It appears that the Chinook have definitely arrived at Port Renfrew. Quality fish, many into the 40 pound range are hitting the the scales at Port Renfrew Marina. Each day seems to be bringing us 3 to 6 and sometimes more in the 30 pound range and many in the 20's. Camper Creek, Culite and Logan Creeks are all turning on at least 2 times a day, with limit catches of big springs for some lucky boats. The Nitinat area is doing well also. Anchovy, Coyote spoons and plugs are the lures of choice. The bigger plugs 6 & 7" seem to be hooking the really big fish. Look for the white spoons and plugs, ones with the rainbow pastels. The weather this past 3 weeks has been unusually hot and calm with mostly nice seas and some spotty fog. Everything is pointing to having a hot August for fishing! Coho are still everywhere with some of the wild fish already in the 12 to 15 pound range. This should translate into a fantastic fall fishery. The Coho fishery for the big Northerns is something that you will have to see to believe and shouldn't miss! Remember at this time you can retain 2 hatchery Coho a day, with a possession limit of 4.
Halibut fishing for "chickens" is the norm for this time of year and continues to be very good and consistent with no problem in getting your limit at Swiftsure Bank.
Notable catches: (pictures to be posted by approx Aug. 6th)
- Ken Gillard 38 30
- Bob Morris 35
- Ian Batty 33
- Clint MacDonald 35
- Terry Van Wieren 32
- Wayne Schiffner 34, 36, 38
- Kerry Rawlick 39
- Dan Dupray 42
- Dan McGiveron on No Bananas Charters 42
- Fred Uhlman 30
- Brian Dice 32
- Kelly Wagner of Last Chance Charters 31
- Wally Brouse 30, 36
- Jeremy Fall 41.5
- John Redlick 43
- Howard Buelkert 48
- Chris McRae on Pacific Shores Charters 41.5
- Pete Van Dendungen on Dutchman Charters 42
Port Renfrew Marina hosted the 9th Davey Derby on July 24, 25 and 26th. This annual event has become more and more popular every year with amazing prizes. this year was no exception. Here are some stat results.
SALMON
1. Gerry Hamilton 40.4
2. Gary Fiege 35
3. John Switzer 34.9
4. Lance Rowlinson 34.7
5. Del Leslie 32.5
6. Glen Calahoo 32
7. Terry Vanwiern 31.4
8. Chris Heppell 30.9
9. Rhonda Mellings 30.6
10. Randy Mutch 30.5
11. John Degraff 29.8
12. Daryll Johnston 29.5
13. Dez Hatchard 29.5
14. Don Daigle 29.3
15. Larry Green 28.8
TOP WOMAN’S SALMON
Rhonda Mellings 30.6
TOP HALIBUT
Barry Cozens 30
TOP CRAB
Garrnett McDonald 8.16 inches
Please note: Unfortunately there is a complete campfire ban in Port Renfrew and that does include the marina until there are 2 days of rain. For customers wondering about the ATM, it is working but as always we recommend you bring cash with you.
Important Notice: Port Renfrew Marina will be having it's 12th annual Labor Day Derby on Sept. 5th and 6th. This derby is a 2 day event with the prize ceremony held on Sun the 6th and followed by a dinner with beverages and a live band. Tickets are $50.00 a rod and include a T-shirt, dinner, beverages and a dance. There will also be a bullhead derby for children 12 and under on the 6th at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds go to the local hatchery in Port Renfrew to help keep the growth, protection and success of ongoing Salmon stocks for us and future generations. Anyone interested in helping out with a donation please contact the marina office at 250-483-1878. All donations are greatly appreciated!
Bud & Rex