Islander 2013 Recommendations

[jorluivil]

The 2.5 day trip that I booked last year saw some awesome fishing: nice Yellows, Halibut in the 30 and 40 pound class, monster Calicos, huge Sculpins and some decent sized Rockfish. I know that even when fishing is good there is always room for improvement from both the anglers and the boat crew. The purpose of this thread is to share our experience(good and bad) and perhaps the OEX crew can in turn share those experiences with the Captain of the Islander.

Please, whatever you do, keep your comments civilized and respectful of other anglers, the OEX team and the Islander crew.

For me, here's what I have from last years trip:

Cons:
assigned bunks/rooms
boat appeared to be overbooked
meals seemed to get smaller(compared to 2011)
skiff operator was fishing while yakkers where looking for skiff service
bait that was being provided by skiff operator was small(one yakker asked for squid and was given/offered roughly 3-5 pieces of cut up squid, I was offered the same when I asked for it)
Birds sh*tted on me twice. Ok, I know they have no control over this one but I thought I'd share it anyway

Pros:
We were allowed to pick our roommate, this made Roby happy
Rope to tie down the kayaks during lunch was provided....HUGE PLUS FOR ME BECAUSE I FORGOT MINE!!!
The meals that were provided where hot and ready



Suggestions:
During the 2012 session prizes where given away. Perhaps, they can do the same for the 2013 trips but rather than give them away they can sell raffle tickets and donate the money to the deckhands.

Offer a second helping of food for an additional fee

Start a lost and found box. I lost one of the removable pants leg from some convertible Columbia pants.

If the boat is scheduled to depart at 2200 and all anglers have arrived by 1800 than the boat should depart. This gives the Captain additional time to scout the fishing grounds.


If I think of any others I'll add it later.