The Labour Day long weekend has now passed, and once again I was reminded why I enjoy living in the Comox Valley. I took a few days off from Comox Valley real estate and joined my fishing buddies on Friday night, and we left for Tahsis to fish the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
Early Saturday morning, we left the dock shortly after sunrise and enjoyed the 45 minute boat run out to the fishing grounds. On the way out we watched salmon jumping, seals swimming around enjoying the beautiful sunny day, and sea lions feeding on salmon. We also enjoyed breathing the clean, fresh, Pacific air and looking at the spectacular scenery. The real estate out here rivals that of the Comox Valley.
Shortly after arriving at our first fishing spot we were battling a bright Coho salmon that later weighed in around 12 pounds. The scream of the reel, as the fish made several runs, was a familiar sound. Shortly thereafter, another fishing rod tip was reacting to a salmon strike and the fight was on. A second salmon was boated, and it was followed shortly after by a ling cod and a red snapper.
More salmon, ling cod, and red snapper followed. After a short while, we decided to go fishing for halibut. As the day progressed we continued to enjoy light winds, bright sunshine, and comfortably warm temperatures – perfect fishing conditions.
In the early afternoon, we heard a familiar sound. We looked behind us to see a large whale surfacing and diving. No matter how many times you see such a sight, you still enjoy seeing this mammal traveling in the West Coast waters.
After fishing off of the coast we decided to move to inside waters where we could fish for salmon in shallower water. While we were fishing, there were many other boaters enjoying the day around us. While most of the boats were of the powered variety, there was also a group of kayaks that gently paddled by us. They were taking photos of the scenery and wildlife, and one of them was casting a line out, presumably fishing for salmon as well. Not much time to think of Comox Valley homes or real estate clients with this type of scenery.
After a full day of fishing we traveled back to the dock to tie up and clean our fish. Afterwords, we enjoyed a snack and a drink at the marina’s floating restaurant. A nice way to cap off a great day on the water. We stayed on the property that evening and enjoyed a great meal and sunset.
We fished another day and enjoyed fishing in several different locations. The weather remained good until later in the afternoon when a fog bank rolled in off of the coast. We adapted, and moved to inshore waters to fish where the conditions remained good.
Our two fishing days passed quickly. Monday morning we headed back home through the back country and spectacular scenery we had enjoyed on the way out to Tahsis. Several hours later we were home packaging and freezing our catch.
This past weekend gave us more great fishing memories to store for later discussion at a social gathering. We now look forward to the next time we can head out in the boat and enjoy the best of what Vancouver Island has to offer. What a great life out here on the West Coast! A nice break before returning to my life as a Comox Valley realtor.