The 2023 fishing season at Coastal Springs Float Lodge unfolded as a captivating narrative of chinooks, challenges, and bountiful catches. Gibbs Pro Team member Cam Reid and his crew navigated the pristine waters, encountering highs, lows, and the timeless pursuit of trophy fish in one of British Columbia's most scenic locales. From the abundance of chinooks to the challenges of finding new halibut grounds, the season at Coastal Springs Float Lodge was a testament to the resilience and passion that defines the world of sportfishing.
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Fishing Season Overview: A Bounty of Chinooks and Familiar Faces
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For Cam, the fishing season kicked off with a promising start. Like many areas in BC, chinook fishing thrived for the bulk of the season. The crew experienced a couple of brief dead spots, but until late August, worries about the fishing were distant. The local Knight Inlet runs yielded impressive catches, including a few notable 40-pounders and migratory giants. The season marked a significant increase in Tyee numbers, continuing a positive trend over the past few years.
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One of the season's blessings was the return of most of the old crew, bringing a sense of continuity and camaraderie. However, the staffing side did pose a challenge, with the ongoing difficulty of finding a suitable new full-time guide. Despite this, the loyalty and quality of the old-timers proved invaluable in maintaining the operations smoothly.
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Areas of Focus: Navigating Setbacks and Exploring New Horizons
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The early season presented a challenge as a prime fishing area in Knight Inlet was absorbed into a Marine Refuge, reshaping the fishing landscape for Cam and his team. Despite this setback, the abundance of world-class fishing spots in the region kept the season exciting. Exploration took a back seat when dock trolling yielded excellent results.
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A notable change in strategy involved a shift to different areas, including the mouth of Knight Inlet, Blackfish Sound, and Tribune Channel. The quest for reliable halibut spots led the crew on a diverse and adventurous journey. Surprisingly, the dock rod once again stole the spotlight, landing a massive 250-pound halibut, a feat that garnered widespread attention on social media, becoming one of the most-viewed reels on Instagram.
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Species of Focus: Chinooks, Pinks, and the Elusive Coho
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Chinook salmon remained the primary focus throughout the season, providing thrilling catches and reinforcing the region's reputation as a chinook haven. However, the season also brought an unexpected abundance of pink salmon, with multiple catches per shift extending into September.
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The usual shift in focus to coho in late August faced a challenge as these prized fish altered their migration patterns. Despite their abundance in the strait, the expected influx into the inlet didn't materialize, creating a fishing struggle for the second consecutive season.
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Top-Performing Gibbs Products: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
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In the pursuit of success, Cam acknowledged his reliance on trusted classics like the
Gibbs Skinny G &
Rhys Davis Anchovy Special in proven colorways such as Herring Aid and No Bananas, alongside the ever-effective glow chartreuse. The allure of
black flashers continue to prove irresistible, with all three colours of the
Black Big Shooter remaining staples in their tackle arsenal.
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Returning to roots, Cam explored the efficacy of whole herring, incorporating
super herring teaser heads. The pure and focused experience of fishing with whole herring resonated with him, offering a clear-headed approach to the art of angling.
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As the 2023 fishing season for Cam unfolded, it became a tale of adapting to change, celebrating victories, and embracing the unpredictability that makes each fishing expedition a unique and unforgettable adventure. The challenges only fueled the passion for the sport, leaving anticipation high for the seasons yet to come.
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