Adrian O'Connor of Reel Obsession Sport Fishing reflects on the 2023 fishing season as a remarkable journey filled with unforgettable moments and exceptional fishing opportunities along the picturesque west coast.-
Fishing Season Overview:
-Chinook salmon stole the spotlight, offering consistent action throughout the entire season. With record-breaking returns in many local systems, Adrian and his team were treated to an abundance of quality fishing experiences. One standout feature was the increasing herring spawn on the west side of Vancouver Island, resulting in the emergence of "micro" herring—perfect forage for Chinook and Coho salmon. Hot spots like Ferrer Point, Sandstone Point, and Pin Rock provided thrilling fishing adventures. Their top-performing lures, including the
Gibbs Skinny G and
Wee G, capitalized on this bounty, with favourites like Herring Aid and Green Herring Aid proving particularly effective. The
STS flasher,
Bon Chovy, and
Super Betsy emerged as indispensable tools in varying water conditions.
Squid made a seasonal appearance in late June and July, offering an additional thrill for Adrian and his team, with
Delta Anchovy lures and
Mac Fish proving their worth.
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Areas of Focus:
-Adrian's focus remained on the rich fishing grounds around Esperanza, where Ling Cod and Halibut fishing remained consistent highlights. Using
Delta Power Paddles in 10 and 6 oz, especially in Straight Glow, consistently yielded impressive results for Ling Cod and Halibut alike. Scent played a crucial role in enticing these bottom dwellers, with the
Guide Series scents like Super Sticky Herring and Garlic Bloody Tuna proving irresistible.
Lighthouse Mega Bite and Max Shads provided versatility in color options, ensuring success in varying conditions.
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Species of Focus:
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Chinook salmon dominated Adrian's efforts, with their consistent presence and thrilling fights making them the primary target species. However, Ling Cod and Halibut also commanded attention, with their abundance around Esperanza offering rewarding angling experiences. Tuna fishing emerged as a standout highlight, with larger fish and non-stop action occurring within a mere 40 miles of the coast.
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Top-Performing Gibbs Products:
-Gibbs products played a pivotal role in Adrian's success, with the
Skinny G and
Wee G emerging as top performers, particularly in Herring Aid and Green Herring Aid colors. The STS flasher, Bon Chovy, and Super Betsy proved indispensable in various water conditions. For Ling Cod and Halibut, the
Delta Power Paddles in Straight Glow were Adrian's go-to jigs, complemented by
Guide Series scents like Super Sticky Herring and Garlic Bloody Tuna. Additionally, the
Lighthouse Mega Bite Pickleback Swim Tail stood out as a game-changer during tuna fishing expeditions.
-Overall, the 2023 season provided Adrian O'Connor and his team with ample opportunities for memorable fishing adventures, reaffirming the allure and excitement of west coast angling.
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