Hiroshi, we experienced the same thing with the weather. We spent a whole day just sitting around in the 50 kt winds and sideways rain.

Dr. Needle, we did all our fishing out around the 50 fathom line just north of Esperanza or out from it some time. The seas were big all but one day. We got most of our fish between 140 and 185' on the 50 fathom line. It was all about finding the bait though. When we were out of it the fishing certainly changed. We also didn't see the number of big fish we normally do. All the fish we kept were between 25 and 30 with the exception of a teener that was bleeding pretty bad. All our fish came on herring strip,cop car spoons (the 6" ones fished plain) and white hoochies. Herring strip was the biggest producer. The fish we got all had Pilchards in them which are pretty good size. I think you could've done very well on 8 to 10" herring fished whole in a herring rig. Would've tried but we didn't have any. We only hooked about a half dozen coho and they were all wild. I will be back up there the end of next week for go round number two.

Forgot to mention, be sure to check for updates on WCVI regs before leaving. In past years there's been a size restriction near shore after July 15 and July 31 in most areas. So far they haven't put the restriction in place but they could do it with an immediate notice.

Hoghunter, You're lucky. I wish I had the time to go back also. I can only manage once a year right now because of my meal ticket works. I hope you trailered. I went by water and coming back Wed, the straits turn bad like, Advisory up, 25kt winds and 4 ft seas stacked one behind another. I had to cross over from Sooke to our side thought I was going to either pitch pole or brooch the way the followig seas were. Next year, I think I'll go a week earlier and the weather will be kinder to us. Good luck on you next outting.

Hog, I'm heading up to Tahsis on the 27th. What spoons seem to be working the best up that way? I love fishing them straight off the DR, great fights with no drag.

Hiroshi, I do trailer and just leave the boat up there. I learned long ago that the WCVI weather can be snotty even in summertime especially with the Norhtwesterlies. So I just leave the boat in Esperanza and then take the ferry back and forth. It's also much cheaper than hauling the boat back and forth. The forecast up there the last two days has been for gales and the outlook says gales. I can only hope it eases up by Thursday.

Kramer, we fish Coyote's or Canadian Wonders almost exclusively. Colors vary from time to time but the go to seem to be 1/2 n 1/2, Cop Car, Watermelons and chrome/green or green/glow. We had good luck this last trip with the new 6" by Coyote in the above colors.

Thanks for the info and advice on fishing in the Nootka/Esperanza area. My family, 10 of us in three boats, will be up there starting Saturday for a week. We're staying at Rodgers in the Port Eliza Inlet. Good fishing to everyone and if you have any last minute reports or suggestions I'm all ears as we've never been there before. Thank you.

Good Luck, Kmarsh10.
Everyone who are going up to Nootka Sound this weekend, please say hello if you see me. My boat is 14' Livingston runabout with 40 hp suzuki 4 stroke. Gray with red line one it. I am staying at hoiss point near critter cove. Let's see what happen. Please give me any last minute info as well. Thank you, you guys.

I just got off the phone with the folks at Critter Cove and I was told "the fishing is excellent if you know what you're doing".

I also inquired about bait and they recommended you bring anchovies as they can't guarantee their supply.

Nice, I can't wait to go up there on Friday.

Dr.
More importantly...when will you be able to post your Nootka report? Anytime before 4:00 am July 28 works for me

I can't wait that long. I leave Wednesday morning the 27th. I need the goods! I think I've got the kings about covered but any chance at flatties up there right now?

I'll be fishing Penn Rocks area the 28th-31st. 27' Boston Whaler Offshore with twin outboards. Staying in Tahsis Wednesday night through Saturday night.

Stay away from Mario at the Spar Tree!

Kramer,

Are you as useless as I this close to Nootka Departure? Goodness, I need to go fishing right now!!

Oh my yes. Tits on a bull I tell ya! I think I'm growing scales!

i'll be at Gold River Fish Camp in a 21' Seaswirl called "DAWGfish". See you at Bajo if the gales lay down.

Just got back last night, we fished 2 full days, 1 half day (afternoon) then a quickie on the morning we left. for 3 of us in the boat we brought back 11 kings, mostly 22-28 lbs, with a 34 # biggie, one fish short of a full limit. Also let some smaller teeners go, got a couple big rockfish, a hali and a couple lings, all incedental catches. Fished Ferrer, Pin rock and Rosa, mostly running straight cut plugs. Didn't touch a silver, didn't see anyone catch any either. We did better than most, judging from what we saw and heard at the dock. Oh, I almost forgot, I also came back with 15 # or so of cured roe, some from our fish, most begged from others at the cleaning station. Major Score!!!

Leaving in about 4 hours. Any last minute reports/tips are greatly appreciated!

Hi Escapee, where and how did you get those kings? I just came back Nootka sound yesterday after 5 days trip. It was so slow. We only managed to get two (24,21lb). Especially last three days NOTHING!. People who were staying at same lodge went to Ferrier and got three after working all day on Monday. THey said it has been worst they have seen there. I was able to fish only Hoiss point, Friendy cove and near Maquinna. Weather was fantastic but fish were not biting anywhere. I am curious what kind of method and where other than Ferrier that you fish. THank you for your tip to help me next year.

Hi Escapee, where and how did you get those kings? I just came back Nootka sound yesterday after 5 days trip. It was so slow. We only managed to get two (24,21lb). Especially last three days NOTHING!. People who were staying at same lodge went to Ferrier and got three after working all day on Monday. THey said it has been worst they have seen there. I was able to fish only Hoiss point, Friendy cove and near Maquinna. Weather was fantastic but fish were not biting anywhere. I am curious what kind of method and where other than Ferrier that you fish. THank you for your tip to help me next year.

We fished mostly all cut plugs, our best luck seemed to come when we had a straight cut plug on one rod and a flasher 5-6 foot leader and a cut plug on the other. I heard Monday sucked at Ferrer but it was fishin good on Sunday and Saturday.

A buddy of mine fished it early july from critter and slayed the kings. They were using anchovies.