June 4/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

Port Renfrew Marina has seen a fairly steady result for fishing in the last couple weeks. Halibut fishing is still good with many coming in. It still isn't necessary to go out to Swiftsure bank which given weather conditions is just as well. Most are being caught from Camper Creek to Carmanah. Crabbing is still going strong, hard shells, sweet and in large numbers. Chinooks are coming in at a nice rate. They are still in the teens for the most part with the odd one in the 20's. A notable catch goes to Nathan Van Weiren bringing in a 39 pound spring last weekend.  Unpredictable weather with strong winds, heavy rains and cold spells have made fishing more challenging, therefore less fisherman going out and so less fish coming in. Here's hoping the weather settles down soon with calm seas and less swells and maybe a bit of warm sun.

It has come to our attention that our toll free number is not working. We apologize for the inconvenience and are trying to get it up and running. It should be in effect in a few days and will be posted as we will have a new number. Also the pay phone we thought was repaired is working but not very well. It seems to be plagued with problems. We are also working to see if it can be resolved. The good news is our ATM is working and we think will be fine this year. To people who are first time visitors at Port Renfrew Marina we only take cash and not credit cards or debit, so please come prepared.

Bud & Rex

May 28/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

Port Renfrew Marina fishing has been picking up every week. Weather conditions make it hard to predict what it will be like each day. Halibut fishing has been very good with most fisherman bringing in their catch from anywhere near Camper Creek to Carmanah. Crabbing is still excellent. Chinook fishing is slower but not surprising for this time of year. Still mostly feeder springs with some reaching in the 20's with most fisherman using anchovy and hoochies right now.  A notable catch goes to Wally Browse with a 32 pound spring and a 15 and 20.

To all our past seasonal customers, if you haven't confirmed with us by now that you are returning your spot is no longer saved. If you are coming back we will do our best to find you a suitable spot.

Bud & Rex

May 21/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

With the long weekend already upon us Port Renfrew Marina is starting to be an active place for fishing.  For the past three weeks we have had all kinds of weather, from cold hard winds, heavy rain to light mist, full sun and very calm seas.  In that time the marina has had great fishing results for halibut. Desi Hatchard of Vicious Fish Charters gets recognition for catching the first halibut over a 100 pounds two weeks ago and then last week a 110 pounder and many other mid size ones. (see picture in last report) Crabbing is amazing. They are large, hard shelled, sweet and in huge numbers.

Salmon fishing is on the rise. At Port Renfrew Marina we saw many springs come in around the 10 to 15 pound range and Sandy Fisher brought a 33 pounder in last week.

If you are a past seasonal please contact us as soon as possible regarding your site and moorage to see if it is still available. Spots are going fast.

Good news, the ATM is still working and it appears it will be fine this year. The pay phone is being repaired and should be up and running soon.

Port Renfrew Marina now has bait, tackle, ice, gas and diesel if anyone out there is unsure.

Bud & Rex

May 14/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

At Port Renfrew Marina the fishing for halibut remains very good. Each boat returns with their catch limit, weather permitting, although recently the waters have been calm. We have been lucky with warm blue skies and little or no swells and people are taking advantage of it while it lasts. On the whole the fishing is quiet given the numbers of fisherman out there as it is still early in the season. Crabbing remains excellent! The crab are big and so sweet. Getting your limit is a daily occurrence. If you are looking for springs there are a few out there, mostly feeders in the 10 pound range. Congratulations go to Desi Hatchard of Vicious Fish Charters for catching the first 100 pound halibut this year.

It is now past the date for past customers to confirm their stay. If you are returning, we recommend you contact us if you have not already before you risk losing your spot. We can no longer guarantee it for you.

Port Renfrew Marina now has fuel, ice, bait, tackle and fishing licenses. The ATM is working and we seem to have beat the problems we were having with it last year. Unfortunately the pay phone died during a power outage we had in the winter and we are looking into having it repaired or replaced.

All of us at Port Renfrew Marina look forward to seeing everyone again and wish all a great season.

Bud & Rex

April 29/10 Port Renfrew Marina Report

Port Renfrew Marina officially opens on May1st, this weekend.  Another winter has passed and a new season awaits for a summer of fishing.  So far in the late spring we have had reports of good fishing for halibut. There are many "chicken" sized ones if you can get out there. The weather has hindered some boating and there have been many seasick people! Crabbing remains great, lots out there and they will vary in catch, some full with meat, others still with water in the shell but very sweet. Port Renfrew Marina now has gas. We have boat gas, car gas and diesel.

A reminder to all our seasonal customers. Please let us know as soon as possible with the deadline of May 10th if you are returning or not.  We have many new people inquiring and you don't want to be disappointed if you lose your spot.  Also if you are seasonal you may want to pay before the April 30th deadline. If you pay the fee in full before that date you can avoid the HST tax. 

For the retuning customers you will recognize Knut working again this year.  We are pelased to have him helping us again with his endless handyman abilities.

Regarding the phones and ATM, we do have them up and running this year so far! If we are lucky and all things work, we will keep it that way. If you recall last year the ATM had many problems, we hope we have eliminated them.

If you have been to Port Renfrew Marina this year you will see quite a few wonderful changes. Our indispensible caretakers, Wayne & Gwen Coleman have spent their winter cleaning up the grounds, trimming trees and marking off sites. We can't thank you enough for all your hard work!

All of us at Port Renfrew Marina look forward to seeing our returning customers and all our new ones. Wishing you a safe and exciting season of fishing. See you up there!

Bud & Rex