quote:Originally posted by wolf
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Mongoose
langara island, queen charlotte's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ever been there mongoose ?
OF COURSE HE HASNT
I'll vouch for Langara Island at that time of year. Guided there for many seasons, and with experience having worked elsewhere on the coast for extended periods, and the consensus is among all guides that have worked up there is that if Langara is "on", you positively, absolutely, will have a very hard time to find anywhere else on the coast that will keep pace with the size and numbers---and guides outfish unguided guests up there by a large ratio.
The consistency of the spring fishing and length of the bite when it's on is something that can only be related unless you've experienced it yourself.
Of course, I'm speaking of Springs only. When it comes to the other species of salmon---all you can handle if you so choose.
However, there are specific trips and dates I would recommend.
2002, 2003, 2004 were spectacular years and there were many crazy evenings on those seasons where 40 Tyees hit the dock of
just one lodge in an evening of fishing--and untold numbers were released and if you didn't have a 40 plus---you were "par for the course". If that's what made it to the dock, then imagine what was released!!!!!
If you're a meat hunter, bottom fish are there too, and if you really want a barn door Halibut(150 plus), with some persistence, a seasoned guide should be able to find you one.
The one problem with Langara Island lodges however is the price. BIG $$$$$$-- very expensive---and a guide is well worth the investment.
As for other lodges on the coast, there are few other lodges you will find where any respected outdoors writer or person in the industry who has experienced Langara who will dare compare the numbers and consistency of Langara fishing---you're literally catching and releasing all day long where as in other coastal locations it's "bite is on" and you better be in the right spot---or "high tailing" it to the next spot the fish touch.
However there are more than just a few places on the coast that can offer you savings on the experience--and you can basically experience great fishing at just a fraction of the cost for 2 people for 4 days of guided fishing.
Fish 2 people for $6000 for 4 days ($1000/day for the boat) without all the "pampering and first class things" with some creativity for food and lodging etc etc.. and take home plenty of fish for each if you fish hard and you have a guide that worked his butt off...but you probably won't be catching and releasing all day long, and you really better hope you time your trip correctly cuz the weather could be a real let down.
The thing about Langara is that you're paying for a fully inclusive experience----first class meals with wine, fly in- fly out-, ultra remote location, awesome resort lodges, etc etc etc.
Usually though there's plenty of calm water to fish around Langara no matter what direction the wind is coming from---and there are many trips where the water is as flat as a lake----good luck with that on an open facing location elsewhere on the coast.
Just my .02...
Where you do decide to fish Stuart---fish within your budget---research your locations well, and you should be very pleased with your choice. However, if you spend big $$$ and don't know how to appreciate the very best and you're feeling uneasy about dropping the $$$, you probably won't enjoy your trip as much as you otherwise would and should.
Tight lines and Happy Fishing on whatever you choose.
