Had a nice day on the water. Flat all day. A bit foggy at times, but good stress relief!
Launched my Arima at Shilshole by myself and tried a couple of passes and a jigging run at Meadows Point. Not much happening. About 8:45 I went over towards West Point and trolled North of the point. Saw All Star Charters there, so that made me feel better. Saw some bait balls on the bottom. Hooked a fish but lost if to a seal. Felt smaller at first, then really big when the seal grabbed it. The seal surfaced with the fish as I backed the boat towards it and reeled. I got the fish away for a couple of seconds, then the seal got it again. Oh, well. It might have been legal... no, wait... it was a 10 pounder...
Decided to move over towards Bainbridge and Restoration Point. Found tons of bait and a lot of shakers. Tried for a couple of hours to find something larger, but no luck. Some sun breaks while I was over there, but very peaceful.
About 2:30 I was trying to decide whether to just go in or try somewhere else. Something told me to try Allen Bank, further South. I haven't fished there in years. A ways west of Blake Island, I was hailed by another boat. Their motor had seized up. It was a couple, their two daughters and one friend out crabbing. I towed them in to Manchester and they were very thankful. It felt good to help them, especially knowing it was going to be dark and cold soon without many other boats around.
Ended the day with a smooth, fast run back to Shilshole in the sunshine. No fish to eat, but lots of action and a warm feeling in my heart.