Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to the Haida Gwaii Islands in British Columbia. Charlie joins up with buddy Paul Cain at the West Coast Resorts for an unexpected treat. Formally known as the Queen Charlottes, this is the hot spot for mid-summer Salmon, but another fun species has found its way into the waters due to changing water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Albacore Tuna is now found in the waters and it can be as close as a short 10 mile run out into the deeper waters, straight out from the resort. Always safety in numbers, on select days, a group will head out to the Tuna waters and have an absolute blast with the hard fighting Albacore Tuna.
This is a first class resort that leaves nothing out. A Helijet takes you from the small airport on the Island, to a scenic run through the hills, landing softly on the dock at the resort. Everything is set up to check you in fast, and get you on the water as quickly as possible. Even though guests are invited to bring their own favorite rods and reels, everything is supplied. Rods, reels, bait, and even the foul weather gear to keep you warm and dry. Either guided, or self guided with the constant help and assistance from the experienced guides, this experience is one to enjoy. Boats are large and stable and designed for the conditions, all powered with dependable Mercury motors. This is after all, the Pacific Ocean, and while conditions were wonderful during the trip, no one can control the wind and waves from the occasional storm.
The trick with the Tuna is trolling fast and keeping the baits and hoochies skipping on the surface, or just under at the tail end of the prop wash where the bubbles and froth just starts to dissipate. Fast being around 8 mph, and since the hits are on short lines of only 40 or 50 feet, hits are explosive, especially with the fish averaging 20 – 30 lbs! You will actually see the Tuna hit the baits. At first thought, it almost seems ridiculous that in such clear waters, the Tuna will hit so close to the boat, but these fish stay near the surface much of the time in their preferred water temperature of 17 C or about 66 F. And they are attracted to the white frothy water from the prop. From below, it must look like a school of frantic bait. When you find the correct water temp, it doesn't take long to find out if they are in the area, especially while covering water at 8 mph.
Whales, Ocean Sunfish, Eagles, even the occasional Salmon Shark at boat side, nature is alive here, all you need to do is look, but sometimes it is hard to look away from the rod tip, no one wants to miss a hit. Rooms are comfortable and roomy, meals are rated 5 star, and while the guys took bag lunches to keep fishing without delay, hot lunches are brought out to a sheltered bay for those looking to relax and enjoy all the amenities. West Coast Resorts www.westcoastresorts.com or 800-810-8933. If you enjoy Salmon and Tuna fishing, this is a must do trip.