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The PREDATORS PEN
Date: July 10/2008.
An update of the local saltwater fishing scene for Vancouver
By: David Korsch (Predator Charters)
E-mail: davek@dccnet.com
Phone: (604) 329 - 8642 Fax: (604) 886 - 1928
Hello Fellow Anglers
Summer finally seems to have arrived, and I sure hope it ends up being nicer and longer than the short "non-summer" we had in 2007.
The 3 weeks since my last newsletter have provided some interesting local fishing. We never saw the activity pick up around Hutt Island like it did over this period of time last summer, but we have had some very good results from Salmon Rk. (near Gibsons). When we've had fairly calm water conditions, this location produced several nice fish every day, and some days the "bites" were quite hot for short stretches. Most of the fish have been from 10 to 19 lbs, though the odd one has topped 20. I would have expected a high percentage of the larger fish to be whites, but we have seen roughly a 50/50 mix of whites and reds. In addition to Salmon Rk., Hutt Island has produced some nice fish, and Hole in the Wall's action began to pick up significantly during the past couple weeks. The only problem with this place is the seal who REALLY likes us to hook fish for him. I don't know how much longer Salmon Rk. will continue to produce, but we should start to see numbers building up off Porteau Cove as these returning fish stage off their release site, and Hole in the Wall will always be a decent option for the next few weeks anyway.
I haven't managed to get over to the Gulf Islands too often during the time since my last report. Murphy's Law seems to be interfering, as every time the water is calm, it seems a trip across Georgia St. isn't an option for my customers, and when I have someone who wants to go across, we have rough seas. Hopefully this trend will change over the next few weeks, as Gabriola Island and Thrasher Rk. continue to be a really good option for longer charters (minimum 7 hours) if the waters are calm. We experienced very good results over there through mid-August in 2007, and I see no reason why a similar pattern wouldn't repeat itself in 2008. If anything, there has been even more feed over there this summer, so any Chinook looking to "strap on the feed bag" one last time before heading up river should find this a nice place to stop for a while.
We are also starting to see some Coho getting caught off West Vancouver, and as usual, there are a few nice Chinook thrown into the mix as well. The Coho numbers should increase significantly in the near future, as the water level in the Capilano River drops with this warm, dry weather. I would expect to put in a bit of time down here in the next week or so, as many people consider Coho to be their favourite salmon species to eat.
On the subject of good eating salmon, I guess I should mention Sockeye since their run will be starting in early August. At this time, we have no indication that we will even get an opportunity to fish for Sockeye this summer (it is a small return year in the 4 year cycle), but the possibility of a short opening (a week or 10 days??) during the middle part of August has been left open by DFO. I'm not holding my breath, but it is a possibility if the run comes in at a size near the 50% probability level. I'll keep watch on the test catches and if we do get an opening, I'll be sure to put out a newsletter ASAP with the timing of the opening, and my available dates.
With the summer upon us, I am beginning to get quite a bit busier, though I still have some open days during July. At present I have the following open days: Fri. July 11th (am, pm), Sat. Jul 12th (am, though we need to be back at the dock no later than 12:30), Mon. July 14th (pm), Tues to Thurs July 15th to 17th (am, pm), Mon. July 21st (pm), Tues. July 22nd (am, pm), Wed. July 23rd (am, pm), Sat. July 26th (pm), Sun. July 27th (am, pm), Mon. July 28th (pm), Tues. July 29th (am, pm), Wed. July 30th (am, pm), Thurs. July 31st (pm). I am not available any of the days of the August long weekend until the afternoon of August 4th.
As always, feel free to pass this information along to any associates whom may appreciate the report. If you have any questions, or wish to book a charter, e-mail me davek@dccnet.com), or call me at (604) 329 - 8642.
Tight Lines,
David Korsch
Predator Charters
(604) 329 - 8642
davek@dccnet.com
www.predatorcharters.com