Manchester Launch?

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I'm down south by Tacoma but really want to go crabbing. Figure going off the peninsula will be way less crowded than something like Everett. The Manchester boat launch site says the ramp ends at the 0 tide mark. Has anyone launched in a low tide, and is it doable? I think it's around the 2' mark this weekend in the AM. I have a 15' Lund tiller so it doesn't need a lot of water – but I'd hate to drive all the way up there to find out I can't launch.
Is there plenty of parking? More options than the small lot by the ramp that you can see on google earth?

Will be dropping crab pots and then just poking around for sanddabs and dogfish, as I don't have a salmon setup. Mostly just want to catch some crabs and fish for a bit before hunting season starts in August. I'm aware that I'll likely just get red rock crabs, although I'd welcome any PMs on Dungeness if you have it, or advice on the area in general (or other places that would be more worthwhile!), as I've never been.
Thanks!

[fishngamereaper]

Parking is pretty much what you see. You will loose the ramp on minus tides. But your boat is small enough so no huge deal. The area gets carpet bombed with pots so no go to spot for crab. Go explore Blake isl. If you get bored. Good luck.

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Thanks for the reply!
I'm thinking since it's only an extra 30 minutes, I might as well head to Westport and try fishing in Grays Harbor. Maybe try the inside of the jetty, and it looks like there's some other structure around as well, and I'd imagine flatfish are there too. Seems like a better idea than launching from Manchester. And should I happen across rockfish or a ling, I can keep it.

[Alchase]

Thanks for the reply!
I'm thinking since it's only an extra 30 minutes, I might as well head to Westport and try fishing in Grays Harbor. Maybe try the inside of the jetty, and it looks like there's some other structure around as well, and I'd imagine flatfish are there too. Seems like a better idea than launching from Manchester. And should I happen across rockfish or a ling, I can keep it.

30 minutes to Westport from Puyallup or Manchester?

2 hours from Puyallup Westpost, 102 miles
2 20 minutes from Manchester to Westport, 126 miles

[Alchase]

I use to put in at Manchester with my 13 ft Smoker Craft, then run to Blake island to set pots and fish.
The Manchester Ramp is out of water at low tide, and sticky mud. You should be mindful of the tide and weather. Afternoon winds pick up fairly quick. You can get some good crab near Blake island. I would be leary of setting pots on the Manchester side because of the proximity of the Fuel Depot and PSNS around the corner. Lots of nasty stuff in that mud. Also the tidal current coming in and out of Rich Passage is 4 - 7 knots depending where you are at in the passage. It will carry your pots out deep or into Silverdale, LOL.

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30 minutes to Westport from Puyallup or Manchester?

2 hours from Puyallup Westpost, 102 miles
2 20 minutes from Manchester to Westport, 126 miles

No, I meant going from Puyallup to Manchester is a little over an hour, so instead of going to Manchester, if I headed to Westport, it would be 30 extra minutes or so. Turns out it's more like an extra hour, but still, I'd spend an extra 2 hours driving if I went to Westport vs. Manchester, and have a lot better chance at catching fish and crabs.
Was planning originally on dropping pots around Yukon Harbor, or possibly Blake Island, and then fishing around those two areas as well. But I'm thinking Grays Harbor is going to be the better bet all around.

[SeaRun1]

I launch out of Manchester frequently in a boat like yours (OP).  The concrete goes down to a zero tide but really it can be interesting below a 2.  Sand has filled in the bottom of the ramp, making it quite flat.  In addition, so many guys drive their boats onto their trailers that there is a big hole in the sand So your trailer may drop into it.  It is not super bad just something to be aware of.

I have yet to get a single Dungeness in southern area 10.  Lots of large Red Rock crabs if you want them though.  Head south of the launch towards Yukon Harbor and the Sand Dabs and flounder are thick.  Launch fills up fast on Friday through Sunday.

SR1

[Stein]

I would look at John Wayne in Sequim, great place for that sized boat and you could do it all.


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