GS6 - 5/12/12 - Another Year in the Books - Thank you to all who participated

I would hope they would let us pay and accomodate ourselves in the space that they have blocked off....

We can fit a lot of people in that area if we get cozy and friendly.

:  )

I'll be there Wednesday with cnew83 and will be trying to tuck myself into that back right corner by the fence.

:  )

Sincerely,

Jim

Jim,  I know what your handshake is like.  I don't want to find out what you're like when you get "cozy and friendly". I've got good medical insurance, but not that good. 

Jim,  I know what your handshake is like.  I don't want to find out what you're like when you get "cozy and friendly". I've got good medical insurance, but not that good. 

LOL!!!!!!!!!

I spoke to the campground owner and have details worked out - he's aware of the big numbers coming his way.  I put up a poll that I'd like everyone to respond to so we can get an idea of how many heads are staying in the group area.  Jack assured me he has plenty of space to make adjustments if necessary.

There is a drum beating in the back of my head that represents my building anticipation and energy, and I have to keep myself focused to keep it from overtaking me.  I should probably be on trainquilizers by about Cinco de Mayo.   

Checked box 432 today and NO ENTRIES!!  And I was actually relieved!   

I want to thank you all so much!  The past few months of building the momentum for GS has been really fun and rewarding, and eagerly checking my mail every day is just one aspect of how this event has my focus.  It's all about the participants - I can't wait for our energy to come together to create the event.   

Yeah, wow.  Do you know how awesome NCKA is?!  I am so jacked on the community and brotherhood we have here.  I just spoke to one of our finest on the phone.  Don't feel left out!  I'm not intending to speak to anyone, or I'd be derailed! 

This was a case of a check snafu and the need for a concession.  The fact that I could speak to my Bro about this on the phone, and work it out, with the vivid and meaningful relationship we have online too, was like a bonus dose of reality for the moment.  I'm all overwhelmed by all of it tonight.  I love it.  Thanks for calling, Bro.  It's all good. 

I had two people come by and ask about the event today. I've had it posted and told everyone about the cutoff.

I had two people come by and ask about the event today. I've had it posted and told everyone about the cutoff.

That's cool - if it gets them checking out the scene then it's worthwhile.  I'm thinking a 150 person cap may be prudent anyway!   

I see that I have been assigned a team.  Thanks.  Better than having to decide among friends.

I will get there Weds late and plan to fish crab dive on Thurs.  Who else will be up there early and want to show a beginner some ab tricks.

Etienne

I will getting there Thursday morning and will probably launch around 9 AM for salmon. Heading south for some long range recon. Will be crabbing also.

Scott

I've been getting some PM, text and email enquiries about where to fish and what to use.  I'll put up some info at some point over the weekend including a map of the reef, local history, gear, bait...etc.  Stay tuned.   

Jim,  I know what your handshake is like.  I don't want to find out what you're like when you get "cozy and friendly". I've got good medical insurance, but not that good. 

    there's a big support group for BigJims handshake!!!  don't know bout the "cozy friendly one" 

Eric,
You are awesome bro! I just pickup my anxiety medicine, I've been having sleepless night thing is it gs6 yet? Come on who wouldnt have anxiety, pac hali just front of the lighthouse, trolling for salmon, lingzilla, and big blacks thats even chasing swivels, and all the Hali and salmon carcasses I can bring home for fam ahhhhh There's definitely going to be gs6.1 like last year!!! I LOVE you bro and GS!!!

Eric,
You are awesome bro! I just pickup my anxiety medicine, I've been having sleepless night thing is it gs6 yet? Come on who wouldnt have anxiety, pac hali just front of the lighthouse, trolling for salmon, lingzilla, and big blacks thats even chasing swivels, and all the Hali and salmon carcasses I can bring home for fam ahhhhh There's definitely going to be gs6.1 like last year!!! by the love you bro!!!

I'm glad you're part of this Madness, Bro.   

This just in:  

Someone dropped their reservation and The Tides Inn has a vacancy for the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th - downstairs room with two double beds.  We should get 3 nights for the price of two - call to check it out if you want a room at ground zero of the potluck/awards.  The Tides is RIGHT ON THE WATER, private beach, ALL NCKA occupied and very close to the campground, fish cleaning station, launch, ab area...  Get it done!   

Here's a link to a nautical map of the reef off of Shelter Cove: 

http://www.pursuetheoutdoors.com/boating/nautical-charts/charts.php?id=18620

You need to zoom into the Shelter Cove section.  Here's a 'print screen' clip of it:

Here's what I have to offer to everyone:  this map shows an L at launch, and the general area that most of us will fish is within the red outline.  There's an X and a 1 on the way out to the (green) Bell Buoy, which I've underlined and is a little less than a mile nearly south from launch.  That X represents where I've caught quite a few salmon over the years including my largest 38 pounder trolling an anchovy.  It's also a great rockfish and lingcod area, and there's halibut potential - crabbing area is just inshore from there in about 50 to 60 FOW.  X with 2 by it is a nice set of pinnacles on the way out to the Whistle Buoy, which is red, about a mile west of the Bell, and I've underlined (the "Red Can").  This area is so good for all species, and when the wind and swell allow it's nice to venture out further here.  Lots of salmon get caught trolling within 2 miles of the Whistle, and much of that is right around it.  The rough part of that area is it can be snaggy - I lost $30 in gear there the other day when I spaced it and trolled my DeepSix/Dodger/chovie over the reef there where some kelp shows. 

--Side Note about trolling with the expensive and cumbersome DeepSix:  taking the chance of losing about $30 in gear trolling for salmon with the DS and a dodger/flasher is different - you need to get to know depths and the layout of the reef before you will have confidence sending that gear down.  Generally, you can tell from the powerboat fleet where everyone is trolling and how deep - most of them have DR, so I even troll my expensive salmon rig over the reef and try to just watch out.  You can catch every species with that setup, but it's a bummer to snag it up and lose it. 

So X with 3 by it is a common trolling area where you can also catch the other species - I've caught a few 20 pound class salmon in this area including my early season score. 

The 4 is with the arrows outside the red outline - when the wind and swell allow many will get further outside the Whistle to try for halibut, troll for salmon, jig for dabs, pickup some sporadic monster rockies, lings and cabs around the 120' cutoff...etc. 

The 5 is a reminder of the prevailing current and usual winds.  Unless we have a specific call for south winds, the winds and current that come up will be from the north to northwest most of the time.  It can often be the case that the entire fleet is fishing in around the Whistle and there are sheep herds further outside - that mess can make its way inside all the way to the ramp some afternoons or even late morning some times.  Other days it never makes it in, and the place is paradise.  Continue to pray for calm seas.   

As for what to use, you know I like my expensive salmon trolling rig with DeepSix, Herring Dodger and slip rig with anchovy - and it will catch ALL species, but I also often run a banana weight with a mooching rig with fixed barbless circle hooks and a herring near the bottom - especially if I'm sitting there doing something else - just pop that second rod down while you work.  Leadheads, knife jigs, shrimp flies, squid...etc. all works, but I prefer just chovies and herring any more.  I've fished all that hardware lots in the past, and that will be the mainstay of most and will catch lots of fish.  Find what you like and go for it!  I can't wait.