With winter taking longer to arrive this year, we’ve had some amazing weather to allow us to capitalize on the great fishing in the Vancouver area. We’ve been out a lot over the last month, primarily venturing into Howe Sound to the west side of Bowen Island. We have mainly fished Tunstall Bay, 3rd Marker and Hutt Island other great bets are Grace, further up Howe Sound Defense Islands and Porteau Cove or ventured around to English Bay.
A key method for winter fishing is to drag the bottom. We’ve been successful getting a decent mix of legal Spring salmon, undersized salmon and the odd rock cod, lingcod and flounder which we release. We have had a lot of these days with a great mix of active fish. As far as gear goes, we’ve been using Gibbsdelta gear – Watermark flashers green, purple and blue and Rhys Davis the Herring Aide head with anchovies. We’ve been using the Skinnyg outfitter spoons, Irish cream or the Silver Horde Herring Aide and Irish Cream. Also adding to our success, there is a lot of feed around: herring and anchovies. If the feed stays, so will the fish! This could mean continued great fishing for the next few months in Vancouver!
Generally on our charters we try to hit a low or a high tide so leaving early morning isn’t a necessity. Feel free to call us to ask about the daily reports, to book a charter over Christmas or if you’re looking for tips when venturing out on your own! As a bonus for charters this time of year, we throw the prawn traps out to contribute to your seafood fest!!