Driftboat Chicken

[AKGREEN]

looking for tips re: Halibut fishing south of Deep Creek from my Driftboat. I have a 4x4 but plan to launch my boat south of the conservation zone with my 4 Wheeler Is this necessary or would my truck be suitable? How far out would a person need to row to catch chickens? I will fish neep tides on days with calm forcasts, but am leary of getting caught in a moving tide/high wind combo and just want to know how difficult rowing to shore would be? sorry for the broad questions. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Alaskan Fly Guy]

When the tide starts moving so will you... Rowing against the wind and the tide to get to shore COULD be tough.

[JR2]

A friend of my wife's borrowed my drift boat last summer and did exactly what you want to do. Not sure on the details of how he did it, but I know he was only going out about half a mile or so... they did catch some decent halibut but that was in July.

[Kardinal_84]

I know of someone who did it in a catacraft. If you do it in May, I think you have a better shot closer in then later in the summer. The halibut just seem to be closer with the herring and hooligan. Not sure if its because you hear about it more since there are more trollers out there for kings. Surfcasters do it.

I am going to try with a kayak and have no intention of going more than a few hundred yards offshore. Looking for 2 halibut (any size within reason) not necessarily a boat load. two hours, maybe three hours max on the tide changes. If I get lucky, in May you have a legitimate shot at Kings. Just make sure you catch your halibut first since if you are within one mile of shore anywhere between Ninilchik and Anchor River, I think you keep a king and you are done fishing for the day inside one mile. I can't imagine what i would do if i got SUPER lucky and hit a nice king right away...

[MGH55]

If you could put a small outboard on your drift boat you would be safer and could get to the beach faster if needed! Try Anchor Point and catch the out going tide back toward Homer 1to3 miles anchor and fish the out going tide and the start of incoming then let it push you back to the launch. I would troll for kings after halibut fishing. I have caught kings on anchor fishing along the kelp beds 30ft into 10ft. Good luck and be safe!!!! check out what type of bottom for Halibut thread.

[wildwill]

There are a few guides that used to do it often. I have a couple buddies that have done it with regular success in early season, later May/early June. I really want to give it a try as well but just haven't. Everytime I open the topic, my wife just giggles and looks at me like I am stupid. Not saying its overly wise, but far from foolish if you pick your days.

Will

[cod]

Drift boat with no motor launched south of DP crk today. 3 guys, 6 fish. Nothing huge but the one I say em land was about 20 lbs. I saw 3 kings caught by the other 2 boats (4 people total) that were trolling. Cool but nice day on the water. 14.4 ft tide (relatively small) so not huge current. By the way, no problem rowing their drift boat in tidal current to speak of. They were out bout half mile and landed just a block and a half down the beach from put in.

[AKGREEN]

Thanks for all the great input. I believe it was us that cod saw. fished 2 days limited wednesday and got 5 on thursday including one fish around 40#. It was "awesome". thanks again.

[Kardinal_84]

Saw three drift boats on Sunday May 1. If you counted our 2 kayaks, there were just as many unpowered boats as there were powered boats I saw that day. Superlight traffic....

These guys knew what they were doing. They apparently have been doing it a while.

[alaskachuck]

Interesting thread. I have been running out there since I was a kid. Early 80's long before the tractors. Spent alot of time in a zodiac catching alot of butts. I guess I am getting old now because I would not be comfy at all putting my drifter out there. Even with my 9.8 motor. This is the first I have seen it and more power to you guys. Then again I run my drifter accross Skilak. On those good days as Im sure the drifter folks do in the salt

[qkayak]

My neighbor does it every year. He catches lots of fish. You really have to pick your days.