Fish Wells and Fish Tales
Jacques Cousteau was once quoted as saying, “The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” This sentiment holds true, with sunny days and warm weather upon us and the ocean lapping the shores of Peregrine Lodge never more inviting.
With us on our forth trip were newcomers to Peregrine Lodge, with the other half seasoned veterans, here to take in celebrations of the 30th year and to reintroduce themselves to the wonders of the seas around Haida Gwaii.
Day 1 started off with unusually flat, calm seas coupled with a predominant westerly wind. As the fleet made its way to the fishing grounds of Parker Point and Bird Rock the morning flood tide was ripping along the coast. Our guide Mike dropped his gear and immediately the father-son duo, Donald and Ben, hooked onto two Chinook. They netted them and claimed them for themselves.
As the high tide arrived our guides knew where to go to continue the day’s action. A flotilla headed offshore and our boats’ fish holds began to fill up. After noon the wind increased and the familiar rolling seas of the Dixon Entrance roiled our guests.
Day 2 was full of excitement with our guests eager to fill their fish-license retention limits. On the water by 7am, father and son duo Donald and Ben, were guided by Mike and he made the smartdecision to stop at cape Naden and drop the group’s tackle. Within the hour they had boated two Chinooks. As the peregrine fleet fished the coast the wildlife provided an amazing display and backdrop. Humpback and Orca whales fed nearby and migrated east against the westerly wind and ebb tide.
Cody guided his guests Chad and Brett from Bird Rock to Snake Rock and quickly reeled in a Chinook which they admired, photographed, and released back into the wild. Later Brett was co-awarded the largest Salmon catch of the trip with Kevin who retained his to take home.
keen fishermen and woman greatly appreciated the experience and were thankful to have partaken in the adventure from Naden Harbour to the best fishing grounds
Day 3’s weather was a repeat of day one with calm flat seas and unlimited visibility. Our guides Trevor, Greg, and Dave headed for Halibut Hill to jig in the depths of the Dixon Entrance. They pulled Halibut into their fish wells until their guests were well worked from the rigorous fights the Halibut are known for.
The rest of the day was busy trolling offshore during the slack tide ebbing to low tide with multiple boats getting hits simultaneously. Guides Craig and Cody had Coho doubleheaders. Chad and Kevin maxed out on their retention limits and spent the afternoon releasing the fish they were able to net.
This mixed group of newcomers and veterans enjoyed all that Peregrine Lodge had to offer. The amazing cuisine and treats prepared for them will nearly outshine the fun they had on the water with their guides. Our guides showed off their fish filleting skills while prepping our guests fish for take home in true Peregrine Lodge style. Guests observed the skilful knife work while enjoying the ambiance of the dock bar. The staff was happy to please such a friendly group of great people.
The first full trip of the summer has been one to remember!