More sun — less fish

Posted under North to Alaska

The AM at Forward Harbour brought, of all things — SUNSHINE!!! Did not realize just how much I was taking on an albino appearance. With my ultra blond summer hair and the occasional pinkish morning eyes, topped off with my un-tanned skin and there you have it. As we slowly made our way down Cordero Channel we tried fishing in what appeared to be probable “good fishing areas” as we wanted to be somewhat prepared when , Angie and our grand-boys arrived in Campbell River. Not a fish in sight but we have a new sunny day and we  did notice some boating action at the north end of Sonora Island, and so, discretely slipped into the pattern of the other boats we methodically plodded around in large circles while trying all the appropriate gear in the tackle box. No fish — and as we kept closer tabs on the surrounding boats we noticed — no fish. But we did pass the day away in glorious sunshine. Make our way to Cameleon Harbour and drop the pick to await another dawn. A new day and guess what — more sun. This is getting unreal as we have definitely not been accustomed to this situation. Invigorated, we motor down to the junction of Nodales Channel and Discovery Passage to work an area where there are certain to be fine salmon, just waiting for the catching. Wrong, they are still waiting for the catching and we must be off to Cambell River to provision for the arrival of the family.

 

Good thing that we had allowed an extra day for some leisurely provisioning and boat clean-up as due to some rather crappy weather in the Bellingham area, Chad and Angie decided to join us a day earlier than originally expected. Hey, two thumbs up, — more time with the grand kids don’t you know. They all arrive in good order, albeit late in the day. We are in good shape for the following day, and the start of a new adventure. A new sunny day, but we are a bit late for the early slack at Seymour Narrows, and a bit early for the late slack, but we manage to kill a little time until we can make our way in a northerly direction once again. Back to Cameleon Harbour once again, but boy will we be ready for the fish on the morrow. Well you know, we were certainly ready, but someone forgot to inform the fish as we dutifully drowned bait in a blazing sun, as we wiled away the hours. Down Nodales and up Cordero we drowned bait, and not a sniff of a fish. Three small faces with big expectations — and no fish. However, as we near Bickley Bay, our intended destination for the day, we determine that perhaps a bottom fish or two will help to redeem ourselves, and so with a change of gear we proceed to impress the troops. In short order, ’s line indicates a fishy type activity and the boys were called to share the momentous occasion of boating a fish. But no – the fish-gods are still giving us the finger, as when the fish was skillfully brought to the surface, it turned into a dogfish. Exciting, but not tasty, and even though we changed location several times, dogfish was the “catch of the day”. Oh yum!, but fortunately we still have provisions for a group of forty or more. We shall not starve.

 

Another glorious morning, which we must appreciate, as it is all we have to offer, fishing being what it is. If nothing else we are determined, as we dutifully fish the shoreline of Nodales once-again, and yes — persistence can pay off, for just as we were about to pull our lines in and change locations once again, was blessed with an actual strike, by an actual fish. A small spring, but a salmon none the less. Big time excitement and it all seems worth while. Not the end of our fishing, but all we can show for our catching – unless you count more dogfish — which we won’t. I have never seen so many dogfish. Started to look up recipes for shark-fin soup. But that will have to wait. Won’t bore you with the details of our remaining days of non-catching nor will I yet-again mention the wonderful sunny, cloudless days, but all this hot weather has warmed some of the coves and small bays, to where it was possible to swim, and indeed this was taken advantage of by Chad and the boys.

 

Once again time has flashed by and it is time for us to part. With assurances that we will persevere and not only locate the preferred fishing areas, but also the time of the runs of salmon. Our next visit will be in Redmond, and we already look forward to that.

 

More to follow ——