Sooke and lower Vancouver Island are open for saltwater fishing for salmon and Halibut now.
There are restrictions in place as there are every year, but recreational fishers can catch salmon, halibut and crab on the same day in our local waters with a little invested time and effort.
First off, you will need to renew or purchase a new saltwater fishing licence. Getting a licence is easier than one may think; they can purchased online at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
If you retain the email address and password you provide for your online fisher profile on the website, you will enjoy easy access to a new fishing licence every year.
If your boat is sitting waiting for better fishing opportunities or maybe better fishing regulations, it might be there for a long time. Why not get it fishing and producing for the family?
And if you don’t have a boat there are a good number of excellent fishing guides in Sooke.
Most fishing guides in our area are owner operators and take a lot of pride in providing a great fishing experience on the water.
So whether you like trolling for salmon, anchoring up for Halibut or just throwing out the Crab traps, know that saltwater fishing in Sooke is not only open, it’s productive, fun, and can be easy!
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures in Sooke.