he Bite Me Derby is coming up this weekend — August 13 and 14 in the Sooke area.
This annual event is in its 17th year and is put on by the Metchosin firefighters, and with lots of nice chinooks in the area it should make for a good event. Last year’s winner was caught at the Trap Shack weighing just over 39 lbs., and with good fishing around Secretary Island and Possession Point I wouldn’t be surprised if the winner comes from those two local hot spots.
Fishing continues to be strong off Sooke with good daily catches of chinook. With better fishing conditions, thanks to lack of wind, anglers are able to fish their favourite spots with good results.
Pink action is at its prime, and they are a great sports fish, they put up a good fight and if you’ve ever tried smoking them in the smoker you would not be throwing them back — they are good. To the big time chinook hunter they are a pain, but overall a nice fish and are a good way to introduce inexperienced fishers to the sport. There are lots around and it’s no big deal if they get off the line, chances are there will be another one hitting the gear in no time. Pink hootchies or squirts work the best trolled behind a red Hot Spot flasher from 20 to 100 feet on the downrigger.
Port Renfrew fishing is still very good with lots of halibut, chinook, hatchery coho and crabs hitting the docks.
The weather has been good and August is prime time for fishing in Renny. The Swiftsure Bank has been on fire with nice chinooks up to 30 pounds using 67 inch spoons or Tomic plugs working the best.
Halibut at J Bouy and the Chicken Ranch have been good as well.
Guides are starting to anchor up which should produce big halibut in the 50 to 60 pound ranges with the odd one coming in over 100 pounds.
If you haven’t been to the Swiftsure Bank there are lots of good guides located in Renny who can take you out there and show you a fishing trip of a lifetime.
It’s non-stop action pretty much the whole time and the scenery, birds and whales are all part of it.
Until next time keep your rod tip up.