Fished Nootka the last few years and love the place. Yeah, some areas are crowded but we always can find fish away from the crowd. Never had a bad trip to Nootka. Last year was bizzare though. Hot as hell one day, then nothing going on the next. Halibut fishing is lacking in that area though, there are fish, but not a slam dunk fishery by any stretch. I fished Hardy a few years back and had a good time. My only problem with Hardy was it was really a lot like fishing Neah Bay in terms of what you're catching and catch rate. Loads of pinks and coho, worked hard for a few decent kings. Did pick up a chart and find a good looking halibut spot. Went there, caught fish.. Did see lots of orca, that was really cool! I'd go back if my group decided that was the spot..

Nootka is primarily a king show. Never brought one home under 25, and every year had a couple in the mid 30's. this years best was a 36lb white king. For my group, we were after kings, so thats where we ended up.

We just cancelled our 09 reservatons to critter cove last week. The cost went up too much and we decided to spend less and stay closer...