February 2013 Fishing Report
As the days become longer and the weather on the West Coast of Tofino gradually improves, excitement grows to get out on the water and to see that rod tip move from a biting fish! A number of boats have be out over the last few weeks with reliable early season success on early migrating Chinook salmon and incidental halibut on the troll. As Chinook salmon are open all year round, this gives the visiting angler to Tofino a good chance at getting out on the water to fish a favorable tide and have a good chance at success, even in the dead of winter. With complimentary crab and prawn fishing, Tofino offers a great fishing experience over the winter months rain or shine! Just gear up properly and this will allow for a more comfortable day on the water and given wind and swell, Tofino offers some great early season options to tuck in behind the lee of the islands, where it will be completely calm.
Early reports include Chinook salmon caught in the 8-15 pound range off Portland Point, Wilf Rock and Moser Point. Other calm water options include Monks Rock and Clifford point, which work well with a prawn and crab fishing combo. Fishing deep in the offshore regions is key, often dragging the bottom with a variety of clear water needlefish hoochies, small coyote spoons or small anchovies in clear teaser-heads. As there are often chances to catch incidental halibut, be sure to release them with care as the season is not yet open. Please stay tuned for the 2013 Halibut fishing season announcement that should be released this month.
Winter in Tofino not only offers great fishing opportunities, but there is some fantastic surfing action to be had. Surfing lessons are available for the whole family and with some of the best value in accommodation offered over the winter, Tofino has something for the whole family. For updates and in-season specials please check our news feed or ‘Like US’ on our Cleanline Sport Fishing Tofino Facebook Page. For more information about Tofino, including winter specials, please check out Tourism Tofino’s new website.
Looking forward to seeing you out on the water this winter!
Blake Klopfenstein owns and operates Cleanline Sport Fishing, that offers high-end salmon and halibut fishing charters as well as remote, guided freshwater fishing charters in Tofino, B.C.