posted 03-21-2007 06:11 PM ET (US)        

Lets review:

In 2005 we did it at Dockton County Park on Vashon Island. This was a winner in terms of the facility, but many found it to be too far south from Seattle.

In 2006, we did it at Mystery Bay State Park on Marrowstone Island near Port Townsend. This facility was nice but not as nice, and many found it to be too far north from Seattle.

In the past it's been done at Blake Island State Park, but finding dock space was difficult to impossible on summer weekends, though the shoreside facilities are excellent and proximity to Seattle and central location makes it convenient for many.

I think the lesson from last year is that we need to determine the location early and stick with it. We attempted to accomodate people who ended up not showing up. I certainly don't want to go and make any executive decisions, but I don't want to spend three months deciding like last year.

I'm going to suggest that we have it somewhere central like Blake Island, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Poulsbo, Bainbridge or Gig Harbor. I would also not be opposed to somewhere on Lake Union or Lake Washington.

My personal vote is for Gig Harbor. Partially because that's where I'm coming from, but mostly because moorage at both Jersich Park and the Tides Tavern are free, and there are plenty of shoreside activities for spouses, and children. The boat launch is free and in good condition, and I can provide off-street parking. There are no ferries or tolls required to get there for those towing, and it's a short enough run from Seattle to be convenient, but long enough to be fun. It's actually a shorter trip from Seattle than Dockton both by car and by boat.

posted 03-21-2007 09:33 PM ET (US)            

Gig Harbor sounds OK to me.

posted 03-23-2007 05:01 PM ET (US)            

My family and I did enjoy last years get together. I think that either of the two locations would be fun. I have not been to Gig Harbor in a long time and never by boat. We have new beach house on Whidbey Island so Deception pass could be fun as well.

As with all get together's timing is everything. Location is less important to me than the date this takes place.

Thanks

posted 03-24-2007 09:46 AM ET (US)            

It's in the center of the Islands and a shot ride from Launch at Anacortes.

posted 03-25-2007 12:28 PM ET (US)            

http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/bigphoto.asp?id=ISL0305

posted 03-26-2007 04:18 AM ET (US)            

You know that shoreline photo was in 1993
a lot has changed in 14 years

posted 03-30-2007 06:13 PM ET (US)            

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=cornet+bay&sll=37.0625,-95. 677068&sspn=45.822921,77.695313&layer=&ie=UTF8&z=16&ll=48.398551,-122. 628279&spn=0.006824,0.019956&t=h&om=1

If so, that looks great. I've never been to Deception Pass and have always wanted to. Could someone specify where exactly we are to meet? Where is the best place to launch? Directions/maps would be helpful.

From what people are saying it sounds like late June/early July are best for the most people. Given that we don't want to conflict with people's Fourth of July plans (a Wednesday), which could fall either on the weekend of the 30th/1st or the 7th/8th, that leaves us with the following options:

June 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th July 14th, 15th.

It seems to me that a Saturday is best in case people want to make an overnight out of it. Leaving June 16th, or 23rd, and July 14th.

posted 03-31-2007 01:19 AM ET (US)            

Parking?
Launch fee?
Can we secure a spot? Picnic area, dock space, and overnight on the boat or off.

Map?, Jeez, you just go across Deception Pass Bridge onto the North end of Whidbey Island, hang a left at the first light, and the road ends at the launch, right?

What I know about Cornet is 30 years old. I just cruise on by it. It is under the jurisdiction of Deception Pass State Park. Has a good launch and dock, or at least it did 30 years ago. It is protected, but I have never spent the night. There are some other, just OK spots to anchor on the inside, off Skagit and Hope. It’s safe, just exposed if the wind comes out of the North, which would be rare.

It is a very diverse boating area. You got Deception Pass and don’t forget about Canoe, out into the bottom of Rosario and open water. You can scoot up to Skyline or over to Hunter Bay on Lopez. Then you got the inside which is protected and has been filled in by the Skagit River. You got the Swinomish Slough, La Conner, and the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, motto: Pardon our noise; it’s the sound of freedom, which can be very, very cool. Actually, the base is kind of on both sides.

The only weekend I can not do it is June 23-24 John

posted 04-02-2007 02:19 PM ET (US)            

Doing it in June is looking better for me. The wedding I was worried about actually isn't until September, so that's a non-issue.

posted 04-04-2007 11:22 AM ET (US)            

[url] http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF1404.jpg[/url]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF1403.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF1405.jpg

Cornet is off to your right from the little island

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF1413.jpg

and if you are worried about the Pass, you can always just row thru it like these guys. It would be a different story if they were going the other way

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF1416.jpg

posted 04-04-2007 11:28 AM ET (US)            

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF1404.jpg

posted 04-04-2007 10:24 PM ET (US)            

1145 feet of docks and double that if we rafted.

posted 04-05-2007 05:29 PM ET (US)            

Is this open to folks in general or is specific to a certain bunch of WA folks. I live just north of Bellingham and would be interested in participating if possible.

Thanks, Mike

posted 04-05-2007 08:50 PM ET (US)            

This is our first rendezvous, just keep watching this thread, if you have ideas, post them. If it works out for you, bring your boat & come on down.

posted 04-06-2007 12:49 PM ET (US)            

And, for the record, this is not our first rendezvous. We've had several in the past few years, and I believe several in the years before that.

posted 04-09-2007 09:53 PM ET (US)            

You got a 7.1 flood on June 16th at 2:00pm. Floods are better.

You always have to watch the currents in the Pass, and the slough kind of marches to it's own drummer. The slough can snort right along, both ways.

posted 04-10-2007 02:31 PM ET (US)            

If we're going to do it at Cornet Bay, we need to pick a date that doesn't have huge tidal swings.

posted 04-10-2007 03:02 PM ET (US)            

I lived on a Catalina 30 in Shelter Bay {La-Conner)for a couple of years. I had to do the slough every time and the Pass I did most of the time, unless it was a 7 knot going the wrong way and I was going to be there at max. The Catalina had an Atomic 4. It only did 7 knots.

The picture I posted of the guys rowing thru, actually, there were two boats rowing, was on a 6.5 knot flood about 2 hours after max. John

Look at the current table

http://www.dairiki.org/tides/monthly.php/dec

posted 04-11-2007 11:34 AM ET (US)            

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Jzaborsk/blake108.jpg

posted 04-12-2007 02:07 PM ET (US)            

I am not at all concerned about the slough or it's entrances at low tide. The only concern I have is the launch at Cornet. I am not familar with Cornet Bay at low tide.

posted 04-12-2007 10:40 PM ET (US)            

mk

posted 04-19-2007 07:26 PM ET (US)            

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/cornet005.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/cornet004.jpg

The float area at low tide,

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/cornet006.jpg

The Revenge could have got in at Cornet without getting the hubs wet.

The north end of the slough launch, and a shot of the slough to the north. I would have waited here to launch the Revenge.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/cornet008.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/cornet010.jpg

posted 04-20-2007 01:13 PM ET (US)            

I know this much, I will attend either day. But if we do it the weekend of the 9th (Saturday or Sunday), my S/O can not attend. If I want her to go, it has to be the 16th or 17th. My preference would be to do it on a Saturday for those that plan to only attend one day. Those that wish to spend the night can then make it a two day affair.

posted 04-20-2007 02:19 PM ET (US)            

Never been in a Sport Boat on the Sound. All I know is what I see on the charts & photo's. Cornet looks like a great place to break in.
Great pics John. thanks.

ON TIDES.
I work with tides every day. Moored chip barges run aground briefly at low tide depending on the draft of the barge, size of the tide, location etc. It is my job to deliver the barge to the unloading site ASAP. Yeah, like watching paint dry, I watch tides rise and fall almost daily.

While a minus tide may seem to cause complications, the further it drops, the faster it comes in.
Example; A tide swing takes 6 hr 15 minutes.
A low going from -3.0 to a 12 high = 15 ft or approx 2 ft of rise PER HOUR. Knowing I need +4 to move a 12 ft draft barge, I need to be on station, ready to rock n roll 2.5 hours past book low.

Seems to me, launching boats at Cornet ramp faces a similar situation. The summer solstice is June 23, 07. Longest day of the year.
Sunrise is 0523, sunset is 2110 (9:10 pm). Half moon.
Point is, we have long days all month, more time to be patient with the tide situations.

Looking at Johns photo's @ -3.1, Id guess that ramp is set up to accomodate lauching around 0 - +1.5 and above depending on how big your boat is. Thus, lauching could be somewhat limited a hour before and hour after book low @ Cornet.

Peter; I totally respect your concerns with the limitations of a 13 in that area. Id bet the pass runs like...well, a swift river during max ebb. Im more concerned with the wind that typically kicks up during large tide/temp swings in the afternoon. If you feel you need to return or find shelter, I'll be right there with ya.

posted 04-20-2007 06:25 PM ET (US)            

The chart I'm looking at for the 16th says there's a 7.1 knot flood at 2pm. Slack should be at 6pm. By 8:30, it will be a 6.8 knot ebb.

These, of course, are for in the pass itself. But those definitely indicate a HUGE swing for the day. If I were to want to poke my head out through the pass in the early afternoon, I'd be doing so in about the worse possible conditions, save for an ebb current of the same magnitude.

On the 9th, they're about the same times, but the currents are in the 5.x knot range.

Still, the 16th works a little better for me, assuming I WANT to go to Spokane for a BBQ with my g/f on the 9th.

posted 04-22-2007 05:38 AM ET (US)            

Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible

F 15 Low 12:02 AM 7.5 5:08 AM Rise 5:06 AM 0
15 High 4:28 AM 10.1 9:13 PM Set 10:38 PM
15 Low 11:59 AM -3.6
15 High 7:41 PM 10.9

Sa 16 Low 12:59 AM 7.4 5:08 AM Rise 6:17 AM 0
16 High 5:17 AM 9.7 9:14 PM Set 11:20 PM
16 Low 12:44 PM -3.4
16 High 8:25 PM 10.9

Su 17 Low 1:55 AM 7.1 5:08 AM Rise 7:37 AM 4
17 High 6:09 AM 9.3 9:14 PM Set 11:50 PM
17 Low 1:30 PM -2.9
17 High 9:07 PM 10.9

M 18 Low 2:51 AM 6.7 5:08 AM Rise 8:56 AM 9
18 High 7:04 AM 8.6 9:15 PM
18 Low 2:16 PM -2.0
18 High 9:47 PM 10.7

posted 04-22-2007 05:58 AM ET (US)            

I hope my 94 17 ft Outrage is sold by then and the 19 ft Guardian will be "operational".
I miss my shop so bad (it and a 89 Divemaster burned last Sept), Contractors are waiting for permits and weather.

In a pinch, I guess I could bring the SeaSport and beg for mercy. Hey, may not be a BW but at least it was built in the Puget Sound area with BW quality inspiration.

posted 04-24-2007 01:18 PM ET (US)            

I checked out moorage in La Conner, in case we wanted to go visit. The town has 3 docks, but they charge .50 cents a foot. It does not matter if you are there for 5 minutes or 24 hours. The Port docks, just North of town, have a 4 hour free moorage window. http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/bigphoto.asp?id=SKA0613

posted 04-24-2007 11:00 PM ET (US)            

B

posted 04-25-2007 11:03 AM ET (US)            

So if people want to stay at LaConner for lunch or something, I am sure we can raft a few.

Plus, I don't recall them being so stringent with the moorage. If you just want to stay for a hour or two, I have never had much of a problem.

We used to stop at the dock closer to town and go for lunch quite often ...

Scott

posted 04-25-2007 07:06 PM ET (US)            

You do have to be careful there though, because it's a little tricky coming into those docks with the current. If you're going to be there through a tide change, it's smart to rig up a line from the outboard side on the stern to keep the stern in when the current switches directions. Also critical then, is making sure that your spring lines are very securely fastened and oversized if possible, because they will take a lot of strain. I usually double them up so that they form two X's along the side of the boat. One forward, and one aft.

I'm looking forward to it. It will be myself, my girlfriend, and hopefully my friend (kquistorff, an occasional poster here) and his wife. We will be in my 13' and his 15'.

posted 04-27-2007 02:49 AM ET (US)            

What is it like?

The reason I ask...if the ebb is something worth experiancing SAFELY, I would schedule my trip to be there Friday night or Sat am in order to be in the passage around 10 am. Hell, I might just take my boat out of gear, feet on the dash, dangle a herring and DRIFT down thru taking photos.

Thereafter, cigars, cheese whiz & plunder LaConner or any port in a storm.

posted 04-27-2007 03:37 PM ET (US)            

I feared the Pass might have the capability of resembling the Columbia River Bar at times. Sounds more like Garrison Rapids below Bonniville during freshets.
Eddies also collect fish, can be fun to mooch. I will be checking the WDFW Regs later and post.

It is interesting the reciprical low tide in that area is very high.
The Saturday evening high is around 2030 and the Sunday AM BOOK LOW is +7.1 @ 0155. If that is correct (?), looks like almost any boat can go anywhere they want between 1400 Saturday and dusk (2200ish).

I guess it has something to do with the geography and ability of high tide to flush itself twice within a 25 hr cycle.

Its a 4 hr trip up there...maybe 5 on Friday or Saturday morn of that weekend. This makes bringing the SeaSport (warm dry bunk) tempting.

posted 04-27-2007 06:49 PM ET (US)            

http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/bigphoto.asp?id=SKA0478

posted 04-29-2007 12:35 AM ET (US)            

I guess a June wedding in the NW is excusable.

My Daughtor knows I will not attend ANY Wedding in July or August because the NW weather (outdoor activities) has a higher priority for me. They can get married anytime during the other 10 months & I will be there.

posted 05-01-2007 12:40 AM ET (US)            

Looking at the chart...
Rosario Beach is just N of Rosario Head.
48'25.183 N
122'39.784 W

Rosario Beach appears to be a little cove on the north west side of Rosario Head.
Approx 1.3 miles NW of Deception Pass Bridge as the crow flies.

posted 05-01-2007 04:34 PM ET (US)            

http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/bigphoto.asp?id=SKA0468

posted 05-09-2007 07:35 PM ET (US)            

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/photos/photo.asp?PhotoID=126136

posted 05-12-2007 01:55 AM ET (US)            

The only time Ive ever gotten up that early to go BOATING, I was either getting paid or going fishing.

Man, I wish I would have finished that last year of Law School. This is to say I want you to know, I spent considerable time trying to figure out the following;
Area 6, 9, 8-1 & 8-2...bottom fishing closes June 15.
All Puget Sound crabbing is CLOSED until further notice.
Please correct me if I am wrong. Tell me it isnt so!!

Well, other than Sturgeon...which I love to catch and smoke, there is not much going on in the Columbia in June either so the 2 hr cruise may be a nice run.

I should put together a late August mouth of the Columbia Rendevous/Salmon Tournament/Fish Fry/Clam Bake/Crab Feed/ Oyster shucking & Beer chugging contest.
It's too late, every Motel & campsite on the Peninsula is booked for Aug.

mk

posted 05-12-2007 11:26 AM ET (US)            

From Shilshole Bay to Deception Pass along the West side of Whidbey is 46 mi and up the East side of the island it's about 52 miles. You can launch at Elliott Bay, Shilshole Bay or sling it in at Edmonds. Join us if you can...

posted 05-12-2007 12:50 PM ET (US)            

If you see a black Ford dually sitting in a boat launch parking lot with a Whaler hooked to the back & nobody around...
wake me up.

posted 06-01-2007 12:55 PM ET (US)            

My only Son is a great kid. School hasnt been easy for him. You cant believe the "temptations" he has encountered and resisted.
June 16 (HS Graduation) is a big day for both of us.
So, I wont make it to the PNW Redezvous 2007.

The good news...I plan to spend the entire summer sport fishing out of Ilwaco Wa in a 24ft Seasport. I have purchased Dads double wide next to my RV lot in Seaview and will be turning it into a beach house/fishing camp all summer. When you guys get tired of getting skunked up there, give me a call.

The Ocean opens July 1, Buoy 10 opens Aug 1st.
ilwacowashington.com/
My 19 will stay near Kelso to catch Kings (freshwater anchor fishing) thruout Sept.

posted 06-02-2007 02:17 PM ET (US)            

I can make it Sunday, no prob.
Im seriously considering bringing a couple crab pots and move down to Area 6 somewhere (any suggestions?) Monday.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=may3107a

posted 06-08-2007 02:06 AM ET (US)            

Curious tho, as frustrating as the FWS Rules are, I am careful and know better than to pass on FWS info without a reference. I spent quite awhile checking and THAT is why I posted the link, and now... it doesnt open.
Im sure it read June 18th opener for Area 6.
My birthday.
Whatever, it clearly reads the 27th now.
thx.

Shad are running like crazy here now. My 19 is supposed to be ready for sea trials Weds and I need it to fill the freezer with crab bait (shad)...and if it runs as good as I expect it to, Deception Point Sunday.

FYI, Columbia River sport crabbing is open year round.
12 males per person. Oregon FWS basically controls the Columbia River fishery.

mike

posted 06-10-2007 01:00 AM ET (US)            

We had a southerly blow today, rainin sideways, we bagged it (SeaSport) & came home...everyone has Graduation parties this weekend and next. My Guardian isnt going to be ready for the Rendezvous.
Your question is a big reason Ive tried my best to get up there.

Ive never crabbed in the Puget Sound so I cant really tell you if its "any good" down here or not.
5 crab Puget Sound limit doesnt get me too excited, BUT, if they are ALL moss back restaurant quality monsters, I may change my opinion.

Down here, basically, I like to take 4 good sized pots, 4 persons.
Drop pots in the bay and then go salmon fishing in the ocean.
If we dont limit out our salmon within 4 hours, the fishing is lousy. July - Aug, I would say the bay crabbing is good, but not the best. It is good because I expect to bring in 25, 5-3/4" or bigger males that are a little bit soft shell and not quite full but taste great.
This is in addition to salmon limits. Sometimes we get downright drunk cleaning fish and cooking crab afterwords.

On "butterfly days" (as opposed to bluebird days) with strong backs in the crew, I might take a couple pots outside and then, you bet, crabbing is good. But, that's kind of the disqualifier of Columbia River crabbing, I cant guarantee you or my guests that we will be able to get outside to crab. If you do go outside, you need longer ropes. & now that you have longer ropes, a big swell will "drag" a sport pot & it wont fish unless you add weight.

The SeaSport (new to me) has a electric crab puller so I may rig a couple of 150 ft ropes for ocean pots. You can get by with 40 ft ropes in the river. In the Ocean, IF you run towards the beach to get into shallow water (shorter ropes), then you need heavier pots or the swell/tide will pick em up and they dont fish.

Whether crabbing down here is good or not is a bit of a quandry.
Feb - June, steelhead & springers (river).
June - July, its all sturgeon & shad.
July - Sept, salmon/tuna have the priority,
in all cases, pickin up crab on the way back is a bonus.
Oct - Dec, bay crabbing gets a priority...Id guess, as good or better than Sound crab. Usually lots of BIG full males with every pick. My guess is that the crab smell the remnants of the spawn and move into the river. Most of the sporties stay home & watch ball games = more crab for me.

mk

posted 06-10-2007 01:09 AM ET (US)            

that is soo good.

Ever try using a Traeger smoke cooker?

http://www.traegergrills.com/

Dad has one.
I want one.

mk

posted 06-10-2007 08:48 PM ET (US)            

I think the type of smoker is less important then the brining and creating a good pellicle on the surface of the fish before smoking. And of course the type of wood sure helps…………Bob

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n111/Skipjack-17/2005_0503Image0017. jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n111/Skipjack-17/2005_0511Image0020. jpg

posted 06-11-2007 02:11 PM ET (US)            

When fishing in South Sound, 90% of what you get is Red Rock crab. They're plentiful, and although the meat is harder to get out of the shell, much of it is just as good. Most days I limit on them in a few hours. I do this regularly even when sticking to the 6.25" minimum that applies only to Dungeness and tossing back females (which are tecnically keepers). Dungeness so far have all been very small and juvenile. This year, I'll be heading to deeper water (2-400') to see if they are out there. I believe they are.

Central Sound produces more dungeness in the right spots. However, the fishing pressure is strong and if you don't get out there early on opening day, there isn't much left over.

I've never crabbed in North Sound or the Straights, but I hear it's great.

The San Juans is some of the best crabbing I've ever encountered. Again, water over 100' seems to be much more productive. This would be the only place I've ever hit my limit. Many many people keep their pots in water under 50' since that's the length of line most stores sell with their pots. By stepping up to 200' lines, I've found I can do much better by setting my pots out away from the crowds. The crab are mostly legal sized and never soft-shell. Some great spots are Blind Bay on Shaw Island (outside the bay, to the west of the ferry landing-be sure you're out of it's approach course), and anywhere around Spencer Spit (I had good luck on the south side). A lot of people crab Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island. When we arrived, I asked the dockmaster where he recommended. He said that most people fish the inside of the bay, but he said that simply dropping your pots directly off the boat in the dock yielded good results. So, I tried one pot off the boat, and one inside the mouth. But my instincts told me to try a couple outside the mouth, as deep as I could get. The two pots inside the bay yielded nothing but jeveniles, mostly rock crab. The pots outside the bay (totally alone, by the way) were packed with legal Dungeness.

Everything I've read about dungeness crab says that they mate in the shallow estuaries in the spring, but retreat to the deep the rest of the year, particularely true of the males. They like the warmer water for mating, but prefer water in the 40's the rest of the time. The juveniles stay in the shallow warm water until they are nearly full grown. It seems to me that the habits of most Puget Sound crabbers are built around catching them when they're in shallow in the spring because, historically, this has been allowed. Now, smaller crab are off-limits, and the season doesn't open until June or July (depending on the area). In my opinion, if what you want is big, adult, male Dungeness, your best bet is deep water (they reportedly live as deep as 1,200') and long soak times (12-24 hours). My guess is that in the ocean off the Washington and Oregon coastline in several hundred feet of water is probably where you'll find the most large crab. The cold deep water is great and the fishing pressure is relatively low. The estuaries available for mating are large and still in their natural state. However, it doesn't surprise me to learn that fishing in those estuaries produces abundant, but small or soft-shell crab.

Puget Sound, by contrast, has protected, and easily accessible deep, cold water. However, the estuaries are smaller, with less natural breeding habitat, and the fishing pressure is very high. So, while the crab are harder to find, they will tend to be larger than what you might catch in the Columbia, but not as large as what you would get offshore.

posted 06-11-2007 02:22 PM ET (US)            

1. It's more about the meat than the equipment
2. Everyone has different taste and will prepare their meat accordingly

This was a ribs and chicken event, so there was no fish, but I would imagine the Traeger smokers would do a nice job on Salmon.

posted 06-17-2007 04:39 PM ET (US)            

We had a great time & enjoyed meeting everybody. Unfortunately we had to leave early due to getting word of Peggy's father's death. We had an easy run back to Gig Harbor, made in just under 3 hours.