2025 Bamfield and Barkley Sound Reports

[Sir Reel]

Excellent advice on here - just do it! The whip antenna for fixed shore/boat-based marine VHFs along with the increase in output wattage from the base station more than doubles the range (5-20km) compared to handheld VHFs. Height of antenna is also a factor. Handheld only have ~2-5km range - altho the big antennas that Coast Guard have can often still pick up the signal farther away. Today both design constructions come with Digital selective calling & GPS feed for AIS. Don't forget to register to get a MMSI #.

Sorry to derail.
Posted this back in May.
VHF radio is for the most part line of sight. Higher the antenna the farther the range

VHF Radio On Board? You Need This Certification.

 

[Doubleheader]

checked the regs tonight, isn't the usual minimum size 65cm for Chinook?
It now says 45cm, is that a recent change?
I'm pretty sure it said 65cm last week

It’s been 45cm for as long as I can remember, 25/26 anyway…

 

[Proframer]

It’s been 45cm for as long as I can remember, 25/26 anyway…

Yes...
My first trip for salmon anywhere but sooke area.
I'm a rookie

 

[Islandgirl]

Hi, have an unexpected window to hit up Barkley for a short window with a friend and my 13 year old boy who’s made the timing tricky due to more important pressing teenage stuff lol. Gonna rip out Thursday evening and fish until Saturday morning. Anyone have some reports on areas to focus on ? Also anyone know the hours for the restaurants in town, I hear there’s new one at the bamfield inn?

Floras restaurant. It's very nice. Their website has the hours and boat parking too. I haven't been there this year yet. Great covered patio for any weather outside dining.

 

[Derby]

It was the first day of fog today that I encounter and have to say.... With all the new boat in the sound be carefully and know your equipment and rules please...After nearly being smoked by a pair of boat this morning coming on hard to my port side with zero regard to my positioning... Had I not shut it down as quickly as I did the lead would have hit me for sure. Please be safe it's a long season

 

[Proframer]

It was the first day of fog today that I encounter and have to say.... With all the new boat in the sound be carefully and know your equipment and rules please...After nearly being smoked by a pair of boat this morning coming on hard to my port side with zero regard to my positioning... Had I not shut it down as quickly as I did the lead would have hit me for sure. Please be safe it's a long season

Terrible!
Why go fast in low visibility, so reckless.
My Dad got radar on his boat a couple years ago, he goes to Bella coola annually. Apparently way more foggy days there.
I've never seen the radar in action, are you able to see all the boats around you regardless of their electronic capabilities?

 

[23Hourston]

Terrible!
Why go fast in low visibility, so reckless.
My Dad got radar on his boat a couple years ago, he goes to Bella coola annually. Apparently way more foggy days there.
I've never seen the radar in action, are you able to see all the boats around you regardless of their electronic capabilities?

No

 

[gillar]

Small small spoons today worked for Cree and Kirby… only of note fish was 17lbs … steady but not on fire!

 

[SpringVelocity]

I just got back tonight. I can echo @Derby comments . Ton of idiots in fog today (understatement). Honestly doing a run to Cree/Kirby without radar in low visibility through Imperial Channel is a bit stupid. I also had two boats veering all over the place in run in AM. Assume that was them.

We salmon fished Sunday, Monday and this AM. Austin/Cree/Kirby were great for us again. Small spoons/Hootchies and yet again all chinook were 35 feet to 75 feet in down rigger.

The trick was really finding the bait, and moving on if it wasn't there.