Well I deserve it. I am getting so much flack from people.
” I’ve got a bone to pick with you! your last report was July 17th!”
It’s true and I do deserve it. I have no defense. Just tired I guess.
This morning I am in between guests. Nat and Franco from Nat’s Pizza in Kitsilano just left yesterday and I have a new group coming in this afternoon. My morning is sort of free, other than laundry, boat cleaning and gear tying duties. So it’s 5:45 am (can’t sleep in, my body just gets up expecting to go fishing every day!). I am one coffee down already. All the fisherfolks at the lodge have left or are leaving for the early morning bite. I am alone with my thoughts and am reflecting on my season so far. Ok then, ready to share.
I have read many Barkley Sound reports from the Sportsfishing BC website. Things definitely slowed down during the Bamfield Fireman’s Derby on the August Long Weekend. But it didn’t last long. Our Robertson Creek fish have rolled in and are here in numbers. Now interesting enough not all of our usual spots are pumping but Beale and more specifically what we call Little Beale has been outstanding! The early morning bite and tide change bite have been very reliable. The magic depth for me has been 45 to 50 feet on the rigger. I have switched over to rolling bait and that has been a very successful tactic for my guests. However, when fishing yesterday morning in search of coho, I ran a glow white hoochie on one rigger and a spoon on the other. Wouldn’t you know it? We were into 8 springs in 3 hours or so. I would still fish bait if I was looking to boat springs but running bait on one side and a spoon or hoochie on the other side would make total sense. At least you are only pulling up one side if you get a hit, you can leave the spoon or hoochie down if it gets nipped. That keeps your gear in the water.
Coho have been hit and miss. Folks are always asking me where can I target coho? When they show they show… I have not been able to come up with anything concrete as to where to find them. Offshore they have been thick but even then the last few days they have not been around in any kind of numbers. They will come, and when they do? I’d look for them at all of our usual hot spots but Sandford and Fleming are always good bets.
As for the usual spots around the Sound, as I said Beale has been very good. So has Whittlestone at times. Austin and Cree are producing. Robbers Pass has turned on sporadically but is worth a visit, especially in the early morning. Kirby has had it’s moments and will only fish better as the season progresses. Fleming should be coming on strong but hasn’t really gone off as of yet.
Hali fishing offshore has picked up the past 10 days or so. As per usual salmon bellies off of spreader bars has been the ticket. That said I’ve had very good luck using a bright green paddle tail jig.
We’re approaching mid August which means the best fishing Barkley Sound has to offer is upon us. The road is paved and a dream to drive. Now’s the time folks. It won’t get any better than this. If you are in the area please stop in to Harbourside and say hi.
Till next time (hopefully very soon) Coach…