Saltwater fishing regulations for the Sooke area have changed as of July 15 to allow for the retention of spring or chinook salmon with no maximum size limit for wild fish.
This means that recreational fishers may keep wild chinook salmon at any length over 45 centimetres. Please check Pacific saltwater fishing regulations online at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca or ask at your local tackle provider about regulations before heading out.
There is a strong run of chinook salmon in the Sooke area as well as pink salmon, which have recently come into our waters.
Pink salmon pass through the Strait of Juan de Fuca every second year on the odd numbered years and provide an extra supply of sport and fresh fish for local sport fishers.
Pinks are usually found higher in the water than other species of salmon, and targeted with a small pink squirt or hootchy trolled shallow – 50 to 80 feet on the downrigger.
The pink salmon have a softer and more delicate flesh, which must be kept cool and cleaned quickly for optimal results.
Many anglers choose to consume their Pinks fresh or smoked, pickled or canned as they tend to have a shorter freezer life as well.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.