Port Renfrew Marina Fishing Report

May 6th Port Renfrew Marina Report

2008-05-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina is now open! Things have been very busy with people moving their units in for the season. Power sites are getting in short supply except for a few on the asphalt side.We have been busy also, cleaning up the area and getting things ready for business. We have just last weekend finished 120 feet of new dock space. We have also cleared a big area for parking boat trailers and are hoping this will give us more space available for parking and possible space for more units. We are also in the stages of building some new picnic tables which have been in chronically short supply. We still recommend that if you are coming camping to bring a table with you. If you were a seasonal customer and haven't contacted us yet as to whether you are going seasonal you must do so ASAP as sites are going fast.

Halibut fishing is average with most of the fish in the 30 to 50 pound range. Weather of course, is a major concern this early in the season. Once the barn doors start showing up the boats will be heading out in large numbers.

No Chinooks as yet but no one is trying for them this early, the focus is Halibut and crab. The crabbing continues to be excellent and as always so sweet. This should continue until late June so enjoy it while it lasts!

Wanted: Port Renfrew Marina is still looking for gas boys for the summer. If you know of anyone who is interested in having a summer job and making some money please let us know. We need someone strong to pump gas for the boats and cars. This job would usually start around 1 or 2 in the afternoon until about 6. This could also entail cutting grass and just general help around the marina.

Port Renfrew Marina did post on the site that we would no longer be selling wood but we have since found a source for bagged firewood that we will be selling. These are bags of around an arm load. You are still encouraged to bring firewood with you.

Wishing all our customers, old and new, a great summer fishing and good times at the marina. See you there!

Bud and Rex

April 14, 2008 Port Renfrew Marina Report

2008-04-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina will be officially opening for business on May 1st. A reminder, if you are a past seasonal camper with us you must contact us by May. 1st to confirm your site or we will assume you are no longer needing it. We have been having many new inquiries lately so speak with us soon. You can e-mail us through the website or call 474-2643 or call Noel at 483-1486.

We will have fuel, bait and tackle available on our opening date. We will not be selling firewood this year so please keep that in mind and bring your own supply to enjoy your campfires. A new addition is a pay phone for customers convenience just outside the office and we are in the process of looking into having a ATM machine in the office for those customers that don't have cash.

This year Rex will be only working part of the summer so we will be having a new person helping out. Knutt, a previous employee of Bud's will be there to help with the office, gas, etc. We are lucky to have him as he is a great guy and we are sure the everyone who meets him will feel the same.

While it's early for fishing given the weather and sea conditions, crabbing has been reported to be pretty good. They are hard, sweet and fairly plentiful.

Wanted: Port Renfrew Marina is looking for gas boys to hire for the summer. If you know someone who loves the marina atmosphere and will be around for the summer and would like a summer job, let us know. It's a great opportunity for to be able to fish in the morning and then work a few hours in the afternoon.

Looking forward to seeing all our friends and customers in the new season.

Bud & Rex

March 18, 2008 Port Renfrew Marina Report

2008-03-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone:

For our regular and new customers, welcome to our 2008 season. With winter being officially over in 2 days Port Renfrew Marina will soon be into our spring opening of May 1st. If you were a seasonal camper last year please confirm your site for this year before May15th. by phone to Noel 483-1486 or Bud 474-2643 or by e-mail through this site. Failure to do this will mean we are to assume you no longer require your site.

If you are planning to be at the marina on Easter weekend the gate will be open but you must bring your own water, bait and fuel and as well be responsible for taking your garbage to the dump when you leave.

Please be advised that there is a heavy swell warning for this weekend so please be very careful!

Here is a copy of fisheries new ruling on fishing and retention of Halibut for this year for those of you that have not seen it.

RECREATIONAL - Fin Fish (Other than Salmon)
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada Subject: FN0077-Halibut: All Tidal Waters -

Further to FN0044 - Changes to the Recreational Fishery Further to Fishery Notice FN0044:In order to manage within domestic halibut allocations, the following changes will be implemented in the 2008 recreational fishery:

Coastwide---------
March 1 to 31: Daily limit of one. Possession limit of 3.
April 1 to May 31: Daily limit of one. Possession limit of 2.
June 1 to Dec 31: Daily limit of two. Possession limit of 2.Areas 121, 23 and 123------------------

April 1 to Dec 31:• No person shall fish for or retain halibut, rockfish and lingcod in that portion of Area 121 seaward of a line that begins at 48 degrees 34.000 minutes north latitude and 125 degrees 17.386 minutes west longitude and continues southeasterly at a bearing of 116 degrees true to a point at 48 degrees 28.327 minutes north latitude and 125 degrees 01.687 minutes west longitude. [12 nautical mile limit]
April 1/08 to March 31/09:• Electronic licence conditions will be expanded as follows:"no person who is not a Canadian resident may fish for or retain halibut under this licence in Areas 121, 23 and 123." Variation Order Nos 2008-80 (close time) and 2008-81 (quota).

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Bill Shaw 250-756-7152 and Gary Logan 604-666-9033Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0077Sent February 21, 2008 at 14:01Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bud & Rex

Oct.19th Port Renfrew Marina Report

2007-10-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina is now closed (officially on Oct.14th) for the season. 2007 was a very good Chinook year in spite of the poor weather this summer. We had 57 Springs over 40 pounds, much improved over 2006 when we registered only 30 over 40 pounds.

Coho expectations were high this year. The Coho showed up at Swiftsure Bank in great numbers but unfortunately the expected peak run that would come to the beach got hit with extremely heavy rains and wind conditions that made fishing risky at best. 2007 will go down as only slightly better for Coho than the disappointing 2006 year.

Port Renfrew Marina operations for 2008 are expected to be pretty much the same as this year with the plan of more dock space and some much needed dredging.

Here are some pictures of just some of the wildlife that can be seen in Port Renfrew. Early in the year we start putting the fish carcasses on the far side of the beach and it is quite a spectacular show when the Bald Eagles show up with their young fledglings and teach them how to feed for themselves. Most days you can see up to 30 or more Eagles feeding. Later the bears show up and they feed for most of the summer fattening up on the fish scraps. Often there will be a mother with her cubs. All this can be seen right from the docks.

All of us at Port Renfrew Marina wish all the best for everyone, have a great winter and we look forward to seeing you next spring.

Please Note: If you still have your boat or unit to take home please make arrangements as soon as possible. To confirm sites or make arrangements for your stay next year please make sure you contact us by May 1st. 2008. The number for the marina again is 250 483-1878 or toll free 1 866 565-2354 or send an e-mail through Port Renfrew Marina's web site.

Bud & Rex

Port Renfrew Marina's Coho Derby

2007-10-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina's 5th Coho Derby has come and gone for another year and what a weekend it was! With Coho fishing slowing down after the first big rush and the weather expected to not be the best, the turnout wasn't as many this year. Given these conditions there were still 490 tickets sold and and a spirit of excitement to be the hopeful winner. Fishing on Sat. was slow at best with a Southeast wind stopping fisherman getting to their secret spots. Some areas were so rough you couldn't stand up in your boat. Fishing by yourself was a real ordeal. Blair Davis and Gary Whittaker started by sharing first place at 14.7 pound Coho's. That held through the rainstorm on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Sunday morning also brought in another 14.7 by Larry Poggmueller. It was looking like a 3 way tie when with 20 minutes left to the 1:00 weigh in time Mark Kloss weighed in the winning Coho at 14.9 pounds for a $9800.00 purse. This would be the first year the winning Coho has been under 20 pounds.

Now we are all wondering, will the big Coho show up this year? Maybe, after this week of rain. There were reports of Coho out in the beach but few were willing to risk their boats for the catch with log debris and boats broken loose from the dock area down from Port Renfrew Marina. There were rumors that the San Juan log jam had broken loose but it was just damage and debris from the intense rain storm the night before. Many a boat needed bailing during Saturday night but luckily no boats in the marina suffered any damage.

Fishing for Springs has slowed down with a few big ones around. Gary Whittaker caught a 42 pound Spring and the Coho's are there in pockets to be found if you are willing to put in the time.

If you would like a fishing report please call the office at 483-1878 or toll free at 1 866 565-2354 and get the latest on the situation.

A Reminder: Port Renfrew Marina will be closing on October 14th. Please remember to pull your boat and unit out if not already done so or make arrangements for winter storage.

Bud & Rex

Sept.26 Port Renfrew Fishing Report & Notice

2007-09-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina is seeing slower fishing than expected for this time of year although it is slowly improving. Chinooks have all but past but there are a few around and the Coho haven't showed up in any numbers yet.

Large seas have kept fisherman from Swiftsure so we have no reports on Coho numbers out there or where the Halibut are in any numbers. The fish were there for ones with strong stomachs and a boat big enough to handle the large swells. In the last few days the seas have calmed down considerably so hopefully fishing will improve in that area.

Photos are Martin Hill (upper right) with his 44.5 pound Spring and Kyle & Angie Hughes (below) with their 40 pound Spring

Unfortunately rain is forecast the next few days and through the weekend. This may bring the Coho in to the beach but the fisherman warm and dry at home. Although with the Coho Derby planned for this weekend the lure of winning a very large amount of money will most likely bring them out in big numbers! Last years winner got $13,880.00 for the largest Coho weighing in at 22.52 pounds.

Remember to play it safe this time of year! Be sure your boat

is sea worthy and you are prepared for possible rough seas.

Dates to remember: Port Renfrew's 5th annual Coho Derby is this coming weekend, Sept. 29th & 30th. Entry is still $20.00, winner take all.

Port Renfrew Marina will be closing for the season On Oct. 14th, please remember to come get your boat, unit and close your account with us until next year.

Please Note: For those of you who are heading in via Lake Cowichan Highway please be advised that the Harris Creek bridge is being worked on and is open only between noon and 1 pm and then after 4:00pm , September 26-27 and 28th.

Fish of notable size in the past weeks:

Blair Houdayer 31 Hugh Hamer 35

Trudy Ammann 32 Shawn Kent 32

Hugh & Angie Hughes 40 Trudy Ammann 4o

Jack Cotterill 40 Wilson Taylor 40

Bud & Rex

Sept. 14, 2007 Port Renfrew Marina Fishing Report

2007-09-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina fishing is in it's transition phase right now. The last of the Chinook are passing by and the Coho are still mainly off shore. There are still some chrome-bright big springs showing up, with limit catches for those with the stick and stay plan. Camper and East Point are producing for those willing to put in the time. Come get your fishing time in before the marina closes for the season! Closure this year is Oct.14th, please make arrangements to have your boats and rigs out on time.

Off shore Halibut fishing is still FANTASTIC! Try some of the old spots like the 170, Face, the Well, etc. They haven't had any pressure for a month or so.

Coho on Swiftsure Bank is Crazy!! Acres of them! Find the birds and krill and the Coho are there. Coyote's in bright yellow and strip work best by most accounts. Bring your trout and fly gear!

Just a reminder: A small informal Coho Derby is this coming weekend Sept.22nd & 23rd put on by Clint Groen for firefighters burn unit. A great event to support!
The Coho Derby is Sept.29th & 30th and the entry fee is $20.00.

Fish of notable size caught in the last week or so:
Mark Stewart 38
No Banana's 37
Ian Bateson 38
Brett Mcknight 38
Tim Hoohey 40.5
Fritz Hollenbach 35
Heavy Hauler Charters 40.5
Hindsight Charters 43.5
Don Soderquist 41.5
Bob Parker 40
Ken Gillard 44
Nick Tzonev 54 This Spring is in the lead at Island Outfitters for the biggest Spring of the year, we'll see if it holds!

Sorry, no pictures available as yet!

Bud & Rex

Port Renfrew Marina's 10th Labor Day Derby Results

2007-09-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina's 10th annual Chinook Labor Day Derby has come and gone for another year and it was our most successful one of all. We had a record number of tickets sold, 296, with a record amount 0f $5657.50 donated the local fish hatchery! Our thanks to all who sponsored and everyone who participated.

Chinook fishing was excellent up to the derby weekend and continued into Saturday, the first day of the derby but slowed down quite a bit on the Sunday. That didn't seem to slow the fisherman down as they all continued trying to get the winning fish. Steve Beal, fishing with one rod hooked the winning fish of 42.2 pounds after fishing for only one hour Sat. morning and it held for the next day and a half. He also won the draw for the pressure washer and was only 3 numbers off from winning the large gas grill. One lucky man!

Tides should be great this coming week with the high flood happening mid to late morning. Owen point is open again and may be worth giving a try. Still too early for the wild Coho even though the bay is now open.

Here are the results of the Labor Day Derby:

1st. Steve Beal: 42.2 $1200.00

2nd. Kyle Samitz: 36.3 $ 700.00

3rd. Mark Perkins: 35.6 $ 400.00

4th. Don Uhlman: 35.4

5th. Brian Peters: 33.0

6th. Woody woodruff: 31.8

7th. Hugh Hamer: 31.7 19"

8th. Ross MacKenzie: 31.0

9th. Shane Wilson: 30.7

10th. Mel Jacobsen: 28.9

Ladies. Freda Fielden: 34.2

Under 16. Erin Pringle: 20.7

Hidden weight, Day 1: Mel Sager 20.8

Hidden weight, Day 2: Cory Kovacs 14.6

Bullhead Derby 12 and under:

Boys:
1st. Jordan Dice 30

2nd. Chris Miller 26

3rd. Jake Winter 16

Girls:

1st. Taylor Trudgeon 30

2nd. Makala Styba 29

3rd. Marley Wright 23

Monies raised from raffles items: $5657.50

Trudie Ammann Print $425.00

Texas Micky Auction $250.00
Judy's Cheesecakes $140.00

Pressure Washer $492.00

Gas Grill $1235.00

Quad $3015.00

On behalf of the Davey Derby, held in July, Brian Dice awarded a donation to Maurice Trembley of the Port Renfrew hatchery a check for $1000.00.

The 2 young Wright girls came up with the idea of doing a jelly bean guess and that raised a whopping $172.50! Good for you, great idea!

This years Labor Day Derby was as much fun for everyone as ever. Over the years the popularity of this event has grown. The weather held up fairly well, at least it didn't rain the night of the dinner! The derby ended Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and soon after people gathered in the Long House for the beer garden and an early dinner. At 5:00 the prizes were announced and among the real ones we had some fun. Ian Bateson got an award for best boat cleaner and among his cleaning things were q-tips and a toothbrush for those hard to get places! Also George Lockwood the "mayor" of Port Renfrew Marina decided to resign his position claiming he "hadn't been paid one dime!"and nominated Gerry Hamilton the dubious position. That brought laughs all around. After the ceremonies there was a great live band called Ready & Willing that played until nearly midnight. Everybody danced and had a lot of fun and we're all looking forward to next years event! Again, thanks to all who donated to help make this event a success and to all those who participated!!

A special thanks to some very generous people and businesses who donated:
Rona of Langford

Ian & Deb MacGregor of MacGregor Van & Storage in Nanaimo

Wayne & Judy Schiffner

Shane Fedosenko of Pemberton Holmes

Fish of notable size caught within the week: (but not during derby days)

Ron Abrahams 36

Bud Watt 32

Mike Styba 37

Terry MacDonald 31, 39

Nathan Ross 30.5

No Bananas 46

Alan Jane 43

Dan Hydes 38.5, 38.5 twins!

Bruce Gibson 35.5

Mariette Fall 42

Wayne Schiffner 32

Des Hatchard 38

Martin hill 44.5

Joe Serpa 94 Halibut

Steven Hunter 40

Keith Gowanlock 50.5

Donna Evans 42.5

Mark Jordan 43.5

Upcoming Events:Coming up on Sept. 15th and 16th will be the Peter Lawson Derby and the annual Coho Derby will be Sept. 29th & 30th. The first is one with a dinner and many prizes and the Coho derby is one winner, winner take all. Last years winner took home $13,880.00 in prize money! We are expecting a huge turnout and who knows what the prize money will be this year?!

Bud & Rex

Aug.22, Port Renfrew Marina Fishing Report

2007-08-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina is seeing a possible record August this year. The fishing is outstanding, this is as good as it can get and at the end of each day we are seeing boats unloading limits of Springs and Halibut. Lately there have been on average 4 to 6 Chinooks over 30 pounds each day and 1 over 40. The hot spots vary from day to day but they are the usual ones of Logan, Camper, East Point and surrounding areas. We are also having a nice long stretch of calm flat seas which help with the fishing and makes it very pleasurable out there. The new teaser head of choice out there seems to be one called Mint Pearl or Joanna but the long standing ones of green/gold, clear, purple haze and green glow are popular also.

Halibut fishing is also showing to be a good year at Swiftsure Bank, with amazing numbers over 100 lbs. As one fisherman said "You could throw a tin can over and catch a Halibut."

Here is a story of astronomical odds: Glen Varney runs the fish hatchery in Sooke and his job entails the process of creating the breeding environment for the Springs, raising, marking and releasing them by the thousands. In 2007 he was fishing in Englefield in the Charlottes and caught a hatchery fish and sent it off to be tested. It was discovered that it came from the very hatchery he runs and was quite literally one that he had raised for release in 2002. An amazing story!

Catches of fish of notable size for the past week: Dan Fraser 34 Des Hatchard 38 Ian Batty 34 Jeff Just 34 Kevin Wright 32, 35 Jerry Siddel 30, 30 Bud Watt 40 Wayne Schiffner 35 Dan Wallaker 40 Shawn Aikenhead 31, 34, 34 Kevin McKenna 72, 77, 125 Halibut Don Colgrave 42 Ed Stirling 39 Mike Marlow 35 Darrel Bales 29 Clifton Dyke 37 Darrin Wright 37 Terry Wilson 35 & 100 Halibut Blair Houdayer 30 Doug Thorarinson 35 John Lum 42.75 Betty Beachum 33 Pat Hill 35.5 Bill Tennent 35 Dave Mills 165 Halibut Al Teng 42 Jake Palmer (age15) 35 Glen Varney 34 Chuck Coplin 34, 40 Is. Outfitters 43

Sorry for any names missed as we have had a very busy time lately! If fishing at the marina and you have a big one let us know!

Bud & Rex

Port Renfrew Marina's 10th Labor Day Derby

2007-08-15T16:26:00.001-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina has their 10th upcoming Labor Day Derby scheduled for Sept.1st and 2nd. This is our biggest derby and you won't want to miss it. Tickets will be on sale soon and up to Sat. morning at 10:00 a.m. the day the derby starts. Fishing begins Sat morning, ending Sat night at 6:00p.m. and ends a designated time on Sun. (to be announced) Tickets are $50.00 a rod and that gets you a t-shirt, dinner on Sun. with all the beverage you can drink. We will be having a live band also in the Longhouse. Dinner will be sold at $10.00 a person for those not in the derby.

First prize: $1000.00
Second Prize: $500.00
Third Prize: $250.00 many additional prizes, at least a couple of items
to be raffled and there is always the Bullhead Derby
for the children with prizes for them also.

All proceeds go to the local fish hatchery in Port Renfrew to help restore and keep the Salmon coming for future generations. Anyone interested in giving a donation for the derby please come see us in the office or contact us. This derby is always a success and lots of fun for the young and the young at heart!

Please Note: For those of you not planning on being in the derby please be aware that this a busy weekend for camping and moorage.

Bud and Rex

Port Renfrew Marina Aug.14th Fishing Report

2007-08-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina is seeing the great August fishing we have come to expect. Afternoon high tides and perfectly smooth seas have combined to produce great Halibut and Salmon catches.

Halibut masters Des Hatchard http://www.viciousfishcharters.com/ and Dwayne Isaac continue to stun us with their catches. Des brought in on one charter 6 Halibut 35, 45 ,55, 100, 110 and 112, also 5 Red Snapper all in the10 pound range. Dwayne came in with a 156 Halibut, a 74 and 2 others in the 50 pound range.

Other notable catches were Bill from Island Marble brought in a 75 and Matt Wylie with a 104 pounder.

Chinook fishing is right on track to be one of our best big fish years. We are almost at the 30 Springs over 40 pounds to date which will translate into a possible 60 over 40 pound by mid September.

Catches of notable size for the past week are:

Gerry Hamilton 39, 43

George Klimek 48.5

Deb Ribeyre 43

Jordan Bruvold 41

Cole Cross 36.5

Larry Whyte 37

Marty Fladager 39

Bob LaFleche 36

Merv Pywell 35

Gerry Gammie 35

Noah Baxter (age,8) 28

Carol Wardlow 33

Carol Combs 31

Travis Kernachan 34

Judy Thorarinson 36

Daniel & Nichol Burkmar 31, 31

Melanie Kew 41

Kerry Rawlick 42

Mark Roberts 37, 33, 32

Nick Driedger 33

Shawn kent 34

Liana Sanbrooks 31

Steven Hawes (age,10) 35

Bud & Rex

Aug. 5th Port Renfrew Fishing Report

2007-08-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina has lots of quality Chinook hitting the docks lately! It looks as though we are going to have a great August fishery. It started out hot and hasn't slowed down making everyone eager to get out there and find the big ones. On Sunday, Aug 5th there were 3 Springs over 40 pounds brought in.

Eastpoint, Camper, Cullite and Logan are all producing fish with at least two long bites a day, usually early morning and later in the afternoon. Depths are 25 to 40 feet on the down rigger with anchovies and 4 inch coyote spoons working best. Perfect tides this week should hold the fish close to shore.

Swiftsure Bank is still good for Halibut and smaller Chinook in the 12 to 20 pound range. Bank Springs are at a 170 to 200 foot depth with 5 and 6 inch plugs being the lure of choice by the guides.

Some Springs of notable size in the last 8 days are:

Braiden Hardie, (age 10) 39lb.

Tyler Hnatiuk 37, 37
Bruce Miller 31

www.millertimefishingcharters.com

Don Lewis 33

Sarah Fraser 40

Rob deBree 38.5

Kerry Rawlick 36

Mike Styba 34

Edgil Nelson 36

Neil Young 41.5

Mike Dames 30, 30, 31 and 32

Adam Dames 35

Mark Perkins of www.aceofkings.ca 30

Carrie-rae Hicks 40

Al Marsden 43

Dwayne Nikkels 44.5

Brian McGaw 45

Wallace Cheong 31
John Holman 31

Dave Walker 30

Sorry but picture of Des Hatcher's 4 Halibut (said to be posted in future)is not available. Sorry for any inconvenience during the last 24 hours if there was some down time on our site as we were in the process of changing servers which is now completed.

Bud & Rex

Aug.1 Fishing Update

2007-08-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a short update for Port Renfrew Marina. Since the last report fishing has really heated up for Springs with many fish being caught. If you have been waiting for it to turn on wait no longer. A couple of days ago Jerry Melissa caught a 50 pound spring, Owen Atkie, a 36 spring at the beach and there are many more of a good size. Halibut fishing is still excellent and Chinooks can be found at Swiftsure with the average size in the teens, bigger ones will be found at the beach.

We are pleased to announce that we now have a phone line. The marina's number is 483-1878 and it is a local call from the Victoria area. If your call is long distance the number is 1 866 565-2354. This should make contacting us much easier for all concerned.

Bud & Rex

July 27 Fishing Report & Update

2007-07-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina did survive the weekend rainstorm reminiscent of heavy, early spring rains! One boat did sink even with being checked. A serious reminder to make sure your bilge pumps are working properly and to check your boat often in heavy rains.

Even with the rain the Davey Derby http://daveyderby.ca/ was a big success with many people turning out for it. The Davey Deby results are 1st Brian (vanilla) Dice with a 39.45 spring, 2nd Betty (Boop) Beachum with a 32.15 and 3rd Jack Cotterill with a 31.25. Over $15000.00 was raised for charity! Another great job by Audie Williams and all his helpers.

The water this past few days has been very dirty due to the heavy rains and Chinook fishing slowed right down along the shoreline. With the weather improving hopefully the fishing will pick up also. Farther off shore fishing for Coho and Pinks remains good. Some Sockeye are showing up but are closed for retention right now. Crabbing is still going on, showing up on the dock with anyone who gives it the time and effort.

Halibut fishing remains very good as always with the average size being larger than usual. Des Hatcher http://www.viciousfishcharters.com/ the Halibut master, had a great catch of 4 fish totalling 348 pounds. Very impressive! Picture to come at a later date.

Some notable Chinook catches of the last 10 days are:

Paul Jamison 30, Barry Cassidy 29, 31, Chris Garnett 31, Bruce Miller of http://www.millertimecharters.com/ 40.5, 40, John Switzer 42.5, Brian Dice 41, Ian White of http://www.fishingvictoria.com/ 40.5, Trevor Bull 37, Norm Watts 32.5 and Trevor Zboyovsky 1 250 812-2123 of No Bananas, 39.

The good news is we will be getting a phone soon! (See picture at right.) The 88 foot tower is now up and the wiring and hook ups are getting done. We hope to have a phone within a few days from now. We will try to let you know when the phone is up and running ASAP. In the meantime e-mails are your way to reach us.

Bud & Rex

July 16 Port Renfrew Marina Report

2007-07-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since we have done a report and as we get busier the time gets ahead of us! Port Renfrew Marina is heating up with some Tyees hitting the docks. Some fish of size were Mary Dice with a 38, Bruce Miller of http://www.millertimefishingcharters.com/ coming in with many springs a 31, 40.5 and 42 and guide Ian of http://www.fishingvictoria.com/index.asp with a 42.5. So although things haven't heated up to their usual catches the springs are coming.

Pinks are starting to come on and the Coho fishing is spectacular with many boats catching 50 plus per trip. Both wild and hatchery are showing in huge numbers especially at Swiftsure Bank. Right now only hatchery are allowed for possession. Though most of the hatchery fish are only in the 4 to 5 pound range the non-stop action makes up for the small size. Coyote spoons seem to be the lure of choice.

Halibut fishing in Port Renfrew is amazing! Swiftsure bank is very hot and the weather has been fantastic with record calm flat seas. You can be fairly confident that most people fishing out there, especially the guides are getting their limits. George Lockwood and Joe Serpa teamed up to land a 92 pound Halibut to top the weeks catch board.

This year is looking to be one of our busiest ever, especially in Aug. We don't take reservations but we have expanded our camping area and if you are staying with us we will do everything in our power to find you a spot and help make your stay memorable. Aerial photo of Port Renfrew Marina taken and submitted by Glenn Logan.

Bud and Rex

June27 Port Renfrew Marina Upcoming Event

2007-06-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

An upcoming event at Port Renfrew Marina is the 7th annual Davey Derby. The derby this year is on July 20, 21 & 22. Orginally started to raise funds for the family of a fellow worker and friend who past away and each year all the proceeds go to charities that are deemed most needy. Ten percent of these proceeds also go to the Salmon Enhancement Society. This derby is a great event with many amazing prizes and is lots of fun for all, definitely not one to miss! For more information please go to daveyderby.ca and check it out.

June 26 Port Renfrew Update & Fishing Report

2007-06-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew Marina has begun seeing Chinooks hit the docks this past week. At 4:00 in the afternoon the bite started and continued through the weekend. Quite a few springs have been caught, Mike Johns of http://www.heavyhaulerfishingcharters.com/ with a 35 & 25. Shawn Kent catching his biggest so far at 35 lb. and Kevin McKenna with a 33 & 35 and topping them all with his 41 pounder. mikemckenna@pacificoast.net.

Halibut fishing has been great as usual. Anyone going out to Swiftsure is likely to come back with a good catch. Des Hatcher brought in a haul, his biggest being a 90 pounder. Calm seas have made the fishing even more enjoyable.

Crabbing continues to keep the cookers on boil with big rock hard crab putting smiles on campers faces (as well as butter!) A reminder that this year there is no retention of female crabs.

Regarding the work being done at Port Renfrew Marina, the docks are now resurfaced for the most part, the cleaning area done also with a new layout which has improved the job of gassing up boats. We have replaced all the pilings with new ones and we now have a new ramp installed and are continuing to do other improvements. We are now carrying ice for your convenience. Unfortunately our phone line is still down and although we are working on alternates, it is taking time. As soon as we have it working we will be letting you know.

Bud & Rex

June 12, Report & Update

2007-06-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

During the past month Port Renfrew Marina has had much work done. The docks are now all resurfaced and the piling work is done for 2007. We want to thank everyone who pitched in and helped along the way with the immense work load and the 10 weeks time it took to complete this. We are dredging on June 13, 14 and 15th. This will give us some much needed extra moorage for smaller boats. The rearranging of the fueling and cleaning tables has worked out very well.

Fishing has been very slow for salmon. There are mostly winter feeders out there at this time although a 15 and 18 lb were caught a couple of weeks ago. Crabbing is still good with the best catches coming from farther out in the bay. Halibut has been hot and cold with guides doing well one day and slow the next in the same location. By mid month, Swiftsure bank fishing should start to heat up for halibut as well as for salmon.

Please note: If you have been trying to call Port Renfrew Marina, you can't get through as someone has taken one kilometer of our phone line. We are in the process of trying to make some other arrangements. If you have inquiries please feel free to e-mail us.

Bud & Rex

May 9, 2007 Fishing Report & Update

2007-05-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

With Port Renfrew Marina open for a little over one week now things are steadily changing. Work on the dock resurfacing and general improvements are coming along slow but sure. Port Renfrew Marina fishing is still very good for Halibut, if you find the right spots! Kelly Wagner from Last Chance Fishing Adventures topped the catches with a 92 lb, 68 lb and some in the 30 to 40 lb range.

Crabbing is still very good with lots of big keepers going to the pot and you can't beat the taste of Westcoast Renfrew crab anywhere.

No Chinook yet but they should start showing up by the end of the month.

Please Note: We will be doing some major work to the docks and driving new pilings right after the May 24th long weekend. If you could hold off having your boat at the docks for 3 or 4 days during that time it would be greatly appreciated. Also if you are a previous seasonal customer and haven't contacted us and are wanting to arrange things for this year please do so.

Bud & Rex

April 23, 2007 Port Renfrew Fishing & Update Report

2007-04-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
Port Renfrew Marina will be open for business on May 1st. Dock rebuilding is moving along at a good rate with 2/3 complete as of now. The boat ramp concrete will probably be poured on the low tides in May. Clean up around the sites and on the grounds is nearly finished and we are getting ready for our opening.
Halibut fishing was fantastic this last weekend offshore. The weather was beautiful with sunny and calm seas and all boats had limit catches and stories of big ones breaking off. Crabbing is also doing very well, people are getting their limits each day. Hopefully the weather stays nice, as it is predicted by the weather forecast, so people can get out fishing this coming weekend.
Please take note: Past seasonal customers, REMEMBER: You must confirm your last years site by May 1st. or chance losing your spot.

Bud and Rex

Port Renfrew Marina Report April 4

2007-04-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Port Renfrew early season fishing has been delayed due to poor weather and sea conditions. Mike Johns of Heavy Hauler Charters and Ken Gillard teamed up today for a 78 lb halibut before the east wind chased them home.

Crabbing in Port Renfrew bay should steadily improve into May and June. Lots of females right now. Remember it is now a regulation that female crabs be released. In the past, it has been voluntary.

West Coast Vancouver Island Chinook returns are predicted to be strong in 2007. July, August, and early September should be more like we are used to!

We are expecting a VERY busy season with the shortage of marina facilities in Sooke this year. Since availability may be limited and reservations are not taken, you can call and check for possibilities of space -- especially on long weekends.

We will update in the next 2 weeks!

Rex & Bud

Here Come the Halibut!

2007-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

An early season report from Mike Johns at Heavy Hauler Fishing Charters: "When the weather lets up there are some hungry halibut out there. We made it out halibut fishing a week ago off Port Renfrew for about 4 hours and landed a 50 lb halibut, missed another, and got our limit of tasty crab". Photo is a beauty from last year, 140 pounds!

Another great year shaping up.

Opening May 1, only a month and a bit away...

Welcome to our new web site!

2007-03-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

As you can see, we have started the long overdue process of revamping our site. We'll be back on track for 2007. Thanks to John Bridal and Megan Paris-Griffiths for their great work and enthusiasm! We hope you find the site more easily accessible and are able to find the information you are looking for. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for improvements.

We are getting ready for our May 1st opening. Plans for this year will include the re-surfacing of the docks, re-doing the boat ramp, and better organizing the fueling/cleaning station. Also, now that power is reliable, we are planning to have ice available at the office.

Those of you wondering about the state of the development plans for the Marina, the process is moving very slowly but we hope to have more information this summer.

We will be post further updates as our opening day gets closer. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Let's all hope for a fantastic fishing year in 2007!

Bud and Rex