Local I agree head to Nootka, every year we launch at Gold River and run to the northwest part of the island (Esperanza Inlet). I think it's easier on the package (BOAT, TRUCK, trailer) to launch at @ Gold River and run through the islands. Most of the water is protected, there are a couple parts that could get a little bumpy. Fishing is usually pretty good it will depend on what they let us keep for size (77cm or bigger inside) Within 1 mile of the coast line, and how far off shore you got to go to be able to get into some big ones. Up until this year I was in a 19' Hewescraft Searunner 1994 so it was more like the sportsman series now ( a little flatter bottom). Last year we went 16 miles out not a problem other days we were getting good fish 2.5 to 4 miles off the coast. After we would get what we needed for our possesion limit we would fish a couple of the coastal spots and played catch and release all day with some big ones. You just got to keep an eye on the weather and do what you can. It's great it's nice to get away and forget about Puget Sound for a little while.