Port Renfrew Marina's 2009 season is close at hand. Today is the first day of spring and we now have winter behind us. We are all looking forward to having the weather improve and getting things organized and having a good year fishing. It is going to be great to see all the people that we have grown to know and like at the marina, sharing fishing stories around campfires. Halibut limits will continue at 1 a day with a 2 day possession.
Chinook outlook is very positive. The Columbia System is expecting a huge return which could provide us with another unbelievable July fishery.
No predictions on the Coho stocks as yet.
Crabbing at the marina area has been very good this March and should continue in to June at least.
Port Renfrew Marina has acquired new caretakers this year. Noel and Pat Atkin have moved to Duncan and our new caretakers are Wayne and Gwen Coleman, long standing Port Renfrew Marina campers. Wayne and Gwen are great people and will certainly be a big help with us getting up and running this year. They have great energy and look forward to helping out. We will also have Knutt Haensel returning to help out in the office and around the marina.
A reminder to ALL past seasonal customers that you have until May 15th, preferably sooner to confirm you site from last year or it may be occupied. Failure to contact us will be assumed you aren't returning so please make sure to e-mail or call us.
Note: The road from Jordan River to Port Renfrew is in horrible shape. If you are towing your rig in we would recommend you consider coming in through Lake Cowichan. Also a reminder that we only deal in cash but we now have a ATM cash machine for customer convenience. The marina will have gas and diesel as of May1st.
At the close of last year in October we were inquiring as to how our bear attack victim, Blaine Pharis was recovering and he told us he is doing quite well all things considered. He explained how the trauma center was such a big part of his recovery and we discovered that the hospital is in the midst of fundraising to build a new and more comprehensive unit. It was at this time that we at Port Renfrew Marina decided it would be a worthwhile cause to make a donation to it in the marina's and Blaine's name. We made a donation of $1,000.00. The hospital needs $2 million for emergency equipment and to date has raised $513,000.00. Anyone interested in making a donation can contact the Victoria Hospitals Foundation at 250 414-6688.
Looking forward to seeing old and meeting new customers at the marina this season,
Bud & Rex