By Ron Neitsch
Fishing for salmon in Sooke waters has been spotty and slow for the last couple of weeks.
May and June have also brought some blustery weather.
There have been some larger spring/chinook salmon weighed in at the local tackle shops and marinas in the upper teens and low twenties, which is normal, but still slow for this time of year.
Possession and Sheringham Points have been the salmon hot spots over the last week with some springs taken at 80 to 85 feet in 90 to 100 feet of water on anchovy and spoons.
Orca whales have been spotted in the area a lot during the last week.
Halibut has continued to be consistent with the spots closest to the harbour mouth slowing down and spots up west producing more fish.
Herring, mackerel, octopus and squid are great baits to try for halibut, hooked up to spreader bar systems using two-pound lead weights and double J hook or treble hook tie ups.
I have seen good numbers of larger rock fish and sole coming from some of the local halibut spots to help fill the fish box on some of the slower days.
Crabbing continues to be good in Sooke Harbour, using fresh fish heads and carcasses works very well, especially during an incoming tide.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.