Oct.19th Port Renfrew Marina Report

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

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

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

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

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