With the huge biomass of herring now in the Georgia Strait to complete their annual spawn, there are always good numbers of Chinooks following the huge schools around. Some of the largest salmon we hook into every year are out there right now. Over the years our boats have boated more than a few of these extremely large migrating Chinooks. These early fish, when hooked, seem to just want to head to the bottom, no matter how deep, and just keep on going. Try to match up your gear with the herring that are out there. Large silver or prism spoons (6-7") will get the best results, trolled without a flasher.
Last years Chinook fishery in our favorite hotspots around the south end of Denman and Hornby Islands (area 14) surpassed most everyone's expectations, although seals are a problem as they are in all inside waters now. Be creative by not bringing up your downriggers when landing a fish. Seals hear the sound they make and target your boat right away. Try some plugs and spoons without flashers, anything that makes it harder for these problem seals to ruin your day. Larger numbers of herring kept the fish feeding around Flora Islets and Tribune Bay most of the summer. The average weight of salmon landed on our charters was up 7-10 lbs. Both the Big and Little Qualicum River runs were exceptional, with most many fish hitting the scales at between 25-30 lbs. The time to prepare for the coming angling season is now. It's never too early to haul out all your gear and give it the once over. Throw out all the rusty hooks, fouled line, frayed downrigger line etc and get ready to have fun out on the water. Try not be the guy who "ALMOST LANDED THE BIG ONE" because last years leader snapped!! All boat owners should take the extra time to give the boat complete inspection from top to bottom. Don't overlook your trailer; faulty bearings, lights and hitches etc can really spoil your day.
The new boating regulations are coming into effect so be sure to check and see what applies to yourself and others that might take the control of your vessel. The next few months can provide some real treats for the dinner table. The local prawning is fantastic; you just have to wait for Mother Nature to co-operate a little. The numbers of crab in Baynes Sound is on the rise, so try dropping a trap around the spit in Deep Bay in 40-60 ft of water. The oysters are always tastier this time of year and a fresh winter spring on the grill can't be beat. If you are going to do some winter spring fishing, best bet is around the ferry dock (Hornby side) in Lambert Channel. There is a nice 220 ft hole where the fish always seem to be. Give it a shot with light 6 ft leader, small flashers and a silver prism coyote spoon. This set up seems to produce good results most days. Come on up to beautiful Deep Bay (just 20 minutes north of Qualicum Beach) For angling info or charters contact G&M FISHING CHARTERS at 1-800-577-6966 or 24 hr pager (250) 954-6500
Regards
Gil Di Cesare
FISHING BC ONLINE
VANCOUVER ISLANDS FISHING CHARTER SPECIALISTS
Fishing charters & all inclusive fishing packages
info@fishingbc.ca
(250) 954-6500 local
1- 800-577-6966 toll free North America
