From what I understand, and it obviously makes sense since they come into Goldstream in the first few weeks of November, the Saanich Inlet is usually hopping in them by the end of October. As I just moved down from Campbell River this year and totally got hooked on chum fishing up there, I certainly plan on trying out of Halls when the time comes (off the Malahat).
Any information about the inlet will be greatly appreciated (chum hangouts etc) - if there are no discussions here about it, I'll check closer to the time at Island Outfitters and try to get the scoop.
There is no question that if you are in it for the 'sport' or 'fight', chum is the only way to go. They pretty much fight typical to double their weight for a spring (ie, 10 pounder fights like a 20 lb spring). While I don't remember the jumping hangtime with them you get with coho, the sheer power and long runs are extremely impressive.
I would have to assume same rules apply as has been discussed with the CR runs - purple purple purple, and dead slow troll (1.5mph or so). Hunt for them too as they school and you could spend the whole day above them at 50 feet and catch nothing, while you could have been at 80 and having double headers all day.
My fav from last year was purple/silver flasher and J300 (pink/black commercial hootchie). I'm heading up to Browns for thanksgiving and will try out the spin and glo's infront this time around as well.
Any saanich inlet stories???