HBC fishing trip - WCVI style

[Johnnybear]

Well after Marc invited me bear hunting this spring I thought I should invite him out fishing this summer. His brother was heading out to BC as well for a holiday so we picked this weekend as the date. My hunting buddy came along with me to make up the fishing party.

We headed up to the West Coast of Vancouver Island for some great fishing, comradery, and relaxation. We found all of that and more. What a great weekend.

We got up there late afternoon on Friday and decided to catch some dinner for ourselves. We headed over to a river mouth to drop some crab pots and on the way there Mr. bear hunter Marc spots a sow and two cubs on the beach.

Marc's bro taking a picture of the bears.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1393.jpg

We caught a few rockfish and managed a few red rock crab (no dungees:icon_frow).

The fish cleaning table being cristened by my hunting buddy.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1399.jpg

Dinner being prepared.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1400.jpg

We had Buffalo Rock Cod wraps as the main course.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1402.jpg

You can find the recipe here....
http://www.bdoutdoors.com/article/recipes/buffalo-rockcod-wrap-recipe/

These things are to die for. After a nice meal we sat around the fire for a while and then hit the sack for some salmon fishing the next morning.

Continued..........

[Johnnybear]

We headed out to the Hyson Bank for some salmon fishing. Marc and his brother have never caught a spring salmon before. Marc hooked into the first spring of the trip with a beauty.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1410.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1411.jpg

Then it was Marc's brothers turn.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1412.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1416.jpg

To say these fellows where excited is an understatement for sure. I love the look on folks faces when they land there first big spring:-D.

We caught, played, and released quite a few salmon on Saturday. It was a great day on the water.

Continued.........

[Johnnybear]

Today we got out extra early and headed to the Hyson again. The weather wasn't as nice and it rained quite a bit but that didn't stop us one bit.

Marc with yet another nice spring.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1428.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1432.jpg

Marc's bro answered right back.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1427.jpg

We played alot more fish today and was a hoot hitting some wild coho on the surface and playing these scrappers for a bit and releasing them.

My hunting buddy with a spring on light gear.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1433.jpg

Hamming it up with a hero shot pose.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1434.jpg

We all had a turn at the salmon thing but it was time for some lunch and then head out halibut fishing for an hour before heading in early.

Continued.........

[Johnnybear]

Marc and his brother had never been halibut fishing before. Marc was pretty tired from all the salmon fighting earlier but perked right up when my hunting buddy caught the first one.

Here's the halibut brothers hoping for some flatties.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1445.jpg

Marc's bro with his first halibut.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1438.jpg

Marc with his first halibut.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1444.jpg

I think their hooked!!!. They were already talking about bigger coolers and buying a deepfryer on the way home:mrgreen:.

Was a great trip with good friends and alot of fun. Can't wait to do it again sometime.

Oh yeah, the Sculpin performed awesome and served us well all weekend. All the mods and overhaul paid off big time!

Cheers,
John

[srupp]

wowzers..exellent article...with superb photos....GREAT JOB John ...now THATS fishing..food and fun all in one..fantastic..

cheers
Steven

[kennyj]

Way to go guys. Looks like you had a blast. Nice fish.
kenny

[5 spike]

looks like lots of fun had by all. those springs are awesome good going guys.

[Caveman]

Awesome Guys! Looks like a great trip!

[fearnodeer]

Nothing like catching a smiley, and by looking at the pics and the smiles there was lots.

[Blainer]

Now,that looks like a blast!

[The Hermit]

Great trip!! I miss those days on the water!

[scott h]

Great pics and write up! Looks like it was a first rate trip.

[monasheemountainman]

great trip! always nice to get a few chicks mmmmmmm gooooood eatin!

[358win]

Thanks for sharing Johnnybear, way to go guys. Best place on earth.

[Caribou_lou]

Looked like a great trip! Don't forget to turn in the head off that Hatchery Chinook! You could win a fishing trip if you do.

[Sitkaspruce]

Awesome JB!!!

Good to see you back out there catching some fish!!!

I was wondering when we would get to see some WCVI fishing picts!!!!

Looks like all the mods worked out as well!!!

Cheers

SS

[Marc]

It was an awesome trip to say the least, finished up the processing around 6:30pm tonight and had some fresh deep fried hali and salmon in the new deep fat fryer with a side of freshly made fries as well. Time to get to bed as my brother is heading out to the airport in Victoria for a 7:00am flight.

Thanks John, it was an amazing weekend and hope to get the chance to do it all over again. Dan is already talking about next year. I'll try and upload the pictures my brother took and some video tomorrow.

Marc.

[Tikka270wsm]

Looks like a great time! Congrats to Marc and his bro on their first Springs and Hali's! Excellent photos and write up as usual Johnnybear.

[lorneparker1]

Nice work boys!! We were also out at hyson both days and saw your rig but had no clue it was you guys!.

[RayHill]

WOW nice springs guys!!! I can't wait till next month to get out there for mine! Going to do some sturgeon fishing also in the Fraser River

[todbartell]

Marc you're looking pretty plump

[greenhorn]

Congrats on the success!

[fester]

awesome photos and good meals!!

[markt308]

sounds like you guys had an unreal time. Great pics, makes me really want to get out there again

[Marc]

Here is a short video of one of the fish we landed on Sunday. Somewhere in the 24 lb range that my brother took on his Nikon.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jPR-SXbcKo

[Johnnybear]

That's a good vid buddy. You must have had a hard time weeding through the potty mouth and flying bird stuff:-D.

Dan must of got some good porpoise and whale shots?

What about scenery shots?

Pretty snotty conditions all weekend:mrgreen:.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1423.jpg

The new half tote worked great. It was a christening present I bought for the boat after the overhaul.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/Coal_miner/Fishing%202011/IMG_1446.jpg

Cheers,
John

[ydouask]

You sure have a fine looking outfit there JB, good to see you sharing the fever with other members.

[Marc]

That's a good vid buddy. You must have had a hard time weeding through the potty mouth and flying bird stuff:-D.

Dan must of got some good porpoise and whale shots?

What about scenery shots?


Dan just finally got his user name approved when i got home:mrgreen:. I'm sure he'll be posting some pics soon. I don't want to steal his thunder.

[Marc's Bro]

Finally, I have a voice! First of all, let me start by saying thank you so much for the great hospitality. I'd been looking forward to this trip ever since Marc suggested it and it exceeded all expectations. We caught some nice fish, but the great company is what still stands out in my mind. The captain and crew of the Sculpin are a class act and I look forward to spilling blood on her deck again if I'm lucky enough to be invited back. Please pass along my many thanks to your first mate/camp chef as well!

- Dan

Pictures to follow shortly!

[Johnnybear]

Finally, I have a voice! First of all, let me start by saying thank you so much for the great hospitality. I'd been looking forward to this trip ever since Marc suggested it and it exceeded all expectations. We caught some nice fish, but the great company is what still stands out in my mind. The captain and crew of the Sculpin are a class act and I look forward to spilling blood on her deck again if I'm lucky enough to be invited back. Please pass along my many thanks to your first mate/camp chef as well!

- Dan

Pictures to follow shortly!

Dan you made it. I like your original handle:mrgreen:!

Thank you sir for the nice comments. It was truly a fun trip and that's what it is all about really. Just a bunch of folks out having a good time. I had a blast fishing with you guys too. I will pass on the nice words to the "cook":-D.

My real first mate (my son) is too busy chasing skirts and hasn't been out yet on her yet since the overhaul. Hoping to get him out this weekend.

Cheers,
John

[Marc's Bro]

Heading out on Marc and Dan's Excellent Adventure(r)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0124.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)





Playing Follow the leader with the Sculpin
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0127.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




Are we headed for the Sea or the Mountains?
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0161.JPG (javascript:;)




Not being a hunter myself, I tried whistling to get her attention but she ignored me. But as soon as Marc started making wounded animal calls, she perked up and looked right at us
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0209-1.JPG (javascript:;)

[Marc's Bro]

We saw plenty of whales all weekend, but this low light shot was the best one I could find...
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0212-1.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




Here's an upside down sea lion coming up for a breath right next to the boat
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0211.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




I agree with John - this island should be renamed to Shark Tooth island
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0226.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




"Captain Marc" at the helm
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0239.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

[Marc's Bro]

Fish on!
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0258.JPG (javascript:;)




Wearing him out
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0256.JPG (javascript:;)




Blackmouth. Next stop - the dinner table
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0261.JPG (javascript:;)




Largest fish of the day
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0264.JPG (javascript:;)




and Marc doesn't want us to forget how much it weighed
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0267-1.JPG (javascript:;)

[Bucks&Ducks]

^^^^^

I like how creative he was with his username

[Marc's Bro]

Fish in the Net
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0272.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




This one was mine
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0282.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




Deep Fried Cajun Salmon Bites, Mmmm Mmmm
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0289.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




The view at 4am the next morning
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0292.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0293.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

[Johnnybear]

Great photos Dan. Your one heck of a photographer. I like that fish in the net shot with cheap bread hanging out of his mouth. During those 4 am shots.......did you dribble on your shoes while taking the shot?:p:-D

Thanks for posting them up. Keep em coming!

[gerrygoat]

Great pictures guys

[Marc's Bro]

Island in the fog
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0295.JPG (javascript:;)




Open water sunrise
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0297.JPG (javascript:;)




Yet another big fish for Marc
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0336.JPG (javascript:;)




Chicken of the Sea (the fish, not Marc)
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0356.JPG (javascript:;)




The Sculpin, getting some well deserved rest
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0360.JPG (javascript:;)

[Johnnybear]

Chicken of the sea. Definately not you two. Although it wasn't rough at all you guys did great out there. Marc is just as good above water as his old profession underwater:-D.

[Marc's Bro]

Marc fileting the fish, while I bag and tag
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0408.JPG (javascript:;)




Back at home with my treasure chest full of goodies.
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0490.JPG (javascript:;)

[Johnnybear]

Dan, you look 10 years younger without the goatee:-D!

[Marc's Bro]

Dan, you look 10 years younger without the goatee:-D!

LOL, that's why it's gone. I only grew it on a lark after not shaving for a week or so while on vacation in July. I thought it would be funny to show up wearing a goatee like Marc, but I had no idea it would turn out so gray. The wife and kids hated it, so off it went!

[Marc's Bro]

.......did you dribble on your shoes while taking the shot?:p:-D

Ha! Did you recognize the trees from your walk back from the outhouse too!?

[Marc's Bro]

A few last pics...

China Cod - I've never seen a fish looking anything like this on the east coast...
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0215.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




Nothing better than sitting around a warm campfire with a cold beer and a stuffed belly after a long day of fishing...
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0228.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




JB rigs up a downrigger for himself this time
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0241.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




Did you use the back side of a spoon for a mirror when you slapped on that sunscreen JohnnyBear??
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0245.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




John's turn to reel one in
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0268.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

[Marc's Bro]

Cool shot of the mountains peeking above the fog cover
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_03141.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




While Marc was reeling in his 28 lb fish, John's buddy was chanting "Tyee". It almost worked, only a couple lbs short... Note the smiles all around!
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0330.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

[Johnnybear]

Did you use the back side of a spoon for a mirror when you slapped on that sunscreen JohnnyBear??
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_0245.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)




Ha ha more like crickled tin foil:-D!!! Good one Dan. At least my nose liked me that day. Reeling in that fish sure hurt my eyes though. I think I was crying as the sunscreen was running into them while fighting that fish:mrgreen:.

[Johnnybear]

Friggen amazing stuff you see out on the banks. Great photo. It's a whole different world out there. That's what keeps me going back.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/DSC_03141.JPG (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:;)

[Marc]

OK finally got around to editing a bit of video of "Marc's Bro" AKA Dan. What a great time we had that weekend.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb06IC3PuwM

[Krico]

Some great shots there guys. Looks like a great time. Congrats on all the fish!

[Marc]

Looked like a great trip! Don't forget to turn in the head off that Hatchery Chinook! You could win a fishing trip if you do.

That reminds me, they're still in the freezer. I'll have to remember to bring those in soon.