Thank you

[Camo]

Hey all,

Hey All, wanted to pop back in here and not completely be “that guy”. Over recent years you have entertained my questions as failed draws and new information led me all over the place regarding units. Last year I finally drew a third season tag in one of the NM border units. Had an absolute blast, seen a number of deer and a handful of bucks, one of which I think was what I was looking for but wasn’t able to get back on him. Spectacular country, scenery and a couple critters I had hoped to see but had never laid eyes on. What I thought was going to be a once every few years hunt has now turned into a “I have to go back every year” thing. To accommodate that, I have changed up again and exploring the lesser demand hunts with a lot of tags. I am very averse to crowds but the style of hunting may make it more tolerable than the crowds I try to avoid up here.  

Mostly I want to thank the number of folks on here that offered up suggestions, information and even willing to meet up for a day to show me around or help glass. For that I am greatly appreciative. Additionally, I will add that I learned what I think is some very valuable lessons. Things you all have the luxury of taking for granted, but the first time Coues guy or maybe northern guy has to learn the hard way. Nonetheless, can’t wait to get back.

[PRDATR]

Good to hear back. Those units are beautiful and can be feast or famine. I don't get a chance much to travel to hunt but I do try to do so to fish, which was my first love. I've been looking at Westport as the next possible trip with my adult son.

[Camo]

30 minutes ago, PRDATR said:

Good to hear back. Those units are beautiful and can be feast or famine. I don't get a chance much to travel to hunt but I do try to do so to fish, which was my first love. I've been looking at Westport as the next possible trip with my adult son.

What are you planning to chase out of Westport?

[PRDATR]

51 minutes ago, Camo said:

What are you planning to chase out of Westport?

He wants to do Salmon. I thought we might stay for a few days and maybe also do Albacore since it's been decades since we caught them out of San Diego. Also maybe bottom fish for Ling Cod and Halibut. We just joined the Westport Sportfishing page on FB to get a feel for the area and fishing conditions. We've done a few multiday overnight trips out of San Diego and Mag Bay but the conditions look a bit rougher out of Westport.

We might need to get some gear to keep us dryer.

[Camo]

Depends a lot on when you plan to come up. July and August are our driest months but that doesn't mean we won't get a few days of rain. The albacore program is all based on water conditions and whether the warm water line gets within 35-50 +/- miles of the beach. Most trips are day trips but some of the larger boats still do overnighters. The back half of August would likely offer the best live bait action, but they can usually be trolled up or jigged up by mid-July. Booking albacore trips could be an issue as most of the fast fleet (day trip) boats get booked out a year in advance. Keep an eye on the salmon quota as it could get caught and shut down into August. Halibut is a tightly monitored fishery with selective dates, bottomfish are plentiful most anytime. I no longer have my ocean boat so can't help you out personally. Unless you have something tying you to Westport, don't overlook Illwaco (amenities found in Long Beach). Both ports are economically driven strictly from a depressed fishing industry with two months of moderate tourism. You may find them a little antiquated relative to your experience in CA? 

[PRDATR]

Well Westport was suggested by a few people on the So CAL Long Range Facebook page I am on. We don't need a lot of amenities and just go with the flow. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I'll look into Illwaco and LB.