Coho opening for retention is almost here! June 1st we will be able to keep 2 clipped Coho. (Always check the regulations prior to fishing)
And just in time for opening day vast schools of Coho have shown up all around mid-island waters. From French Creek, North Nanaimo, Five Fingers and down to Thrasher Rock there are loads of Coho. From 50ft to 140ft down, but best depth has been 100ft. I had a great report for the Thrasher Rock area, with a high percentage of clipped fish. (Thanks for that report Tim K)
Top lures for Coho are smaller spoons with good action in blue, orange, pink or chartreuse. Yakima Bait SpinFish in Chartreuse Scale pattern is particularly effective for them. It has a great action, kind of like an Apex. My other top lure for Coho are small Loony Spoons, especially Seedless Watermelon. Another good option are Ace Hi Flies in Herring Aid and Blue Spatter Back. I run these lures like a hoochie, but you can also bucktail with them.
I like to troll a bit faster for Coho, which increases drag. So I'll often run a mini Coho Special flasher for less drag.
Lingcod fishing is still very good. Trolling for lings seems to be taking off. We are selling a lot of the Rapala Otus in Hot Pike as it has turned out to be crazy effective for lings. Remember if you want more info on how to troll for lings, check out June's Island Fisherman magazine for my article on it.
