British Columbia Spearfishing Trip

[Erik]

After inviting a few good members here at DB, it dawned on me that maybe I should post a thread regarding this trip.
On June 17 to 25/06, a few of us from Canada will be going up to the Northeast coast of Vancouver Island, close to Port Hardy/Telegraph Cove area, to hunt Lingcod, Halibut, Greenling and whatever else is there. There is not an active spearfishing community in BC but a few of us manage to get out there to appreciate one of the most beautiful and abundant places in the world. The scenery is stunning above and below. In fact my favourite diving spots are out here.
Anyone that is interested in an adventure that's not too adventurous is welcome to join in. We are ecologically-minded spearos who only kill what we eat. A 5mm+ spearo suit is recommended so as to maximize in-water time. I have spent up to 3 hours in the water at that time of year in a 5mm suit as surface temps can be reasonable, and the thermoclines are fairly deep. Hunting in 20- 30 metres is possible and there are lots of good fish at 10 metres or less.
PM me or ask questions here if you're interested.
Peace,
Erik Y.


WE'RE BACK! PICS STARTING ON PAGE 20!

[Erik]

Some pics....

Erik Y.

[Oldsarge]

As one who was invited but had to tearfully decline, I must say that while the more tropically inclined of the fraternity/sorority (fra-rority?) might blanch, the landscape is unmatched in the world. Additionally the clarity of that cold water must be seen to be believed. I once stood on a deserted dock and watched piling perch milling around the piers clear down to what must have been 20 feet, and this was in an industrial area! What the water must be like in more wild parts . . . Anyway, I'll be doing whatever I can to ensure participation in the jaunt for 2007.

[StretchArmStron]

sharks???????????????????

[Oldsarge]

Nah! Orcas!

[tylerz]

Yes, there are sharks as well. Most frequently sighted are the spiny dogfish and the sixgill shark. There are 11 species of sharks known to be off the coast of BC, including blue shark, pacific porbeagle (salmon shark), and the notorious great white.

Also near that area is a rather spectacular area for encountering dolphins. A friend has video footage of herself on scuba with about 15 dolphins spiralling and darting around her for over half an hour, in crystal clear water.

[1shot]

What do you do for spearing/fishing permit, especially for US spearos? I've never spearfished up there, only scuba once eons ago...

[Erik]

You just need to buy a fishing license once in the province. I think mine was about 20$ last year as an out of province fisherman. No special spearo permits etc, but you can pay extra for salmon angling.
Peace,
Erik Y.

[tylerz]

Erik, don't tease people like that! Of course he pays more.

Fee Schedule:
http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/el...&lang=en&tid=3

Recreational Tidal Fishing home page:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/default_e.htm

And most importantly:

1. where are you going to fish - http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish...astalmap_e.htm

2. what and how much are you allowed to catch:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish...fintable_e.htm

[Erik]

Originally Posted by Oldsarge

Additionally the clarity of that cold water must be seen to be believed. I once stood on a deserted dock and watched piling perch milling around the piers clear down to what must have been 20 feet, and this was in an industrial area! What the water must be like in more wild parts . . . .

I have seen over 40 metres of visibilityAT 40 metres depth, verified by looking from bow to stern at a wreck with others onsite!
Peace,
Erik Y.

[Fondueset]

If I could get away I'd be there in a heartbeat. Cold water diving is right up my consciousness. As are cold water fishies. That's also one of my fav areas on the planet.
I'd be very much between the gun and the camera - which means I'd have to let everybody try this out after I caught lunch.

[Erik]

I would love to have you and Jon up here. I do intend to come visit you guys some day.
Peace,
Erik Y.

[Fondueset]

How cool would that be!

[Erik]

More pics.
Erik Y.

[icarus pacific]

I don't know what I would do in that warmer water, but I definitely can handle the viz! I've PM'd you compadre. eh.