By Ron Neitsch
Fishing in Sooke this last week has been spotty.
Some small spring/chinook salmon were located infront of the “trailer park” area earlier in the week, but in the last few days those have slowed down.
Word from areas farther West is that large schools of chinook and coho salmon are headed our way.
Halibut has been targeted by many fishers heading out this last week, some catching and some not.
An artificial squid with a flashing light, with some fresh bait on the hook has reportedly been working for halibut.
Most experienced Sooke halibut fishers will not put a completely artificial bait down without some kind of fresh bait attached for scent. Usually mackeral, herring, octopus, salmon and squid are put on large 8 to 10/0 “J” hooks for Halibut fishing in our area.
Crabbing in the harbour has been much better, with good catches of large male Dungeness and plenty of red rock crabs. Tickets for the Sooke Saltwater Series Halibut Derby are on sale for the May 20 and 21 weekend, $60 per rod, or $150 for the three-derby series, available at Eagle-Eye Outfitters, Island Outfitters and the Crab Shack.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.