Vacation anyone?

Ok, so I just got back from what has to be THE place for kayak fishing.  THe WhitSunday Islands in Australia.  
Huh?
Put it this way-- on a boat mind you-- we got into Northern bluefin about 50 yds from the beach.
The next day-- King Macks and Giant Trevally only literally 40yds outside the harbor.
I sussed out the rentals- did a one day paddle, and hooked up with a good kayak guide to talk about week long trips-- with support and camping.  THere are good deals on the trips, from Brisbane, cairns, etc.  I'm seriously thinking about that long long flight next spring...

Those great whites jump out of the water.......


-Brian G

Those great whites jump out of the water.......


-Brian G

Steve - what's the cost like?

I'm thinking of going to Alaska and hook up with the Halibut Slayer = Howard mcKim sometime next year. I'm still dreaming of a 40 pound salmon off a kayak.

But, Australia sounds like a blast....(warm waters & pretty ladies) got any pics from your trip????

Joel,

 Have you thought about how you would travel to Alaska? In case you guys don't know it, you can drive to Bellingham WA (60? miles north of Seattle) and (I believe) roll/carry your yak and gear onto the Alaska state ferry. It stops at lots of places besides Ketchikan. I've been wanting to do it for years; just waiting for our toddler to get a little bit older. It wouldn't be as warm as Australia, but a lot cheaper and the days would be incredibly long in June and July.

Sounds interesting ... here's a link....  http://www.akmhs.com/fares/index.cfm?PortOneID=255&PortTwoID=258&PortOneID=266&PortTwoID=268

So back in September of 93, I rode the ferry down from Haines, AK to Prince Rupert, BC.  There was a couple with a young child and a baby.  They were BIKING across Alaska.  Mom rode a single with all the packs.  Dad peddled a tandem with the child on the back, and towing the baby in a trailer.  They all slept on deck, as did we.  I can vividly remember the Northern Lights at night from the deck of the ferry.  Now there's an adventuresome familty!!!

You all NEED to do the Alaska trip at least once.  I've been 3 times now, and can't wait for my next Alaska trip.  I didn't start paddling  too much until after my last trip to I have even more reason to go back.

-Allen

I've always wanted to travel the inside passage with just my kayak too. What an adventure. I used to guide kayak tours on Prince William Sound in the 90's and have never forgotten the summers I spent there. My largest salmon from my kayak was probably 18 pounds on 10lb test and a trout rod, a late run silver in September. I recall several blistering runs and tailwalking (for a sec thought maybe it was a tarpon that had taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque). Lots of rain, but some days that would challenge baja too. Huge reds & lings & my buddy Scott caught his first halibut, estimated at 126 pounds (these were off a small powerboat). Prince William Sound Kayak Center has a nice website & the best local knowledge in Whittier AK. Ask for Perry or Lois, they'll help ya.  One of these days I'll get back...

Allen, Pisco & PISCEAN = how about getting a road trip together - I have no problem "roughing it" - I also have vacation days saved up for a trip like this  

I would love to target the "mighty King"  - what's the best time of year to get these guys?

I've been up in late June and early July and have done well on the kings.  In July there are a lot of sockeye.  In August, there are a lot of pinks.  From late August into early September is silver time.  This changes a bit depending on the region and if you're fishing salt or fresh.  There are always a ton of rainbows and dolly varden in the rivers for a change of pace.  HUGE butts and lings at all times too.

-Allen

Costs- we found 760 for 5 nights in a hotel, with airfare from Cairns.  Air to Australia varies wildly.  I was all the way in SIngapore so my airfare was like 300.   I've seen it for as low as 700 or so from US.
The guys we went kayaking with did camping tours- camping on the beach 200yds from where we got into the Bluefins- and other little passages.  The place looks just like inland passage area- only with 78 degree water!
I'm  digging in a little more, to see if we can work out a fishing deal. It doesn't look like they have ever done kayakfishing, but were definitely interested.