By Ron Neitsch
Saltwater fishing in Sooke is great for halibut and Dungeness crab now.
There was cool wind and choppy water last week, but some great halibut fishing with good sizes and numbers. Tides have been moderate, and are predicted to continue through the month.
On days with low winds it is worth getting the boat out and dropping crab traps in the harbour before continuing to the halibut spots near the Sooke harbour mouth.
Not sure where to go? There is a Neah Bay blue map available at your local tackle provider that has many halibut GPS locations marked on it. A short simple study of the map the night before a trip, entering the GPS numbers into your chart plotter can greatly improve your chances of landing these prized fish.
Make sure to plan enough time in your schedule, where your bait is on the bottom for at least four hours. In most cases, halibut are drawn to your bait by scent being carried by current flow to areas behind your boat, it takes time and current to bring the hali to your hooks. Be patient.
Next on the derby scene is the Sooke Boxing Day Chinook Derby out of Jock’s Dock, tickets available soon, details at www.sookesaltwaterseries.ca.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.