Is Neah Bay the only show in town for Washington state halibut? I don't think I can stomach the ferry fee to get my boat across the Sound, and going the long way around makes for a helluva drive. How about Westport?

they do fish for butt out of westport, season opens may 1, not sure where they go but looking at a chart it must be a long ride.

Hein Bank and Partridge Bank off Whidbey hold halibut at times. You could launch at Coronet Bay or Ft. Casey, driving from the north end of whidbey without a ferry fare, but it is still a long drive from the Seattle-Tacoma area. I wouldn't expect to find near the numbers of fish as Neah Bay.

Finegrain,

No, Neah Bay is not the only Halibut show in Washington, but it is the best and I can't express how worth it ur trip would be if u know how to fish butts, u can really get into them out there and then come in and double up for some Big Lings and rockfish too, and salmon if its open at the time! On the other hand, Port Angeles, Freshwater Bay, Sekiu, and yes, even Hein or Partridge Bank hold Halibut! I do excellent out of PA, Sekiu, and Freshwater, but Hein Bank and Partridge are really kinda hit and miss, sometimes their and sometimes not! Hope I could help, if u have anymore questions, feel free to PM me! Tight Lines, Chris

Finegrain,
If the traffic is not too congested, the drive around isn't so bad. (But it sounds like you know that)

I took a boat across Port Townsend/Keystone recently @ $30 one way, and that was with the generous "under 40 feet" the ticket taker gave me.

Another option would be to give Mutiny Bay a try. Slim pickings, but close to Mukilteo. A few each year are pulled out of there though.

Thanks guys. Arrgghhh!! I want to get out there so bad I can taste it. I must find a way

I am considering standing with a cardboard sign at the ferry waiting area. The sign will say: Stranded halibut fisherman, need to get to Neah Bay ASAP. Will work (as long as I don't have to sweat). Anything helps (need spreader bars and horse hearing along with cash for ferry). Used to have family, not sure where they are durring fishing season, hope they are OK. Thanks very much and FISH ON!

When you factor in ferry wait and crossing time, its about and extra hour on each end of the drive if you go through Tacoma up to Neah Bay (from Seattle). Of course this is driving at odd hours.