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Fishing Adventures: Calm seas, warmer weather please anglers

More than 200 participants last weekend took place in fishing derby
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Kevin Packford and junior angler Teegan Harding with the winning 16.35 lbs. chinook salmon caught during the Winter Trotac Fishing derby held last Sunday.

Ron Neitsch

Contributed

Over the last week, warm, sunny weather with calmer winds have allowed anglers a few more opportunities to access the Strait of Juan de Fuca for some great winter chinook salmon fishing.

Last weekend was the Winter Trotac Fishing derby which saw more than 200 participants from around the lower Island.

First place prize of $3,000 was taken with a 16.35 lbs. chinook weighed in by Kevin Packford of A-Salt-Weapon Charters.

Proceeds of the derby were donated to the salmon enhancement efforts of the Esquimalt Anglers Club.

Some of the best salmon fishing has been out front of the Sooke harbour mouth and west to the trailer park and Otter Point.

Bait such anchovies and herring as well as spoons have been productive when trolled with bright or glow flashers close to the bottom.

This week some big fish were caught in shallower water 90 to 110 feet deep, close to the Sooke harbour mouth.

Crabbing in the harbour continues to be good as well.

Just remember: make sure to use fresh rather than rotten baits and watch your catch size increase.

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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.