UCLUELET
September is usually known for exceptional weather on the Island's west coast, complete with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. While most vacationers are returning home, many are unaware that the fishing is fantastic at this time of year, with abundant opportunities for large Chinooks and coho. Fishing for the latter goes well into October. A reminder here, of course, to always exercises safety and caution when fishing off the west coast.
Well known inshore fishing holes like Wya Point, Little Beach, Red Can, Chrow Island and Beg Island are pit stops for salmon that are migrating along the shoreline. Tides often influence the bite, with flood tides being the best. The most popular tactic is rolling anchovies in a red bait head behind a red flasher, but rolling whole herring without a flasher also produces well. If you prefer hardware, try 6-inch Tomic Plugs, 3½-inch Coyote Spoons, and squirts. Fish the midwater at speeds of 4 to 4½ kmh. Some of the best coho fishing is found around Chrow Island at speeds of 4 to 5 kmh.
Offshore hotspots like South Bank, Big Bank and Hyson Bank should be top producers, especially if you troll out to the deep water along the edges. Most fishing is with 7-inch Tomic Plugs and Tomic Spoons in colours 158, 212, 185 and 602. Troll at speeds of 4½ to 6 kmh while fishing the top 100 feet of water (try bucktailing while trolling your plugs). Coho fishing should be fast and furious, with some exceeding 20 pounds.
Fishing halibut at Big Bank and The Wreck should produce chickens from 15 to 40 pounds and lingcod of 12 to 25 pounds. A spreader bar and herring or a Berkley Power Grub should produce good results.
If you would like information on charter fishing or other activities in our area, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Bill von Brendel
Just Fish'n
(250) 726-5121
www.justfishn.com
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