Saltwater fishing for salmon in Sooke continues to be slow for the time being. High winds and the fact that there has not been a lot of action from winter Spring salmon has kept most boats off the water, so there aren’t many good reports coming in.
I have heard the odd report of boats getting a strike or two but only a couple of fish coming in. The salmon that have hit the gear have been deep, 120 to 140ft on the downrigger.
Halibut has been good for those able to get out when the wind is down. The halibut fishing has been consistently good with catches in the 15 to 35lb range being weighed in lately. Herring, salmon bellies, and octopus have been popular baits while anchoring or drifting in 180 to 240ft of water.
Crabbing in the harbour has been getting better, with catches of two or three nice Dungeness crabs per outing being more common. Best baits include fresh fish trimmings or chicken backs and necks fished during the incoming tide.
The winter Spring salmon fishing should be picking up soon!
Good Fishing, Ron Neitsch. 2 Reel Adventures