Memorial Day Weekend Halibut

I was just checking that out. I've been worried that there might not be space once we got out there. I even pm'ed Matt to check in to Salt Creek. I like the Clallam County parks that I've seen, but they have no reservation system; it's all first-come, first-serve. I first stayed at Dungeness Spit as kid, 30+ years ago. Not reserving space on Memorial Weekend seems risky, to me. http://www.clallam.net/CountyParks/html/parks_dungeness.htm
Salt Creek looks cool; I've been interested in the structure off-shore. http://www.clallam.net/CountyParks/html/parks_saltcreek.htm

I think our best bet is Sequim Bay State Park. It's not the closest to the areas I want to fish, but they do take reservations. I was surprised to see that there are still a dozen or so sites still available, for the entire weekend. The lower loop sites are either ADA restricted or don't allow tents. I am reserving an upper loop site, #30, Fri- Sun. nights. Oh, most of the sites allow 2 vehicles, so we can double up. There will be an extra vehicle fee of $10 . I highly recommend making reservations soon. http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Sequim+Bay&pageno=1

I' m thinking about bringing my little trailer. With it, and my Element, 4 of us could do a longish day trip and save gas costs.

Last year at this time there were good schools of black bass in the kelp right outside Snow Creek.  They were easy pickings on a trolled kastmaster.  I'm sure we'll find some of the same action this time around.  So I was thinking of bringing a bug rod ... but the problem is, I don't have a suitable one.  So let's hear it, what are your recommendations on a reasonable setup (rod, reel, line, flies) for the salt.  Let's make it something versatile that's good on the blacks, but will also work well for silvers and pinks.

Any other choices further east for camping?  I'm mentally reserving Sunday to head far east and hit the kelp somewhere between Sekiu and Neah Bay.  There are so many pullouts along that stretch that I've never explored.

Perhaps floatin cowboy can act as scout and grab some primo spots for us.  What do you think Matt?

-Allen

So I was thinking of bringing a bug rod ... but the problem is, I don't have a suitable one.  So let's hear it, what are your recommendations on a reasonable setup (rod, reel, line, flies) for the salt.

I would probably look at an 8wt outfit. You could probably get away with a 6wt for the blacks and small salmon, but there's a decent chance of hooking up with a ling or king, and then the heavy rod will be appreciated. It's also easier to find a good variety of lines for that kind of fishing in the 8wt.

Any other choices further east for camping?  I'm mentally reserving Sunday to head far east and hit the kelp somewhere between Sekiu and Neah Bay.  There are so many pullouts along that stretch that I've never explored.

Uhh, you do mean west, right?

I've been thinking along the same line, just doing it as a daytrip. The halibut in my avatar was caught after launching from one of those pullouts, a few miles east of Snow Creek. I've driven that stretch a few times, and the best kelp forests seem to be to the west.

I could be talked to canceling my reservations at Sequim Bay. I'm willing to bet a couple of us could get away with sleeping at the pullouts, but a big group might attract too much attention. Anybody else want to chime in?

Uh yes, I was thinking west, but my fingers typed east.   

Come to think of it, I have a old 6 wt. somewhere, although the reel is not saltwater worthy.  Any suggestions on a reasonably priced reel and line for the salt?  I don't want to invest too much as my fly fishing can be considered "play time" for me.

-Allen

Okuma make some budget priced reels, and some real nice ones.

Lines are the heart of a fly outfit, and I don't recommend scrimping there. I like Rio lines and for out there, or the Seattle area beaches, I'd recommend a sinktip. You can get a variety of lengths and densities, depending on who deep you want to go.

Hohoho, I've caught another one!

Not a halibut, but another fisherman. A co-worker is coming over with me. John has fished (and hunted) and paddled (has been an Outward Bound instructor), but hasn't really pulled it all together. He's got access to a SIK in PT, but I, unhh, umm, told him it was likely he could borrow an SOT. He's got paddles and exposure gear, and I'm loaning him a suitable rod and reel (and I better add a leash). I'm hoping that one of you can rescue us!!?

Well, you know I have an extra yak, but I'd like to hold it for someone who may be in a try-before-you-buy situation.  I only have 1 extra yak this year, at least until the June timeframe when I'm supposed to get a fancy new yak.  So ... I'll hold my extra open for a bit longer to see if someone wants to take advantage of this.  Although if your friend John fits this, it's his to borrow.  First come first serve.

Bill, the question is if we have a kayak for you to use?

-Allen

Ja, I have no idea if this is to be a regular thing for John, or a lark. I do know that he has a wife and two young daughters, and that they are trying to build a house, in the near future. Tools and materials are a priority for them.

As for me, I got a wife in grad school, 3 kids with the oldest getting her DL and starting Running Start next year(and is 2 years from college), and I'm planning at returning to school, after Kristi. It's going to be tough coming up with dough for a yak, anytime soon. BTW, when I am in the market, I'll be looking at the Cobra Expedition, Cobra Tourer, and OK Prowler 15  (if they're still in production).

Bill, Bill, Bill ... you are our adopted row boating brother!  If I ever have a free kayak, it's yours to use regardless.   

-Allen

I guess this means that I'm an "oarphan". 

So ... who's going to this?

Looks like I'm headed over on Friday.  I fly into Seattle on the first flight of the day, then home to pack up, and on the road before the traffic starts.  I'm heading back on Sunday night, but I'll take off after a full day of fishing.     I'm booked to head back to India on Monday.

BTW, it looks like MA5 opens for butts on May 24th, which is right before the weekend.  I'm thinking that's where we should fish.  Later in the spring the butts are pushing out from the inner Strait anyway. I've always wanted to launch at the mouth of the Sekiu River to Kydaka Point area.  This is the very eastern end of MA 5.

Are we still thinking of camping at Dungeness Spit or shall we try to get a spot further east?  BTW, we don't need to camp on the water.  How about Bear Creek or Klahowya campgrounds along 101 before the Sappho cutoff to Clallam Bay?

Pisco, no one has laid claim to my extra kayak.  So it's free for your buddy.

-Allen

Or another idea ... we can push through to Hobuck's.  I just got an email about this.  Every memorial day a lot of sea kayakers congregate there for an informal opening day.  I recalled some past years' stories and it sounds like a lot of fun.  If anything we can have a bunch of SIK-ers "coaching" us on our surf skills.

Just throwing out some options.  But I'll do whatever you all want to do.

-Allen

D'oh, Hobuck??!! I'd have to push my co-worker out your yak, so that I could use it. No way I want to be stuck on the beach, in my rowboat(again), watching everybody else paddle off in to the distance.

Sat. the 26th, is the scheduled 6th day of the halibut season for MA4. That's IF the season lasts that long. I think we should keep an eye on that. If everything, including the weather, looks good, I'm all for N.B.

If we're not going to Sequim Bay, I'd love to cancel the $69.00 in reservations.

I'm in, and so far, so is my co-worker, though he's catching some flack at home. His wife is caring for a 9 month old, and a toddler, and then he tried to add some kind of weekend job of his. I'm going to have to school him on the subtleties of WAF. In any case I won't get to the peninsula till late Friday/ early Sat.

As for preferences, should Hobuck/Neah Bay not pan out; I've had good luck at the west end, in MA4, and on the east end in MA6. Kydaka looks good, but just didn't pan out the one time I tried it.

As you can tell, I'm all for heading as far west as we can.  What do you others think?

-Allen

My family and I our going to stay at salt creek and camp for a couple days. So I am gona stay there and launch from cresent beach and just fish around that area. Spend the time with the family.
Matt