Neue British Cloumbia Angelberichte

We’ve been having some very good chinook fishing the last month here in local waters around Vancouver. Trolling a variety of artificial spoons and squid patterns have been producing on the Tide changes. Crab fishing has been average and prawn fishing has been good. 

To say the salmon fishing is hot around Nanaimo right now would be an understatement. The Salmon City usually fishes between 2-4 rods at a time, but today she wasn’t able to get more than one rod down before it was being smashed by one aggressive chinook after another. We aren’t talking small fish either, as the average chinook was in the low teens, and the largest tipping the scale at 16 pounds. Today’s result has been consistent every day this month, and talking to several other fisherman at the cleaning table there is talk of 2023 having the potential to be the best season in refent memory. There are still a few openings for March fishing trips with Salmon City Charters, but act fast before the calendar flips and salmon opportunities becomes limited, as DFO traditionally shuts down chinook retention between April and June each year in this area. Tight lines always. ~Captain Neil

Jake and Aaron called up spur of the moment and we got out on the water yesterday. The cold snap had dropped the water temperature to 42 F and we knew the bites would be light. However, Jake connected twice and caught his first sturgeon and the largest fish he has ever caught. However when he hooked the big one and the rod bent down and he felt his back muscles twinge he said, "I knew I was going to have to trade off the rod to Aaron" if the fight went the distance. This time the big one did a roll and the barbless hook came out. Jake and Aaron are planning to come back to renew that match up in October. From here on in the Sturgeon will be getting more aggressive as the weather and water warms and the Eulachon bait fish enter the river to spawn and the sturgeon start their spring feasting on this bait fish.

Today's trip was sensational in so many ways. We passed sea-lions after dropping the crab trap. Once out of the harbor, we were treated to glistening snow-capped mountains in every direction. A bright spring sun warmed us as a cool crisp breeze blew over the water. And then the action began. No sooner had we dropped the second line when the first rod went off. After a great battle, our first fish was in the boat. Before we could even get the line back into the water, the other rod went off. Again, another tussle and fish number two was in the box. Minutes after dropping both lines, a third fish hit and then a fourth. I knew then we were going to have one of those days you don't forget. After three and a half hours of fishing, we managed 5 Chinook salmon and released a number of that were just under the legal size limit. But the excitement was not over yet. Back into the harbor and it was over to pick up the crab trap. Sliding slowly beside the float, hooked it with the gaff and began to pull. Wow, it was heavy. Once in the boat, we counted over fifteen Dungeness Crab, six that were of legal size. Catching my breath, I turned to my guests, I said, "It doesn't get any better than this." Looking for something to do with the family this Spring Break? Book a trip with Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. Experience the wonder, invest in its future.

Well, I thought we were out of the woods and headed into spring, but apparently not! Oh well, one last blast of winter and we should be good to go. In saying that, we have still been on the water a bit, so here’s your latest fishing report: Kootenay Lake: Similar to January, we had some good days and some slow days in February. Typical for this time of year, as the water is at its coldest and the fish metabolism has slowed. February saw more Bull Trout than Rainbows, but definitely getting some nice ones. Our latest group of skiers from back east were rewarded with some nice fish. After skiing/snowboarding for 5 days in a row, they were looking for a break. A day to rest their legs and found something fun to do on their rest day. As I explained to them about the current conditions and the lazy, winter fish, I kind of set the bar low. The crew wasn’t concerned about the fish, but more excited to get out on the water in the mid of winter. We started out with a few bites, but nothing coming to the boat. But then, when the magic hour happened, the fish became more aggressive. First fish to the boat was a beauty 9 Lb Bull Trout. What a start! Not far after that, we caught and released a chunky 7 Lb Bull Trout. These guys were losing their minds. Not expecting a lot, and mostly used to catching 2 Lb fish back home, they were pleasantly surprised. The fishing slowed down late morning so we moved locations and tried a different approach. Hoping to hook a few Rainbows, we put on the lucky Gibbs Croc spoons and and a couple buck tails. Only one strike on the surface in a couple hours, so we decided to switch back to using the down riggers. Early afternoon the bite began again. A couple more Bull Trout hooked before we ended our day. What a great way to spend a ‘rest day’ from the ski hill. We had a few more trips throughout February, although the quick cold snap shut us down for a few days. Most other trips managed to hook into a fish or two, although the bite seemed to slow down. As March has rolled in, we look forward to the weather hopefully changing for the better. As the water begins to warm up, the fish will become more aggressive. Spring break is fast approaching and the phone has started ringing again. Looking forward to getting everyone out on the water during the break. We still have a few dates available if you’re looking at getting out. What are they biting on??? Bull Trout have been biting on the usual flasher/hoochie combo, hockey sticks, or Lyman plugs on the down rigger. Our favorite combo has been the Gibbs STS flasher, followed by the green spatter back or the green pistachio hoochie. Favourite depths have been between 100 – 160ft. Try adjusting depths according to where the bait is showing up on the sonar. On the surface, we have been dragging our favourite Gibbs spoons. The Skinny G (outfitter or no bananas), or the brass/fire stripe croc have been working best for us. Also getting the odd fish on the buck tails as well. Lucky numbers have been buck tail #**hidden content**. Trolling speed is still a factor during the cold water months. Our best speed lately has been between 1.8 – 2.3 mph, but definitely need to experiment with that. That’s it for now. Hope this helps with your next adventure Tight lines……. Captain Kerry

I know, many people don't consider winter as a prime time to book a fishing charter. However, there are many reasons to consider booking a trip during the first three months of the year. First, retention of Chinook salmon remains open (after April 1st, chances are good it will close until July 15, 2023). Second, the fishing and crabbing during this time of year can often be very good. And it has been lately. Again, our four hour trips are producing great action. Our last trip landed 2 beautiful fish while releasing a number of smaller ones as well as a packed crab trap. Third, we offer discounted trips through the months of January through March so you are saving money. Finally, if it is the rain or cold you are worried about, our boat offers lots of cover as well as cabin heat. As a guide, I enjoy fishing these cooler months almost more than I do the summer. During the months of January through March, there is usually an abundance of sea life (sea lions and various water fowl feasting on strong seasonal herring runs). Snow capped mountains gleaming in all directions offer a stunning background. And the winter weather? Well, whether it be the sun gloriously breaking through the clouds after a shower or the cold crisp air suggesting either snow or summer is on its way, these winter trips usually leave a lasting memory. Book a winter charter today knowing that 5% of your proceeds go to salmon enhancement projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder while Investing in its Future."