Halibut hill, the return ..........

Pilar · 03-24-2003, 08:31 AM

Hey everybody. I'm copying Ray's great idea to get the planning out of the way early. So far I have only a few fishers on for this May halibut derby. These include my Mate, Southpaw, Puffin's Crew and a few others.

I figure to be on the Sea Lion one day, May 8, so there will be a total of 10 angler days with maybe 4 of them not spoken for.

Is there anyone who has not had the chance to chase the flat white/black fish?

I supply know how and some tackle, you will need your own rod and reel. Any contributions to halibut tackle or fresh herring or greenling for bait would be a good contribution. Expenses would be shared much as my friend Ray has explained in his post. My boat is small but I can take 3 on a trip in relative comfort. May is not the best weather month but any day that is reasonable I will be out on the Big Blue looking for FB.

Right now I need any volunteers for the Halibut slaughter to say so and what days are possible. I will post a crew list as it shapes up. E-mail or post here.

BTW I tend to take the same people most of the time so anyone who wants in on TUNA days this is a great way to get on the crew.

Thanking you in advance.

[ 03-24-2003, 10:39 AM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

Tacklebuster · 03-24-2003, 08:47 AM

Pilar,
I would love the chance at chasing some Halibut. I am inexperienced at best but I learn fast. I have wanted to go the last couple of years but wasn't real comfortable in taking my sled out that far. I have gone out about 10 to 12 miles but that's about it. I have most of the tackle needed (couple of ugly's, Penn 320's, good deck hand skills, expense money). I have fished halibut off Deep Creek and Homer while stationed in Alaska in the Army but am still a virgin off the Oregon Coast.

Thanks,
Chris

skein · 03-24-2003, 09:18 AM

Nice offer, Pilar, thanks.

I, like you, only make up one member of a two-person team, the other being my mate, Janis. She's sea-worthy, a good fisherman, and has actually caught more halibut than I have. We've not fished for them off the Oregon coast however, and would like to go. We're also thinking it would be a good shake-down for our upcoming tuna trips - learning some about weather-watching, navigation, and communication with our brothers on The Blue.

We've got gear and gas-money, and make a pretty good team at both the wash-down area and the fillet station.

Sure would like to get out with somebody early on.

Skein

seasquid · 03-24-2003, 09:33 AM

Hey Pilar, or any other experienced Newport halibut fisherpeople,

Is there any reason to think the Pile might be holding halibut in May. I have never fished the May halibut season out of Newport (always Garibaldi), but will this year. I'm thinking the Chicken Ranch is where I will be headed.

ss

Pilar · 03-24-2003, 09:38 AM

Tacklebuster, there's a killer reef named after you north of Depoe bay by the Casino. Tell me what days you could go, I'll be happy to add you to the crew.

Skein, I understand the 'matched set' thing. My Mate has decided to save her days for TUNA. That gives her one day to go on the second Saturday and leaves me without crew on most of the days in May. I would be happy to take you and yours, what day can you go?

SeaSquid, I think it is a hit and miss thing. The first year I did this, I hit a chicken at the Ranch and then a 50 lb fish at the rockpile salmon fishing on the return trip. That was on the first May day that year.

The Chicken Ranch is probably the best bet for the first of the May derby days. It has been unfished since last fall. We do well there for the first few derby days every year ....

I will be sure to change my mind if the return trip from the Chicken Ranch, Salmon fishing kicks out some big flat ones this May. We seem to do really well at the Rockpile picking off the suspended Halibut with a downrigger, Salmon rod and traditional Salmon tackle while fishing for Kings at the North end.

[ 03-24-2003, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

Tacklebuster · 03-24-2003, 09:53 AM

Pilar,
Thanks for the invite. You let me know when the best time is for you and I will do whatever it takes on my part to make it. I can usually take a day or two off whenever so let me know the details. I am really pumped for a Hali trip. I am looking forward in sharing some water and learning the ropes from some of you Salty Dogs

HOGGEMIN · 03-24-2003, 10:23 AM

I have not fished for halibut yet have a rod and a daiwa 350h with about 400 yds of 100lb test tuff line would be more than willing on pitching in on expences what other tackle is needed.

Orca · 03-24-2003, 10:44 AM

seasquid,

I think the fish are there.

I'm going to the Pile on May 9th to take some less than hardcore crew halibut fishing. Unless of course it is flat, then we will blaze on to the ranch. I am also going to the Pile on anyday that gives you a beat'n since I am pretty tired of that, and I think my back may be permanently damaged from all the pounding the last couple of years.

tag-a-long · 03-24-2003, 05:29 PM

I'll never forget the first time I saw the flag flying over the chicken ranch...

I said to myself, "self, that is a really small boat and that guy is nuts"

You do have a knack for shedding the blood of the flattys though!!!

Good luck. I think I'll sit out this season for fear of the terrible sea-sickness... Doc says with my marfan that dry heaving could be a bit dangerous...

wak'm&stak'm · 03-24-2003, 06:38 PM

Hey Squid....I thought we were tag teaming the ranch, what is this pile stuff? Last year the commercials were catching nice halibut with in shooting distance of the weather bouy, but it is generally a lot lot lot slower.

If the weather looks good, I wouldn't mind running up north to halibut hill first.

you won't want to fight the northern battle after this year.

KingFisher85 · 03-24-2003, 07:48 PM

I could go after some halibut. I got a few halibut rods and reels and jigs and hooks.

tailchaser · 03-24-2003, 11:33 PM

Man things have changed since I fished there about 10-12 years ago. The rockpile WAS the halibut hole and a lot of fish came from there. People also fished the lighthouse when the weather wasn't very nice and we caught them at both those locations. Funny how things change, either they overfish one spot or people become obsessed with bigger and deeper untouched areas one of the two.

tc

Capin' Dan · 03-25-2003, 01:58 AM

John,
I have nnnneeeeeeeevvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrreee

Even seen a halibut. You wanta get me into my first one.

Hopefully I will get my boat done up and be ready then

Pilar · 03-25-2003, 07:32 AM

Capn' Dan, you need a ride?

Tacklebuster, Skein and Janis, Hoggemin, Kingfisher85, Email me and tell me which days you can fish. Some folks can only fish certain days and some anyday. Realize that our careful plans are subject to a willing ocean and weather.

So far

May 8 2003, Thursday on the SeaLion
Mr. Fisherman, Baitboy (don't leave home without him), Pilar

Remaining trips on Pilar
May 9 2003, Friday
Pilar, Puffins crew, Southpaw

May 10 2003, Saturday
Pilar, Janis, Skein

May 15 2003, Thursday
Pilar, Tacklebuster, Puffin's crew

May 16 2003, Friday
Pilar, Petermac, Hoggemin

May 17 2003, Saturday
Pilar, Pilar's Mate, Southpaw

Tag a long, it's a long ride out there and back. Everytime we return with fish and open water memories we are grateful. It's hard to explain the conquering (albeit temporary) of the ocean to any who have not experienced it. Returning from a trip with a happy crew and a safe trip under your belt is a satisfying experience for a small boat pilot.

There have been a few days when the boat was too small, the ocean too big or both. It's part of the game, read the conditions and decide to go or not. Most of the time I decide well and the outcome is good. The pressure of the derby fishery is a factor in that decision. You can only fish a few days, arbitrarily set and weather notwithstanding. There are good reasons to manage the fishery this way but IMHO safety is compromised by many who feel pressured to go out in marginal May conditions. Experience tells me that 50% is a good estimate of actual fishing days in May. At least half of the derby days are turfed due to an ugly ocean.

Tag a long, sorry to hear about your condition keeping you off the big pond.

[ 03-31-2003, 06:59 AM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

skein · 03-25-2003, 07:42 AM

Hmmmm... I would guess the closer to the opener, the better, but I don't really know. I can get off during the week - and certainly weekends - but my mate needs a two or three day lead-time so she can get coverage, etc.

I've also gotten invites from Rod and Popeye (thanks, guys), so I suspect I'll have a ride whenever the ocean cooperates. I was sorta thinking everyone played it by ear and watched the weather. When it was good and the balloon went up, those who could make it headed to the harbors.

If you give me a date you think you'll have free (and available seats) I'll put the wheels in motion to be there.

...And I know about the weather. Many times I've made the drive over only to look at the bar and turn around and go home. Well, usually I have a beer first. :grin:

PS. Naturally as soon as I posted this I saw your posting giving dates. I sent you an email.

Skein

[ 03-25-2003, 08:50 AM: Message edited by: skein ]

seasquid · 03-25-2003, 07:55 AM

Wak'm (nice gator by the way) and Orca,

I'm in wherever we need to go...If it looks nasty, I'll probably stay on the Pile -- otherwise, I'm ready to roll....

I can tell you one thing -- the Tillamook Bay bar is going to be a screaming ***** that second season with those tides. Oh, and I won't miss that northern battle one bit.

I may have an open seat or two on some days -- I'll post once I start getting serious about it.

Damn, I'm so looking forward to hitting it, I'm foaming at the mouth.

ss

Tacklebuster · 03-25-2003, 08:50 AM

John- You got mail

Popeye · 03-25-2003, 12:25 PM

Squid,
I've got some good numbers for the S. end. If ya want'em stop by the boat and I'll pull them off for ya

seasquid · 03-25-2003, 12:54 PM

Thanks Popeye,

I'll be lurking around over there soon...

ss

KingFisher85 · 03-25-2003, 01:56 PM

Pilar-you got mail

Kruechief · 03-25-2003, 02:14 PM

I would love to head out the Skein on one of these days.

Skein, maybe if there is a last minute we could both fill a seat?

I am unemployed now so...

I can take any short notice crew openings.

Loren
541-791-9224
541-979-7634 cell

Bounty Hunter · 03-27-2003, 01:43 PM

Pilar,

I'm defintely a Halibut virgin, and would love a chance to go out. Put me way down on the priority list because I'm not a salty dog, but I would be happy to pitch in for gas, bait, and anything else if there is an opening. (I'm off Fridays-Sundays)

I have been sea-sick once, but know how to take the precautions now (unlike that guy you were telling me about at the Christmas toy-drive). I've got some antiquated Hali gear, but can upgrade quickly if needed.

Hummingbird · 03-30-2003, 12:46 PM

Pilar,
I sent you an e-mail. Hopefully there will still be open seats for the second week . Tight Lines, Tom

Pilar · 03-31-2003, 06:03 AM

Updated crew list. Finally got it figured out yesterday. If I gave you the wrong day please E-mail me. Humminbird I got to you too late but you can have a cancelation if that happens. It may be on short notice but I will tell you as quick as I can. Longhunter, the same for you. There will be more days if history repeats itself and they will most likely be in June.

[ 03-31-2003, 07:04 AM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

OceanBlue · 04-01-2003, 08:22 AM

Pilar,

Thanks! I love the line-up! Looking forward to fishing with you Southpaw! It's been a coon's age since I've seen ya! Let's hope for nicer weather this time, eh?

John, after hooking that 60#er at the pile Saturday, are you still thinking of running all the way to the Ranch?

Pilar · 04-01-2003, 08:54 AM

Jen, I reserve the right to change the plan at any time.

In general the Ranch is a very, very productive place to fish, hence my term for it 'Halibut Drivethru'. But as you well know the Ocean has to lay down for us to get there. The rockpile is a fallback if the 34 mile run is too much.

Finding fish at the pile just kind of complicates the matter.

I think we will go to the pile no matter what. You have to drive over the north end of it to go to the Ranch. So either go there outright or go to the ranch and stop there on the way back.

So many fish, so little time.

It will all make sense when we cross the bar ........

OceanBlue · 04-01-2003, 12:00 PM

I may just take you up on that Mel!

HOGGEMIN · 04-01-2003, 08:17 PM

Thanks May 16 will work fine, looking foward to my first halibut. Please email me what I need to bring tackle wise, again thanks and looking foward to meeting your crew.

Miss B Haven · 04-01-2003, 11:14 PM

Hey - Jen - You back??? The stock market did not like you being gone!

Back to work! [img]graemlins/program.gif[/img] :grin:

OceanBlue · 04-01-2003, 11:33 PM

Hey Mel! I'm Baaaack! Stock looks like it is stabilizing now. ;-) Glad to hear I was missed.

See ya tonight? Kate has a 6pm riding lesson - pop out to the barn and say hi, wouldja?

Miss B Haven · 04-01-2003, 11:44 PM

Hmm... If it's snowing :shocked: or hailing :shocked: how about you come up to the house (and the wood stove). :grin:

Capin' Dan · 04-08-2003, 02:27 AM

Thanks for thinking about me. I have a ride with the guy that I went out with last year on his 24' cruiser. Keep me in mind for the tuna slaughter though. Sea swan isn't going togeher for a bit yet my glass man had an accident and had to head back to Texas hopefully they will get their new trailer and head back before to long. I will see you up there. We paln on leaveing early am on wednesday so that we can hopefully Jig some fresh bait that evening and soak our pot over night. We sould try and meet for a crab boil somewhere one night.

Dan