New to Sooke.. And ocean fishing

[Devin S]

Hi there everyone,

Just signed up to the forum today because I've recently moved to Sooke from Winnipeg. I did quite a bit of fishing around there and since I've moved out here I've tried my hand a few times at ocean fishing from shore with zero luck. I've been down to two places, Beechy Head and Gordon's Beach.
I was originally using some stuff that I had from Manitoba, random spoons and whatnot, with absolutely zero bites so I did a little research and picked up some nice pink buzz bombs and some zzingers... but uh, still no luck!
I don't really know the ins and outs of using these lures because I've honestly never used them before. I hear there's a special jig or something that you need to do however I've tried Youtube and haven't really figured it out still. Anyone in the area care to teach a newbie ocean fisher a few things?

 

[Discus]

Welcome Devin s.

The salmon fishing is really SLOWLY. The spots are right for off shore casting fishing. Ten miles ( off oak bay golf course) , break water ( Odgen point) one more place I don't remember name that where is Codvia ( sp ?) there are good spots for salmon fishing but ATM fishing is slowly.
I hope Dan will assist you.

 

[ericl]

I'd say problem #1 is ocean fishing from shore. If you could find a spot where it was rocky, 30-50ft deep 5 feet from shore, with a sand/gravel bottom, you would have a chance at Salmon. Go back at least 50-60 years & you could add some decent Ling Cod/rockfish to the mix.
Race point, north of Campbell River used to be such a place. To the best of my knowledge, it is all private houses now. Back then there were immense schools of Herring and Chinook Salmon 5 feet from shore. The fishers in guided boats were trying to get as close to shore as possible. Chatham Point has similar conditions. I have doubts the currents are strong enough to create similar conditions on the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Most anything you could catch from shore besides Salmon is so regulated/restricted that the amount of lures you will loose is not worth the potential catch. An exception might be Perch, which frequent shallow sandy area's; bait like clam pieces or Pile Worms is the ticket for Perch. Sole/Flounder can be caught the same way:

Make a leader with the sinker on the bottom & a size 2-4 bait hook on a 6" dropper leader about12" above the sinker. Cast-out in a sandy bottom. Well-in slowly until you get a nibble. Stop, wait a few seconds, the reel some more to see if you are hooked-up. Doubling-up on hooks/baits can be good if legal.

 

[Ken J]

Devin S,

Pick up a copy of Island Angler's Guide to Saltwater Shore casting. Lot's of info & maps. 12 spots from Otter Point to Pedder Bay.

 

[Devin S]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the all the information. Much appreciated. I think I'll have to pick up a copy of that book because I don't think I'm going to be getting a boat any time soon... unless I pick up a cheap canoe but even at that I don't see myself going out too far in the ocean. Maybe just out a little ways to drop my crab trap.
I'll probably be going out again today to try my luck. Was thinking about heading to Sheringham point. A nice fellow at Eagle Eye Outfitters, unsure of his name, told me about the couple places I've been to so far. And if all else fails I can always find a nice lake to fish haha.
As for tides, because that's also something pretty new to me, it's best to go out during high tide? I tried doing some searching for information regarding that but just assumed that that'd be the time. That's when I've seen all the fishing boats out When in doubt I try and see what the boats are up to.

Devin

 

[Ken J]

And if all else fails I can always find a nice lake to fish haha.

Kemp Lake is in Sooke & has some nice smallmouth bass in it. It allegedly also contains rainbows but methinks it's a myth.

 

[Robert Robinson]

Kemp Lake is in Sooke & has some nice smallmouth bass in it. It allegedly

 

[Robert Robinson]

Fishing off Otterpoint is your best bet.I have caught there when the fish are here lol.A buddy to net the fish always helps to.

 

[Dogbreath]

I think I'll have to pick up a copy of that book because I don't think I'm going to be getting a boat any time soon... unless I pick up a cheap canoe but even at that I don't see myself going out too far in the ocean. Maybe just out a little ways to drop my crab trap.

You don't see many Canoes on the salt for a reason Kayaks are much easier to handle and safer.

Next year when Pinks are running shore fishing will be that much better it's often an exercise in frustration.

 

[MadJigga]

I've given up on shore fishing, Its more costly than boat fishing! Sooooo much lost gear! But don't let me sway your decision. Some people have success! Lots of Lings from the breakwater in James Bay recently. I only seem to catch kelp and sea cucumbers there! If you can't afford to buy a boat you can rent them at Pedder Bay Marina for $30 an hour, I think a three hour minimum. Way better chances of success!
Good luck and cheers.
P.S. There are some good facebook groups you can join, shorecastingvancouverisland has a wealth of information from people that have success regularly. With pics of their catch!

 

[ericl]

Hi Devin. For most saltwater fishing, the periods of 1-2 hours before to 1-2 hours after either a high or low slack tide are "usual" fishing times. This is a generalization. Some spots are best on outgoing tides, some are best on incoming tides, some are best at high tide, some are best at low tide. You can look at a chart for a given area with bathymetric data (bottom contours), glean information (this forum, tackle shops etc) to see what tide that spot is good on, and see why tidal flow produces conditions for good fishing. These conditions include things such as up welling (deeper water getting pushed onto a rising bottom by tide flow), and pockets where food (plankton/small fish) get pushed into. Shallower hills/humps surrounded by deeper water are also good spots. The charts will also have information that indicates what material the bottom consists of (sand, gravel, mud, rock).

Down here is the US Kayak fishing is very popular. For Salmon, trolling in a Kayak in a calm bay at the mouth of a river would probably be a good option. Port Renfrew is probably a good spot. Conuma river/bay is very sheltered & i believe they hold a Kayak derby there.

 

[Devin S]

Hi everyone, thanks again for all the info. It's pretty overwhelming when you start talking about all the different bottom compositions, depths, way the tides work, etc. Jeez.
Didn't know there was so much that went into trying to hook me a salmon! haha.
As far as fishing from shore goes I'll keep trying my luck for the time being. My father recently picked up a cheap, beat up fiberglass canoe. Hoping that come the weekend the nasty dings will be fixed up, sanded and painted. I know everyone is saying that a kayak is probably the best bet however this canoe was the right price and at least it'll get us out in the water, past some of the nasty seaweed or kelp or whatever the hell is down there. I've done some ocean canoeing before and I've run 4 nasty rivers in my couple years so I'm confident that it'll do the trick. And if its horrible then at least it'll work to get out, drop the ol' crab trap and paddle back.

 

[dabell]

Just keep the tides and wind in mind if you are going outside the harbour anywhere. Tide and wind will push you down the coast faster than you can imagine with a big tide change. At least in Sooke the wind will *usually* push you to shore.

 

[ericl]

Hi Devon. I have been in Kayaks twice - flipped each time. I weigh too much & am 65 y/o.
Can't say i think it's a good idea - but that some do.