Sooke salmon fishing, although slowing down a little from earlier in the winter season is still very good Not many anglers have been out but, we have been seeing six to eight boats out front of Sooke Harbour on the weekends, but only a couple of boats on the weekdays.
There has been some good weather with low winds and sunny skies, but the temperatures on the water have been cool.
Salmon fishers are reporting landing good sized winter springs six to eight lbs on anchovy, herring, spoons,and hootchies. Coho Killers have been working great on our boats for the winter months. There have been herring in the salmons’ stomachs lately. Have been doing all of our salmon fishing out front of the Sooke Harbour mouth, but have noticed other boats at Bluffs, Trailer Park and Otter Point. Most reports indicate the salmon are deep, which is normal this time of year, finding Chinooks at 120’ to 140 ‘ on the downriggers, right on the bottom, or very close to it.
Have been seeing more boats heading out for halibut and returning with decent reports from areas between Otter Point and Sheringham. Herring has been the most popular bait so far. Eagle-Eye Outfitters now carries large 00 sized chrome Spin & Glows with bright red or green heads and milar wings for running on your halibut leader, as well as a large assortment of large colourful P-line hootchies.
The halibut regulations change April 1 to a 133cm max. on the West Coast, be sure to buy a new license and check the regulations before heading out.
We had a great halibut fishing trip on March 22, getting our limit of four fish in about three hours. There are a couple of exciting Derbies coming up soon to kick off the season - Sidney Anglers Derby May 3, Alpine Group Juan de Fuca Fishing Tournament June 14 - 15. Details and tickets for both derbies at Eagle-Eye Outfitters in Sooke.
Crabbing continues to be good in the harbour especially when the tide is coming in.
Tight Lines,
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures