Now that anglers can take one wild chinook salmon over 67 cm, fishing activity on the waters in the Sooke area has picked up big time. Fish in the 20 to 35-pound range are being reported. Fishing the flood off Otter Point is back. Fish are being taken at the old depths of 40 to 70 feet. The tack from the point to the third rock is producing with 50 feet being the magic number, with anchovy the bait of choice. On average, the fish seem to be bigger this year. Seals appear to be a problem around Possession Point by taking fish daily off anglers’ hooking up in that locale.
Port Renfrew fishing has been, to say the least, on fire either at the Swiftsure Bank or on the beach and chinook fishing is at its prime. Halibut fishing continues to be steady with nice catches in the 30 to 40-pound range. The Canada Day long weekend is a good time to head out to Renny. Camping at the Port Renfrew Marina or the Pacheedaht camp ground are good places to hang out and enjoy the Renny life and the fishing is a bonus. As well, there is a good Canada Day celebration on July 1 at the beach camp.
Juan de Fuca Salmon Derby final results are: Brian Orr 40.70; John Olsen 30.50; Greg Waters 30.40; Brad Fitchett 29.70; Andrew Dawsen 28.80; Ryan Chamberland 28.80; Alan Thom 28.80; Clay Arden 28.80; Brenda Simpson 28.50; and Quinn Pearson 27.60 rounding out the top 10.
Top Sooke finishers were John Olsen fishing with Skinny Banner and Bruce Butler with a 30.50. They held on to the top spot until Brian Orr took them late Sunday morning with his 40.70-pounder caught off Church Rock. According to Orr he always goes to church on Sundays, well this year it paid off big time to the tune of $30,000.
The side bet was interesting affair — the top four fish weighed in were not in the side bet making the fifth place finishers eligible for the side bet. Well, there was a tie for that spot at 28.80. Andy Dawson, fishing with Jeff Brohman, weighed their fish in first making them the winners of a cool $16,600 jackpot. All in all the derby was another huge success with almost 700 people entered with the net proceeds going to Pink Salmon Festival for Kids and Salmon Enhancement projects. Over the last 25 years $250,000 has been raised for these projects. Until next time.
Keep your rod tip up!
Kiwi Magic
