quote:
Originally posted by yammy5
You all probably know how amazing the fishing used to be in the Saanich inlet but it was before my time and it's upsetting to see what we have lost. The inlet used to be loaded with fish and there were even commercial fisheries in the inlet for salmon and herring and who knows what else. Now we have to go to the QC to find such fishing. This is an exert from an article:
"People, who traveled long distances and paid good money to fish for salmon in Saanich inlet, were at times privy to events that are now totally unheard of. In the old days the BC coast was abundant with Basking Sharks, these beasts would grow to lengths over 20 feet. It must have been a site to see these harmless lumbering dinosaurs, swim with their enormous mouths open, filtering plankton. At times they would swim so close to the boat, that the rocks, which were used in the nylons, could be dropped on their heads, making them splash, as the guests snap photos or shot some primitive super 8mm video, (always good for a 2-5 dollar tip)
The basking sharks are now virtually gone from the BC coast. Almost extinct, not from rocks being dropped on their head, but from DFO killing them off, by running them over with boats, that were fitted with bow mounted blades to appease the commercial gill net fishery, who were upset about the incidental catch, which would ruin their nets. (Sounds like a good way to keep the seal and sea lion population in tune) "
http://www.sportfishingbc.com/articles/tackle_reviews/tomic_lures_history.htm
We have covered this topic ad naseam recently so check the archives for lots of good info. But as you found out, there's nothing wrong with using a big jig! They work well for the smaller lings and the big ones don't taste nearly as good imo.
