2017 Nootka Sound/Esperanza Inlet Reports

View attachment 34577 View attachment 34579 What was this Parade all about past Critter Cove 4 pm July 27. Nootka Sound charters. A dozen Grady's eating each others wakes
all the boat were moving to esperanza new Nooka lodge since the good fishing was at the guitar and whale tale I know I was doing that trip everyday also for the last week I was there getting limit for customer before 09:30 am on average salmon 25 lb this is why not many Nooka adventure boat were fishing local.
 
Sure-the ramp was an absolute Gong show-everyone wanted in and there were 8 to ten boats waiting in the river to get out-there was absolutely no attempt at control-guys were launching between boats and this on a low falling tide. There should have been an in/ out designated side. Guys were just pushing in where ever and then sat there getting their boat loaded after they'd jumped the line. The FN just took money-no attempt at control or direction.
Camel rock-the tack belonged to the brave and fearless--forget right rod to the beach-in fact forget everything you thought you knew-he with the biggest cojones and oldest crapper boat wins the tack---same around the monument. Bound to happen really--the number of boats from tinnys to 40 footers was hard to comprehend. Off-shore was really quite good-I put that down to fewer boats of course but probably more experienced boaters. I'm sure some guys get off on it-there is a bit of a carnival flavour to it but my report was meant to warn people what to expect for the first time--yes you get a shot at some really nice Springs- will it be once in a lifetime experience---you betcha!!-IF your boat driver can get over your fish and get you to the outside so you have a chance to land it. I would call it Combat fishing or perhaps contact fishing. I know it will sound like sour grapes to some--which is Ok-if you are good with it and don't mind it-enjoy. I had a look and a laugh this time and decided not to play-Went outside to take my lumps with the Pacific--much safer and way more peaceful. My 2 cents
what got me the most was the cut plugger parking themselft at critical point and making everybody going around them so as it got busy with more boat it made the boat turn wider so it had direct effect on patend troll so there were not a line to troll anymore and has you said than one boat would come x side way and cut everybody off what a mess it was this year.
 
TipUp, yes Ferrer is closed as of July `5th.

My buddy was out yesterday on the Whales Tail, T, and the 6 Mile Reef and only got a couple fish so don't waist you time and FUEL. There is lots of fish at the Light House, Beano, Burdwood and inside that you can catch.

Good weather for the next few days.
sorry but I totally disagree with you there every chance that the weather was good I was out there and I always find my limit of spring salmon in a very short time than give more time to fish bottom and size were much better since average were around 25 lb and as usual I was fishing right on the bottom so very few teen fish. so my costumer were very happy and when home with their limit on everything they could take home.
 
Not sure this is the right place to inquire. I'm heading to Nootka on the 12th and am putting my list of gear to load up with. Should I bother with crab or prawn gear? Staying at Tuta if that makes any difference. And also, small lures still the key? Thanks!
totally small spoon 3.5 is better say hi to Larry and Shirley for me crab gear will work if you put it on the left side as you leave Tuta and than drop you gear right there for salmon and troll to the point and make circle around Tuta marina and than do the beach on the way to camel rock but as soon as you get to the first reef right after the beach come back you do not have to camel rock and fight the crowd there got many fish on that short tack this year up to 7 spring right in front of the marina trust me you will like it even ask Larry he will tell you how many fish I got in front of him good luck and tight line
 
Your welcome TipUp, I remember the days when the pink hat boys were in a lot smaller boat working hard all day at Beano.
 
Your welcome TipUp, I remember the days when the pink hat boys were in a lot smaller boat working hard all day at Beano.

Always loved the kelp line at Beno. Started looking for a bigger boat when they started shutting down Beno July 15. Hopefully that is over with! With the new Regs though all our ling cod holes are closed after the 15th. Any ideas? We've been wearing those pink hats for about 24 years
 
I was thinking of coming to Nootka sound Aug 16 to 21 but have never fished there at this time of year. Just wondering if spring fishing will still be good outside at lighthouse to Beano and if the bottom fishing will still be good outside of Bajo? Usually move boat to Barkley sound for Aug and Sept but thinking of staying put because fishing so good this year in Nootka. Any feedback greatly appreciated
 
Was at esperenza last week. Basically.... ******. You need to be out at 4-6 mile minimum. You will catch a few wild hohos there, but also a couple springs.
The road was 40-60 kms with boat. On way out grader had his blade down. The 50 fathom line had a ton of commies looking to finish up, shows they are also slow.
 
Was in Nootka for 8 days and did well on springs. Took back limits to the processor in Moutcha and went back out for more. Largest was 29lbs, had 5 double headers and went 8 for 10 on doubles.

Got a rookie his 1st salmon ever at 21lbs and it kicked his but.

Biggest ling was 27lbs and did well on bottom fish.

It was too hot, temperature that is. Fishing was consistent and very much enjoyed the ability to relax.
 
Fishing is a bit spotty for salmon the last few days. There are times when it's on and then a lull. I hope it's not a repeat of mid August blues like last year.

Last night the gill netters were out and were given 4500 fish to take. Did anyone hear how they did?

Good thing the weather has been good for bottom fishing.
 
Fishing is a bit spotty for salmon the last few days. There are times when it's on and then a lull. I hope it's not a repeat of mid August blues like last year.

Last night the gill netters were out and were given 4500 fish to take. Did anyone hear how they did?

Good thing the weather has been good for bottom fishing.
 
I have been out here since Thursday noon.. We fished the beach at the monument and hooked 2 fish in 6hrs.. Biggest 21lbs.. Fished yesterday started inside at camel rock not a strike we didn't see ONE fish on in 4 hrs. Pretty sad.. Went out to the beach and hooked 5 in two hrs and then silent.. There was a constant bite there for most of the morning most fish in the teens.. Now today we put in at friendly cove at 5:30... Nothing saw two fish landed went to Beano nothing. Came back to monument.. My god have never seen it so slow.. I hope it was better inside today.. Will report again tomorrow.. Tight lines!!
 
I have been out here since Thursday noon.. We fished the beach at the monument and hooked 2 fish in 6hrs.. Biggest 21lbs.. Fished yesterday started inside at camel rock not a strike we didn't see ONE fish on in 4 hrs. Pretty sad.. Went out to the beach and hooked 5 in two hrs and then silent.. There was a constant bite there for most of the morning most fish in the teens.. Now today we put in at friendly cove at 5:30... Nothing saw two fish landed went to Beano nothing. Came back to monument.. My god have never seen it so slow.. I hope it was better inside today.. Will report again tomorrow.. Tight lines!!
Hooking 5 Chinooks in 2 hours sounds awesome!
 
Just got back from 4 days of fishing Nootka.

Wednesday was pretty solid for us with 4 spring landed in roughly 4 hours. Landed 2 springs at first light on Thursday but then the action slowed down into the afternoon. We headed out to the lighthouse/wash rock but no action for either salmon or bottomfish. Friday was very slow for us with not even a hit at all the usual inside spots. Saturday morning we managed to land one more spring to total seven for the trip. All fish were caught at camel rock on anchovy between 38 and 78 feet. All in all a great trip with awesome weather and as always a great stay at critter cove. Looking forward to next year already!
 
Hardly ever post here, but have valued the information. I just got back from 6 days of fishing. Frustrating was the term for the week. Hooked 19 fish and only landed 1. All the hits coming from the wall and camel. The first day and half we never got a hit. Tuesday evening we went 0 for 7 in about 2.5hrs. Not sure what we were doing wrong. All hoochies were using tandem #4/0 gamagatsu octopus hooks. All spoons I swapped the original hooks for gammy siwash 4/0 as well. Either way I'm even more determined than ever. Tried some bottom fishing and my kid caught a dog fish. He thought it was a baby great white, pretty funny. Can't wait for next year.
 
Hardly ever post here, but have valued the information. I just got back from 6 days of fishing. Frustrating was the term for the week. Hooked 19 fish and only landed 1. All the hits coming from the wall and camel. The first day and half we never got a hit. Tuesday evening we went 0 for 7 in about 2.5hrs. Not sure what we were doing wrong. All hoochies were using tandem #4/0 gamagatsu octopus hooks. All spoons I swapped the original hooks for gammy siwash 4/0 as well. Either way I'm even more determined than ever. Tried some bottom fishing and my kid caught a dog fish. He thought it was a baby great white, pretty funny. Can't wait for next year.

You never said-did you break off or was it a long line release??
 
One break off and the rest were long line released. Most fish we played for maybe a minute or more and then they spit the hook.

Not so much a gear issue I would say. Sounds to me like perhaps they are spitting the hook when getting to the head-shaking stage after the first long run. It's important at that stage of the fight to keep a little more tension on the fish. They're not actually needing any line to swim, seeing as though they're almost stationary when they head-shake. The greater tension allows your rod to do what it was intended for and absorb the shock of the head shake. Any slack during that time will usually end in a lost fish. Rarely are fish lost while making a run due to the fact that backwards tension is always being maintained. Just my two cents.
 
Fished Friday and Saturday - slow as mentioned.

3 Chinook on Friday (Cooptee) and Saturday no luck. Hardly saw any nets out on Saturday.
 
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