Halibut in Puget Sound

Anyone been out in Puget Sound fishing for Halibut? I was thinking of trying it on April 14th but I'm not sure where to go/launch. Any help with your opinion or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Kurt

First thing, is to know when the seasons are-  http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/creel/halibut/pugetsound.htm

Puget Sound won't be open till Monday, April 9, so nobody's been out (I hope )

Next is locations: I wouldn't bother trying south of Pt. No Point/ Possession area, and much prefer going out to at least the Eastern Straits. (Port Townsend-Sequim) Last year, Fishin-T and I went out to Dungeness Spit, for the opener (it was a Sunday). You can read the gruesome details here- well I can't find the report,  here or on ncka.  Lost in the new program switch? The short story is that I hooked a fish, but lost it when it blew THROUGH the bag on my net.

In general look for areas with sand and gravel bottoms, from 70-300' deep. You'll want an area that gets a good tidal currant, but on a day, or time, when the current isn't too strong. So, the next step is to check the tides- http://www.dairiki.org/tides/daily.php/jua/2007-04-14 Look for long periods where the currents are less than 2 knots. On the 14th, you'll be good for 5 hours, or so.

Expect to use at least 8oz., and some times up to 24(!!!), when fishing deep in currents and wind. Keep it bumping on the bottom. A spreader helps to reduce tangles.

I'll be on the west side (I live in Eastern Washington) over Memorial weekend; fishing the Strait. Hopefully, Floatin Cowboy (and others) will want to hookup. Maybe we can spend a day going for a derby winner! http://www.swainsinc.com/storeframe.html?store/halibut_derby.html~mainFrame

Pisco, that trip was before NWKA was set up so no report here.  I couldn't find it on NCKA either, but finally tracked it down on KFS ... http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6201062061/m/9921012612

I recall you doing some scouting on getting to Partridge Bank from the west side of Whidbey.  Do you remember the details?

-Allen

Pisco had such a nice description of Partridge Point that I split it off and put it in a newly created board called Launch Spots.

The topic is here ...  Patridge Point, West Whidbey Island

-Allen

Thanks Pisco, Allen,
Very good info about being north of point no point and I loved that link to launch sites. Pisco, I can just imagine launching at a surf spot with high winds, Woohoo! I have a few good launch sites I'll have to add.
I've narrowed down my launch site to either Fort Flagler or Point Wilson (Fort Worden). Fort Worden looks like the most logical with either side of the point offering protection from too much current or winds.
As far as Memorial Day weekend, I'll be attending a friends wedding in Leavenworth. I've rented a cabin near fish lake with the possibility of some free time to drop a line.

Anyone else have any input of Puget Souond Halibut stories past?

Kurt

Pisco whats your xperiance with Freshwater bay and salt creek area. I was out there the other day with the kids and Freshwater looks like a really good launch area. I am going to try it for sure for lings. There were some divers there spear fishing and had a bunch of perch and a greenling.
P.S. Allen these guys said the area was full of urchin so I may give it a try after I get a dive suit and weights. OH ya! I am in PA now. All is good.
Matt

Congrats on the move, Matt. I'm a little envious! 

I use to fish out of Freshwater Bay for salmon; I haven't tried it for lings or halibut. It does get a fair amount of pressure, so I don't think I would expect a lot of it. I would check the regs- I recall some kind of closure in or near the bay. It is a nice and easy launch site. How close to it are you?

I don't think I've ever stopped at Salt Creek; I am curious about it and could easily be talked in to checking it out over Memorial. I've heard that the campground is nice. It's supposed to be a productive fishing area. The general rule of fishing on the OP is, the farther west, the better. Areas away from launches and ports are going to have less pressure.

I think that freshwater will be a good spot to help get you out and for the local fair of fish. The guys that were diving walked out around the point to the left as you face the water from the launch. He said ther is another little cove around the corner and is good for perch and such. I am about 10 minutes from there. Salt creek is just down the road from there. I think that I will check it out maybe this weekend... will see what mama has in store for me.
Matt