North Island Lodge Report: July 29, 2010

The intensity is evident out on the grounds as a push of huge Chinook move through the area. Angler’s right now are getting only a few chances a day, but trophy Chinook are being caught. This is when the game changes; the leaders are inspected twice, the tide charts are pulled, and every pass all eyes remain glued to rod tips.

Guides are spending their time in the spots that have historically held some of the largest Chinook at Langara. Recently; Bruin Bay, “The Reef”, Gunia Pt and Boulder Bay have produced some spectacular catches, and all within 8 minutes from our dock. I sit here in the lodge listening in on VHF Channel 9 I hear of a few fish being hooked  in “The Pass” and I can occasionally spot from the dinning room a boat drifting through playing a trophy fish. This is what we mean by the fishing is right at our doorstep.

The Jon Anderson group was here over the weekend for a few laughs, but the fishing was no joke. A derby held brought out a competitive spirit in all as they hunted out the big ones for an incredible total of 10 Tyee. Guide Brent has been on fire, putting his guests into a run of Tyee most guides dream about. Last week Gunia Pt was named “Brent’s Spot”, recognition by his fellow guides. I’m not sure exactly how many large fish he guided over 5 days but I can confirm he guided Gary Olympia into a 59lber and the very next morning topped it off with a 49lber for Henry Nava. Next in line was Richard Rolla’s 41.5lber and several in the mid-thirties rounding out an unforgettable trip for these guys. Enough words, I’ll let the pictures do the talking….

Gary, Brent and 59lbs of derby winning Chinook

Henry Nava and his 49lb release.

Richard Rolla’s 41.5lber

This trip it has been slower for numbers of Chinook with a few flashes of brilliance. Yesterday, guide Kauri and guests decided to sit and work the same tack that had been so successful over the weekend. They tied into another awesome fish that tore out a hundred yards of line in seconds wrapping around the motors of two fellow guides. A group effort resulted in this 53lb for Mike Marrandino eventually hitting the net. He has chosen a Islander reel for the release of this impressive fish. Have a look, this is one beautiful fish.

The catch..

And release..

Sealions are causing some grief again with just a few bites and some huge fish around it can be frustrating if you are the victim of their hunger. Today; Andrews Point, Cohoe Point, Gunia Pt, Boulder and further East are all producing a mix of Chinook and Coho. It has been a little foggy today so we are hoping for a smooth changeover tomorrow with another full house headed our way.

Hoping this trend of monster Chinook continues.

Todd McIntyre