Squidding at Shilshole / Golden Gardens / Ballard

[johng]

So, that subject will register with those of us in the (206)! 

Does anyone know about this "private pier" some guy was telling me about?  I asked him if he meant the pier right by the public boat launch but he said no that wasn't it (there's a little restaurant right there too).  He said this pier was out in the residential area near the marina (south end??) and you can get out there and squid before they close the gate at 10pm.

Just wondering if anyone knows what he means by this.

Thanks!!!

- John

[jay.sharkbait]

Is it the pier behind the old Seaview boatyard?

[lokidog]

You can squid before 10 pm???   

[johng]

Thanks SharkBait-- I will cruise by one night after work and check it out.  I work in Fremont so pretty close to Ballard.

Lokidog-- would you like to expand on that?  I am not a "squid guru" but have caught some before 10pm I am pretty sure.  Does it get better the later in the evening it gets?  I thought it had to do with the tides but who knows. 

Cheers,
jg

[lokidog]

Thanks SharkBait-- I will cruise by one night after work and check it out.  I work in Fremont so pretty close to Ballard.

Lokidog-- would you like to expand on that?  I am not a "squid guru" but have caught some before 10pm I am pretty sure.  Does it get better the later in the evening it gets?  I thought it had to do with the tides but who knows. 

Cheers,
jg

You can catch them whenever, it was a joke as it always seems like guys catch them at 2, right after I have left.   

[johng]

Ah yes, I have the same problem... it was always "weeely good" before I got there or after I left the night before.  hahaha... well good luck out there.   

 Being half Italian I love me some calamari.

Happy Thanksgiving,

John

[magnanimous_j]

So, that subject will register with those of us in the (206)! 

Does anyone know about this "private pier" some guy was telling me about?  I asked him if he meant the pier right by the public boat launch but he said no that wasn't it (there's a little restaurant right there too).  He said this pier was out in the residential area near the marina (south end??) and you can get out there and squid before they close the gate at 10pm.

Just wondering if anyone knows what he means by this.

Thanks!!!

- John

I usually fish off the pier by the Olympic Sculpture Park and some of those guys switch between there and "A Dock" in Ballard, but I've never been able to find it.

[johng]

Howdy,

So for everyone's edification- the pier has been located!  It is indeed the one spoken of by others on this thread.  It is run by the Port of Seattle and is *just* north of the condos before you get into Golden Gardens.  Right behind the old Seaview Boatyard.

As far as the squidding goes it hasn't been on fire but people have a few in their buckets.  I caught my inaugural squid here last night and he was good size... wish I could have gotten a few more but dang tasty!!!! 

One final note is I have noticed the squidding community to be very neighborly.... very willing to share light, tips, other spots, etc... super cool.  Lot different than combat fishing on certain rivers around here during salmon season!

Cheers and good luck!

-jg

[lokidog]

Congratulations on your squid.  They can be addictive, both catching and eating, they are so tasty.