By Ron Neitsch
Bigger spring salmon are showing up in Sooke waters again with chinooks up to 23 lbs. seen at the local dock last weekend.
Many of the large salmon are hatchery which can be kept by sport anglers.
Remember the no retention on wild spring salmon over 67 centimetres restriction is in place East of Sheringham Point. Please be clear on the regulations before heading out, they are posted in print at your local tackle provider or available on the DFO website.
Most trollers are reporting the bigger salmon being hooked up deep on the downriggers, 120 to 150 feet. Best baits include anchovy, hootchies and spoons in white, green white, green glow, and glow colours.
Out front of Sooke harbour, Trailer Park, and Otter Point have been good places to look.
Halibut fishing in Sooke waters has been consistent with good catches coming in the last couple of weeks.
Most Halibut appear to be coming from the deeper water, 200 to 250 feet, although there have been reports of some larger fish being landed farther west in shallower 80 to 100 feet spots.
Anchoring on an underwater ledge and dropping herring, octopus or squid on a spreader bar system seems to produce if you have the patience to stay at least four hours.
Two great halibut derbies coming up, Island Outfitters’ Just for the Halibut Derby on April 30 and May 1, and the Sooke Halibut Derby, part of the Sooke Saltwater Series, May 28.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner and operator of 2 Reel Fishing, based in Sooke.