The spring and halibut fishing has only been fair this week. East Point was actually one of the most consistent spots though the cut pluggers at Camper Creek are doing well but have to deal with the seal problem. It is still an ongoing issue, they seem to have multiplied in numbers. Halibut fishing has been slow, though the weather has been kind of rough to travel far too far. The "chicken ranch" at Swiftsure Bank should turn any day now.
Port Renfrew Marina will be putting on it's second Spring Derby this coming Aug. 1st and 2nd this year. Tickets are $30.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket going to the local San Juan hatchery. Winnings will be 50%, 30% and 20% of total pot going to the top three fish. The Hoody derby in memory of Blair Houdayer who passed away this last January, is to be announced. It will be a 'cut plug' only fishery in his honor. No downriggers! Should be a fun way to pay tribute to one of our best fisherman and a wonderful gentle person who will be sorely missed for his winning smile and easy going personality.
Notable catches:
- John Gordon 31
Well, as we have mentioned the Salmonberry Bistro is now gone and so the marina was left with no hot food for those fishermen who don't want to bother with making their own breakfasts or dinners. Luckily, Wayne & Gwen Coleman have come to the rescue on that front! They will have a very simple menu to be found at their campsite. It is called K.I.S.S. Cafe for keep it super simple! They will be offering Egg burgers with bacon, sausage or ham, Hashbrowns, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Coffee, French Fries and possibly a couple other items. They will only be open Friday, Saturday and Sundays, the hours yet to be decided. There first weekend opening will be this coming one June 12th 13th and 14th. Prices are amazingly fair and reasonable!
Please, if anyone can help with a donation to our annual Labor Day derby coming up in Sept, let us know. We struggle with donations since we are at the end of a fishing season so to speak so the sooner the better if anyone out there can help whether it's personal, business or a suggestion. Volunteers to work the derby are also appreciated, every dollar we can save means more goes to the local San Juan Hatchery for the conservation of salmon stocks.
Things are looking up at Port Renfrew Marina as our ATM and the phone system are still up and running well! Please remember that we are a cash business so if you are coming to stay with us bring cash, we do NOT accept credit cards. For those who have not been to the marina we have boat gas, car gas and diesel, ice, tackle and bait. We NO LONGER are a fishing license vendor. If you need a license you must go online to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Their email is fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or call 1 877 535 7307 for general inquiries. Licenses can be obtained online at home or at a business that offers access to the website. All you need is a computer and a printer and it's done.
Bud & Rex