For Port Renfrew Marina this report is similar to our pre-opening information as things are about the same fishing wise. Still a couple of weeks early for the May run of bigger Chinook. When they arrive all the regular spots will turn on. East Point is really productive when this run arrive, first light until about 7:30 am is the best bite. Hali fishing remains very strong though strong winds make for picking the right day more important than picking the right bait or spot. Sombrio and out to the west are the places to fish right now and "chicken ranch" salmon and halibut fishing will pick up around the second week in June.
Crabbing is still off the scale!Best catches in memory! They are hard sweet and quite purple in color. The numbers are staggering. This seems to be the same everywhere, Sooke, Oak Bay and Sidney are all doing well, although Renfrew crab always seem to be the sweetest and it could be because they are in out in open west coast waters where the currents keep the waters cleaner. The westcoast crab are at the top of the taste scale! One way or another you just cant beat them, its best to have a weighted or heavy trap so it sits solid and sure on the ocean bottom, this makes it more appealing to the crab, they don't like the movement of the traps floating and bouncing.
We have now been open for a little over a week and people are coming in and setting up. If you are a seasonal customer please make sure you contact us regarding your situation this year with you site. It will soon reach the deadline of May 15th to contact us if you are coming back or not. If you want the same site you must let us know asap. We have had many inquiries to sites and we need input from our customers so we don't give away a site that is still wanted.
Port Renfrew Marina now has fuel as many of you may know. We have boat and car fuel and diesel. Our ATM is up and running for those who need to access cash. For those of you who are not aware, we do not accept credit cards, we are a cash business only. Also, for those who may be wondering the marina will not have a cookshack this year so please come prepared for your trip. We are still having inquiries to fishing licenses, please be advised that Port Renfrew Marina is no longer a vender for fishing licenses. The easiest, cheapest and quickest way to get a license is to do it online yourself. If that is not possible you will need to find a business such as Island Outfitters, Canadian Tire, Eagle Eye Sports, etc to get a license. If you are an American doing your license online you need to understand that to fish in area 21 (where Halibut fishing is preferred) you will need to get your license once you are in Canada from a reputable sports store. If you get it online you will then need to re purchase your license so it's best to wait until you are in Canada unless you are coming for salmon only.
Important: It is beginning to look like it may be another hot and dry summer. If that is the case, we want to remind all our customers to be mindful of their campfires and any combustibles the may have around so we don't have any issues like last years fires hopefully.
Bud & Rex