quote:Originally posted by JuandeOne
Have the distinct privledge of spending five days at the Lodge in a few weeks.
Was wondering if anyone, who has spent any time up there, has any cool advise to pass along in terms of what to bring, what to expect, fishing related etc?
Just thought i'd put it out there. Thx.
Heya.. in a few weeks you're going to be into a few Coho for sure. Springs will be there to be found--find the bait and chances are you'll find the fish. Each trip is a little different. Find out where the Guides are fishing and watch carefully where they are. Where can be VERY important and make the difference between hooking 1-4 springs in a morning fish or 15-35 springs in 4-5 hours. You'll find the guides outfish the unguided by a large margin----area knowledge is key. What some experience and call "marginal" fishing, can be totally different for other anglers on another boat. Results can and will vary wildly between boats. Learn how to cut plug if you don't know already and ensure you can roll a herring, take your favorite mooching rods (10'6" or longer), your favorite single action reels (Islanders, Penn, WHY) and get ready for fun. You may also consider your favorite smallish Coyote Spoons when you're interested in the Cohos as cutting herring is unnecessary. If you're unguided, you should be able to fish 4 rods in anything bigger than the basic red boat. On a 5 day trip, you will have NO PROBLEM to limit out on every species in the book if you so desire. Each year is different up there. If you hit the right trip and hit the right area, there is not another location on the coast which can or will offer up the sheer quantity and quality of springs by mooching in terms of time fished. WCVI can give Langara Island a run for the money at those times, however, you'll be fishing well offshore and trolling with downriggers. I haven't fished up there for years, but I can tell you, it isn't what it used to be...however, it does offer fishing that is "getting there" relative to the days of yore.
I disagree with Dogbreath's statement about getting up "early". If the bite is "early" depending on the tides or situation, then yes, by all means, get up early. However, the bite can also be late, after many boats are off the water. I've fished the area for many many hours and know this to be true.
Since you're spending the money to go to Langara, I recommend a guide and an upgraded boat package. It's worth the money.
If you're going to WCFC, all the tackle types which work on WCVI work great as well and you'll have a ball with downriggers and traditional gear. Try not to bother fishing with Flashers on the mainline...they're not necessary 99% of the time of the season. If you're fishing with downriggers, you may wish to take up a case of Anchovies, as that can give you a competitive advantage...however, not by much depending on the situation. Langara Fishing Lodge and Langara Island Lodge do not have downriggers available as they're just not necessary to catch fish. Their Grady White boat packages do offer downriggers if you book with them.
Take your camera, take lots and lots of pictures of everything you experience, and post them on here for all to see.