Big Springs and Small Pinks

Fishing has been mixed around Nanaimo lately. Some days are great, some are slower. Most of the Chinook are fairly deep with best catches coming from 200 ft down, on the North side of Entrance Island. There are some shallower local fish holding around Five Fingers and Neck Point, but not as many as at Entrance. I'm hearing excellent reports from just North of Nanaimo around French Creek, Sangster Island and North end of Winchelsea Island. Some of those fish should move to The Fingers fairly soon. Jigging with 'Sassin and Lil' Nibs are still effective. Also trolling with Silver Knight Herring Aid spoons and Derby Winner Big Eye Spoons. We have a neat new chartreuse blade Herring Aid flasher that has been great for the deep Chinook. The Pink Salmon have arrived with many being caught at all the usual salmon fishing locations (Entrance, Fingers, and Pollier Pass). There are reports of some showing up in Departure Bay already. Hopefully we will get a nice beach fishery this year. Prawning is still great, with high catches coming in. I haven't heard much about crabbing lately. Tips up, Stephen Vavrik