The PREDATOR'S PEN Date: June 17/2010.
An update of the local saltwater fishing scene for Vancouver To : Saltwater Angler
By: David Korsch (Predator Charters)
E-mail:
davek@dccnet.com Web Site:
www.predatorcharters.com
Phone: (604) 329 - 8642 Fax: (604) 886 - 1928
Hello Fellow Anglers
The Gulf Island Chinook fishery has remained very strong over the past couple of weeks. Soon after my last newsletter, the fish moved onto the reef structure of Thrasher Rock, and the action has became absolutely spectacular for a while. During a span of more than a week I was often having 10 or more good Chinook hit in 3 or 4 hours of fishing, and most days we were boating 4 to 6 fish ranging from 11 to 24 (most are "mid-teens"). I have also seen a handful of fish in the 30 to 40 lb range taken, so there are definitely a few bruisers around. About a week ago, the action slowed right off Thrasher Rock, but it picked up along the Eastern Shore of Gabriola, and last weekend we found good action fishing from 140 to 200' from the Grande to "Whalebone". I have not been out to Thrasher itself since last Friday, but it sounds as if the action has started to pick up there again during the past couple of days. In addition to the Chinook, a few nice sized Coho have been getting caught "by accident" when anglers have been bringing up their lines from the Chinook depths (typically 130 to 200'), so this may warrant a more serious look, as these tasty fish would be a nice addition to the catch of Chinook.
There is lots of bait in the area, so the fish should continue to feed and hold for a while longer, and potentially a lot longer!!! The fish are still mainly eating 5 to 6" herring, but I have caught a few with "young-of-the year" herring in their bellies. This will mean that smaller spoons could potentially become the most effective lure if they completely switch to this rich food source. Over the past weekend, I was running a small 1.25" Flamin' Hans Gypsy spoon, and it did as well or better than my 5" spoons and full sized hootchies.
In a few of our recent summers, this fishery continued to provide good action right into August, but it is hard to say whether or not this will occur again this year. On the days we have limited out, we have headed for home, as there has often been a bit of a chop on the water, but after hitting our Chinook there is no reason why we shouldn't be looking at finding halibut or ling cod to add to the day's catch. If we are there, and the water conditions allow it, that should be the time to try.
Again, wind is a factor for this area, and crossing to Gabriola requires a relatively calm day, so a final decision to cross can only be made as we are leaving the dock. Also these charters require more than the minimum 5 hour trip I typically do for local charters. It is a relatively long run over to Gabriola (45 to 60 minutes), and fuel costs are substantially more than with local trips (typically only a 15 to 20 minute run). Also, with the option of looking for Halibut and other bottomfish spending more time over there allows us to pursue these other options. As many of you already know, making a lunch stop at the pub in Sylva Bay provides an opportunity to stretch the legs a bit, and is a great addition to the trip.
The South Bowen fishery has continued to provide some action through last week, and the fact that many of the fish were taken closer to Cowan's Point indicates to me that a substantial number of them may be destined for Howe Sound. During the days when that NW wind blew up, anglers fishing in Seymour Bay and Hole in the Wall found some nice fish, so there are definitely still some local options. There hasn't been all that much effort further up Howe Sound lately with such good fishing off Gabriola, but Defence Islands and Porteau Cove are always worth a look. In addition, Salmon Rock has started to produce a few fish, and this area has the potential to be quite good in the coming weeks.
As always, feel free to pass this information along to any associates whom may appreciate the report. If you have any questions, or wish to book a charter please e-mail or call me.
Tight Lines,
David Korsch
Predator Charters
david.korsch@eastlink.ca
davek@dccnet.com
www.predatorcharters.com
604-329-8642