FISHING ADVENTURES: Saltwater slowing down, but coho still hooked

FISHING ADVENTURES: Saltwater slowing down, but coho still hooked

Ron Neitsch | Contributed

Saltwater fishing in Sooke has slowed down lately, there are nice coho and feeder or winter chinook being caught, but not in great numbers.

Most of those reporting decent fishing are trolling their gear close to the bottom in 120 to 140 feet of water – winter fishing depths.

Crabbing has picked up in the Sooke harbour with some nice large Dungeness males coming into the traps.

Port Renfrew Marina reported their Coho Derby winner as Wally Browse with a 13.10-pound coho salmon, the smallest ever winner weighed in that derby’s history. The fish netted Browse an $11,260 first prize and another $3,800 in other winnings.

The Sooke Saltwater Series Coho Derby held at Buffy’s Pub this last weekend saw Rick Wenger take first place with a 12.01 lbs. coho salmon landing him $3,500. Special thanks to all participants for raising funds towards salmon enhancement efforts in Sooke, and donating 135 lbs. of fresh Coho fillets for the Sooke Food Bank.

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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.

Sooke News Mirror