Fishing for large spring salmon in Sooke has finally started last weekend, with more big chinooks showing up in time for some local fishing derbies.
Last weekend the Consultants Invitational Salmon Derby hosted by the Prestige Hotel and the Fins and Skins Derby held at Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina brought business and fishing to Sooke.
Salmon in the 25- to 30-pound range was landed and kept by fishers as of Saturday morning due to the salmon fishing restrictions in our area (20-5) finally being lifted.
Currently any chinook salmon greater than 45 centimeters can be retained by fishers with no maximum size limit in effect, please check the fishing regulations before heading out on the water.
Otter Point was hot last weekend with an active early morning and noon time bite producing lots of action for waiting trollers.
The larger Spring salmon were taken in shallow water by those trolling gear in 50 to 100 feet of water with spoons, anchovies or hootchies trolled right on the bottom.
Crabbing in the harbour seems to have improved with some better catches reported from those leaving the box traps down for a little longer.
•••
Ron Neitsch is the owner and operator of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.
