New to Saltwater boating/fishing

[GrantChristine]

We are in the middle of purchasing our first boat for both lake/ocean...after living on the Island for 4 years we feel it is time to hit the ocean. We've boated on lakes for many years, but know there are a lot of differences. We plan on taking the course this fall to get certified, but wonder if someone could give some recommendations re some good reading...books, magazines, websites...we will be using a 16' fg runabout with both a large motor and a kicker. We are also just beginning to get gear, other than the gear that will be coming with our boat. Any and all fishing wisdom will be vastly appreciated. We are located on Vcr Island, and will be fishing mostly between Duncan and Parksville, along with lakes that we can take the new boat to (ie Cowichan Lake)

thanks

 

[victoriaboater]

I have a website I use eveytime before heading out on the water for things like weather, fishing reports and tides. There's lots of other good info there too.

www.victoriaboater.com

Take a look at the links and post here if you have any questions.

 

[LouDogII]

Welcome to the forum, and to saltwater boating. Being a recent graduate from terra firma myself, here are a few of the websites I use regularly. (Use the search engine on this site, as well, for information on anchoring techniques, electronic equipment reviews, life jacket reviews, and much more.)
For weather and wind:
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/features/marine/Pages/CABC0353.htm
For tides:
http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Duncan+Bay,+British+Columbia
For regs and safety:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/marine/menu.htm#pleasure

I'll post more if I think of any, be safe and have a blast.

Scooter

 

[daddystoy]

Look into the basic power squadron course. It usually is an excellent course. For books ( I carry) and would recommend two books by a local guy, Peter Vassilioupus. There titals are, "Docks and Destinations" and "Anchorages and Marine Parks". Reasonably priced, nice to carry in a small boat, very informative.
It sounds like you are on the east side of VI. You've got endless oppurtunities on where to fish! Try Port Alberni, China Creek campground, for sockeyes in July and springs in August.
Good luck.