Fishing

[SX2]

Bigiron, considering your above post a buddy and I were considering a trip to the coast this summer to do some what would probably be once in a lifetime halibut fishing, is this maybe not such a good idea after all?. Thanks! SX2

[BigIron]

HiYa SX,

Don't let all the hype scare you away. While there are some real and serious problems regarding allocation, there WILL be a fishery for them this year. I wouldn't cancel a trip over the issues with DFO.

Regardless of how it shakes out, most likely you will be able to keep two in possession. And being as robust as they are, it is quite feasible to catch and release a few more.

Might also be worth your while to get a letter or two in reflecting your concerns regarding your trip to BC. Several I know in Alberta already have.

Where and when are you thinking?

Wondering,
Matt

[SX2]

Hello Matt, If we come and that is still a fairly large if, it would probably be in late May early June or early August, I plan on being some where in Saskatchewan in July. As for where I have no idea the BC coast is a big place, so without sounding greedy it would be nice to bring some fish home, but mostly we want to squeeze in as much fun as we can, see some country and maybe catch a fish of some kind. To whom in your opinion would a letter be most effective?. Thanks for letting me bend your ear!, Andy

[BigIron]

Hi Andy,

Early May / late June will likely be good for halibut. There will be nothing about in the way of coho, and the majority of the springs will be "feeders" ranging into the high teens or perhaps low 20's. August is a different story. Halibut are still very much there, the odd coho will be showing, but the kicker is the large returning springs will start to make an appearance. Up to 40 plus pounds of rolling anger that is! Loads of FUN that time of year! Even a little better by mid-August!

Feel free to pick my brains, I've worked a lot of our coast, and have a decent handle on what's happening in most our fisheries throughout the year. Always willing to provide advice to those seeking adventure and Fun!

As for letters, I would suggest one to DFO Minister Shea, one to Harper, and one to your local MLA. Don't know who the latter might be, but the addresses for the first two follow:

Honorable Gayle Shea
Minister of Fisheries & Oceans
Parliament Buildings
Wellington St
Ottawa, ON
K1A-0A6
*Letters to the Parliament buildings do not need a stamp

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington St
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A2

Thanks for considering helping out by dropping them a note! Appreciated!

Cheers,
Matt