Moutcha Bay 2007 Derby

Hello All,

Does anyone have any insight into how many camping spaces remain, and how to go about reserving one?

I completed Moutcha Bays' reservation form with out any response.  I also called and left a message with no response.

Any suggestions??? I guess everyone is out fishing

Thank you.

Espiga,

I'd recommend you give Jim until next Monday or so to reply.  If you don't hear anything by then, get me a P.M. and I'll make sure we work out something where you get thouroughly included.  Basically, I've got some room left right now on site F4 with Snag-a-but and myself.  Also, I know of a spot near by that's totally free... free of facilities too, but hey.

Any chance you'd be interested to team up for the ride from Wa to Moutcha?  I've got an Isuzu Trooper with quite a bit of room and enought rack space for about 38" inches more boat than mine.  Seems like you drive a P-15, it that right?  Me too.  Those will fit EASILY on top of my car.  We can use yours if that works better for you.

Fishin-T

Thank you Mr. T. 

I'll wait for awhile longer for Jim, and then I'll contact you. 

It would be fantastic to carpool.  My friend "FishDog" and I are planning on traveling together, but I'm pretty sure we could fit another (I'm confident about our bodies and camping gear, but I have not personally carried three kayaks on a roof, but I see people all the time zipping around.)  The travel logistics are still up in the air, since I'm on the mainland while my buddy is in Squiem.  There are a lot of possibilities: leaving from Squiem, from here, or meeting in Canada then carpooling. 

Let's be in touch.  I'm stoked about this derby!!! 

Thanks again for your help Fishin-T

Espiga,

So am I to take it that Fishdog will be going up too?  That'd be cool!  Same for both of you then... I'll personally make sure there's enough room for both of you to set up a tent somewhere so you can be a part of this thing.  If that F4 campsite looks too small for you guys with Snag-a-but and me already in it, then I’ll take you over to that free spot I’m talking about (less than 5 miles away from Moutcha Jim’s).

If you've already got a carpool going, then I’d say two’s plenty.  When I go up there, I carry a LOT of crap.  I think I’ll hang loose and see if anybody else can be persuaded to join in if a carpool makes the difference for them.  If I don’t find anybody then I’ll probably throw in with my old buddy Snag-a-but from Victoria, and go on up from his place.

Speaking of what I’ll do personally… I’ll personally guarantee that you guys don’t want to miss this one!  Once the Labor Day weekend comes, this place is nothing short of INCREDIBLE for BIG (and yeah, pretty doggoned easy) king salmon, not to mention the fun we all have once we get there.  You know, just about everybody there is a kayaker and an angler and all that.

It’ll be great to meet you guys there!

Fishin-T

Fishin-T,

Thank you for then note.  Yes, Fishdog is coming and we are planning on carpooling.  It does seem like three of us in one vehicle would be a bit tight.  We are still not sure our route, via Saquiem or Camano Island (it's about the same....one of us will have to travel quite a bit more!) maybe we can connect in route if your meet your friend in Victoria and we go through Squiem.

I spoke with Kirk, Jim's brother, and he told me how to get in touch with Jim. (I guess they are working on their website and communications.)  It sounds like they have a few spots open still, but be cool the save some money and connect with you guys if we shared a camp.  I'll have to see what Jim and Fishdog say.  Thank you for your kindness.

I'm looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the anglers on this site...and any others as well.

I'll be in touch after I speak with Jim and Fishdog. 

Happy Fishing All!!

I'm open to sharing a tent site, and ride, too. Fishin-T, what day are you thinking of going up? I might be able to leave here (E. WA), on Thursday evening, SEA on Friday?   I've also got the Element, and a trailer for hauling too much gear.

Pisco and Espiga,

Any chance that I can get the 3 of you guys to go in together to reserve one more site?  Four in one site still isn’t too bad, but 5 and more is going to be quite a crowd.  Also, if you guys go ahead and get another site then that means I can still accommodate one more that might speak up between now and Labor Day.

Pisco,

I guess I’d like to leave Seattle area early on Friday.  You probably have a place to stay over here, but you’re welcome to camp on my living room floor if that suites you.  If we can cram everything into your Element and trailer, then you might or might not save a little on the ferry.  First you’ll pay by the foot for being over 20’ long, and then you’ll likely pay almost double that if you go over 7’ (not 7.5’ like Wa.).  So how tall is your Element?  I mean when you measure to the top of the rack.  My P-15 adds right at one foot even.  On the other hand, you’d definitely save on fuel!  It’s about 350 miles from my place to Moutcha Jim’s, so that’s more than $100 round trip just in fuel in my rig.

Okay, again, if you think we can get everything into my rig or yours then sure, we should car pool.  Company on that long of a ride is always a plus to me.

Fishin-T

I'll have to check on the height of the Element- I've been throwing my Wherry rowboat on top, and have no problem with the WA ferries. I'll also check with BC Ferries to balance out the over-height/over-length issue. I have a wood rack for the trailer that would allow carrying as many as 4 yaks on it. Could also carry 2 on top of the Element, bit that would be pointless since the Element is only a 4 seater. But say, maybe I should volunteer to haul up the prizes ?!!

I'll make a point of reserving a spot with Jim, this week.

Pisco,

If your trailer can carry just your rowboat and my one kayak, then I think we're good to go.  Hang in there when trying to get an answer from Jim.  Some times it takes a few days to get an answer back.  These are his busy days after all.

When we get to Moutcha, we can balance the campsites so nobody pays more than they should and nobody gets too crowded.  I'm glad you're onboard for this one.  I think you'll come unglued when you see how many of those 20+ pounders are hopping around in the bay.

Fishin-T

Hello All,

I have also been in contact with Jim and it looks like he has reserved N-6 for Fishdog and I.  I just emailed him about placing a deposit to secure the spot.  It looks like this spot is on the opposite side of the campground than where you guys will be. 

I'm sure we can work everything out so everyone will have a place to stay, while balancing the costs.

I look forward to meeting everyone!

Cheers!
Jesse

T-

The rules won't allow my rowboat, so I'm bringing a friend's (tricked out) Malibu Extreme. It's that, or a pontoon or tube.

I am going to bring my 8wt flyrod; a hookup with a big one should be fun.

Sounds like I should just register for the derby?

Glad to see so many people will be heading out there. The wife and I are confirmed also. Look forward to meeting everyone!

Z

Espiga and I are confirmed!  Looks like we have site n-6.  I'm really looking forward to this trip, I feel like a little kid counting down the days till Christmas.

As far as the facilities go....sounds like there are bathrooms, showers, water, freezer for catch, internet if needed a small store etc.  It sounds like there are plenty of power outlets to recharge batteries etc. if needed even if our site doesn't?  Also curious what people are doing for campfire wood (if allowed), ice, and a few cold beers?  Do they sell all this stuff at the little store, or better to bring our own supplies as much as possible (cost?)?

As far as fishing methods does anyone know what they mean by .....use anchovies with "white glow harness".....?   Is this like a rotary salmon killer?

I'm planning on trolling with downrigger/dodgers/mini-flashers/ paired up with hoochies, a variety of spoons, and maybe some cut plug herring or chovies. Also,  I can't help but think that a slow troll or drift with a cut plug would really light them up!....?


I was planning on going with standard 30 lb test line, but am thinking of switching to a braided line and Flurocarbon leader.  Has anyone else done this yet?

Also thinking of upgrading to a longer rod with a very sensitive tip.....without barbs, I'm having some trouble keeping those suckers on!  Can anyone suggest one that they like?

Again...really looking forward to the trip meeting you all.  Thanks for all the great info, entertaining stories and fantastic photo's.

Oh..almost forgot.  Has anyone ever brought a dog on this trip? 

Fishdog.....

Also curious what people are doing for campfire wood (if allowed), ice, and a few cold beers?  Do they sell all this stuff at the little store, or better to bring our own supplies as much as possible (cost?)?

Sure bringing your own essentials would be smart. Once you get out there it could be pricey.. or at least more than you'd normally pay. And always bring your fav beer You could get stuck drinking Oly for the whole trip

Z

I would check with Tourism BC or the appropriate Canadian federal authorities on what can be taken across the border. I know there are limits on alcohol; if I remember correctly it makes better sense (using dosing logic) to take hard alcohol. Besides, most of their beer is better than ours. Think Kokanee, not Oly!
 
I've also heard of restrictions on meat- I think on beef (Mad Cow). I don't know about fruit. I'm going to bring some dry and canned stuff and pick up fresh vegies on the lower Island. Hopefully, there'll be plenty of fresh fish for dinner.

If you want to try bait, I suggest circle hooks. They don't shake out so easy. I've been using braid and flouro, and I like it.