By Ron Neitsch
Fishing in Sooke’s saltwaters has been good this spring with salmon, halibut and crab being brought to the docks daily.
Salmon fishing is consistent with good catches from those trolling 100 to 150 feet with their gear on the bottom.
“Outfront” of Sooke harbour mouth, Otter, Sheringham Points and west to Point No Point have been good areas to look for salmon.
Trolling bright glow green and glow purple flashers infront of glow/white/green spoons, anchovy teaser heads or hootchies, has been productive.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has proposed changes to the usual summer season restrictions for 2016 on chinook and spring salmon retention sizes, in particular for the period between mid-June and mid-July, this contrary to rumors of complete closure. Check the DFO website for details.
Halibut fishing has been spotty for some, but still some great catches for others.
The Island Outfitters Just for the Halibut Derby was won by Sooke fishers Jeff Brohman, Andy Dawson and Cory Arnett on the April 30 weekend, taking the $7,500 first place prize with a 73.9lb Hali caught locally.
Sooke Halibut Derby tickets for May 28 and 29 can be purchased at Eagle-Eye Outfitters, Wise-Buys or Island Outfitters, on their own or as part of the Sooke Saltwater Series.
Crab fishing in the harbour off the Rotary pier or by boat has been excellent with some of the best crab catches seen this year.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.