Tidal waters advice for a self guided newbie on Johnstone Strait?

[Robins36]

Sounds like I am taking the wife and kids to Vancouver Island in August for our 2 week holiday this year. I have never fished for salmon or halibut before and would like to experience the thrill of putting one in the boat. Chances are slim that I will be able to try with the fly rod on the rivers in that area. We will be staying with some extended family near Port McNeil/Telegraph Cove at the north end of Johnstone Strait. I have access to boats and gear, but no guide. Does anyone have any recent experiences in that area? Any tips and tricks that one can share?

Thanks!

[Deep]

To ensure a great experience on the ocean I would highly recommend the use of a local guide. They typically provide the gear and with their knowledge you can enjoy a lot of fun and big fish......Good luck.

[Blastoff]

Originally Posted by Deep

To ensure a great experience on the ocean I would highly recommend the use of a local guide. They typically provide the gear and with their knowledge you can enjoy a lot of fun and big fish......Good luck.

Agree with the above do a half day trip, 99% chance you will catch. I would like to go back and whack some fish. Never came back skunked.

[Sundancefisher]

Currents in that area can be bad.

Use a guide day one. Then on your own after.

[surhuntsalot]

Know all Navigational markers, and their meaning. There's usually an important reason to stick to the correct side of a bouy. Knowing tide times, and chart information is invaluable ....the spot you went over with 17' of water could have less than 1' six hours later... Keep an ever diligent watch out for deadheads and debris. It's a lot different than going for a rip on a lake.... Good Luck

[Deep]

As I mentioned, with all the "Oceanic concerns" it would be best to have a local expert provide an enjoyable experience.

[EZM]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Currents in that area can be bad.

Use a guide day one. Then on your own after.

100% agree.

I figure if I can afford the trip out - I budget to get at least a half day of guiding any new waters. At least have the guide mark some spots to try on the map, identify any dangerous reefs and show you what techniques or lures to use, what speed to troll, depth to jig, etc...

A guide for any new water can save you days and days of trial an error.

Nothing worse than going on vacation for a week, working the water hard, only to figure it out the day before you leave ...... I know how that feels .... lol.

[Salmon Slayer Lenny]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Currents in that area can be bad.

X2, add to that good winds and can be not a lot of fun if you don't have much experience on big water.

If you have access to boats and gear from your family, are they able to help you out at all?

I don't have much experience up that way so can't offer up much. Try out the Sportfishing BC forum, tons of knowledge can come your way for up there.

[Worm]

I'll be in TC early August this year. If your there at that time I can fill you in on the local conditions.

That area the go to lure is an anchovy behind a flasher. I'd say the majority of fish are taken with that rig. The real key is the roll, if you don't get the roll correct you won't catch anything. Get it right and you will be into fish. This is where a guide for a few hours can really help. It took me a few years to perfect this.

As for where to fish it really isn't a secret, back side of Malcom island in the morning. It can be accessed from both TC and McNeil. It is usually calm in the morning and windy in the afternoon. As some others have commented currents can be strong, but in some spots that is also what washes the fish in.

Lastly, don't forget to take the kids fishing for rockfish, they will be hooked on fishing if you do.

[Robins36]

I will have some family members to fish with, but they are fairly new to the area and haven't fished the area more than a handful of times. I believe their experiences are limited also. My wife has more family further south in Duncan, Ladysmith, Courtenay, and Nanaimo. I might have a chance to go out with one of them for the day, depending on their schedules. My only experience out there is scuba diving off Hornby Island 20 years ago and I know the currents are quite strong. We will be fishing for rock fish, cod and prawns. I'm not too concerned with limiting out on all types of fish. Just want to maximize all of our (wife and 2 kids 9, 11) experiences.

[Worm]

My kids love fishing for ling and rock fish, all they ever want to do, so I'm sure your will love it too. If you want more specific info about the area and how to fish for salmon or hali send me a PM.