With the 2008 saltwater sport fishery approaching quickly, and the great memories of last year still being talked about, most anglers can't wait to hear the reels screamin' again. Last year's Chinook fishery in our favorite hotspots in and around AREA 14, which includes Courtenay / Comox, Denman & Hornby Islands all the way to Parksville exceeded most anglers expectations. Larger numbers of herring kept the fish feeding around most of the summer. Big and Little Qualicum River runs were exceptional, providing the best Chinook fishing in the Georgia Strait again this past August with most 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, lube up the reels, check the drag systems etc and get ready to have fun out on the water. Try not be the guy who "ALMOST LANDED THE BIG ONE" because of some sort of preventable gear failure.
All boat owners should take the extra time to give the boat a complete inspection from top to bottom. Don't overlook your trailer; faulty bearings; lights; hitches etc can really spoil your day.
The next few months can provide some real treats for the dinner table. The prawning is fantastic, you just have to wait for Mother Nature to co-operate. The oysters are always much 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. The abundance of 25-30" winter springs out there is keeping most anglers busy. Best bets include the Kitty Cloeman, Twin Islands and 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.
For angling info or charters contact G&M FISHING CHARTERS at 1-800-577-6966 or 24 hr pager (250) 954-6500 website www.fishingbc.ca e-mail info@fishingbc.ca