We are targeting salmon in shallow waters: fishing along kelp beds, in protected waters. Most days are very calm and relaxing but no matter the day we can still get a line in. While aiming for salmon, we also catch lingcod, rock cod and some halibut on our salmon tackle. We have caught many 80 lbs. + halibut in our regular salmon spots because they like to come in and feed on the dead bait, on the bottom. It is very engaging fighting an 80lbs+ fish to the surface with your fly rod, but it may not be a quick one.

If we have limited out on salmon or the bite is slow and the weather is suitable, we go offshore to target bottom fish. The way we bottom fish is also different, we call it bottom bouncing, where the weight is bounced along the bottom as you keep checking by letting out line and as the weight goes slack you are on bottom and have to reel up not to get hooked up. What this method does is that it attracts bottom dwellers as the weight draws attention by churning up the sea floor when it hits. This method is perfect, as you drift off pinnacles or on a sandy bottom, for halibut.

Winter Harbor is a small-secluded community based almost entirely around fishing and the outdoors. Over the years, more and more travelers have come to enjoy the amazing fishing grounds. Not only is Winter Harbour a great place to experience fishing, it has so much wildlife to experience, from bears, otters, seals, all types of whales, sharks, eagles, hawks, etc. I’ve had countless experiences of eagles coming down and snatching up carcasses we save for them, whales coming right up to the boat, sea otters floating by on their backs opening shellfish using rocks.

Being out on the water, the sun shining, surrounded by nature, rod in your hand, and the bite’s on sounds like a pretty good day to me. Join me, this summer, for an incredible and memorable experience and maybe you “get hooked” on fishing a new way!!!