2025 Bamfield and Barkley Sound Reports

[Pastafarian]

I was doing some reading regarding VHF radios.
Some mixed info online. Maybe some people on here could confirm some of my info.
- boats rated/capable of carrying 6 or people must have a radio.
- you must be licensed to operate a VHF radio

Anyone use a handheld? I know their distance is limited.

Put a radio on your boat. You should have a radio available for emergency situations at the ready anytime you're on a vessel. Don't worry about if you're required to. Your family, friends and guests onboard should be reason enough to carry one.

 

[trophywife]

quality hand -helds are great. there is one in my jump kit and back pack.

 

[gillar]

Cree, 87 feet with needle fish hootchie and #3 kingfish spoons

Thanks!

 

[Samnjoe]

I was doing some reading regarding VHF radios.
Some mixed info online. Maybe some people on here could confirm some of my info.
- boats rated/capable of carrying 6 or people must have a radio.
- you must be licensed to operate a VHF radio

Anyone use a handheld? I know their distance is limited.

I have always had a VHF radio. Never been licensed. I also have a portable Sandard Horison GPS model. Use it all the time on my back deck and when going to shore.
Absolute must have for anyone on the ocean IMO.

 

[terrin]

I have always had a VHF radio. Never been licensed. I also have a portable Sandard Horison GPS model. Use it all the time on my back deck and when going to shore.
Absolute must have for anyone on the ocean IMO.

Not hard to get the License. Few week night sessions and pass the test to be Legal.

 

[Proframer]

Not hard to get the License. Few week night sessions and pass the test to be Legal.

Where is the coarse offered?

 

[Aces]

Where is the coarse offered?

Thru power squadron

 

[Samnjoe]

Thru power squadron

Can you do it online?

 

[JWS]

Can you do it online?

I don’t think it’s offered online. FYI, power squadron is now CANBOAT

 

[brutus]

I have always had a VHF radio. Never been licensed. I also have a portable Sandard Horison GPS model. Use it all the time on my back deck and when going to shore.
Absolute must have for anyone on the ocean IMO.

I got a fixed, a handheld in a dry bag, and one one at camp in my trailer, so I can communicate with my wife while on the water,( depending where I am fishing) non sense not to have one IMO

 

[Bottomfeeder1]

Small spoons, needlefish, white hootchies.
Hit the spots and watch the screen. Move if no bait is holding.
On a day off, do this.

Nice !!!!!

 

[Samnjoe]

I don’t think it’s offered online. FYI, power squadron is now CANBOAT

I did find severally online courses. $180 to $220.

 

[Proframer]

I got a fixed, a handheld in a dry bag, and one one at camp in my trailer, so I can communicate with my wife while on the water,( depending where I am fishing) non sense not to have one IMO

I had no intention of not having a radio, I know it's important. Just wasn't sure about a few details.
I'll be back by the weekend, radio in hand.
I'm going with a high quality handheld for now.

 

[coriba]

Change of topic, although, always have a radio, get a license, and broadcast your location (Mmi?).

What weight cannonballs do you use. I lost one with a frayed cable last year and need a replacement. I’ve been using 10 pounders, seem fine, but since I need a replacement …

 

[trophywife]

balls:
15's inshore
18's offshore

 

[agentaqua]

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 #.

 

[kaelc]

I’m all excited to see a report and it’s all gear advice! Hope the boys on the water are seeing huge take downs.

Regardless what radio you get I recommend having built in GPS to broadcast your position when you hit the DCS emergency button.

If you have regular Scotty’s 15lbers are a good choice. HP’s then 20lbers but expect more wear and tear. Had a buddy burn the drive gear and belt on his HP on Sunday, ending up fishing one downrigger stacking.

 

[dmurph]

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?

 

[Weatherall]

We'll be on the water from July 4-9th out of Poett's Nook. Looking forward to seeing any members on the water. We'll be at the usual spots, and will report back.

 

[SpringFever2359]

Not hard to get the License. Few week night sessions and pass the test to be Legal.

Or 1 day