Port Renfrew Marina Report Oct.7/13

Port Renfrew Marina is reaching an end to the season for 2013. The springs have all but disappeared and gone up the rivers to spawn. Coho fishing was quite spectacular this year with hundreds of them just about everywhere at least until the extreme heavy rains we had the weekend before last. That four days of torrential rain pushed many of them up the rivers also. We estimate that there is a week or so left to get out there and catch the remaining few out there , weather permitting. Port Renfrew Marina held our annual Coho Derby "Winner Take All" this past weekend. We were very lucky to have excellent weather, with the rain holding off almost completely. Sunday in particular was a gorgeous day, a great way to end a fishing season. Although the weather was great Coho fishing was slow, it appears the Northern's haven't really started to show in any great numbers. All entrants were catching many shakers and most fish caught were in the low to mid teens.  To get a big one most anglers had to fish deep, the winning Coho was caught in 300 feet and many fishermen were fishing even deeper. When normally Coho time means you can fish with spoons, hoochies, apexs, etc the fish still seemed to biting on bait. This years derby went very well with 508 tickets sold.

Derby Results and Info:

Derby winner:  Brick and Rosie Betsworth with a 19 pound 12 ounce Coho. The total amount collected from ticket sales $12,700.00. The winning pot $10,160.00 and $2540.00 going to the local hatchery.

 

We apologize for the crazy way the pictures loaded but after trying many times for some reason they won't cooperate! Computers!!

IMPORTANT INFO:  On October 13th Port Renfrew Marina will be closing for the season. It is imperative that all boats be pulled from the water and removed from the marina unless storage arrangements have been made. Also all units must be removed unless being stored for the winter. You must contact us regarding storage asap to make arrangements. The number is 250 483-1878 This number will be in effect until October 14th, after that there will be no way to leave messages on this line. The caretaker, Desi Hatchard can be reached at 250 483-1486. You must contact him a couple days ahead if you plan on coming to the marina because the gate is kept locked.

Bud & Rex

 

 

 

Port Renfrew Marina Oct.2/13

Well, in spite of the biblical proportion rainfall at Port Renfrew Marina there are still lots of Coho around. From the river mouth out to the "can buoy" fishermen are catching them. The largest to date that we have seen was 17 pounds. Hatchery staff at the blocking fence report quite a few Coho in the 20 pound range and have estimated a couple in the low 30's! There are lots of fish in the river system and still lots to come. So, having said, that we are expecting and very hopeful of a great turnout of Coho for the annual Coho Derby "Winner Take All" that is happening this coming weekend. The weather should be ok, hearing a variety of reports from sunny and nice to wet and cloudy so it's anyone's guess but so far there are no indications of radical weather or heavy winds. Also there are no tidal issues for that weekend and none really for the remainder of our season. Tickets are available at the marina on the Friday and early Sat morning. They are $25.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket going to the hatchery. The derby time rules are Saturday dawn till 6:00 and on Sunday, dawn till 1:00. You must be on the dock with any fish you may have ready to be weighed in BEFORE 1:00 cutoff. Any arriving after that will not be weighed. The winner will be announced shortly after all weighins are done to finalize the weights. Please remember that we are a cash business so bring cash for your stay and tickets. We do have an ABM for your convenience. Don't worry if you arrive late and are concerned about space, we always fit everyone in that's entered in the derby.

ATTENTION: Anyone who may know Mark Harding who was the highest bidder for the 2014 Bite Me Derby tickets please have him contact us asap. 250 483-1878. If we do not hear from him by this weekend we will be auctioning them off to the highest bidder during the Coho Derby.

IMPORTANT:  Please be aware that Port Renfrew Marina will be closing the following weekend on October 13th. All boats must be out of the water and removed from the marina with any units unless storage arrangements have been made. If left then storage fees will apply. If you would like to arrange storage please see us in the office. We do have a caretaker, Desi Hatchard, who lives on site and keeps watch over all storage items. The gate is kept locked and if you require entrance in the marina after closing you must contact him so he can open the gate. His number is 250 483-1486. Storage is prepaid for the winter so please come prepared to do so.

Bud & Rex

Port Renfrew Marina Report Sept.26/13

For Port Renfrew Marina the 2013 Chinook fishery is now over. The recent rains have pushed them into the rivers. The hatchery staff are very pleased with the numbers and size of fish returning ti the river system. Coho fishing remains very strong but the weather seems to be a problem. Heavy rains have made the water dirty. Large swells make the river-mouth crossing dangerous and somewhat uncomfortable while out fishing.

On the good days hoochies in green, blue and yellow are all good and we have heard the watermelon apex is a hot lure.

Halibut fishing we think is still good to excellent but with the bad weather there has been no one targeting them lately. Fisheries has now stated that the halibut fishery is open until Dec. 31st.

Important News:  Port Renfrew Marina will be having it's annual Coho Derby "Winner Take All"  on October 5th and 6th a week from this weekend. Tickets are sold at the marina that weekend until early Sat. morning. They are $25.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket going to the hatchery. This derby is a very popular one with all anglers, it's simple and straight forward and everyone has the chance to win a large amount of money. Lets hope the weather is good for that weekend. PLEASE remember to bring cash as we don't take credit cards. Tickets are cash only.

VERY IMPORTANT NEWS:  Port Renfrew Marina will be closing on Oct. 13th this year. Please make sure you have made arrangements to take your boat out of the water and either take it home or put it in storage. Also all units must be removed or arranged for winter storage. If left, storage fees will be applied. Also we are asking that anyone with an account outstanding should come by and get their account updated. For those that have not done storage before we do have a caretaker, Desi Hatchard, on site for the winter and the gate is kept locked so if you do have storage set up you will need to contact the caretaker so he can let you in past the gate. The number to contact him is 250 483-1486.

Bud & Rex

Port Renfrew Marina Report Sept.13/13

For Port Renfrew Marina mid September Chinook fishing continues strong. Even though there us very little pressure, those targeting the springs are catching them in all the regular spots with water by Hammond Rocks giving up the bigger ones. With the predicted rain for the next week the Chinook may start their journey up the rivers. It will be a wait and see issue, if the rain isn't too hard we may have a better chance to catch a big one.  There are a few big whites showing. Halibut fishing on the anchor has turned on again. September is usually a very good month for the flatties. Salmon bellies and grubs have been working but spoons could be the ticket if the currant is running fairly fast.  Halibut fishing was extended until Sept.18th until further notice by the DFO. We haven't heard anything about any changes so far but check in at the office if you are unsure.

Coho fishing is fantastic! It is still early for the big Northerns a;though the odd 15 to 17 pounder has been weighed in. Off shore you will have to catch a lot of fish to get your hatcheries. Yellow or green hoochies, coyote spoons, Coho killers and tiny strip baitrix are all hot lures. Early day depths are 35 to 60 feet going deeper later in the day. Right now you are allowed 2 hatchery Coho and 2 wild IF they are caught inside the bay. Wild Coho opens outside the bay on Oct.1st.

If you see Coho jumping at the river mouth, give it a try in the very shallow water, 3 to 10 feet deep. Find and stay with the jumpers.

Notable catches:

  • Jim Morris  30
  • Ken Gillard  30

Port Renfrew Marina's annual Labor Day Derby has now passed and we are still waiting on a couple of payments for live auction items but the total tally is looking to be near $18,000.00. We will have a precise amount in a few days hopefully. What a great fundraiser, thanks go out to all who donated and participated to help out the local hatchery.  Maurice Trembley spoke at the derby and explained that a good portion of the money is going towards completing a blocking fence in the San Juan river.It is great to know that they use the money wisely!

Upcoming Event: So soon the annual Coho Derby will be happening. "The Winner Take All" derby is our most popular derby and this year is looking to be a banner year for Coho as there seems to be no lack of them around. The derby is October 5th and 6th so wild will be open outside the bay.  Hopefully the big Northerns will be here a plenty and some lucky person will catch one and win the pot! Again of the $25.00 a rod ticket $5.00 of each one will go to the hatchery. Please be advised: We are a cash business and you will need to bring cash with you to buy your tickets, etc.

Important News: On October 13th Port Renfrew Marina will be closing for the season. It is very important and the customers responsibility to know this date and that you come by on or before then and remove your boat and unit, otherwise storage fees will apply. If you would like to do storage please speak to someone in the office.

Bud & Rex

 

Port Renfrew Marina Report Sept.2/13

This past weekend Port Renfrew Marina was blessed with perfect weather for fishing. Calm seas and sunshine all weekend was a real bonus. Over the one and a half day derby we had 130 fish weighed in by the 303 entrants. Chinook fishing has slowed since the rains came briefly but hit has moved the larger white springs to the shoreline. Bite times seem to be back to the usual high tide being the best. The springs coming to the docks are still very chrome.

Notable catches:

  • Brent Cooper   35   (before the derby)
  • Sigrid Gitlof      38. 15ounces (derby winner)
  • Chris Baslee  31.5 ounces   (derby 2nd place)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Renfrew Marina held it's 16th annual Labor Day Derby and as past years it was a huge success.  Although the fish weren't as large as in past years there were plenty. The top two did make it in the 30's though.

Something new as of last year is the adult bullhead derby held on the Saturday night. With 160 people entered it was a ton of laughs and fun. This event helped raised $1600.00 that is 100% donated to the local San Juan hatchery. A big thanks go to Val MacDonald and Gayle Kerrone for having the brilliant idea and organizing the event.

  On Sunday morning we held the annual children's bullhead derby which has always been a favorite for the kids.

 

 

 

 

Another fundraiser started by Dave Mills was a 50/50 draw. This was won by Ken Gillard and he then generously donated his winnings back to the half for the hatchery which made it a total of $2535.00! Good job Dave!

Audie Williams of the Davey Derby also was in attendence at our derby and was there to give Maurice Trembley of the hatchery his donation of $3500.00! A huge thanks goes out to Audie for that generous donation. The Davey Derby that he held at Port Renfrew Marina in July raised a record amount of $45,000.00 for a variety of great causes. Absolutely amazing!

A big thanks goes out to the Styba family for donation the jelly beans and container for the guessing contest that brought in a little over $100.00 and won by Gwen Coleman guessing 739 one jelly bean short!

On Sunday afternoon everyone in the derby had the dinner hosted by the Salmonberry Bistro and the food was amazing. Once the ceremonies and prizes were done it was just a short time later the band started up for the night where everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Who knew fishermen danced!?! At this point the grand total raised is not completely clear as we have a few things outstanding but as soon as we get things tallied we will post the total. So far it is looking like the $17000. to $18000. mark but it could even get better and will go up once we see what the Coho derby brings in. Will keep you posted.

Winning stats:  Sigrid Gitlof coming in first place with a 38.15 " spring caught first thing on the Saturday morning and it held through for that day and the next. Chris Baslee came in 2nd with a 31.5" spring and RJ Robertson with a 27.7". Woman's biggest fish was Bev Baslee with a 25.9" and under 16 Tyson Banner with a 20.8".

A derby's success really depends a couple of things, one willing and generous participants and most of all the generosity of all the businesses and individuals who willingly donate and in these tougher times with the economy we are here to say a big THANK YOU for all those who did and we encourage you to read the list and if you need products or services of some kind we hope you choose to support these ones first.

  • Randy Wright of Harbor Air         Dan Dupray of D&R Fire Protection
  •  Redl Sports                                         Butler Bros
  • Islander Reel                                      Neisers
  •  Big Fish Lodge                                   Norm Dyson of Butchard Gardens
  • Island Outfitters                                Anglers Retreat
  • Construction Drilling                      Tomi's Restaurant
  • Port Renfrew General Store         Big Bear Rentals
  • Oki Tackle                                             Westwood Power & Marine
  • Artisan's Design                                 Ian & Deb McGregor
  • Trotac Marine                                     Soule Creek Lodge
  • Jim & Lynn Parry                              Handsome Dan's
  • Choice Charters                                 Coast Capital (Colwood)
  • Fairlane Inspections                       Gallery House
  • West Marine                                        Botanical Getaway
  • Scotty                                                   Westbay Mechanical
  • Wise Buys                                             TK Glass
  • Three Point Properties                   Maple Bay Marina
  •  All Battery                                         D Blitterswyke
  •  NW Alumacraft                                 Duncan Home Hardware
  • Gone Fishin                                         Sooke Home Hardware
  • Harbor Chandler                              Jim Hermanson of Madil
  • Coastal Outboards                            Steve Beal
  •  Steve Holgate of Surespan & RBF Concrete     Greg's RV
  • Alpine Marine                                     Just Jakes Restaurant
  • Bob Gicas of Bite Me Derby            Wholesale Sports
  • Kelz Cake Shop                                    Esso
  • Trailhead Motel                                  Out of the Blue Designs
  • Kelly Wagner of Gizmos (Vic)       Thriftys Foods
  • Chevron Canada                                 Parker Marine
  • Lifetimer Boats                                    Moby Meats
  • Baljet Chev Dealer                              Cowichan Fly & Tackle
  • Duncan Auto Parts                            ATP Bait & Tackle
  • Hardie honey                                       Brian Dice (maple syrup)
  • Kal Tire                                                   Oak & Carriage
  • OK Tire                                                    Western Foods (Sooke)
  • Station House                                       Liquor Depot
  • Shoppers Drug Mart (Sooke)          St. jeans Cannery
  • Shoppers Drug Mart (Colwood)   Blair Davis
  • Verico Select Mortgage                   Peninsula Co-Op
  • Sooke Power Supply                         Walker Power Supply
  • Oughtred Coffee & Tea Shop           Salt Spring Soapworks
  • Canadian Tire (Duncan)                  Mike Smith
  • Bucky's Sports                                     Starbucks (2 Colwood locations)
  • P&R Western Star                               No Bananas for Delta Gibbs
  • Travelbea & Associates                   Deans Marine
  • Glenwood Meats                                 Coastal Kitchen
  • Ed Horseman                                        Lakes Marine
  • Monti's Boat Sales                              Great Canadian oil
  • Superstore (Colwood)                     Stone Pipe
  • Subway (2 Colwood locations)     Serious Coffee
  • Country Grocer (Lk. Cow)              Dave Zelke
  • Salty's Fish & Chips (Colwood)      Floyds Diner
  • White Spot  (new Colwood)            Wally Quaite
  • Tim Hortons (Colwood)                   Loving Pet Pal Grooming
  • Lordco                                                   Sleggs (Sidney)
  • Village Foods                                       June & Darrell Johnston
  • Shane Steele Electric                        Salmonberry Bistro
  • West marine (Vic)                             Mike Young
  • Cascadia Liquor                                 Ian Batty & Gerry Gammie
  • Richlock Rentals                                Cineplex Theater
  • DSS Welding for a donation and also for the awesome launch box (bright yellow) made for us that is placed down by the boat launch area.

As you can see the list is long and it is the reality that you need a giant participation to make a fundraiser work.  Please forgive us if we have missed someone and bring it to our attention! We will quickly add them to the list. Again please support these businesses who kindly donated.

Upcoming event: So now that the Labor Day derby is behind us we will be having our well known and very popular Coho Derby "Winner Take All" on October 5th & 6th. This derby cost $25.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket going to the hatchery. The winning pot will be determined by the number of entrants but it can be a staggering amount of cash money! Smallest pot won was $5300.00, that was year one and largest was $13,880.00! We are expecting a big turnout and so far it looks like the Coho fishing will be great. Lets hope this drier milder weather holds for some time ahead. PLEASE REMEMBER, we are a cash business so bring cash, we do not take credit cards or interact.

Important Info: This year Port Renfrew Marina will be closing on Oct 13th. All customers with units or boats in the campground at that time need to come by the office and make arrangements for storage if needed. Otherwise please make sure you have your site clean and take your things home with you. If you are interested in storage please feel free to contact us and ask about our rates.

Bud & Rex