Sept.8/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

Port Renfrew Marina is seeing spring fishing to be up and down these past two weeks. It has been a bit slower than normal for this time of year although the last two or three days did pick up. It appears the sockey have moved on, sure was great while it lasted! Coho should be arriving by the third week of September. There are the odd ones being caught now but mostly at Swiftsure Bank.

Chinook fishing was average but slowed dramatically over the derby weekend. It did pick up again after the weekend rain. Camper and Logan produced fish on the high slack tides. Rumor has it that there are huge schools of springs farther up the coast and we are hoping that they are just running late this year.

Halibut catches remain good though only for those anchoring closer to shore than Swiftsure Bank are loading up.

Notable Catches:

• Mark Jordan   37  (not in the derby)
• name lost         39  (also not in derby!)
• Bud Watt          30  after derby

Some interesting and exciting news for Port Renfrew Marina. One of our own guides won the Sooke Harbor Derby this year.  Desi Hatchard of www.viciousfishcharters.com came in first place with winnings of $100,000.00! Congrats to Desi, who was also celebrating his 40th birthday, (hence the funny picture) couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

This past weekend was Port Renfrew Marina's 13th Annual Labor Day Derby. It was another resounding success with outstanding efforts by many. Although attendance was down slightly the people who were there really came through with all their efforts to help raise funds for the San Juan Hatchery again this year.  Fishing was quieter than past derby's but that didn't stop the upbeat attitude of everyone there.  The event went smoothly with the delicious dinner and beverages and then the prizes got under way with a live band that played from about 7:30 and didn't stop until 12:00.  Who knew that fishermen dance?

Winners:

• 1st. Place Wolf Kadgien  34.1     $1000.00
• 2nd Place      Joe Serpa       31.7       $ 500.00
• 3rd Place Mary Dice     30.14     $ 250.00

Port Renfrew Marina had 3 large raffles,  6 silent auctions, 5 live auctions and some cash donations bringing the total amount of monies donated to the San Juan Hatchery this year to  the outstanding amount of $9,587.00! We would like to thank a few generous people and businesses for their great  "over the top"   donations and efforts.

A great thanks goes to Jared at Rona in Langford that donated the Broil King BBQ which raised $2311.00 dollars!   Won by: Neil Young

Also a special thanks goes to Lindsey Wilson of Four Points Sheraton Gateway of Victoria who gave us a few generous donations, one, the limited edition print "Fall Run" in memory of her brother Matt Cardin who worked at the hatchery and passed away and with those we raised $837.00 plus had prizes to give away.     Print won by: Pooh Parker

Another thanks goes to Port Renfrew General Store for their donation of 2 nights for four people in the Country Cottage and a $100 certificate to the store and it raised $329.00 Won by: Linda Grieve

A wonderful thank you goes out again to Audie Williams of the Davey Derby that was held at Port Renfrew Marina this past July.  They donated $2000.00 to the San Juan Hatchery as they do every year.

Very special thanks also go to :  Island Outfitters,  Gizmo's (Victoria),  Desi Hatchard of Vicious Fish Charters and Neil Young who personally donated and also raised $600.00 from guys he works with in Alberta! One even came from Nova Scotia!

And to all the other businesses and people who donated and there were many, to many to list, thank you so very much for all your contributions. None of this would be possible without businesses and people like them who donate to this great and important cause.

Bud & Rex

Aug.30/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

Port Renfrew Marina August Chinook fishing has been much slower than we usually see. There are very short bite times and if you are there you will do well, if not you may come up short. It is difficult to predict the possible results as it varies so much each day and even after a few hours. The waterfall past Logan Creek seems to be the hot spot in the afternoons. Coyote spoons on a 48 inch leader have been working well as the bait for many fishermen.

Sockeye fishing remains strong with early a.m. producing multiple hook-ups. Pink hoochies and a large black open eye hook work best.

Halibut catches are still amazing for this time of year. Guides are anchoring on spots normally drifted over and are seeing great limit catches of fish in the 30 to 50 pound range.

Coho predictions are for a very good return though they haven't shown up in any big numbers yet.

Notable Catches:

• Mike Graves 50
• Mark Gagen  34  38
• Jared Gagen  34
• Kris Kadgien  33
• Wayne Schiffner  30
• Kerry Rawlick  32
• Ken Gillard  38
• Bob Biggs   30 32
• Gord McGeachy  38
• unknown   34
• Blair Houdayer 49  59 82 hali's

With another season winding down Port Renfrew Marina is having it's 13th annual Labor Day Derby this upcoming weekend on Sept.4th and 5th. This derby is to raise funds for the local San Juan Hatchery which is run basically with very devoted guys who without their ongoing efforts it is unclear how the hatchery would keep going.  If you would like to support the effort get your ticket and enjoy the fishing, dinner and live band.  First prize is $1000.00, 2nd prize is $500.00 and 3rd prize $250.00 with many other prizes, raffles and silent auction items. There is also a free bullhead derby for children under 12 with prizes for the most bullheads for a boy and girl.

We have three raffles on for this derby.

• A Broil King two in one SS. BBQ with rotisserie, storage cupboards, side burner and back burner. Value: 1500.00 Donated by: Langford Rona
• A Limited Edition Print  "Fall Run" by Bruce Muir. Value: $500.00 Donated by: Lindsey (Cardin) Wilson, Rod & Nancy Cardin in Matthew Cardin's memory who worked at the San Juan Hatchery and was very passionate and devoted to the salmon enhancement cause.
• Two nights stay for four people at Country Cottage in Port Renfrew and a $100. certificate at the Port Renfrew General Store. Value: $380.00 Donated by: Port Renfrew General Store.

Dates to Note

:

• Port Renfrew Marina's Coho Derby  Oct. 2nd and 3rd "Winner take all"
• Port Renfrew Marina closes  Oct.11 th

Please make sure if you have a boat in storage or need to take a unit out  for the winter that you are aware of the closing date, otherwise winter storage fees will apply. For those who want winter storage please make arrangements in the office.

Bud & Rex

Aug. 23/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

 

Late August fishing at Port Renfrew Marina is very good and should continue for the next few weeks.

Sockeye catches remain very strong. These prized eating salmon are found in 380 feet to 500 feet of water with shallow depth, 40 feet, early in the morning and deepter, 100 feet, when the sun comes up. Pink hoochies with a large black open eye hook works very well.

Chinook fishing is up to late August standards. Many limit catches are hitting the docks. First light and on the flood are the best bite times. Anchovies are still the favorite and 6 inch spoons or plugs work well at Swiftsure Bank. Logan Creek, Cullite and Walbran continue to be the hot spots. You will find coho out there also and hopefully this is a good sign for the coho coming in Sept.  Check out the notable catches and you will see the spring fishing is going strong with John Stoulger bringing in the second biggest spring this year at 55 pounds.  We apologize for any over 30's we missed, being so busy not getting down for photos.

 for this time of year although you may need to put more time in. Sizes are much bigger than usual and the numbers are up more than usual also.

Halibut fishing remains surprisingly good

Notable Catches:

• Ken Gillard  32  32  30
• Wayne Schiffner   30.5
• Clint Coleman  32
• Gerry hamilton   33
• Mike & Dan Burkmar  32  32  34
• Alex Gard   35.5
• Terry McKenna  34
• Jim Aggergaard  40
• Jolly Rogers Fishing Adventures  171 hali
• David & Terry Tobacco withJustin & McGaw 29 30 31 32 32 40
• John Stroulger   55
• Leroy Coombs   32
• Larry DeFrane  34
• Brian Batty  32
• Bud Watt    30
• Paul Mahoney  40

Important Notice: The Baird Creek bridge ( small bridge shortly before entering Port Renfrew) will be closed Aug.24th from 9 am to 2 pm.There will be other delays for unknown amounts of time off and on during the days of Aug. 23, 25, 26 and 27th.

Other things to note: The pay phone at the marina is no longer working. We hope to have it replaced for next year. If you are wanting moorage only for the next couple weeks please call ahead and check with the office as to availability. It is very limited. There is still a complete camp fire ban in effect at the marina and all of Port Renfrew.

Important Dates: Sept. 4th & 5th Labor Day Derby This derby's proceeds go to the local salmon hatchery in Renfrew. Tickets are $50.00 a rod & include a t-shirt, dinner, beverages and a live band. 1st prize, $1000.00 2nd prize $500.00 3rd prize $250.00 and many other draws, raffles and auction items.

Oct. 2nd & 3rd Coho Derby This derby is "Winner Take All" with the fisherman who gets the biggest coho taking the winnings of the $25.00 entry fee, $20.00 of it goes to the winnings and the $5.00 from each entry goes to the San Juan Hatchery. Previous years winnings have been anywhere from $5,500.00 to $13,800.00.

Oct. 11 th  Port Renfrew Marina closes. Please be advised that if you have your boat in storage you are responsible for removing it on or before that date or winter storing costs will apply.  Please make sure that you have made it clear with the office if you are leaving your unit or boat in storage for the winter and have left your site clean of garbage and other misc. items that may get damaged or ruined in the winter months. Costco type tents DO NOT withstand the winter rains and winds.

Bud & Rex

August 16 Port Renfrew Marina update

Fishing has turned hot again in Port Renfrew!

Sockeye remains open and is great, limits in no time.

Spring salmon fishing has heated up today, lots of nice chinooks coming in from Culite, Logan, and East Point.

As well, the tides are better this week and halibut fishing has improved too.

All in all, definitely a good time to be fishing in Port Renfrew!

Other important news if you're thinking of heading to Port Renfrew:

The Baird Creek bridge will be closed on Tues Aug 17 and Tues Aug 24 from 9am to 2pm -- so plan accordingly!

The pay phone at the Marina is not working, so you'll have to use the one at the Port Renfrew visitor's centre in town if you need to telephone.

Hope to see you soon

Bud and Rex

Aug.11/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

Port Renfrew Marina has seen some fantastic salmon fishing since the last report. We have not had a sockeye opening since 2006 but this is turning into a banner year. Limit catches are being taken at first light for a couple of hours then it slows down a bit later in the day.  Stack as much gear as close together as you dare. Pink or red hoochies, bare black hooks or spoons on a short leader and if using a flasher make it red. Best depth is 40 to 60 feet in 450 to 600 feet of water.

Chinook pressure has declined with most people chasing sockeye. Logan, Walbran and Camper are all giving up nice fish with many over 30 pounds.

Swiftsure Bank continues to be on fire for springs, coho and halibut. Listen on VHF channel 06 for the chatter of where the fish are biting. 6 inch spoons and plugs are the choice of most fishermen. Crabbing has started to slow down but if you are persistent a few good ones will come your way.

Notable Catches:

• Hugh Hamer           36
• Travis Gregson      36     40
• Gerry & Michelle Gammie    33 34
• George Colgrave        37
• Lucas Quigley              33
• Ron McGovern          42
• Is. Oufitters        127    72 hali & others
• Matt Regier & Joe Serpa     34, 26, 27, 22
• Murray Havens    hali  59  49  82
• Ross MacKenzie            44
• Miller Sport Fishing     days catch
• Charlie Kew                     36
• Tony Tuba                     32.5
• Terry Tobacco & Lance Foreman     34, 27. 26, 25
• John Murray           42

Important Dates:

• Sept 4th  & 5th Port Renfrew Marina Labour Day Derby
• All proceeds go to the local San Juan hatchery
• Oct. 2nd & 3rd. Port Renfrew Marina Coho Derby
• winner takes all
• Oct. 11th. Port Renfrew Marina closes.

Important Notice: If you have a boat in storage or a unit you are not planning on storing at the marina then it is of upmost importance you come  and remove it on or before the marina closes. This is the owner's responsibility to be aware of this date and if it is left, winter storage fees will apply.