This may not be an unusual event for many of you but as a newbie to these shores I was blown away this morning on my ferry commute from Bainbridge Island to Seattle to see what must have been at least 20 (likely more) Orcas swimming around. They were all travelling N to S. First caught a glimpse of something in the distance just south of Shillshoe and before I knew it the ferry had driven right through the line so there were whales on either side, some pretty close!

Again, this may be a regular occurance but it totally blew me away, as it probably did the two boats that looked like they were fishing near the port (isn't the season closed - not having a go, I just thought it was for a couple of weeks?). Anyway, what a way to start tyhe day!

Alec, I was born here and have been on the water in some way for most of my 40 years. The sight of Orca's still makes my spine tingle and quickly reminds me that we are but a small part of this ecosystem. Pretty magical stuff.

[img]http://www.fishingnbeer.com/boat1/slides/Orca%201.html[/img] [img]http://www.fishingnbeer.com/boat1/slides/More.html[/img]

These were taken last fall just off Jeffhead.
http://www.fishingnbeer.com/boat1/slides/More.html

Pretty cool. Although more often than not they are a little further North. Hope they are the transients here to snack on a few other mammals.

I wish they were transients too but they don't come in pods that big.

It's truly a thrill to see them. That bunch has been around the central and north sound for about a month now feeding on chums. They were all around our boat at Possession a few weeks ago and I've heard about sightings of them on a weekly basis. I love it when they frolic and jump out of the water.

Alec,

I've lived on Puget Sound for 34 years now, my 34th Bday is today, and look for the Orcas every time out on the water. During the summer months, the Southern Resident Pods (J, K, L - some of the ones you saw today) spend the majority of their time on the west side of SanJuan Island chasing the Frazier River runs I think. During the late fall, as was said, they follow the massive chum run into the sound.

In spring, late May, be looking for the Grey Whales. If you get a chance to fish Possession up through Saratoga Passage between Whidbey and Camano late in the blackmouth season you have a good chance of running into the Grey Whales. They are very cool too, but in a slow-motion kind of way.

Remember to turn your sonar off when you see the whales, as it's just another loud annoying noise for them. (The Navy can't seem to figure this out)

Welcome to WA - you're in the club now

Hadn't thought about the sonar, good point!