Hi guys - I just moved to Nanaimo from the mainland and want to try my hand at catching ocean salmon. I used to the fish the interior often and river salmon but the ocean is completely new to me.

I have a 17' malibu that came with a kicker and downriggers, a couple of rods and a few bits of tackle, now what? Can anybody point me in the right direction to fish? and please speak slowly I'm new!

Thank You

Firsttime

As was pointed out to you in another thread, the Fingers is a great place to get started.
Head into Departure Bay from Brechin boat ramp and then turn to the starboard (right) towards open water. Not sure if you have a sounder or not, but you are supposed to stay left of the yellow marker as you head out into the Bay.

Generally speaking, most salmon caught in the Nanaimo area are caught deeper than 100 feet. Hootchies, spoons and bait are the most popular baits run behind flashers. Some people use plugs but more often on the west coast.

If you haven't fished with downriggers, I would suggest finding someone to go with you for at least the first time that has experience using them. If not, maybe you can find something on youtube that shows the proper way to use them. It can be a bit tricky for the first time but is very easy afterwards.

There are so many techniques used that it would be a waste to try to explain. Check on some of the other fishing sites, as well as this one for old threads explaining same.

Good luck and good fishing.

Cheers

Hi Firsttime
PM sent

H.E.H.

FirstTime:-

First off get yourself a marine chart of the area. The coast of V.I. is plastered with reefs, "dryers", shallows, islets and so-on and so-forth.

Then get yourself a "tide" book (couple of bucks at Gone " Fishin or Harbor Chandler). Unlike a lake we have tides that range from 2 feet to 12 feet plus.
This can make a big difference in many places.

generally speaking:- low slack (plus an hour either side of) is your best bet. That plus early a.m. or towards evening as well.
However there are always 'wild card' bites that happen....lately it's been any time before noon.

These days fish are anywhere from about 90ft down to around 180ft.
Depending on whether they are migratories or residents.

Use no less than 12lb. balls.......15 if you like.

Starter tackle:-

Rods with at least 20lb.mono on them. (Don't use the cheap bargain-bin mono).
Reels with at least 600ft of line on them.
Knuckle-buster reels....not those silly American ass-backward level-wind jobs.

Hotspot Green-edge flashers or Super Betsy...also Purple Haze.
Splatterback Green Yamashita or North Pacific hoochies. 36" Knot to nose leader.
Purple Haze Hoochy..same leader length.
Silver Horde 3.5" Irish creme spoon.
Coyote Neon Green/Glow spoon 3.5 or 4"
Coyote Metallic Green/Nickel spoon 3.5 or 4"
Zurtro 4" "Rosco" spoon....if you can get 'em. They are hot seller right now.
Coyote 4 or 3.5" Cop car spoon.
Silver Horde "Cookies and Creme".....very good version of the Cop car, with extra glow and U/V.
OA12LR Yamashita hoochy........built in U/V....milky white color.....very good.

"Fingers" are easy to get to. As are most of the places.

Read "Fishing Nanaimo 2011" thread for lots of info....
Not that I have anything against American tackle, but as far as level-wind reels go:- The reel faces upwards, which is a lot more fatiguing on the wrists plus the drag system is different than a "knuckle-buster". You get more direct control IMO with the "palming" method on a "knuckle-buster". If they ever made one of those level-winds where the reel hangs underneath the rod, I might use one.....I've heard they do make them, but I've never been able to find one up here.
For parts and service, the "knuckle-busters" are far and away easier to repair "on the fly". I've used "knuckle-busters" that haven't required servicing in 10 years of use. Whereas most of the salt-water level-winds I own are in a box in the basement and have some kind of problem or another.

Get onboard w/a local. Will pay dividends exponentially. I am looking for crew Monday. tls

Cheers All,

Cheech has a GREAT point: one can spend years learning the dynamics of an area or they can team up with local knowledge and cut the learning time by
a signifcant factor. When I go to a new area I either team up or take a guide
so that the important points are quickly learned.