First, we at Port Renfrew Marina want to explain why the long timeline between reports. There were some inquiries as to the time spread. It seemed that nothing had really change much with the fishing, the pattern stayed pretty much the same. Now time has passed and happily we can report that fishing has improved some. While inshore spring fishing remains slow there are some big fish being caught and....lost! Saturday, Port Renfrew marina weighed in a 40 pounder caught by Phil Rankin, a 38 by Larry Jones, a 35.5 by Larry Green and a 32 by Mike Graham, all could have won the Father's Day derby held this weekend at Gateway Marina.
A huge congratulations To Robbyn Kerrone and Ian Batty for their winning of the Salmon Championship at Pacific Gateway Marina. The two Port Renfrew Marina local boys landed a 30 pound Chinook on Sunday morning and won the first prize of $10,000.00 plus the $5,000.00 side bet. Sounds like the best Father's Day anyone could have!
Offshore the "chicken ranch" has finally turned on. Limit catches of halibut and springs up to 28 pounds are again the norm. About a week to ten days later to start up than past years may mean that our beach fish could be showing up a bit later as well.
Inshore halibut remains very good if you have some secret spots. Not so secret the 420 and NE corner are still producing fish. Salmon bellies and gulp seems to be preferred bait for many.
Crabbing is still awesome!! Get them while it's still hot!
Upcoming Event: The now annual Port Renfrew Marina Spring Salmon Derby will be held on July 16th and 17th held by the Cowichan Kinsmen This derby is a fun one with many great prizes. Winnings go to the biggest springs caught. 1st prize is $2000.00 2nd prize $800.00 and 3rd prize $400.00. There is an early bird draw for tickets purchased before July 4th, it is a $200.00 tackle box package. There are hidden weight and door prizes. Tickets will be available at Port Renfrew Marina, Bucky's Sports, Gord's Flybox or from Dustin 250 701-5253 or dustin_m@hotmail.com. Monies raised will go to local service projects, youth sport programs, San Juan Enhancement Society, Port Renfrew Park, families in need, special needs people and Cystic Fibrosis to name a few. For photos of previous derbys go to www.lakecowichankinsmen.com
Raffle Item: Port Renfrew Marina is raffling an Islander Reel donated by them to raise funds for the local salmon hatchery. It is a MR 2-LA Mooching Reel called ARBOR SLATE. Tickets are $5.00 or 3 for $10.00 and available at the marina. Buy a ticket and support the hatchery so you and generations to come can enjoy the sport of salmon fishing.
News: Port Renfrew Marina is in the process of bringing in running water and when you come by you will see the work going on coming in the driveway. We hope to have it in working order soon, there are some things that have to be in place before we can complete the job.
Port Renfrew Marina has a Labor Day Derby every year, this years will be the 19th annual derby. We are now trying to collect donations for this derby and we ask if anyone feels they can help with a donation or knows a business that could help out we would be grateful to hear from them. You can come by the office or call us at 250 483-1878 and let us know. As you know a successful derby is dependent on prizes and as usual we are trying to help the local hatchery who depends on organizations to help them stay viable and productive. All of us at the marina want to make sure that there are salmon around for generations to come! All donations, large and small are greatly appreciated.
Bud & Rex