Georgia Straight Winter Report

So far it's been a good winter for Chinook fishing. Most locations from Campbell River to Saltspring Island are reliably producing feisty Winter Springs. The best locations have been Sampson Narrows, Tent Island and Campbell River. Bowen Island and Howe Sound are also excellent right now. Nanaimo has not been quite as consistent as the fish have been moving around with the bait. Entrance island to Tinson Point have been the better bet. We certainly have fish here, so if you aren't getting hits change location until you find them. (And then email me so I can pass it along) I've been told that the Winchelsea Islands are also good but there is a bit of a seal problem there at the moment. One fishermen told me he's lost his last 6 salmon to seals or sea-lions. On a completely unrelated matter we have some very, very high power hunting slingshots now in stock. Perfect for target practice in the back yard or hunting small game. As per usual for this time of year the fish are deep, with 200 ft being the best depth. Fish the bottom with glow Chartreuse lures like Yellow Tail spoons or our custom hootchie 'Snot Rocket'. The water is Chrystal clear so fluorocarbon leaders are a good idea. Prawning and crabbing are still great around Nanaimo so it's a perfect time to head out and get some prawns for Christmas appetizers and maybe a nice Winter Chinook to go with it. While it's chilly out there, its sunny and beautiful and the water has been flat calm. Tips Up, Steve Vavrik hc.tackle@shaw.ca