Question about Penn Cove?

[Bobber_Dogging_Gal]

I've never been to Penn Cove but have heard quite a bit about it. How is it for crabbing out that way? I'm in north Snoho county by the Stilly river. We fish and crab quite a bit at Kayak Point in area 8-2. Would be great to meet people to go clamming, fishing and crabbing with. Can go during the weekdays. How's the sturgeon out there? Would prefer to bring a friend along so it's less awkward. I do not have a salt water boat, only a small lake boat. Also, is there anywhere (safe) to camp in that area? Thank you and (((((Fish On))))

[Sixgill]

There's lots of mussels, oysters, and clams in Penn Cove. I've never crabbed there so I can't speak for that. as for camping, Deception Pass State Park has beautiful campground. I'm not sure if there's anything closer though. If I was staying at Deception Pass I'd probably crab at Cornet Bay.

[fishindude]

I live next to Penn Cove. For camping, Fort Ebey State Park is going to be the closest to Penn Cove. Fort Casey State Park is next, then Deception Pass. I like Fort Ebey because the campsites are private and not as many people as Deception. Fort Casey campground is an open area, no trees and literally right next to the ferry terminal that goes to Port Townsend. Make reservations now though! All the parks tend to fill up quickly. As for crabbing, I have not crabbed in the cove but have talked to guys who launch their boats out of Monroe Landing and head east that have done ok. I have not found a better place to crab than off the sea plane base so that is where I go. I don't know what kind of lake boat you have, but people use little 12 ft aluminum boats and even kayaks all the time to crab over this way as long as the weather is good. Weather is usually is good during the summer crab season. As said above, Penn Cove is full of clams, muscles, and oysters. If you are after oysters, make sure you shuck them on the beach and leave the shells. Go to Coupeville and grab some muscles at Toby's Tavern or Front Street Grill. Ciao's has really good pizza too if that's what you are looking for. Good luck!

[cobrar543]

Live on Camano Island. Lots of clamming and fishing around here. The Port of Susan has lots of great Sturgeon fishing and the water is usually very calm. I do have a new boat and finding fishing partners is always fun and if you want to go, give me a shout out here.

[wlai]

Cobrar543, Where exact is Port Susan? I've seen the MA area reference plenty of time but no idea where it is. And no clue that there's a sturgeon fishery. Thanks!

[Larry3215]

Port Susan is the body of water between Camano Island and the mainland. I didnt know there were any sturgeon left in that area either.

[cobrar543]

http://www.wclt.org/wp-content/uploads/ ... urgeon.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=2463701" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This was a report from 2009, I know it was a while ago but we still catch them in the Stilly with frequency. There used to be a guild that would take us out a few years ago but he moved. It was/is a blast. Found another link of that day. This one had the pictures

[Sdhalibut]

Hey Cobrar543, I am in Anacortes right now and am very interested in your offer. Let me know what you think.

[Salmon King]

Crabbing in Penn Cove is almost non-existent but it canbe fairly good early on in the season near the mouth of Oak Harbor. LOTSof competition though!!! BABYSIT YOUR POTS!!!!!!!!!
Back in the early '80's ("the old days") the bottom draggers torn the heck out of Penn Cove and it still has not fully recovered.

I have lived 200yards from Monroe Landing for over 30 years and never seen or heard of anyone catching a Sturgeon there.
Now that they are C & R only nobody I know fishes them anymore. I know I quit..and I was just starting to learn about them in the Salt.