At Port Renfrew Marina the past few days Chinook fishing success varies on who you speak with. Some are saying it is very slow while others are saying it is fantastic! It seems that the anglers that are doing better are in close to short, right along the kelp beds. Sockeye numbers are way down, waiting to see if a late run comes through, if not that will be it for another 4 years. Small anchovies are the best sellers right now and seem to be working best.
Coho are still in huge numbers out at Swiftsure with the odd one being taken on the beach. Another two or three weeks and they will be showing up in the bay.
Swiftsure has seen the spring fishing taper right off for the season and halibut have slowed down as well. If halibut is what you are looking for try on the anchor as the area has had little pressure for the last two months.
Notable Catches:
- Irene Smith 35
- Hugh Hamer 29
- Shane DeFrane 30
- Keagan Fairbrother 34
Coming up this weekend Port Renfrew Marina will be having our 22nd annual Labor Day Derby. This derby is very popular with all our customers and others, there is always many prizes and this year is no exception! First prize winner gets $!000.00 plus a prize, second place $500.00 and a prize and 3rd place $250.00 and a prize. There will also be many silent auctions, live auctions, hidden wight and draw prizes and at least five raffles. Tickets are available now at Port Renfrew Marina only. The cost is $65.00 a rod and includes a Port Renfrew Marina t-shirt, dinner, served by the Lake Cowichan Kinsmen, beverages and a live band on Sunday night. Proceeds from the derby go to salmon enhancement, the San Juan Hatchery and also to the Sooke Chinook Enhancement Initiative. It is a fun way to call an end to summer and springs and look forward to the Coho showing up. Come out, and support salmon enhancement and have some fun and maybe win some great prizes.
Raffle Items:
- Gift Basket donated by Port Renfrew General Store: Value:$300.00 tickets $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 Draw date: Sept.2nd
- Catalina S/S Gas Grill donated by Joe Serpa: Value:$500.00 tickets $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 Draw date: Sept.2nd
- Islander MR3 Mooching Reel donated by Islander: Value: $595.00 tickets$5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 Draw date: Sept.2nd
- Seaside Adventures watercolor print, matted and framed donated by: Lorelei Green: Value: $650.00 tickets $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00. Draw date: Sept.2nd
- Lenovo 17.3" Laptop donated by Kelly Wagner of Gizmo's Computers. Value: $699.99 tickets $5.00 each or 3 for $210.00. Draw date: Sept.30th
Upcoming event: Coming up on Sept.29th and 30th Port Renfrew Marina will be having another annual fishing derby for Coho, called "Winner Take All" This derby is extremely popular and easy. It is $25.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket going to salmon enhancement. The concept is simple , whoever catches the biggest Coho wins the pot. The amount varies depending on entrants but the usual winnings come in around $10,000.00 with the biggest one we have had was $14,500.00! So again come out for a weekend of fishing with a chance to win a lot of cash and have some fun to end the season.
Heads up: This year Port Renfrew Marina will be closing its gate on October 14th. Please prepare and allow yourself time to get your unit and or boat out before closing or to arrange winter storage.
Bud & Rex