Edmonds Derby Advice

[kodacachers]

I normally avoid crowds but am thinking of fishing the Edmonds Derby this Saturday.
Any advice on the put in? Edmonds v. Everett? Very early (Edmonds opens at 5) or miss the first light bite and wait until the first wave passes (will there still be parking anywhere)? Have my own personal derby on Sunday?
Any advice is appreciated!

[Mike Carey]

Is the sling at Edmonds open that early? I thought they changed their open times to 7am. The LT is at 8:55 so you should still be good even if you don't hit that crack o dawn water. And it's a ripping fast tide this weekend.

Good luck!

[kodacachers]

Thanks Mike! Edmonds has special derby day hours, opening at 5:00.

[Matt]

In the past I have used the sling the night before, grabbed guest moorage, and popped out in the morning before the crowds. You have to get there early on Friday afternoon though to secure a spot.

This year we will be heading out of Everett, see you on the water and GOOD LUCK!

[salmonbarry]

I actually rented a slip one year as a lot of folks take the boats away for the weekend to avoid crowds and there are some empty slips! A little pricey but was worth it with having the wife with me that year and not having to deal with the lines Saturday morning. Just walked down to the boat through the gate and made our way out into the sound!

[kodacachers]

Just for posterity (or next year)...I chose to use the Edmonds sling. Got there at 4:40 and was the 5th boat in line (one of two lines). They started the sling promptly at 5:00 and I was in the water by 5:20! We caught 2 (report on the way) and headed back in at 11:15. No line at all at that time to get out. Free bowl of clam chowder. Good experience all around.

[salmonbarry]

Very nice!