Fishing for salmon in Sooke continues to be consistently good, with some nice spring salmon in the 15-pound range showing up.
Trolling near the trailer park area, just out from the large red commercial crab trap floats in 130 to 140 feet of water with the gear right on the bottom, has been producing fish regularly.
The Gibb’s Candy Striper and Peetz chartreuse or green “Hookum” spoons trolled behind the Gibbs Bon Chovy or Madi flashers have been working well clipped 12 to 15 feet behind the downrigger ball.
Halibut fishing has been good for those travelling to spots farther west, as some of the local closer spots have slowed down.
Herring, mackerel, and octopus, as well as fresh salmon and cod frames are all good baits for halibut.
Travelling farther for Halibut with the risk of the westerly winds in the afternoon, operators need to be prepared for rougher water and more fuel consumption.
Over the last two weeks Sooke RCM-SAR unit 37, our local Coast Guard auxilliary crew, has been busy assisting boaters regarding fuel, mechanical failure, and taking on water issues.
Skippers should ensure their vessels are prepared for a fun, safe day of fishing.
Crabbing in the harbour has been getting consistently better, try using fresh cod or salmon trimmings or chicken backs and necks which the local grocery stores package up for such use.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures in Sooke.