Back From The Salmon Trip.

[Walleyes]

Just rolled in late last night from our annual west coast Salmon run. We did the Sooke thing again this year and as it turned out it was a fantastic year. Not only was it a Pink year but the Chinook are in in great numbers. We were out there for 10 days and fished a total of 7, 8 hr days starting just at day break and fishing until 1 - 2 pm. The first couple days were the usual 2 or 3 chinook days and it just got better as it went on. The last couple days were some of the best chinook fishing I have ever seen and a lot of the locals are saying its the best its been in many, many years. We didn't manage any record size fish but a couple real nice ones with the average weight being 18#. Our smallest was 12# and the biggest 25# but a very nice average over all. I took out the 9 weight fly rod with me this time and had a couple chances to get it out on the down rigger with just a small spoon on it. This was a blast nailing some 5# pinks and a few nice 6# Coho on it was well. In all we boated 16 Chinook and countless Pinks and a few Coho.

Over all we came home with our allotted Chinook and Salmon for 3 people a real good trip one of the best I have ever had on the coast. We will be canning and smoking a few over the next while and sharing with the kids and friends.

A few pics from the trip.

[mikeo2]

Looks like a great trip! I love the coast. I'm in terrace working right now.  Planning on hitting the rivers after work for some salmon action.

[AxeMan]

Looks like another great trip.
Your smoker will be busy. 

[unclebuck]

Good looking fish,Terry.  How far off shore were you?  No doubt you will consult with your siblings & use the "family recipe" for some fine smoked table fare!!!   Congrats to you and the young fella.

[Paul]

I will PM you address for some canned salmon bro 

[Walleyes]

Good looking fish,Terry.  How far off shore were you?  No doubt you will consult with your siblings & use the "family recipe" for some fine smoked table fare!!!   Congrats to you and the young fella.

Around Sooke when fishing for Chinook you keep right to shore very similar to walleye fishing you want to fish the structure.

We will start to can and smoke some on my next days home in 2 weeks until then it's all vacuum sealed in the freezer.

[W101]

Very nice catch , makes me homesick for the coast , hopefully one more year.
  And back to salmon land ....great pics

[Walleyes]

Yah I like it out there and often think about moving out there but I don't know,, to many people out there. I miss it when I am not there but after a couple weeks around all those people I am ready to come home and hide in the hills. And don't all take me wrong but they are city people too,, they would just as soon run you over as let you cross the road. Hardly ever a smile from anyone in a store,, typical keep to themselves urban folk. The country is beautiful but the people ruin it. On top of it a good majority of them are Union socialists to boot so I just don't know about that place. I think we are going to ease ourselves into it about moving out there, may get a summer place for a bit and try it out for a summer or two and see. It's nice but in the end it's hard to beat good old Alberta for a home.

Nice place to visit just not sure I could ever call it home.

[Weste]

Great trip and memories there Walleyes!!

As for the people, I agree, I have spent time around Sooke but most in Bamfield.  definitely a little more rural and could be what you are looking for.