DO IT YOURSELF CHINOOK
by Mark Hoffman for BC Outdoors Sport Fishing
A desire to troll the spectacular isolated shoreline at first light for the largest of our Pacific salmon has brought me back to the West Coast for decades.
Chinook, or kings, springs, and even tyee (for those over 30-pounds) as they were often referred, are truly the heavyweights of our five species of West Coast salmon. They are magnificent fish that can provide all the heart pounding, rod thumping action one could ever wish for. They have captured imaginations around the world, as British Columbia annually entertains fishers from all walks of life that have been drawn to this incredible fishery.
An unfortunate hiatus of six years due to a move inland left me searching for a destination where I could once again experience that unyielding power of a monster Chinook. But here's the rub, I'm a "do it yourself" kind of guy.
While many of my fishing buddies headed each year to one of the many fishing lodges along the West Coast, I just couldn't bring myself to jump on board, despite their success. I guess it stems from all those years of enjoying the satisfaction that only "doing it for yourself" can bring. Don't get me wrong, there are some great lodges and guides out there, but without a doubt, being a self-taught Chinook is much more rewarding. This self-edification left me with a problem, however.
As I no longer wanted to drag my boat all the way to the coast, it seemed my salmon rods were destined to continue to collect dust in my basement. That was until I met Cameron and Catherine Forbes, owners of Critter Cove in Nootka Sound on northwest corner of Vancouver Island.
Critter Cove
Critter Cove is, without a doubt, the best-kept "do it yourself" salmon fishery secret out there. Ideally situated in the central, beautifully quiet cove of Nootka Sound, it is in the very heart of some of the finest Chinook and coho fishing on the West Coast. This family run business is ten years old, and is actually a floating aquatic motel where you can motor right up and moor your boat at the very doorstep of your cabin. There is much more, as it also provides a number of economical, high-quality beach cottages and boat packages for those of us who either don't own a boat, or don't wish to bring one. They provide additional separate moorage for those who wish to stay on their own boats, as well as a restaurant with fine home cooked meals. While each fisher is responsible for their own fish processing, there are first-rate fish cleaning facilities and a walk in cooler for fresh storage. Each fish can be bagged and tagged for reclaiming at any time. My fishing partner, Marcel Houle of Edmonton, and I opted for the cottage and boat package. The boats are 17-feet, welded, deep aluminum versions with centre consoles, an 81/2' beam, 50 or 90 hp motors and come equipped with tackle, VHF, fish locator, rain gear and life vests. You can, of source, bring your own gear, which I did.
