For Port Renfrew Marina the month of May fishing continues to surprise everyone. Both halibut and spring catches are far above other years at this time. Chinook are holding along the shore in a little deeper water than usual, quite often sixty to seventy feet down in one hundred foot depth of water. Needlefish hoochies, spoons and coho killers are the hot hardware and 12 pack anchovies are the bait of choice. Halibut continues to be VERY good. Daily limit catches are the norm and with very little current drift fishing has been working. The NE corner is still the hot spot. Hali hoochies and chub mackerel are the baits of choice.
Crabbing slowed down this past week but there were three commercial boats in the area . When they leave crabbing should pick up again.
NOTE: EXTREME low morning tides this coming week will cancel or delay early morning launches and river travel and will probably expose the new sand bar outside the river mouth as it is very shallow this year. If you are planning a trip up to fish check your tides.
Important News: The annual Davey Derby will be coming up on July 26th a Friday and runs through until Sunday July 28th. This derby is always great and for such wonderful causes. All the proceeds raised go to people on the island who are in desperate need of financial help and who have suffered a family loss or major health issues. This derby is amazing with the scope of prizes and is well worth the entry ticket, nearly everyone goes home with something. If you have the time free that weekend come and have a great time. For more information go to the website www.daveyderby.ca and learn more about it and the people they help.
Interesting News: For some of you who were at the marina last weekend and may have wondered what the group of organized volunteers were doing (and for those of you who weren't we can fill you in), one of the co-founders of the Ancient Forest Alliance, TJ Watt, who discovered Avatar Grove, has been planning the construction of a boardwalk in Avatar to improve public access, increase visitor safety, and ensure the protection of the forest's ecological integrity. There were about 35 men who came to the marina for the long weekend and worked through rain and wind to get as much of the walkway, stairs, and landings they could get done in that time. The group, who go by the name Hawkeye Tribe and were organized by Dan Hagar (Handsome Dan - the new Chamber President) combine their strength and skills once a year to complete a community project. They've done a beautiful job using the wood which was generously milled and donated by the Pacheedaht First Nation and have laid the groundwork for future volunteer weekends. Improving the visitor experience in this unique forest helps to attract people to Port Renfrew's old-growth forests, record-sized trees, and wildlife which in turn supports the local economy. In a show of appreciation the men were treated to a special dinner Saturday night courtesy of Jon and Tim Cash of the Soule Creek Lodge. Special thanks to Jessica and Tom of the Coastal Kitchen Cafe as well for covering dinner for 2 on Monday night also. Port Renfrew Marina did what we could by offering them the Longhouse for power and a place to eat out of the weather and a grassy area to sleep. A BIG thanks goes out to all the helpers and to everyone who donated and offered their time. A great job done!! If you haven't already visited Avatar Grove, you can find directions here. Enjoy!!
Port Renfrew Marian asks all customers using power to use it with caution, consideration and respect so everyone can be safe and also help keep the rising cost of hydro down.
Port Renfrew Marina would like to remind everyone coming for a stay to remember we DO NOT take credit cards or have interact. Please remember to bring cash and if needed you can use our ATM. Thank you.
Bud & Rex