Moutcha 2009

Have they determined the dates for 2009 yet?

No.

-Allen

Another suggestion for next years event... if the salmon bite is slow, consider having a rock fish category.  When I got bored on Saturday, I took off for some rocky-looking spots to jig for a bit (trying to stay in 60' or shallower for catch and release purposes).  Over the course of a couple hours, I caught maybe a dozen rockfish and one small lingcod.

Saved me a skunking that day.

I'd second the vote to move the event date back a week or two, if possible.

Recall that Matt_K went up a week earlier this year and got into some nice brighter fish.  With labor day "early" this year and "late" next year, having an earlier derby has some merits.

While fishing was dead (relatively) during Labor Day 2008, I think it was linked to the torrential rains that occurred the week prior. When I was there Labor Day 2007, I found (saw on leisurely paddles) lots of fish in the estuary/river area. The week before Labor Day 2008, none... and that week most fish I caught were bright. It seemed the week prior to Labor Day 2008  I was on the early, but good timing side of things. And then it rained and rained... flooding by the time I was leaving. Murky bay, etc. Bite turned off on the last day. The next weekend, hardly any fish. Did they go up river? Was there a pulse up river with more to arrive the next week? I dunno...

But I don't think before mid/late-August would be the best... I am going to likely make two trips again this year. It was so awesome, I can't wait again!

Probably could have accommodated 10-12 yakless fishermen.

I brought some friends to the event last year that used the kayaks that were provided... and we also brought an extra one courtesy of Allan. It was kind of a shame to see so many unused kayaks up there (both years). I would gladly leave mine at home if there were lots to demo up there...

...

Bad news ... heads up.

It's looking highly likely that the Moutcha Derby will be called off this year.  The Conuma River run (the Moutcha Run) is forecasted to be at about 1/2 of last year and last year was below average.  The Canadian DFO is likely to close the fishery at the head of the bay.  Regardless, I believe it is bad form to host a derby on a depressed run.   And even if they do open it, the fishing wont be worth the long trip up there.

I know some of you (including me) had already put in for time off for this weekend.  We'd like to hold the Oregon event (Pac City II?) that same weekend so we can put those days off to good use.

-Allen

How about a Bouy 10 Derby of some sort, Mid to late august is prime time??  Supposed to be a steller run.  I'll believe it when I see it

How about a Bouy 10 Derby of some sort, Mid to late august is prime time??  Supposed to be a steller run.  I'll believe it when I see it

Would you say that Buoy 10 is for the more experienced kayak anglers only?

-Allen

yes and no.. depends where you fish..  Lots of opportunity near Hammond in fairly safe areas (off the sawdust piles or up river above or near Astoria proper, also some "protected" areas on the washington side) other places can get very crowded and dicey even in a powerboat. Also can depend a lot on the tides (when it really starts pulling it can increase the pucker factor even in a big PB) and the weather, particularly when the wind kicks up.. Camping galore at fort Stevens.  It may not be the best place for a new yak fisherman to learn the ropes? especially with the large amounts of PBs in the area?  other's thoughts?

I was pretty bummed about this year's Moutcha tourney but if the fishery is that bad then there's really not much to be said. Good thing is we have some great runs forecast in our hood this year, OR's run looks great and retention limits have been raised in certain locations.. and it's a pink year!

How about a pink derby in the sound? This year they're predicting 5.1 million returning pinks. That's 2 million more than two years ago and it was hot then. If it's not an official tourney I'll be putting on an MBF.

Z

Zee,

Yeah!  That's a GREAT idea!  This would probably be our first Wa tournament ever that turns out to truly have a lot of action.  Most of the rest have been close to being won simply by who ever catches ANY fish.

Fishin-T

sounds much safer and user friendly then bouy 10 (not that I won't be at bouy ten putting some AOTY points on the board )..  What time of year and when?  I would be all over coming up for something like that.  Never have caught a pink.

Glad to hear some interest. I'll break it off on to another thread.
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,2848.0.html

Z

That's really too bad a Moucha!  I was looking forward to attending this year.

I'd be game for a Wa. Pinks tournament later this summer.  Zee, you going to post a How-To so we can prepare our games?

There's probably still room for a formal/informal B10 tournament as well.  The sawdust pile is crowded but it's all low speed trolling.  Even the Green Line isn't too bad when the weather cooperates. 

I'd be game for a Wa. Pinks tournament later this summer.  Zee, you going to post a How-To so we can prepare our games?

Sure. Although it's not much more than a #0 white dodger and a pink hootchie behind a crescent sinker.

There's probably still room for a formal/informal B10 tournament as well.  The sawdust pile is crowded but it's all low speed trolling.  Even the Green Line isn't too bad when the weather cooperates. 

Loving that idea.

Z

Sounds good. I'm game for both as long as they aren't after early-Sept... my wife and I are expecting a special delivery and I'm required to be there to "catch".

We should probably try getting the monthly events going again.