The past week has been a lot slower off Sooke; the weather and water have been great with the late summer push, maybe the harvest moon has something to do with it. Hopefully better tides in the week ahead will produce some nice catches. Offshore at the Swiftsure Bank there is still lots of chinook action, most are whites which are heading this way and they should start hitting Sooke waters anytime. These fish usually hit the gear soft, maybe a pull or two on the rigger, not even breaking off the clip, but once hooked up the fight is hot and heavy. White springs can reach up to 45 lbs. with an average of 25 lbs. with many in the 30 lb. range. Fish them close to the bottom for best results.
Coho are starting to show, however, in the Sooke area, it’s hatchery only till Oct. 1 when anglers will be allowed to keep one wild. Hopefully this year anglers in the Sooke area might have a decent crack at them well into October. It seems in past years just as you were allowed to take a hatchery they disappear.
As for Port Renfrew there is a window for taking wild coho in front of the Port San Juan at the can buoy. Check local regs for the details with a limit of two per day (wild or hatchery) which makes it a worthwhile trip to Renny. Once they are hot and heavy they can get over 20 lbs. at this time of year.
On the derby scene, the annual Port Renfrew Marina Coho Derby is slated for the weekend of Oct. 1 and 2. It’s a winner-take-all event and the money can get over $10,000 and it is always a good time. For more info contact the marina: info@portrenfrewmarina.com.
New this fall in Sooke will be a Coho Derby on Oct. 8. This will be a one-day winner-take- all event with a portion of the take and catch going to Charters Creek Salmon Habitat Restoration and the local food bank. Should be a good time for a good cause. Tickets and info should available this weekend at the Crab Shack with more info in next week’s Sooke News Mirror.
Until next time keep your rod tip up!
If you want go Coho fishing off Sooke call 250-686-0738.