For Port Renfrew Marina and area the Chinook finally showed up on Thursday, June 5th. The cleaning tables have been busy ever since. Needle fish spoons like the Coho Killers or Krippled K and 12 pack anchovies are the lures of choice right now. Luckily Owen Point to Camper Creek have been the hot locations, nice and close especially for the smaller boasts and easier on fuel consumption. 45 to 60 feet down was the magic depth but that can change daily. Halibut fishing onshore had slowed slightly due to lack of current but undoubtably will have picked up by now. The "chicken ranch" is starting to turn on though you will have to fish as deep as 200 feet on your down-rigger some days. Monitor VHF channel 06 for daily chatter.
Notable Catches:
- Ken Gillard 35
- Glen Wilson 32
Important News: Port Renfrew Marina is having a new derby this year to help take the sting out of the cancellation of the Davey Derby. This derby is the Chinook Spring Derby and is being held at the Port Renfrew Marina on July 12th and 13th. Tickets are $30.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket going to salmon enhancement. This derby is a simple affair with the prizes being for first, second and third only. For 1st place the winnings will be 50% of the total take from tickets sold, 2nd place will be 30% and 3rd place will be 20% of the total monies brought in. There will also be a side bet at $10.00 for anyone wanting to enter the combined weight of their 2 fish caught. The highest combined weight will be declared the winner and they will get the pot. Tickets will be available at Port Renfrew Marina 250 483-1878, at Eagle Eye Sports at 6734 West Coast Road in Sooke, the number there is 250 642-7983 and at Wise-Buys Fishing Supplies #102 1740 Island Highway in Colwood 250 590-6431. Regs will be posted at all locations.
At Port Renfrew Marina we are raffling a Bradley Smoker and selling tickets in the office. It is a 4 shelf smoker which retails for $550.99. This a perfect item to have if you are someone who enjoys smoking your own fish and meats. Tickets are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00.
A reminder: For all anglers out there we are letting you know that Port Renfrew Marina is no longer able to sell fishing licenses of any kind. PLEASE make sure you purchase your license elsewhere before coming out to Renfrew. They can be bought online anywhere you can have access to a computer and a printer. We are aware that Island Outfitters and Canadian Tire both offer that service for a small fee but of course they are available through your personal computer if you have one.
For anyone new to Renfrew we would like to let you know that we do have an ATM in our office (the only one if town) for customers and residents convenience especially since we are a cash business. We do not take credit cards and do not have interact. Please come prepared if you are planning on staying with us. We hope that everyone that comes to Renfrew will have a great fishing experience! If you are new to the area or just need some advice feel free to come by and ask for help. We are there to show you the do's and don'ts of the area and hot spots.
Bud & Rex