Certainly a very encouraging post by Profisher. But a word of caution.
Fishing in Sooke is all about location, location, location. You can't catch fish that are not there. Profisher knows exactly where the fish are every tide, day or night throughout the season. No one else has put a post like that up for the day (check out the earlier posts of SookesofHazzard and Frayedknot) and the reason is most anglers, myself included, are not like Profisher.
So I for one, expect to plod on, catching a fish here or there, but never experiencing a day like Profisher has just posted, ever! After all only fishing gods can catch 8 fish up to 27lbs in 4 hours. Us mere mortals can only look on the pictures with awe!!
Sorry guys, I know we are quite a bit past this on the thread, and a report thread at that, but I wanted to reply to this post due to a couple points it brings up that I feel strongly about.
I'm not commenting here because of the comparison between Profisher and I that day, as it is absolutely true that he got into 'em and I did not (as an added note, I believe he was up at the Lighthouse and I was at Beechy Head...really, that is worlds apart). I just happen to believe that you, Englishman, and anyone else who ever feels like they won't ever get to "fish god" status should do away with that self-limiting believe. Cause if you believe it to be true, it will manifest itself into reality.
For sure, guys like Wolf and Profisher do well out there. From what I've heard personally, they are both stand-out guys and amazing fisherman. That said, I think they might both agree that one major advantage guides have is time on the water. Not just because it adds up to more practice and experience, but if you can get out day after day, it makes it a lot easier to stay on top of the fish then when you essentially "go out blind" every couple weeks or so. Though my guiding experience is limited, (2 seasons) I'd like to think I have my basics down pretty darn good, in terms of technique and theory. That said, the fish aren't always were theory would say they are, or perhaps there are a good many places they could and should be, but those who's jobs aren't on the water only have a day and so many hours at a time to find them, plus a bunch of other variables to factor in! More time on the water, and more repeated time on the water, definitely attributes to more fish in the boat. I doubt any guide would lay claim to always knowing exact where the fish are in all conditions - but the added time can narrow it down.
But the beautiful part of fishing is exactly this - the randomness of it. It's like gambling. I myself have had days I've slammed 20+ springs and limited out where my buddies couldn't get a hit. Other times, it's them. And if you are capable enough of getting a baited line attached to a rigger, for all intensive purposes, you've got as good a chance as the next guy to land that dream fish! I love that - the guy in the $100,000 rig could get outfished by a guy in a tinny!
Maybe in the long term, the weekenders won't bonk as many fish as the guides. And yes, sometimes people may post misleading reports when they happened to get into them without having the perception to notice others weren't. But I'm glad they are posting, and it's up to us to use this great forum for what it is - a bonus/added benefit - and make up our own conclusions.
Englishman, though I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you personally, I know you are a great father, husband, and all around person - and probably a much better fisherman than you give yourself credit for! Keep thinking positive, and positive results will happen!
Tight lines everyone - back to reports!
