2026 Nanaimo Reports

Well, I gave her an honest go today but no keepers. I started at The Grande, then Entrance, then the Flat Tops, then finished at Thrasher. Best action and closest to keeper size was at The Grande so I should have stayed there. Two unders in quick succession even though the first might have been 60 cm prompted me to move on.
 
Lots of boats out at Thrasher yesterday. Most looked like they were headed back to the mainland. Decent action on the plugs. Landed three keepers 64-75cm in about 3 hours. Turned away another 8 smalls that managed to get on the plugs, running 3/0 Gammy Big River hooks, so the damage was limited. Lots of bait rolling through pretty much the whole time.
 
Lots of boats out at Thrasher yesterday. Most looked like they were headed back to the mainland. Decent action on the plugs. Landed three keepers 64-75cm in about 3 hours. Turned away another 8 smalls that managed to get on the plugs, running 3/0 Gammy Big River hooks, so the damage was limited. Lots of bait rolling through pretty much the whole time.
Nice! Hey is there any fishing etiquette over there? Kind of a wild place to fish with all the current and structure, fished there for the third time in my life yesterday and man the boats where ALL over the place, cutting me off left and right, I tried to pick contour and stick to it but it’s like I had a target on the side of my boat, maybe they were all mainland guys? Or guys just fishing suspended? Any insight for next year would be much appreciated!
 
Lots of boats out at Thrasher yesterday. Most looked like they were headed back to the mainland. Decent action on the plugs. Landed three keepers 64-75cm in about 3 hours. Turned away another 8 smalls that managed to get on the plugs, running 3/0 Gammy Big River hooks, so the damage was limited. Lots of bait rolling through pretty much the whole time.
Nice work, we started and ended the day at Thrasher, tried Entrance in between. Just one keeper in the afternoon at Thrasher.
 
Got out this evening with my brother in-law for a few hours. Fished off the fingers in 230+’ off water couple of small ones and seen a few boats catching unders. Decided to track into shallow water. More action in the 130’ range. Lost a couple pin poppers, few unders, and one keeper. White hootchie got most of the love. Beautiful evening. IMG_7820.jpegIMG_4471.jpegIMG_7818.jpeg
 
Well definitely a slower weekend than I’d like for my last winter hurrah but beautiful weather for crossing over and back. The wind kept us off the water Sat am but we worked it pretty good otherwise, only came up with the one keeper. (Entrance/Thrasher/Grande) Ran down to Porlier Sunday am on the way back, a few close ones (60cm) Dropped the prawn traps once and got about 80 in a short set… looks like they’ve dropped their eggs now.
 

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Nice! Hey is there any fishing etiquette over there? Kind of a wild place to fish with all the current and structure, fished there for the third time in my life yesterday and man the boats where ALL over the place, cutting me off left and right, I tried to pick contour and stick to it but it’s like I had a target on the side of my boat, maybe they were all mainland guys? Or guys just fishing suspended? Any insight for next year would be much appreciated!
Apparently, there's no etiquette if that was your experience.;)

I always try to abide by the right rods to the rocks rule, even when fishing offshore and deeper. It's basic collision regs, except we all also have 200 ft of cable out...and so we can't turn toward the rocks any closer (without pulling up our gear).

If I've got port rod to the rocks, I give guys space and move out if they appear to be fishing the same, say 160ft contour, I just slide out and around and then back in. Not always easy in those heavier currents. I think that is a general rule everywhere, and I try to stick with it. Obviously, there are all skill levels and attention levels out there, so you've gotta keep your head on a swivel at times.

Best advice, just get out of the pack of boats. I assume you were fishing in the pack of boats just east of the marker. You can get fish all over that reef, so just make a move up or down current and enjoy some more relaxing tacks.
 
Apparently, there's no etiquette if that was your experience.;)

I always try to abide by the right rods to the rocks rule, even when fishing offshore and deeper. It's basic collision regs, except we all also have 200 ft of cable out...and so we can't turn toward the rocks any closer (without pulling up our gear).

If I've got port rod to the rocks, I give guys space and move out if they appear to be fishing the same, say 160ft contour, I just slide out and around and then back in. Not always easy in those heavier currents. I think that is a general rule everywhere, and I try to stick with it. Obviously, there are all skill levels and attention levels out there, so you've gotta keep your head on a swivel at times.

Best advice, just get out of the pack of boats. I assume you were fishing in the pack of boats just east of the marker. You can get fish all over that reef, so just make a move up or down current and enjoy some more relaxing tacks.
Thanks, yup fishing east with the pack, also a bit of boats fishing 500-600 feet, guess they were trying to find some suspended fish. Guess I need to put more time in that area and figure it out.
But what I really need to know is if your fish were reds or whites? …. Asking for a friend that has troubles sleeping
 
Thanks, yup fishing east with the pack, also a bit of boats fishing 500-600 feet, guess they were trying to find some suspended fish. Guess I need to put more time in that area and figure it out.
But what I really need to know is if your fish were reds or whites? …. Asking for a friend that has troubles sleeping
You’ll probably think I’m lying… but I had a red, a marble, and……. a white! Got the trifecta! It was exhilarating! 🤣 Sleep tight @Rain City
 
Went out this morning looking for Halibut (I know, I know, but it was so calm and nice out). Shock of the century, nothing but dogfish, but was surprised by how many boats I saw out there. Am I not the only delusional Hali chaser in town? Or what are people fishing for out there right now?
 
Went out this morning looking for Halibut (I know, I know, but it was so calm and nice out). Shock of the century, nothing but dogfish, but was surprised by how many boats I saw out there. Am I not the only delusional Hali chaser in town? Or what are people fishing for out there right now?
You are not alone. We looked for Halibut near Pollier today. Caught dog fish and sole fish
 
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