What’s Happening Lately:
What a season we’ve had already!… see photos from February- April
As you can see we’ve had excellent seafood safaris with plenty of prawns, crab and oysters. The raw oyster eating has been a real hit; just ask Stefan from Saskatchewan who managed success on his second attempt; Truly a rare gastronomical achievement… Congratulations Stefan! The Seafood Safari will be extended into May this year due to the abundance of prawns.
High pressure conditions have prevailed allowing for some sunny days and calm waters. Temperatures of course have been cool, fluctuating from 0o C -12o C (32o F-55o F); However we supply full body cruiser suites and have installed a diesel heater on board the “Okee Dokee”…plenty warm!
Our first Salmon came in on a double header with my son Jakob on the first trip of the season February 27th. So far the the biggest Salmon weighed in at 15 pounds on April 3rd; Three double headers that morning, all by myself, and I couldn’t help from giggling and all the while taking pictures, looking like an Octopus with all limbs in motion; Probably the most fun fishing I’ll have for myself this year as most days will be spent chartering.
Dean from Alberta had asked if he could catch a Halibut while doing a seafood safari. The answer…”Yes!”… On April 8th Dean caught his first Hali ( 22 lbs.) and our first of 2008 along with a full tray of prawns and crab. Way to go Dean!
Lingcod season just opened April 15th and now is a great time for targeting.
On April 25th salmon up to 15 pounds and Halibut 25 pounds were caught just a few miles from Ucluelet.
2008 Regulations and Synopsis:
Regulations are mostly the same but Halibut are now limited to two in possession rather than three. The reason being is recent growth in the B.C. recreational Halibut fishery has finally exceeded the 12% allocation administered by the Canadian Government. That is, the sport fishing sector only gets 12% of the total annual Canadian allowance for all sectors, the commercial sector gets most of it; There is no shortage of Pacific Halibut and we anticipate these changes will only be necessary for a couple years until the politics have been resolved; The Halibut biomass remains healthy and abundant.
Early run Salmon that are headed back to the Fraser and some US Rivers are under the microscope due to low abundance but their migration will pass Vancouver Island near the end of April.
Summer populations however for the Fraser and Columbia rivers are expected in good abundance during the late summer and early fall runs; Ucluelet and Barkley Sound will have Big Salmon opportunities for you once again!
Contributing to this favorable synopsis is Alaska has just announced on April 4th that they are cutting their S.E. Alaska Chinook harvest by 51% which will put an additional 151,000 Chinook into Canada. This alone will have a doubling affect of both our local and offshore Chinook opportunities!
Of no consequence to our Ucluelet fishery but worthy of understanding and support is an isolated situation within Tofino, 26 miles west of Ucluelet:
Chinook Salmon populations in Clayoquot Sound rivers are at risk. Federal fisheries will meet with all Salmon fishing sectors, local government, and the almon aquaculture companies to ascertain the cause(s) and propose remedies.
Already some proposals for mitigation have been proposed. They have agreed to reduce their shore line and Clayoquot Sound fisheries. Enhancement efforts will be stepped up in these local rivers including net pen rearing of sea bound juveniles, which has proven successful in Alaska.
Coho Salmon regulations will remain the same at 2 per day and four in possession; Hatchery (fin clipped) Coho only for the offshore and both hatchery and wild retention allowed inside Barkley Sound.
Booking a Fishing Trip & Fish Licensing On Line:
For all you Canadians, you can now get your fish licenses on line: Click here
If you registered in years past you’ll find it is very quick. You will need a printer. For all non-residents, including American citizens, you’ll need to purchase your license from a vendor once in Canada; Long Beach Charters can supply your license.
Remember to book fishing trip A.S.A.P. to get your first choice and best accommodation. Make a request anytime using the contact information below.
Best Regards,
.·´¯`·.><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·…¸><((((º>
Mike Marriott (Senior Guide)
Long Beach Charters
P.O. Box 191
Ucluelet, B.C.
V0R3A0 Canada.
Long Beach Charters
P.O. Box 191
Ucluelet, B.C.
V0R3A0 Canada.
Toll Free 1 877 726 2878
E-mail: longbeachcharters@telus.net