port hardy report

[the runt]

Hi guys, thought i'd tell you how we did.Not well.Fished mon-thurs.Lost one chinook on Mon.caught one tues, at 29#,wed.-thurs.no hits.The good news is that if you went north to the outside about 25-30 miles, there are some nice fish to be had.We didn't have any electronics to go there,you need at least radar, it was foggy every am.Last sun.serangetti guide had some very nice fish, and one really big pig.Maybe if he see this post he'll say how big it was.Take care all and good luck.

thanks the runt

 

[Jockey]

Probly the 54# he told us about earlier in the port hardy report thread?

http://www.sportfishingbc.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10091&whichpage=4

 

[coriba]

We were there Tuesday to Friday. We got one halibut a day for three days. We didn't target salmon too much, but when we did, all we got was one pink,enough for halibut bait. A really big one mind you, but no springs or cohos. We had all the electronics going those foggy mornings, pretty thick sometimes.

Dan

 

[weedeater]

quote:Originally posted by coriba

We were there Tuesday to Friday. We got one halibut a day for three days. We didn't target salmon too much, but when we did, all we got was one pink,enough for halibut bait. A really big one mind you, but no springs or cohos. We had all the electronics going those foggy mornings, pretty thick sometimes.

Dan

friday had several nice springs and great coho fishing, sat was the same have too make a bit of a run , 30 miles out

 

[TheBigGuy]

quote:Originally posted by weedeater

quote:Originally posted by coriba

We were there Tuesday to Friday. We got one halibut a day for three days. We didn't target salmon too much, but when we did, all we got was one pink,enough for halibut bait. A really big one mind you, but no springs or cohos. We had all the electronics going those foggy mornings, pretty thick sometimes.

Dan

friday had several nice springs and great coho fishing, sat was the same have too make a bit of a run , 30 miles out

Glad to see a few people are starting to be a little more specific regarding the fishing conditions in Hardy. Please don't anybody take this the wrong way, but if you're running 30 miles from Hardy to catch Salmon, that really isn't fishing around Hardy in my opinion. I live in Vancouver, and if I was running thirty miles across the straight to Thrasher rock to fish, I don't think I could claim the fishing is red hot in Vancouver.

People read the forums to get an up to date idea what the fishing is like in locations they are interested in travelling to. I base that decision upon how far the fish need to be chased and what boat I am fishing out of. Hardy wouldn't be my first choice if I knew a 20 - 30 mile daily trip was required at the time. I think the reports should be a little more specific, when claiming the fishing is awesome, fantastic, spectacular or whatever around Hardy. I've seen some awesome pics posted of catches from "Hardy" this year. It is now becoming apparrent from more forthright posters that most of these fish are being caught at locations a great distance from Hardy.

Nobody expects exact fishing locations with GPS coordinates, but if traveling to remote locations is required please let people know. It does no one any favors to travel all the way to Hardy, only to find the fishing is in locations it isn't prudent to travel to with their boat. With fuel costs these days anglers also want to know what they will be looking at for a fuel bill when making trip decisions.

Thanks to the posters that are giving accurate reports of fishing conditions in Hardy.

 

[weedeater]

quote:Originally posted by TheBigGuy

quote:Originally posted by weedeater

quote:Originally posted by coriba

We were there Tuesday to Friday. We got one halibut a day for three days. We didn't target salmon too much, but when we did, all we got was one pink,enough for halibut bait. A really big one mind you, but no springs or cohos. We had all the electronics going those foggy mornings, pretty thick sometimes.

Dan

friday had several nice springs and great coho fishing, sat was the same have too make a bit of a run , 30 miles out

Glad to see a few people are starting to be a little more specific regarding the fishing conditions in Hardy. Please don't anybody take this the wrong way, but if you're running 30 miles from Hardy to catch Salmon, that really isn't fishing around Hardy in my opinion. I live in Vancouver, and if I was running thirty miles across the straight to Thrasher rock to fish, I don't think I could claim the fishing is red hot in Vancouver.

People read the forums to get an up to date idea what the fishing is like in locations they are interested in travelling to. I base that decision upon how far the fish need to be chased and what boat I am fishing out of. Hardy wouldn't be my first choice if I knew a 20 - 30 mile daily trip was required at the time. I think the reports should be a little more specific, when claiming the fishing is awesome, fantastic, spectacular or whatever around Hardy. I've seen some awesome pics posted of catches from "Hardy" this year. It is now becoming apparrent from more forthright posters that most of these fish are being caught at locations a great distance from Hardy.

Nobody expects exact fishing locations with GPS coordinates, but if traveling to remote locations is required please let people know. It does no one any favors to travel all the way to Hardy, only to find the fishing is in locations it isn't prudent to travel to with their boat. With fuel costs these days anglers also want to know what they will be looking at for a fuel bill when making trip decisions.

Thanks to the posters that are giving accurate reports of fishing conditions in Hardy.

i guess the distance is realative to each fisher , 30 miles isint a big run in my opinion, if your fishing the west coast its about that from coal harbour to the outside, traveling for an hour to get to the grounds is generally worth the effort for me. if i lived in the city it would probably take at least an hour to get my boat to the water and readied to go, but i do agree if u dont want to post accuratly maybee say nothing at all

 

[weedeater]

quote:Originally posted by TheBigGuy

quote:Originally posted by weedeater

quote:Originally posted by coriba

We were there Tuesday to Friday. We got one halibut a day for three days. We didn't target salmon too much, but when we did, all we got was one pink,enough for halibut bait. A really big one mind you, but no springs or cohos. We had all the electronics going those foggy mornings, pretty thick sometimes.

Dan

friday had several nice springs and great coho fishing, sat was the same have too make a bit of a run , 30 miles out

Glad to see a few people are starting to be a little more specific regarding the fishing conditions in Hardy. Please don't anybody take this the wrong way, but if you're running 30 miles from Hardy to catch Salmon, that really isn't fishing around Hardy in my opinion. I live in Vancouver, and if I was running thirty miles across the straight to Thrasher rock to fish, I don't think I could claim the fishing is red hot in Vancouver.

People read the forums to get an up to date idea what the fishing is like in locations they are interested in travelling to. I base that decision upon how far the fish need to be chased and what boat I am fishing out of. Hardy wouldn't be my first choice if I knew a 20 - 30 mile daily trip was required at the time. I think the reports should be a little more specific, when claiming the fishing is awesome, fantastic, spectacular or whatever around Hardy. I've seen some awesome pics posted of catches from "Hardy" this year. It is now becoming apparrent from more forthright posters that most of these fish are being caught at locations a great distance from Hardy.

Nobody expects exact fishing locations with GPS coordinates, but if traveling to remote locations is required please let people know. It does no one any favors to travel all the way to Hardy, only to find the fishing is in locations it isn't prudent to travel to with their boat. With fuel costs these days anglers also want to know what they will be looking at for a fuel bill when making trip decisions.

Thanks to the posters that are giving accurate reports of fishing conditions in Hardy.

fish have moved down had good last 2 days a castle and gordon group, heard there was good fish comming out of duval area as well

 

[Cuba Libre]

Distance travelled IS relative. When I say I fish Port Hardy, to me that means anywhere from Cape Scott, Cape Caution, Numas Island, Cluxwe and the open mainland side. Its anywhere I can run to while based at the Quatse campground. Sounds like a big area and it is. But I have done that for years in a 17 1/2ft Hourston and always watched my weather. With the 20 ft Alumaweld I have now, I will still fish the same areas, but the bigger boat gives me a larger degree of comfort.

So-- MY Port Hardy fishing report is as follows. Fished for 3 days this week. Tagetted springs, but didnt find any until day three. But we got into some magnificent coho. Also put threee lings in the boat-- biggest 30lbs. Two Yelloweye, both about 15lbs and some very nice rockfish-- quills and black rockfish. Day three was foggy, rain but near calm seas. Within 5 min of putting the gear down, I had a good strike, but it came unlatched. Next was a 7-8lb coho into the boat. Finally I hooked up with a very nice fish. Good fight and quick action with the net got my first 40lber for the year. An hour later my partner hooked up with an equally big fish. Played it to the boat and when I tried to net it, the treble got hooked in the net ...two quick twists and a flip and the fish was GONE!!! Man-- did I feel like a bonehead. But my partner took it much better than me with the comment "Chit-happens-- there are more out there. Lets fish."

The action slowed so we decided to move... and found Striper Sniper, Sea Wolf and Serengetti Dave working another area area. Dave soon left , but SS and I stuck it out. We were rewarded with two more springs-- a 20 and a 15. We also hooked several WILD coho. So thats my report from Port Hardy.[^].. there be sammie blood in the boat!!




20ft Alumaweld Intruder

 

[Striper Sniper]

Hey CL, it was nice running into you and Serengetti while we were on our way back from Shearwater. We kind of felt bad after we left you as we got home feeling pretty good in the fog using radar than realized that you must of had a somewhat unsettling return in those conditions. Congrats on the 40 lber! SS

 

[SerengetiGuide]

Today was a fun day. In the middle of a huge Spring bite...nailed a huge hali. Took an hour and a half to land using the salmon gear, 133lbs. Wow. It was intense. Missed most of the Spring bite but still got 3. Totally worth it...made our guests trip. Quite the story to tell their friends.

It was actually hooked only with one treble of the 3...through the thin layer of skin on the inside of their mouth...no idea how it didn't pull out on it's way up as horsing it (slowly) was necessary. Crazy day...yet full of fun! Just 5 days ago nailed a 75lbser trolling as well.

133lbs

75lbs

www.serengetifishingcharters.com

 

[weedeater]

another great couple of days fishing in hardy,the big halibut are close to th airport, and the spring fishin at castle was great. too bad its all so late this year wont get much time on it

 

[TheBigGuy]

Now that's what I'm talking about Weedeater. Thanks for the info about where the actions been at recently. I don't think the average guy is interested in running to Cape Scott, so it's nice to have a general idea where the fishins at. I think some other posters just have a bad case of sheep phobia. Kinda silly don't ya think, Baaaa.

 

[SerengetiGuide]

I don't at all BigGuy...but I'm not gonna give GPS co-ordinates either. I could BS you about where it is...but why do that? Rather keep be honest.

www.serengetifishingcharters.com

 

[TheBigGuy]

Any self respecting fisherman wouldn't latch onto the guide boats just to find his GPS locations. I love to find my own hotspots, I think that's part of the satisfaction I get from fishing. Just like tying your own flies, and rigging new innovative gear. No one expects exact directions to locations via GPS, only a general idea of how far is required to get to the good fishing. That's all I'm saying.

Most of my time fishing on the island is in the Port Alberni and Barkley Sound areas, with the odd trip offshore from Beale. You can fish any of those areas from Port Alberni, but running offshore from there would require burning a ton of gas. Most people filing reports from those areas give an indication if the fish are being caught in the inlet, the sound, or offshore. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a general indication where the fish are at.

I'm not trying to pick on you Dave, you seem like a really nice guy and a great guide. Including a little more info would probably make you even more highly regarded in the sportfishing community, and would probaly make people want to book with you even more. That said, it's your business, and what you choose to post is your choice. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the whole point to the fishing forums was to share information and help other fisherman. Otherwise all they'd be is one big infomercial.

 

[Cuba Libre]

quote:I'm not trying to pick on you Dave, you seem like a really nice guy and a great guide. Including a little more info would probably make you even more highly regarded in the sportfishing community, and would probaly make people want to book with you even more. That said, it's your business, and what you choose to post is your choice. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the whole point to the fishing forums was to share information and help other fisherman. Otherwise all they'd be is one big infomercial.

Big Guy-- I really think you expect too much. If Dave did start getting more specific, the other guides would be all over him. And you say

quote:I love to find my own hotspots, I think that's part of the satisfaction I get from fishing.

Me too!!! And I have. During the years I have fished PH, I have explored from Cape Scott to the Cluxcewe. I also have friends that have traded info that has helped out too. But I will only talk in generalities as to exactly "where" on an open board. ( and NO information on crabbing or prawning) It doesnt take a big brain to figure out if you see a bunch of boats fishing an area , that perhaps its worth checking out. So why do you think you deserve more information?

As far as Dave or any of the other guides posting more info-- I am very happy with what they do--- the reports get me motivated to get out on the water. There is also a fine line between providing a fishing report and spamming. I dont see that in the PH threads otherwise I would be emailing the mods immediately. So my advice is to take the info as a bonus-- and the pics are GREAT! Nothing better than a happy face with a big slab!

( as a final comment-- when I retired, my daughter had this idea that I should go back to work--- guess she cant stand seeing me enjoy myself. Her suggestion was that "Gee Dad-- you know how to fish-- you should become a guide!! " She just didnt appreciate that having a nice day on the water and maybe getting a couple of fish, was fun. Having to produce fish under all conditions for clients of dubious skills, is WORK [xx(]) Its no wonder when some guides get a little testy when they are forced to play bumper-boat with the likes of me!!!




20ft Alumaweld Intruder

 

[PW_Homer]

I have been reading this forum for many months now and must comment on the fishing reports. So many times I have read posts that fishing was awesome(Yes, for Guides) while it is actually slow/spotty (For everyone else).

I can never make up my mind where to fish as the as transporting the boat/fuel/accomadation costs today are almost out of reach. I cannot justify spending $500 to get to an area to find out fishing is slow.
Yes I expect that Guides do great as this is how they make there living,are experts in the area and gear used, have larger boats and fuel costs are really paid by the guests. So running offshore or out 30 miles really does not mean as much to a guide but plenty to me.

I am not, or will never ask where you are catching but in general how fishing is. A report saying local fishing is good to me means not going off shore and not having to go 30 miles to get to the fish.

Too often I read reports on how great the fishing is and then only to talk to the person counting at the docks saying it's the pits and only 2 came in today or fish for 12 hours and see 2 fish landed (with 50+ boats) and back at the dock hearing most got skunked.

Just my 2 cents worth

 

[TheBigGuy]

quote:Originally posted by PW_Homer

I have been reading this forum for many months now and must comment on the fishing reports. So many times I have read posts that fishing was awesome(Yes, for Guides) while it is actually slow/spotty (For everyone else).

I can never make up my mind where to fish as the as transporting the boat/fuel/accomadation costs today are almost out of reach. I cannot justify spending $500 to get to an area to find out fishing is slow.
Yes I expect that Guides do great as this is how they make there living,are experts in the area and gear used, have larger boats and fuel costs are really paid by the guests. So running offshore or out 30 miles really does not mean as much to a guide but plenty to me.

I am not, or will never ask where you are catching but in general how fishing is. A report saying local fishing is good to me means not going off shore and not having to go 30 miles to get to the fish.

Too often I read reports on how great the fishing is and then only to talk to the person counting at the docks saying it's the pits and only 2 came in today or fish for 12 hours and see 2 fish landed (with 50+ boats) and back at the dock hearing most got skunked.

Just my 2 cents worth

My sentiments exactly, well put.

 

[seaswirl1]

Hey Guys, Couldn't resist jumping in as this has gotten a bit unfair to Dave at times.
It's un-realistic to expect detailed information from him in the way of specifics, why take a charter if he's putting all his hard earned experience out there for the rest of us. A general fishing report is about all I would expect from him .....to give us sitting at home a clue as to whether we should pack up the rig and drive all night to fish this weekend.
I have been fishing Pt hardy and surrounding areas for 9 years and I would definitely say this has been a challenging summer to date. The fishing close to town has become a lot less predictable and the best clue would be the few if any boats fishing the most popular spots after about 10 am each day this past few weeks. My favorite close to the harbor spots are nearly boat-less the first weekend in August when there should be numerous boats trolling through the early afternoon getting into some fish. My overall feeling is that those days of catching daily limits of springs and coho within a few miles of town is not happening this past 2 summers with any predictability. You need to plan on running around and working hard for the fish out there, the fishing has bright spots every now and then ..........but in general the lack of boats fishing and the nearly empty campgrounds is a pretty clear sign that the average weekend fisherman will not easily limit this season. Maybe we've all been catching too many limits in previous seasons or they are running so late that most of us will miss them this summer. There are some fish to be had out there ......but plan on spending some time & $$$$ to find them and long days trolling for just a few good fish.
Not trying to be gloomy ..........but stating my experiences after fishing 25 -30 days each season out of Pt Hardy. They definitely aren't jumping in the boat like they did in the 2000-2006 seasons.

 

[the runt]

Look guys,i'm going to have to pipe in one more time.1st.of all if you go fishing less than 1-2 a month don't expect great results.also don't expect the people who fish more than 3 times a week to give up their spots.Iknow for a fact, if someone knows a hali hole in a 5 acre area he is'nt telling either.And please quit bitching about the fuel.***** instead about the price of beer.now thats criminal.50 bucks a case lol.boating isn't cheap.Things change fast out their,and if your not out their too change with it, it might be slow.few weeks ago we did well on white squid,dogs were thick.Last week caught nothing,using the same,couple of days ago using squid again, a guy i knew had four fish in a hour using herring.Because i don't go a lot i didn't know the doggies moved on.One thing i also haven't heard is that people are having a good time regardless,if it didn't blow great a bonus, if it didn't rain great, caught a fish heaven.

thanks the runt

 

[TheBigGuy]

Ok guys, not tryin to beat a dead horse here. I will clarify one more time, what I am trying to get across, because you guys aren't getting it. No one expects any guide to give up his hard learned "secret spots". I am talking about putting very general info in reports, such as:

"Fishing has been good in the usual hotspots in close proximity to Hardy this week "

or conversely:

"Fishing in the immediate Hardy vicinity has been spotty, boats running 20-30 miles have had very good success this week."

How is sharing such general information going to hurt a guides business, or make other guides mad at him. Regarding fuel costs, fuel costs are definitely a consideration. However, safety is also one of the main reasons that the fishing proximity is an issue. Not everyone thinking of heading to Hardy owns a boat that is outfitted with radar, dual screws, and redundant electronics for that extra safety margin. The average guy, in the average boat does not like running 30 miles to remote locations in foggy conditions. It's all about being able to make an informed decision about where you can safely, and affordably fish, with a good chance of success.

I think I've said enough on this subject, hopefully you can understand where I'm coming from. I hope what I've said may encourage a little more infomation in the reports from Hardy. If not , well I tried. Have a good summer fishing, best of luck to you all. I may see you in a few weeks, you'll easilly recognize my boat. It'll be the one towing a barge full of sheep to Hardy. Ooops, sorry I just couldn't resist that one, my bad.