Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on April 07, 2005, 02:38:42 PM
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Hiya all, for those who missed the post, we are doing a trip to Salt Spring Island/St Mary's Lake on June 24th - 26th to fish for smallmouth bass and some beach fishing etc. Originally it was just going to be a pretty small trip but quite a few people have signed up already. So far:
Rodney & Nina
Chrome Mykiss
Trout Slayer
Hung & Family
Hiker & Wife
Keithr, Bilbo & Their Wives
Fishin Chick & Hubby Chris
TtotheE
Fishin Chick and TtotheE's dad
Canoeman and family
(Updated May 11th)
Undecided
Itosh
LukeYVR
Fishersak
We are all staying at Lakeside Garden (http://www.saltspring.com/lakesidegardens/Default.htm). Call Mark for booking if you are interested in joining us (250-537-5773). It's best to have your own float tube, pontoon or pram for this. PM me for more question. Please also let us know if you have booked.
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Does anyone in the group so far make music (besides me)?
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:o
Are you going to make us sing? ;D
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Sing? No, but if there were a couple of people who maybe play guitar or fiddle or mandolin or banjo(or like that), I'd bring my bass (not a fish) and acompany them. And you could sing if you wanted, I suppose. But if no one else plays I won't bring my bass either. I'm always looking for people to play with.
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Give Rodney a bottle of beer and he'll be singing like a bird. Two beers and he'll tell you all his secret spots. ;D
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Keith, I'll ask the other people. :) Best if I don't sing by the way.... ;)
FA, you should come with us.... these smallmouth are easier to catch than the pinks, I promise... ;) I'm sure you can even buzz bombing them with that 10.5'. ;D
Anyone else? This is what you can look forward to....
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fishing_photos/pics/pic/04-018.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fishing_photos/pics/pic/04-021.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fishing_photos/pics/pic/03-010.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050408-1.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050408-2.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050408-3.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050408-4.jpg)
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Keith, I'll ask the other people. :) Best if I don't sing by the way.... ;)
Why Rodney? Are you like William Hung? ;D ;)
Looking forward to the trip. :)
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Aah, bought my plane ticket already and can't wait until summer ;D ;)
Salt Spring Island is definitely my idea of summer holiday :)
And by the way, Rodney actually has a very nice singing voice, believe or not! ;D ;) ::)
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:-[
17 people confirmed so far.
With that many people, maybe it is a good idea to organize some kind of BBQ dinner for Saturday evening when the trip gets closer.
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All cottages are booked, only cabanas and campsites left.
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Bumping it up for those who may still be interested. There are probably a couple of cabanas left.
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Would it be easy for kids?
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It would be!
There is a floating dock where the kids can catch yellow perch at anytime of the day. There are always a few big bass hanging around that dock as well. :) Once we were fishing for yellow perch, one huge bass came up and tried to eat a yellow perch that I was bringing in. :o
The bass fishing on the boat is fairly easy too, once you've located the fish.
There is also a beach where kids can hang out if they get bored. Plus pedal boats, canoes etc.
One thing to note. The cabanas are ideal for a couple as there is a double bed on the upper deck. If the kids are not fussy, the futon on the bench at the lower deck sleeps ok, but bring extra blankets. I'll find a couple photos of the interior of the cabanas if requested.
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Here are more pics of the cabanas.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050511-1.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050511-2.jpg)
The bottom deck, two benches.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050511-3.jpg)
The stove/cooking area just outside of the cabana, chef is not included. :)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050511-4.jpg)
The interior again. Look how I was not paying attention to the girls, that was how hungry I was after fishing! ;)
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20 people now. :)
The canoegang is the latest addition. :)
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A couple of you who are coming have asked about what to use for the bass, so I thought I'll just post some of the techniques that have worked well for me in the past couple of years. Sam Salmon would probably be able to add a few pointers as well later on. :)
This is a fly Chrome Mykiss tied recently.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/pic/pic050517-2.jpg)
Surface popper. :) Stripping it across the surface near the reeds should entice a few to rise. :) CM can probably tell more than me about it.
Last year I was very successful by fishing with a wet fly (leech) several feet under a strike indicator. For non-flyfishers, you can also use similar technique on the spinning gear. Simply tie the fly several feet under the float. Clamp on a few split shots just below the float to balance it. The fly should slowly sink down once it is cast out, and watch that float being buried after a minute. :)
Small Rapalas also worked great last year. In the evening time you would get rises on almost every cast.
Plastic tube bait was not as successful for us as we found the presentation was simply too big for them.
For the kids, there are plenty of yellow perch as well as bass to catch from the pier. A dew worm under the float does the job. :) I'll be bringing lots of dew worm as well as some small Drennan floats for them to use. If extra spinning rods and reels are needed, I can supply those as well.
Now, someone tell me how to catch those big cutthroat trout in that lake. ;)
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There are big trout in that lake?
I notice a barb on the hook in the photo. Barbed hooks will be ok? Also, I have a bunch of old bass plugs I inherited from my father. They all have treble hooks. Will these be legal to use?
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Both single barbed hooks and treble hooks are allowed at St Mary's Lake (The single barbless hooks only apply to streams unless specified).
yes, there are big trout in that lake. ;D
(http://www.saltspring.com/lakesidegardens/images/fish.jpg)
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Thanks. Rodney. This trip just sounds better and better.
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What day are you arriving? We'll arrive around Friday late morning.
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We have reservations for the 23rd (Thursday). I don't know what time we'll be arriving. I have to check ferry schedules, which I plan to do from Vancouver since we should be up there by that time.
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OK-I meant to post on this thread earlier but got sidetracked.
Anyway the way that most people fish Smallmouth here in BC is all wrong.
They sit against the weeds-or reeds actually-and cast into them hoping to drag a fish out-bullsh*t.
It's a good way to catch an occasional Bass and a lot of Perch.
Did you know that the Bass can actually see you sitting there 8 feet away?
Think about it!
To catch Bass regularly and consistently Back Off!!
Make long casts to the edge of the reeds, also explore and structure with your depth sounder/eyes and then back off and fish it.
Also I hope no one is wasting their time aboard that tired old donkey express through the Gulf Islands. ::)
The fast way is to ask for a thrufare to Fulford Harbour @ Tswassen and take the Ferry to Swartz Bay- it saves a lot money and hours of your time while travelling the same route-ditto coming back.
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The master has spoken again. ;) Have you tried jigging in the deep for bigger fish? Or is that just a waste of time?
Fishin Chick has already lectured me about the thru fare, so we'll be doing that again this year, except with a reservation. ;)
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"The fast way is to ask for a thrufare to Fulford Harbour @ Tswassen and take the Ferry to Swartz Bay- it saves a lot money and hours of your time while travelling the same route-ditto coming back."
I'm hoping that as things get closer someone will be able to explain this situation in a little more detail for a flatland tourister like me.
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Sam Salmon, what would you recommend to use for a bait? I am no fly fisherman, maybe I will try during the trip, but want to have some fun too and not just tangled line while trying fly fishing.
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Bait?
Worms under a float are fine cast right at the edge of the reeds and keep a tight line between your rod and the float.
Experiment with depths don't fish too shallow.
Let him take it don't set the hook too soon.
Bring your own worms though-lotsa worms as there are lotsa Perch who love worms. 8)
EDIT-If you're fishing from shore try a small sliding sinker on your main line-then a swivel then 12" of leader (same # test) and a snelled hook with worms fished right on bottom.This how local kids fish and they slay 'em bigtime.
Just cut a stick and prop your rod up and and relax!
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The problem with worms that we found was the perch would be all over them before the bass. If the bass get them, they are usually fairly small too. We'll have worms anyways, I'm sure canoeboy, canoegirl etc would not be complaining if they can catch perch one after another.
I think a leech fly under the float would work quite well. :) I also bought some more Rapalas since last year, going to try those out too. :)
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One place to fish where there won't be nearly as many Perch is off the rocks that are right beside the road-it's quite a dropoff but Bass cruise along there and some Trout too.
Be sure to visit http://www.saltspringlavender.com/ -a unique and well run place with some fabulous products.You'll be driving right be it on the way to the Lake.
(http://www.saltspringlavender.com/Farm%20Sign%20Index%20pg.jpg)
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Hi Guys,
FYI I had great luck last year at St Mary's casting a Mepps #3 Vibrax spinner (Chartreuse blade /black body) to the edge of the weeds. Also tried drift fishing with worms and some split, had some luck but had the perch problem also like you guys mentioned.
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Well can't make it on the 24th grandfather coming. but will be there on 22 and 23 ;D Head start before you pros catch them all. ;)
Have fun :) :)
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Rod
I would like to join the trip. I may set up tent or sleep in my van if it rains if that is OK.
Let me know if I am in so I can make the travel arrangements.
Thanks for organising such a trip.
Regards
Chris
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Best thing to do is to phone Mark at Lakeside Garden (250-537-5773) and book yourself a campsite if they are still available. :) I know he gets booked up a few weeks in advance usually.
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Latest from the lake-part report/part warning/part comedy.
So I know a guy who owns a place on Saltspring-been in the family for years and years.Him and another friend of mine were over last Thursday fishing for Bass/Salmon and doing some Crabbing.
Fishing for Bass was steady even with the heat and they headed south from the launch fishing the shoreline along the way.
As they came past the cedars and fished the coves south of there one of their lures became entangled in some lakeside brush and they approached the shoreline to retrieve the spinner.
A woman came out of one of the houses and started berating them-the dialogue went something like this.
"You can't fish here"!
"We're not on your property Madam"!
"We're vegetarians and we don't allow fishing here"!
"The lake isn't private property we aren't doing anything wrong"
"If you don't leave we'll throw stones at you"!
Now here I should point out that these 2 are really sociable guys.They both own their own small businesses, have families and are involved with the public daily.Two friendly easygoing generous individuals in a boat enjoying themselves is what they are-but threatening them with physical violence is a real bad idea. ???
"You throw a stone at me and see what happens.You really will have problems on your property then Lady!And if you're a vegetarian why are you so d*mned fat anyway-eh"
At this point the fat veggie lady's husband disappeared into the bushes and she tried to further intimidate the fishermen only to be driven back into her house under a rain of insults-some quite personal. :D
So Boys when you head over do beware of fat veggie ladies throwing stones-St. Mary Lake ain't quite the bucolic paradise it sometimes appears. ::)
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So Boys when you head over do beware of fat veggie ladies throwing stones-
;D ;D ;D ;D
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Hi, Can anyone tell me what kind of crankbait or spinner is good for st mary's lake? Don't know how to flyfish :-[
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I've got an inquiry in to my Brother-in-law in Michigan about the topwater poppers that we used when we fished down there. Deadly and fun! They had enough mass to cast well, but were a surface lure.
Interesting article on Bass: http://www.fishontario.com/articles/bass-top-water/
Topwater is definitely where the excitement is, but I think that you'll probably mostly find that in the early morning or evening, if it's warm.
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That's a very helpful topic thank you. Hmm do you think Berry's would have one of those poppers?
PS is popper easy to use? I'm used to bottome fishing and float fishing. This would be first time trying
something else. :P
(thought of trying flyfishing but thought maybe spinners/jigs would be easier to learn since its casting
is similar to float fishing ;D ;D)
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http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jhtml;jsessionid=GLOA1V2K0G0CJTQSNOKCCN4OCJVZOIWE?id=cat20344&navAction=jump&navCount=1&parentId=cat20166&parentType=category&cmCat=&_requestid=2353
These are some of the lures we used when I was down there.
Poppers are dead easy. Toss em out, let them sit a couple of secs, and then retrieve with a jerking motion so that they chug, and gurgle on the surface.
Toss them towards structure like docks, around around someones moored boat etc.
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just don't toss them in the direction of any "fat veggie ladies?"
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OK ... would somebody please explain about this thrufare business? What specific routes should I look for? And should I make reservation if I leave Sunday AM and returning the following Sunday PM? THANKS!
"The fast way is to ask for a thrufare to Fulford Harbour @ Tswassen and take the Ferry to Swartz Bay- it saves a lot money and hours of your time while travelling the same route-ditto coming back."
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From the BC Ferries Site http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/southern/
"If you're headed to Salt Spring Island from the Lower Mainland, you can also travel by taking our Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay and Swartz Bay-Fulford Harbour routes. Ask for a Throughfare ticket when you arrive at Tsawwassen. This will let you travel on both routes at the Tsawwassen-Gulf Islands fare."
The real savings comes when you return on the Fulford-Swartz Bay-Tsawassen route.
The Fulford ferry is free to leave Saltspring but to qualify for the thoroughfare you need to buy a passenger ticket for $4.75 from the machine aboard the Ferry-one ticket per vehicle.Upon showing this ticket @ the ticket booth to Tsawassen you'll receive a greatly reduced fare I think I paid $15 instead of $40.
If you're unclear about the return from Fulford/buy a ticket aboard a free Ferry option ask one of the Ferry Staff they're accustomed to answering questions of that nature and are happy to help.
Also when aboard the Ferry from Tsawassen-Swartz Bay ask about the shortcut within the BC Ferry compound that allows you to join the Gulf Islands lineup without heading south on the Freeway and then turning around-it saves about 10 minutes and sometimes a Ferry wait.
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Boy ... it sounds confusing, but I think I've got it. Thanks for the tip, SS.
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The Mepps #3 spinners work great for the St Mary smallies...had good luck with both chartreuse blades and green blades. But nothing is more exciting then having a decent smally ambush your topwater lure on a nice calm morning...personally I had The most luck with the "Hula Popper" , no skirt.
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BASS!!!!! i absolutely love bass(check out my name) wish I read this earlier as I am curently scheduled to work on those days. have a safe and great trip. cheers.
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OK, I copied this out of one of Sam Salmon's posts: "The fast way is to ask for a thrufare to Fulford Harbour @ Tswassen and take the Ferry to Swartz Bay- it saves a lot money and hours of your time while travelling the same route-ditto coming back."
We will be leaving for Vancouver in a few days, and I'll have some time to get oriented there and figure out what this means, but I'm going to be away from a keyboard most of the time up there, so the next couple of days may be my last chance to take advantage of information you guys might have; so, if anyone knows these things, it would be nice to know:
Does the ferry (thrufare to Fulford) as described above work every day. We plan to go the 23rd, a Thursday.
Where does one report, and at what time?
any other hints . . . thanks
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Any time for a throughfare no problem.
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About the "perch problem," how big are the perch anyway? If the bass are hard to come by, my kids and I would probably be happy C&R perch all day. ;D
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I have moved all the reports to this new page:
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=7106.0