June 20 - 21, 2024 - Pybus Bay

June 20 - 21, 2024 - Pybus Bay

Anxious to catch halibut we headed to Pybus Bay, and a spot Geary had selected.  Enroute, we spotted sea otters, whales, and had Dahls porpoise off bow – good start to the day.  We arrived at West Channel and fished along Southwest and Long Islands from 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM.  After about ½ hr, Justin had a big strike.  Working the halibut for 45 minutes, we attempted to land the fish.  We speared it with the harpoon and brought it close to the swim ladder where Geary could club it on the head.  The halibut appeared very docile through this last phase, and we thought that it would be easy to club when suddenly it sprung to life, pulled off the harpoon, ran the fishing line along the swim step, breaking it – and got away ….  Judging from the video Chris had taken, we estimate it was ~5’/110 lb. halibut!  Disappointed at losing the fish and getting late in the day, we pressed on to our anchorage.  Once we settled in, we lowered the tender and set out two crab pots with Justin and Geary taking a tour of the cove.

 

The next day lowered the kayaks and Chris and Justin had an enjoyable time checking out the shoreline.  After lunch, we pulled the crab pots with only one small keeper, which we released.    We repositioned the pots for one more try, planning on picking them up the next morning.  The couple from Alaskan Seaduction stopped by to chat and informed us know that the cove had been fished out – commercial pots had previously been placed and were coming up empty!  We set up the rods and reels for mooching to get a bit of practice before fishing the next day.

 

Saturday morning, we pulled up the crab pots – zero.  With that, we pulled up the kayaks and tender and prepared for departure.



Dahls porpoise riding our bow wave

Justin fishing

Justin has a BIG halibut catch

Halibut that got away ....

Raven at anchor

Pair of watchful eagles

Grizzly bears

Common Merganser and chics

Justin and Chris


Location: Pybus Bay, Alaska, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

January 11, 2023 - Van Isles, BC - On the hard

Image
January 11,  2023 - Van Isles, BC - On the hard Prior to arriving to Philbrook's we had started a dialogue regarding the work list, along with photos, to help with estimating and pre-planning.  This was useful as I was able to ensure that the parts (transducers and paint) were available and transported them with us avoiding any lead time issues or transportation cost associated with a border crossing. Our project manager, Ian, checked in with us first thing on Monday.  Ian promply started introducing us to the leads responsible for the work packages.  The whole process was very professional with good collaboration.  I was able to walk through each item of my list with the appropriate lead and discuss details.  Immediately after being hauled out we had people on the boat starting work on various projects. Servicing of the salon compressor was completed prior to haul-out with just a topping off of the refrigerant to account for the cooler NW climate, versus t...
Read more

August 25, 2025 - Everett

August 25, 2025 - Everett An uneventful return to Everett from Roche Harbor.  As we settled in we were soon greeted by Ron and Gretchen and Lois whipped up a nice meal that lasted well into the evening.   This competed 128 days. 3,580 NM of travel on Raven of which 88 days were in SE Alaska.   A good trip with, unfortunately, too much rain.   We had three boardings: US Coast Guard & Customs and Border Patrol Boarding ADFG Boarding CBSA Boarding   We only had a few minor problems: Windlass minor repair Failing transmission rocker switch Failed washdown pump   Our fishing was salmon focused: 17 Coho 22” – 30” 10 Halibut 20” – 31” 26 Dungeness crabs   We experienced some peripheral events: June 16 - Cruise ship breaking its mooring July 29 – Russian Tsunami Aug 10 - Landslide in Tracy Arm   We were gifted lots of wildlife: Humpback whales display Orca whales display Dahls porpoise Harbor porpoise Seals Sea lions Sea otters River ot...
Read more

June 3 - June 16, 2024 - Wrangell

Image
June 3 - June 16, 2024 - Wrangell Calm morning and conditions for the transit to Wrangell pulling in between two fish boats.  We kept an eye on a boat in an ideal corner spot for us to type up on the opposite dock.  Soon they were on their way, and we repositioned to the opposite dock.  Once settled we began housekeeping chores so  Raven  would be ready for our return.  Geary, with help from Lois changed out the engine, generator, and get-home drive zincs.   Sylvia from Alaska Vistas gave us a lift to her office so we could make our deposit on our Anan Wildlife Tour in August.  Unfortunately, Ian Nelson of Nelson Diving, was ill and could not make our appointment for a bottom clean.  Brian Schwartz, Alaska Legacy Security, arrived and we set him up to monitor  Raven  while we are gone to Seattle from June 4 – June 16, retuning on June 17. Red Crossbill Replaced zincs ....
Read more