.  I've done it many times.

I'll take up the rest of the particulars by P.M. and leave this thread strictly for "building momentum".

Fishin-T

Pisco and Tom, if it helps, can Tom just leave with us on Thursday night (may need to drive himself) and you can take 20 over and meet us a Birch Bay.  Just thinking out loud.

-Allen

Interesting idea, Allen, the only catch is where Tom could leave his rig, while we're N of the border.

Pisco,

I could possibly leave it in the Bellingham Walmart parking lot, along side of the RV's.  Or I used to have a friend in Ferndale (home of the famous Ocean Kayak) just north of B'Ham.  I'd have to reconnect with him and see if he still lives there.  If he's still around then leaving my car at his place won't be a problem, I don't think.

Fishin-T

All,

Here's something that could turn out to be  problematic... for the REST of you hon-yocks any way.  My new Calcutta came in the mail yesterday!  Oh happy day!  For me any way.

If you guys hurry, you might still be able to get Moutcha Jim to refund your entry fees  .

Let the (pre-derby) trash talk begin. 

Fishin-T

just made ferry reservations on the Tswassen-Swartz Bay route so I'll see you cats in camp.  If anyone is still looking to get there, the Swartz Bay is the only option but there are still plenty of slots open. 

can't wait to holler "fish on!"

 

Make sure to check the wait time for the Nanaimo ferry when you're pulling in.  You may be able to go without reservations and save some time over the extra ~2 hour drive from Swartz.

-Allen

I was a bit too busy w/ work and was late on reservations silly me. Looks like the wife and I will take the 5:15 whoooo! Anyway, on the way back it looks all full so was thinking about getting a late ferry out of Swartz Bay and do some sightseeing in Victoria on the way home. An extra 2 hour drive kinda sucks but I think it would be fun to check out more of the island. Anything I'm missing logistically that would make this plan a bad idea?

Thanks for the info!!

Z

PP and F'T; are you guys still thinking of staying at Birch Bay, on Thursday evening?

If so, do you want to wing it (it's about 75-80% full, for Thursday), or reserve a spot?


BTW, I been wondering about fishing options on the way to Moutcha. Guess I better check our V.I. map.

Pisco,

Like you say, if we meet somewhere on the road north, then I've got to find somewhere to leave my car for the weekend.  I could pay $10 a day and leave it in Tswassen if that works.

Getting a jump start on Thursday night doesn't help very much unless we get across the border that same night.  Blaine is only 1.5 hours north from my house, but the border crossing could possibly be as much as a full hour shorter if done on Thursday night and then you're certain that you'll be in Canada in time for a 7:45 sailing.  I'm thinking we could maybe all of us split a hotel room in Surrey or something.  We'll easily spend that saved 1.5 hours just finding a campsite, putting up a camp and taking it down again.

What do you think Polepole?


Fishin-T

BTW, just because you can't make reservations, doesn't mean the ferries are all full.  I think it just means that the portion they make reserve-able is all full.  You can still go to the terminal and wait in line line.  It may take a 2-3 hours to get on one, but they have signs letting you know well in advance.  You can always make reservations to make sure you have a slot, but jump on a different ferry if a slot is open.

T, I'll have to get back to you on Thursday night plans.  I'm not even getting into town until perhaps Thursday morning, and am not yet packed.  I have to figure out what I can realistically get done before Thursday evening.

-Allen

I need some advice from anyone who was at Moutcha for the tournament before.  their website says each kayak needs a "net system" to hold a fish to be checked in.  does that just mean a big net?  before I go buy one of those big suckers, any thoughts on what works best in a yak?  I was at Outdoor Emporium yesterday and all they had were oversized and cost over $70.  there must be a better solution.   

Zulu,

I was there last year, and I'm here to tell you that you don't really need a net.  Last years winner (Big Al Larsen) used his HAND to reach into the gill of that 30 pounder and scoop it head first into the cockpit of his SIK and then held it between his legs until he could get to shore.  With no net at all, he took first second and third prize... true story.  You can ask him yourself cause they tell me he's coming back this year.  With all that prize take, why the heck would he NOT come back?

Any way, you need to think what you're going to do if you want to keep one to be weighed, but that you want to catch-and-release.  I'm going to use a nylon stringer.  If he's a keeper for the freezer, then any kind of "bonker" will work well to calm him down.  Even a small net can help if you're wrestling to get him into your boat.

Okay, here's the really short, simple answer (too late)... I have one of those big nets that I'll loan you.  I bought a new one of those $70 jobs this year (I aim to win this one!) and you can borrow my old one if you like.  It easily fits into any of those built in rod holders.  It catches a little wind, but otherwise, hey.  Just say the word and I'll bring it along for you to borrow.  Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

Fishin-T

So I don't think it's "required", but you will need a big net to handle 30 pound range kings.  If you don't have one, I think Jim runs around in a boat and will gladly assist you.  Or your neighbor yak fisher will.  You just reminded me ... I don't currently have a big ass net as Danglin folded it in 2 at last years Moutcha.  Note, get a sturdy net!!!  I'll probably stop at the sporting goods store in Campbell river for last minute fishing supplies.  T, do you remember the name of that place and directions?

-Allen