San Juan Island

Pitch Pocket · 04-19-2001, 06:48 AM

Anybody ever fish/crab/recreate in the San Juans with their sled? Taking the family July 8-11 to Roche Harbor and looking for suggestions. Crabbing, Bottom fishing, salmon??? 19' VS with pump is not a SeaSport or Olympic, but it's a fishing/crabbing machine. Any ideas?

rcl187 · 04-19-2001, 08:05 AM

just about anywhere you go you should be able to find bottomfish. If its sheer numbers you want and aren't going for anything over 5lbs or so then I'd suggest using trout rods and casting small jigs with rubber worms into the kelp and rocky areas. This can produce as many greenling and copper rockfish as your willing to reel in. Since your bringing the family this will atleast keep them excited. I think crabs can be found in most of the bays with sandy bottoms, it would help to get a chart and plan your trip before you even get to the water.

BellBuoy · 04-19-2001, 08:43 AM

We haven't been up in years but we used to do excellent crabbing in Fisherman Bay on Lopez Island.
A good chart of the Islands is a great idea not only for getting around but for safety there are some nasty reefs around the islands. Best to know where they are. Also good places to look for bottom fish. Locals were always helpful to us on the salmon fishing: silvers, pinks, chinook, and sockeye ask what's happening and what's working.
One other thing you might consider is there are books wriiten on the islands check book stores or tackle/boating shops for one.
Have a great vacation its beautiful up there.
Jim

Phish_on · 04-19-2001, 09:45 AM

Lounging around on the dock drinking beer !
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I've heard you can scoop up shrimp at night if you hang a lantern over the side. I have not done this...

My dad used to go to the Canadian San Juans and row the dinghy ashore and slurp down oysters ... if you like that sort of thing.

Crabby 2 · 04-19-2001, 12:19 PM

Hi SJP and Ifishers,

I've had the pleasure of vacationing on Westcott Bay, which is close to Roche Harbor. The crabbing is excellent! check the regulations on whether traps are ok, or if rings are required. There is an oyster farm near the entrance of Westcott Bay, so if you are concerned about red tide, or demoic acid, you can depend on their information. Their oysters are sized and of course delicious. You also can purchase shrimp nets for the kids and yourself at the general store in Roche Harbor. It beats TV at night! Be sure to visit English Camp,too.

Dale

bajaspecial · 04-19-2001, 01:53 PM

Anyone fish the lakes on Friday Harbor? Will be up there next weekend.

Hawgwash · 04-19-2001, 02:00 PM

Had much success for stocked trout trolling with an electric motor using very small flashers (kokanee rig) with 6'leader connected to a small green frog hotshot. Chrome super dupers worked also. Down only 5-10' Good luck!

Pitch Pocket · 04-20-2001, 07:11 AM

Thanks for your replies. I'll grab a book and I already have the chart for the islands. I'm really looking forward to the trip.

AngleThis · 04-20-2001, 02:58 PM

San Juans?

They are on our itenerary this summer also; I finally finished the boat. I/we also are scuba divers/underwater hunters, requiring another boat or someone in ours when we go down. (You won't believe how I do with a high powered spear gun as apposed to rod and reel, and eyes under the water beat the heck out of a fishfinder) Hence we are looking for someone to floatila. Besides there is safety in numbers. Are you interested?

DC

Pitch Pocket · 04-21-2001, 07:19 AM

You bet! Anyone else planning to be there July 8-11?