For Port Renfrew Marina things have remained about the same as our last report. The Sockeye come and go in waves, very good for a couple of days with everyone getting their limits, then a slow down for a day and then good again. For the most part everyone was coming in happy with their catches. These past few days the fish seem to be in shallower waters, around 200 feet to 400 feet of water depth. Trolling depths in the 35 to 80 feet down are bringing the most success.
Chinook fishing remains strong and will only improve as we get towards the end of the month. We have seen many come in this past week and most in the high twenties. Small anchovies are still the bait of choice.
For Halibut not many are anchoring in the past month or so. The focus seems to be on the Sockeye opening since it only comes around every four years. But if you are heading to Swiftsure Bank then you are likely going to bring some back with you. So if you get a good day it may pay to to head west and give it a try.
Although there have not been any fish caught in the 30's lately there have been many chinook coming is weighing in the high twenties. A 10 pound Sockeye was brought in yesterday so there may be a bigger run coming.
Upcoming Event: Coming very soon will the Port Renfrew Marina's 21st annual Labor Day Derby on Sept. 1st and 2nd. This long standing derby is very popular and always has a great turnout. The Tickets for the derby are $65.00 a rod and includes a Port Renfrew Marina t-shirt, dinner prepared and served by the Lake Cowichan Kinsmen, beverages, and a live band on the Sunday. There will be many prizes as always and a bullhead derby on the Sunday morning at 9:00 am for children12 and under. Please make sure they are accompanied by an adult and if needed, wearing a life jacket. The bullhead derby is free and there will be a trophy for both a boy and girl who catch the most bullheads and goodie bags for all who participate. Rules and times for the derby will be posted at the marina and tickets are only available at the marina. This year the monies raised will go to the San Juan Hatchery and also to the Sooke Chinook Enhancement Initiative. Please come and support this good cause for salmon enhancement and have some fun too!
Another Upcoming Event: Coming up soon after the Labor Day derby Port Renfrew Marina will be having another annual Coho Derby "Winner Take All." This derby is incredibly popular, it is very inexpensive to enter and one person will win a huge pot of cash money for the biggest Coho. Tickets for that $25.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket also going to salmon enhancement. We will also be raffling a 17 inch Lenova laptop valued at $699.00 generously donated by Kelly Wagner of Gizmos Computers in Victoria.
Bud & Rex