Halibut the Moon and Vancouver Island?

[Joe]

I'm in the process of planning a summer trip to the Tahsis area of Vancouver Island and would appreciate any input. Thinking of fishing the Esperanza and Nuchatlitz Inlets.

Everyone I spoke with at the sportsman show said that the halibut fishing is great and that it is fairly protected water. Any opinions?

Also one of the ladies I talked with said that you really want to fish just prior to the full moon. I assume she knows what she is talking about but wonder just how important it is? I may have to schedule more vacation. :smile:

Thanks for any input. I've never caught a halibut and figure this is my best bet since my boat is to small to go 20+ miles offshore.

Never noticed any differances in moon phases effecting halibut other than tide. Smaller tide changes will give you more fishing time.

[Joe Schwab]

By far the best Halibut fishing comes right after ther big tides. The thinking is that they have worked up an appetite after the strong currents and also like Keta says there is more time to fish between strong runoffs. This is especially true in the narrow inside passages.

[jcarufo]

Tahsis is actually on an arm of Nootka Sound. If you are actually in Tahsis there is an arm connecting with Esparanza, but you are at least a 30 to 45 minute or more run to any where you'd fish Halibut. Most Halibut in the area are caught off tthe coast about 7-10 miles on a reef that starts just outside Nootka Sound and goes North for a long way. Look for a bouy between Nootka and Esparanza about 7 miles off and that's the place. It's only 100 feet deep, but it's in open ocean. We did get a 130#er there 2 years ago, but in the roughest water we've ever fished. 6-8 foot swell and 4-6ft chop on top-very short duration. The Muchalot Chief owner of the campground we were staying was buddy boating in a 21ft SeaRay and turned around without fishing. That's typical for the West Coast V.I.
Chinook from Conuma hatchery just down the inlet from Tahsis should be fantastic in August and 20#+ Northern Coho should be there as well. It's one of the most beautiful places on earth, but if you want to fish Halibut in protected inside waters that time of year, I'd go to Port McNeill a little North of your planned stop. We did it for years in a 14ft Western V bottom and 25 honda and did really well. I have GPS numbers and info on how to fish both Nootka and Port McNeill if your interested. We'd be glad to share. Have a great day.
Jean

[jcarufo]

Oops, almost forgot your other question,
On Vancouver Island you always want to fish the Neep tides (quarter moon) as the current is the smallest during that 4-5day period. If you have access to a program like Tides and Currents look at the difference in current flow between that and full moon periods. The tides don't matter as much as the current. It's incredible. Much less weight required to reach the bottom straight up and down for a much longer period of time. It might not be as inportant in 100ft, but in 2,3, or 400 feet that is typical off fhe coast of V.I. an extra 60 min or more of prime fishing time can be really important. Hope that helps.
Jean

[Joe]

Thanks a million for the info!

I will look into Port McNeill area. Our boat is only an 18 1/2' North River sled and I don't want to go all that way just to be blown off the water.

Not to interested in salmon as we catch plenty of them right here. Just want a safe place to get my wife and kids into some halibut.

[Tyeebuster]

Joe, IF you go to Thasis DO NOT tow your boat in. It is about 50 miles over very bad logging road. If you are intrested in fishing this area, put your boat in at Gold River and boat to Thasis (about a 25 mile run). It would be better on you, your truck, and your boat.

As for the East side. Check into Telegraph Cove, they are just South of Port McNeil. I think the web site is telegraphcoveresorts.com. Good fishing in August and a chance at Halibut. Much better water (watch out for the weeds with the Northriver). If you would like more info drop me a line. I have fished both and they both have thier good points and bad.

[jcarufo]

Joe,
Another option for McNeill is Alder Bay Marina and Campground. Campsite 72 or 73 to be exact. They overlook the bay and the sunsets are incredible. We like it a little better than Telegraph Cove as the campsites are closer to the water. Nice launch ramp too. Telegraph Cove sites are up a hill in the trees. Nice place though; beautiful with new hugh marina. I have lots of GPS numbers for the area if you're interested. One thing though: DO NOT FISH THE AREA WITHOUT GPS! The fog can be amazing and long lasting.
Jean

[Joe]

You guys are awesome!

I will be emailing when I have a minute in the next few days.

I just got a reply from Telegraph Cove and Robyn said that the Halibut numbers have been down the last two summers. I hope that down for them is still catching a few fish.