Gulf Islands Prawning

[teppit1]

Other than the areas west of Thetis are there good areas to prawn in the Gulf Islands given that a lot of areas are shallower than the standard 250-350' prawn range? Without giving up your honey holes, how shallow do you guys catch them?

 

[Howzer]

I've caught prawns in around 180 ft, an overnight set mind you. You're more often to get side-stripe shrimp at those depths though...

 

[seachicken]

185' is my target depth. I have never done well at any other depth in the islands but never prawn Tent, West of Thetis areas. I have 2 primary areas that are very different and far apart and 185' is still my number and I feel I do well. As for what @Howzer said I get a lot more shrimp if in the mud, I assume I'm on rock when I get all prawns based on the gear being cleaner. No overnight sets required. 220' in the holes in the mud get you crabs.

 

[teppit1]

Good info, thanks

 

[Howzer]

185' is my target depth. I have never done well at any other depth in the islands but never prawn Tent, West of Thetis areas. I have 2 primary areas that are very different and far apart and 185' is still my number and I feel I do well. As for what @Howzer said I get a lot more shrimp if in the mud, I assume I'm on rock when I get all prawns based on the gear being cleaner. No overnight sets required. 220' in the holes in the mud get you crabs.

Well, I'm generally doing my prawning north of Campbell Rvr and deep seems better. Most if the commercial guys are well into 300 feet.

 

[seachicken]

Well, I'm generally doing my prawning north of Campbell Rvr and deep seems better. Most if the commercial guys are well into 300 feet.

Ah, ya different area, I've prawned along Raza (spelling) and up Bute years ago and it was deeper. Out in Georgia Strait they are deeper. Heard of them being under 100' at the head of Toba though. And you never know where they might be. Dad started prawning 20ish years ago in front of his place in Saanich Inlet. I asked why we never prawned when we were kids, he said "we never knew they were there until the commercial guys showed up." He's lived there off and on since 1944.