The Port Renfrew fishing season has started once again, with the Port Renfrew Marina opening on May 1, and people starting to straggle in. Apparently there’s still some good RV sites and moorage at the Marina, but they will start going fast soon. The Victoria Day long weekend is Port Renfrew’s kick-off, and with the weather report, it should be a blast. Maybe Spring will finally arrive, with a call of 28 degrees on Saturday.
People are catching medium size halibut up to 50 pounds in-shore, to the west of Bonilla Point and towards Carmanah. The word out there is that Swiftsure Bank isn’t working yet.
Last weekend, the third and fourth place halibut in Island Outfitter’s derby were taken from Sombrio Point, just to the east of Port Renfrew. At 157 pounds and 142 pounds, that’ll make a lot of fish ‘n chips! Here’s a picture of the 3rd place fish (thanks to Sportfishingbc.com forum)
Keep in mind the revisions to halibut limits: April 1 to May 31: Daily limit of one. Possession limit of 2. And remember that last year’s licenses expired on April 1.
The salmon aren’t here yet, not many people chasing them. But the crabbing is reported to be excellent in the bay, plenty of large keepers with nice hard shells.
Hope to see you in Port Renfrew for a fishing adventure this weekend or sometime soon!