Sam Vandervalk

Fishing is insane right now just in front of the Ucluelet harbour. Now just to clarify that is from a guide’s perspective that has guided Ucluelet since 2004, logged thousands of hours watching rod tips and spent many waking hours trying to improve fishing techniques.

 

But this guide has also seen conditions in many different areas offshore and this is comparable to some of the best fishing at Big Bank and its all just outside the harbour right now.

 

Does that mean everyone and his floatable craft is fishing there instead of running 10 miles to fish somewhere else that isn’t as good? No. Not even close.

 

Humans aren’t logical and I say that knowing my own tendencies. We go for what is a habit and what to us brings out that nostalgia and that often is going to a place and using the thing that has caught us fish in the past. So we miss the biggest moments.

 

Why am I writing something like this on a fishing report instead of just reporting what the fish are biting on, how deep and where exactly?

 

I will but just was pondering how so many people miss what’s right in front of them including myself. So this report is as much for my musing and entertainment as it is for you.

 

The details.

 

Chinook are being caught in many different spots right now. Barkley Sound, Southwest Corner, Wya, Little Beach, Big Bank, Lighthouse Bank, South Bank. I am just fishing out front because why burn time and gas when the fish are right here. There is so much bait and fish in front it is almost unbelievable. I haven’t seen anything like it in almost 20 years of guiding Ucluelet this close to the harbour. There are tons of Coho, Pinks and of course what everyone wants, the mighty Chinook.

 

If you are getting too many Coho and Pinks just move slightly and fish deeper and you will most likely get the Chinooks. Yesterday afternoon we had about 20 on in 2 hours to get our 10 along with about 15 Coho and 5ish pinks.

 

We have had some very strong fish hit the line the past couple of days so make sure you are using 50lb leader.

 

Halibut seem to be all over right now so just pick a spot and drop anchor. I’m not joking. We have had the best year in a while for consistent bites in spots closer than 15 miles out. 

 

If you are reading this and like to think a bit deeper than most people in the life and business realm I will be hosting a podcast soon as well as video channel which will have info on www.atomicdigital.ca. Right now we are creating a ton of content for business but will have a variety of content on making good life decisions as well.

 

If you are heading up to Ucluelet check out Ucluelet-Info.com or if you are interested in one of our fishing packages for 2024 check out https://www.salmoneye.net/site/fishing-packages.html.

 

We also have some new Cedar cabins at https://www.vancouverislandvr.com.

 

Hopefully you found this report useful and hope to see you soon!

 

Tight lines,

Sam Vandervalk

Salmon Eye Fishing Charters

www.salmoneye.net

Fish Species: Chinook, Coho, Halibut
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Sam Vandervalk

About The Author: Captain Sam Vandervalk

Company: Salmon Eye Charters

Area Reporting: Vancouver Island - Ucluelet, Tofino, Port Alberni BC

Bio: Sam Vandervalk, the owner of Salmon Eye Charters has now guided for 12 years. He grew up around mid-Vancouver Island. You could say that fishing is in the family as his older brother Ray also guides for Salmon Eye Charters. Salmon Eye Charters has grown and is now going to be operating 4 boats mostly in Ucluelet as that is where the fish seem to be the most. Happy customers are made every day here!

877-777-4344
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Sam Vandervalk