The Chinook size restrictions are lifted so it's now slab season in Georgia Strait! Fishermen can now retain 2 Chinook in most mid-island locations. (Check the regs before fishing BC tidal area 17 - Nanaimo: Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
I have been getting great reports from all over the Island, from Campbell River down to Duncan. The big Chinook are holding closer to structure and shore in relatively shallow water. Big 6" plugs are taking the big fish. Try either Tomic G26 or Westcoast Mother of Pearl.
There are still some squid around so purple haze hoochies have also been producing fish.
It's time for different colour flasher as the fish start to change colour. Try either Purple UV Jellyfish or Black Footloose .
In Nanaimo troll either side of Entrance Island Reef at 140ft down. Or try in tight near Five Fingers for the big Chinook. The Coho are shallower, from 110 all the way to the surface. and all over the place. They move with the bait, so look for bait on your sounder of try to spot feeding birds.
I got out for some shallow Coho jigging and had a blast. It was some of the most productive fishing I've had for ages. Basically a nice big Coho with every drop. I was using 1.5 oz Delta half Jigs and 2 oz Chartreus Lil' Nibs. At one point my son had one Coho hog-tied on his line, and another on the half jig, all tangled up with the one I was bring in. Lot's of chaotic fun.
The Pink salmon are now in thick.. So if you want a guaranteed fish try trolling from the mouth of Departure Bay North to Pipers Lagoon. Small Sockeye Hoochies, or Pink Haze Coho Killers with get you some action.
Tips up! Steve@harbourchandler.ca
