Just back in yesterday from Ukee.
I was one of those trollers out there on the Big Bank.
Fishing was rather good there, as well as several other places we wandered:
- South Bank - lots but small fish.
- Big Bank - lots, and larger fish. Halibut so damn thick we had to move on occasion! Saw springs to well over 30 pounds!
- Portland Point - was lots of larger fish, they moved a couple of days ago.
- Lighthouse Bank - Very good for large springs right now (those that wandered over from Portland). Up to 40 pounds.
- The Wreck - slow for springs, loads of halibut.

Size of the coho was nearly staggering for this time of year! They will be Monsters a little later in the season, but their numbers appear to be off from most previous years.

BTW, that was not the end of Area G's (WCVI Troll Fleet) quota (or Total Allowable catch - TAC) for this year. There remains a considerable number in reserve. We will be prosecuting a "plug only" fishery sometime in August, and perhaps another shot in September to address the balance (our fishing "year" runs from October through October for whatever reason). Even with the numbers we will be allowed to harvest, the recreational sector will likely top that in overall removals, as they have for the past several years.

All in all I suggest it is looking MORE than good for the impending sport season. Good numbers of springs and halibut for sure. Like I stated, the coho appear to off the mark at this time, but that could well change as the season progresses. Already know of certain landings of springs to 40 pounds. Gonna be some FUN methinks!

Back in town for a little spell to unwind, then donning the Guide Hat once again. My dance card is getting fuller each passing day as folks hear of the success rates out there, but still a little wiggle room left if anyone is interested (get ahold of me soon if that's your thoughts btw!).

Hope a few of you make it out there this season! Likely be One To Remember, and Big Grins are damn near assured!

Cheers,
Nog

Good, Good, Good !!!

Great post!
I'm looking for anyone who might be able to direct me as to where I could get a chart of the area's in the previous post. Showing the different banks and marked regular areas to fish off shore.Looking for the area from Ukkee to Bamfield area off shore. A regular chart as we all know is great in some regards ; however can be sorely lacking in the peronal point of view as to that "special point where MR Johnson Lives 200 yards off shore is is so and so. spot. I'm sure we all know one of those.
Also would a 18' double eagle with a 70hp be sufficient to be out there?
DAVE

Great to hear nog, thanks. Might finally get out there next week.

pumpkin.Its ok on calmer days to fish the closer banks but you would be unwise to fish the outside banks or if the waters big. 17.5 and a 70 horse is just not an offshore boat, i basically have the same setup and limit myself to 7 mile. I have a kicker and normally a buddy out there that could give me a tow if the main failed.

The ocean is a big place and conditions can change hourly there might be some of what you're after on http://www.salmonuniversity.com/



On the Very Best Days of the year Yes.

If not.......

Eight to twelve foot swells are very common and the norm. Winds pick up in the afternoon putting chop on top of that making it quite bumpy. It is very much based on experience and comfort level. I have done it in smaller and worse (probably shouldn’t have), but if you go - go early, plan on being back in before the afternoon winds build around noon-ish, and watch the weather closely, as it can change quickly and not always forecasted!

This is not all that uncommon in the afternoons!

Charlie.... your picture needs some wind chop on top of that swell!!

Thanks for the replies. I should have added that ive been fishing around the sland for over 35 years and have guided before. Ive just never been off shore more than a mile at bamfield but would love to go out for the seasonal runs and some Hali fishing which for some reason I've never done.
Thanks for the link although I guess what I really need is a new friend who I could go out in my boat or tag along with to gps some of the banks and such.
And even 7 miles would make me nervous ; at that distance me thinks i could see Japan on a big wave . Id be happy to trade with someone a guided tour of the inside where ive spent many years from CR to Duncan.
Cheers
Dave


"Charlie brown are you still gonna wait for the Great Pumpkin. Ill stay all night if I have too!"

Just for you!!

Think i just pi$$ed my pants ....