Most fishers would prefer to catch a 30-40 pound hali and share it with their friends who don’t fish or haven’t caught one.
On the occassion when a large one is caught it creates a lot of excitement in the community and with tourists.
The Sooke Halibut Festival had a large one which was donated to the Sooke Food Bank and Vital Vittles and the proceeds went to charity.
This last weekend saw one large hali in the Island Outfitters Derby. Al’s hali was shared amongst many and money was donated to TCL Children’s Fund.
We are happy with one halibut possession and a longer season. Numbers have increased in the Sooke-Victoria area in recent years.
Fishermen spend a lot of money on hotels, charters, restaurants, tackle stores, gas stations, marinas, etc. In a down economy the benefits are great, so give us access to halibut and salmon when the numbers are there.
If you are unsure about the positives, Mike Hicks is well informed.
Elden Smith,
The Crab Shack
Sooke