Halibut are OPEN!!!
If you catch halibut to supply your year of fish then I would suggest to not delay. Given the low TAC available to the recreational angler at this point it is a good bet that the DFO will close halibut fishing late July early August.
Halibut Tides
March’s hali tides look to as follows:
- 7th, 8th, 9th 10th morning tide
- 11th and 12th Mid Day
- 22nd, 23rd 24th 25th 26th morning moving into mid day and early afternoon as the week goes on.
Winter Springs
Winter springs are still being taken. Now is the time to watch for herring balls and fish around them. The old adage the big fish are where the little fish are. I am still recommending the tried and true anchovies and Green and Glow green and the Purple Haze colours for consistency.
Stay informed
Keep a close eye on the regulations in your area this year. We are going to see some changes to the Chinook regulations in the Victoria area. Most likely we are going to have the “slot size” reglation much the same as the spring of 2008. The difference will be the slot size season will go on a lot longer.
A tip
When you are fishing the bottom for Chinook at this time of year be prepared for the odd halibut. Even if you think you are going to be fish too shallow. The hali’s will be moving into the shallower water to hunt for crabs that are molting their shells.
Don’t be afraid of towing a big spoon around near the bottom to get their attention as well.
Richard Taggart
Manager
Pedder Bay Marina
250-478-1771
