Just got back from a 7-day trip to Nootka Sound. Stayed at a place called Tuta Marina and had a great time. The catching was awesome. So good we had to slow down to avoid filling our limits within a few days. Ended up keeping 12 fish amongst 3 of us with the largest being 34lbs and the smallest at 21lbs. Most fish were in the mid to upper 20s. My girlfriend and I both got our personal bests with 32lb and 34lb fish, respectively. My son also landed his first big king - a bright 26 pounder.



Based on reports it didn’t seem like there was any one hot setup, depth or location. Although the best catching shifted a bit from day to day, I would say it was generally good to excellent everywhere we went. Our most production setup was an anchovy in a green glow hood approximately 60” behind a hotspot early in the morning. After the sun hit the water I would switch to a white glow hootchy approximately 42” behind a hotspot. In my opinion, anything that glowed was the key.

The icing on the cake was a run in with Luna the killer whale. On our way back to Gold River from Nootka Sound I spotted what appeared top be a porpoise on the surface so slowed the boat to take a few pictures. After slowing I didn’t see him until I looked back and found him swimming in my wake, inches from the back of the boat. We didn’t stop (they are trying their best to limit his interaction with humans), but I snapped this pic as he came up for a breather after swimming along with me for awhile.



I did some testing of the salmon scenter, but have yet to come to a firm conclusion about its effectiveness. I tested it with identical setups on each side of the boat the first couple days of our trip and will say the side with the salmon scenter got more hits although those hits didn’t necessarily translate to more hookups.

Thanks for the report. I've been to Nootka 4x in years past ('98-01) but switchedc to Neah Bay when the regulations got so screwy up there. Usually stayed at Critter Cove. By the way, Where is Tuta marina in Nootka?
Just wondering, did you fish on the outside (ocean) any or just inside?
Great picture of Luna, looks like he rises to a dressed dry fisherman with a boat for bobber! Doesn't get any more up close & personal than that!

Fishingtoo,
We did all our fishing inside. Caught most our fish around San Carlos, but also ventured to Hisnet, the Wall, Hoiss Point and the Back Door. Its my understanding that things have improved in recent years so regs and fishing areas have been better.

Tuta is basically due East of Bligh Island so you would see it on your right as you are making the run from Gold River. Its only a 5 minute run from Critter Cove.

I lucked out on the picture of Luna coming up for air. I have several others with him just below the surface and he bumped me a couple of times during our short meeting.

Hey Little fish...
did you come back on the Tswassen ferry on Saturday on the 3:15 departure. I think my daughter was playing with your son at the ferry terminal and we caught up with you again at the Blaine border crossing. We were in a White F350. My wife says she remebered you showed her the killer whale picture on your digital camera. If not... Wow, what a great shot!

Very cool. Sounds like a great trip. Great pics all around.

JTD.....yep that was us. Now that you mention it I remember the kids playing and showing the pictures of Luna.

We had a great trip. Couldn't have asked for better fishing or weather. How was yours?

That is one of the coolest pics I have ever seen.

We had an awesome trip- a week of sun in Cambell River. Fishing was terrible but it was great to get away.
We were teasing my daughter about playing with a "boy." She was acting giddy but enjoyed playing with your son.
It is a small world.

It certainly is.

My son had fun too.....he pretends he didn't , but I know. Just a few more years and he'll openly admit he likes girls.

OUTSTANDING PICTURES! Yes, I am shouting! Where is the plug cut seal or sea otter when you need one? j/k

I was out in the fog one day outside of Sekiu when the downrigger cables really started to sing. Real funny tones. Turned out to be a pod of Orcas. It was an awesome event, even though they shut down fishing for an hour or so.

Nice job, also, on getting the little guy out on the water! The grin on his face say it all, and to top it off with the close encounter with the whale. His friends will call BS!, until they see the pictures.

Thanks for sharing!

Andy

Littlefish-
We are still teasing my daughter and I need your help. After an hour of playing, she never introduced herself. What is your son's name?
She was very impressed with his fish! She keeps hitting me when I say I approve of her admiration of a fisherman.

Thanks

That really is one of the coolest photos ever posted on The Board. Thanks!!

JTD - my son's name is Levi. What is your daughter's name? Levi could use a little ribbing himself.

Emily

The next time I go to Nootka, I have been thinking about staying in the rustic cabins at Friendly Cove. They are nice for the money, but kinda far from the dock. But you can't get closer to the prime fishing spots.