Fishing San Juans / Gulf Islands

[tom&shan]

We are back from a week of fishing the San Juans - and I appreciate all the advice and even offers of free lessons - but after this week I'm still convinced that experience is the best teacher. Our total results for the end of the week were not to assuring, but enough to keep me coming back for more.
We put 35 hours on the engine - and new plugs. Mid week we were crossing Rosario Strait with a sputtering engine (wishing I had a kicker then for insurance), but we made it.
Fished all up and down the Islands - West end of San Juan - East End of Orcas - Obstruction Pass - East End of Lopez - East End of Blakely - West end of Henry Island. Fished with the current - against the current - during the slack - from sunrise to sunset some days.
Tried trolling - Drift Mooching - Jigging - Cussing and Praying. Various results with all methods.
Anchored in the bay at Jones Island - Tied to a mooring buoy at Stuart Island - Stayed at the dock at Doe Island (had the place to ourselves), Stayed at the Marina at Blakely (needed a shower). Put plenty of new dents in the boat docking in the wind, it was my first time doing most of the docking (usually Shan drives, she's the expert - but this trip was just the guys).
My son learned the you dont get your hands between the boat and the dock (Ouch - use a fender), I learned that the clinic on Friday Harbor does a great job of removing a fish hook from your thumb (guess I didnt get enough of the barb off).
End result - 1 sliver - a small Coho caught off Eagle Point, Lots of strikes off Orcas Island, 1 strike off Lopez - 15 dogfish in a single day (damn things, even caught one trolling on a coho killer).
I'm exhasted, my son and I had a great time, and I actually cant wait to get back to work so that I can get some rest.

Cheers,
Tom