Sooke Report 11 July - 19 July: Steelheader.net- Steelhead, Salmon and trout fishing

What a trip!
Hard to know where to start. Cleared customs with no troubles (should have brought more beer!

) Stopped in at Pedder for licenses then off to fish. Not much time Saturday and we didn't touch a thing. Up early Sunday and I was lucky to get the first shot! a 31# which, unfortunately ended up being the big fish of the trip. Fish was taken off of Otter point as were most of the 10 or so nice "Springs" that we got were at.

We mostly fish with Red, Green or someother color Hotspot Flasher with a 6 to 8 foot leader. We use the Rys Davis Teaser heads in a multitude of colors rigged on a #1 Owner Treble with 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0 gamakatsu Salmon hook trailer. These are both egg bumpered on to 30# trilene this time around. Wouldn't use less if I were you.

We moored at Sooke Harbor Marina just inside Whiffen Spit. Easy access to the strait, and very nice folks. The people of Sooke are very friendly. It's kind of like Duvall 30 years ago or something. Most everyone is friendly. In fact we went up to this little pub that was walking distance from the Marina for 2 for one burgers Wednesday and were greeted by a some cuties wishing us "Happy Hump Day" , but thats another story ...

I think the best fish story is of Matt (the cracker). Monday after a very brief lesson in how to use a Knucklebuster, (Shimano 4000 GT on a 10 1/2 foot 12 - 17# Convergance) he hooks up a "Spring" which is just "Honkin Off"(that's Canadian, eh) some line. After the first screamin run I started looking for the net and Matt says "He just broke off" Well Matt forgot to let go of the handle on that second run and it was over in a .38 seconds. We explained the error of his ways to him and wished him better luck. We never thought he would get another chance as he was headed out Monday afternoon.

It so happens that on our way back to Sooke from Otter, that we spotted a large group of birds working hard, and knowing that THE BIRDS NEVER LIE! We set the gear again. It was less than 5 minuts and Matt was "Fish on" This time he understood the reel and after a battle of around 20 minutes boated his first ever Salmon. A Beauty 22 1/2 pounds.

There's more to come and pictures, too!
GutZ

--------------------
It's good to have friends.
It's better to have friends with boats!
**GutZ**