Ebb & Flow Week 12 | August 29, 2019

Endless Summer Memories

By Deepwater DonGreetings friends from The Clubhouse on world famous Langara Island where my wife and I are winding up another exhilarating excursion in the marine wilderness.We began our self-guided mission on day one with good results at Cohoe Point where we retained a couple of decent sized chinooks and a pair of coho. We headed further north on day two to The Highway offshore from Langara Rocks in hopes of finding abundant coho in the teen category, which we did. Just before noon things became very animated, making it difficult to get a second rod down before the first one began to bounce with a feisty coho strike. Not much action on the back rod this time around, as we found the bulk of our fish (both coho and chinook) at 80 feet although I think most of the guides were running lines a bit deeper, and some as much as 150 feet.

Kim Gordon is all smiles with her 23lb chinook!

Deepwater Don with a typical late season coho.The winds steadily picked up over lunch, but it was of no consequence to us. The fire was crackling in the lounge, the coffee was fresh and light jazz helped to further warm the ambience. We each grabbed a book and found that rare form of relaxation that is elusive in the city. Later in the afternoon staff server Jayme began the daily routine of perfecting the feature cocktail for the apres-fish crowd. I try to be helpful in situations like this and offered to assist with taste testing.Jayme presented me and Kim with a champagne flute that contained an effervescent concoction of tequila, cointreau and lemon juice, topped with bubbly Spanish cava and anchored by a small burgundy colored cherry. I suggested she name it Misty Margarita, pointing to the low hanging clouds outside. “It already has a name; it’s called Jumping Jellybean,” she said, pointing to the cherry. “Ahh, fair enough,” I conceded.

Creature comforts of The Clubhouse - Jumping Jellybean cocktails and a crackling fire. The following morning brought much lighter winds and we anxiously resumed our patrol on The Highway, although I must admit the fish were a little harder to find. Still we fared well on the day, although we were unable to undertake a halibut program on the west side, which was still a bit rough. The guided boats easily pounded out west of Lacy Island however, with most finding turkey-sized halibut in short order.The tyee trend continues at The Clubhouse where recent highlights include a released 37 for Steven Wisnewski and a double for Byron Aceman with a 33 and a 30, both released. The leaders on the following trip were Sam Newell with released 44 (nice work Sam, that fish is definitely on the top ten list for this season) and a released 31 for Kristy O’Connor. Lyle Kirkpatrick and Gabriel Rozati each picked up 32’s on the most recent trip and sent both back to continue their natal journeys. Honourable mention goes to Lauren Garske, who released a halibut in the 200-pound category, as did Scott Maanum who said hello and goodbye to one that appeared to top 220.

The photo may be blurry, but here's a snapshot of 83-year-old Byron Aceman and guide Dan with one of two of his tyees caught on his trip. Nicely done, Byron!

Jack Brodsky, Stephen Berman and Shirley Brodsky with perfect take-home chinook from Coho Point.

A special wildlife show for Clubhouse guests.

Ian Bensted with a 27lb chinook!

Guide Owen Drysdale and Steven Pavelich with a rare catch - a blue shark!

Releasing this blue shark back on its way. North Island Lodge is now entertaining the final guests of the season, and most of the happy campers are familiar faces from previous years. Weather has limited options for where guests could fish over the last couple of trips, but that didn’t stop Jacob Moltywanick from finding a 31 on day one of his trip as well as a 30 for Richard Haldane. And a special shout-out to 10-year-old Sammy Rogowski who was up with her father Ben Rogowski, and had time of her life, highlighted by a 25-pound chinook. I have a hunch she is already asking Dad when the next trip will be.

Father-daughter duo, Ben and Samantha Rogowski with Sammy's impressive 25lb chinook. Way to go Sammy! And great pink sparkly boots!

Sammy Rogowski enjoying the co-pilot seat on the way to North Island Lodge!

This is a catch from last week, however we just got our hands on the photo and would like to share this nice 33lb release by Hayden Brodigan and guide Tim. The Outpost is also hosting the final group of the season and will close on Sunday. Overall, the size average remained good in recent days with several in the low to mid twenties, with most of the productivity offshore from the lighthouse. Neil Morse caught and released a 31-pound chinook on the last morning of his trip last week, while on the most recent excursion a total of four chinook of 28 and 29 pounds landed on the dock, including one for my good friend Tony Adrian who was back for a return engagement.

Hal Botnick with a 28lb catch!

Mark Marshall pleased with his high-twenties chinook.Last thing friends, it’s time to strike up the band, or bands, shall I say as the September to Remember trips have begun at The Clubhouse. Ian Cameron and Chad Oliver (AKA Ruckus Deluxe) arrived yesterday to kick things off with their energetic and unique blend of classic favourites. I have taken in these extremely unique trips in recent years and can assure you that there is still a great deal of fun to be had before this season draws to a close.

A glimpse into an intimate performance by Ruckus Deluxe as anglers trickle into the lower lounge apres-fishing.Until next we speak, stay safe and well.Tight Lines!Deepwater Don