>>friends in from out of town for some salmon fishing. figure the most dependable/do'able(in my 18ft hewescraft) bite will be Seiku.

Don't rule out the south sound, Pt. Defiance and areas around Vashon. There are Kings around right now.

>>leaving tonight at 6pm. whats the best route-i live in west seattle. ferry/16 bridge? whats the drive time?

Save the time and cash from the ferry toll and drive around. It's a good 4 - 5 hour drive depending on traffic. Leaving at 6:00, the Narrows bridge traffic should be OK, a little slow but IMO still better than the ferry option.

>>any recommendation of lodging?- cheap- a bunch of guys that don't mind a little funk.

I like Curley's. But they're all decent enough.

>>whats the best launch?

I like the Olson ramp, but Van Riper's is OK too.

>>is it worth dropping a crab pot anywhere there?

Yep, right out in the bay.