World-Class Fishing in Sooke, BC

Sooke is famous for its fishing. Local fishing charters specialize in salmon and halibut, and offer a variety of options for the avid fisherman or woman. Comfort Cove Cottage, located in the quiet community of East Sooke, British Columbia, is the perfect base for your fishing adventures. Drive into Sooke or to Port Renfrew for a fishing charter. Afterwards, relax at your own private oceanfront retreat.

A fishing license is required. Some charters may help you obtain a license; otherwise information on recreational fishing licenses can be found here.

The local fishing charters mostly specialize in salmon. Sooke boasts superb salmon fishing in the Juan de Fuca strait. Chinook salmon can be caught year-round, plus there are also opportunities to catch Coho, Sockeye, and Pink salmon. Fishing charters with experienced guides can bring you to the best fishing spots around; advise you of fishing rules from Fisheries and Oceans Canada; make suggestions on what to wear; provide tackle, bait, rods, and rain gear; help you get a fishing license; and clean and pack your catch. Ask your guide what's included in the price of your charter. If you have something particular in mind, ask if they can customize a trip for you.

Things you will want to bring on your trip include:

• Your fishing license. You can buy a fishing license online or pick one up from a vendor.

• Warm clothing, including long pants, gloves and a jacket with a hood. West-coast weather can change rapidly and unpredictably so it's recommended that you dress in layers.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from the sun.

• A cooler to store your fish.

• It's also a good idea to bring some over-the-counter medications in case you experience motion sickness.

Visit our Things To Do page for a list of a few local fishing charters in the Sooke area.

PREPARING THE SALMON (RECIPES)

Freshly caught salmon is a delicious treat and doesn't take much to bring out the natural flavours.

For savoury salmon: Season to taste with salt & a bit of pepper; sprinkle with fresh chopped garlic; and then alternately layer with lemon slices and slices of red onion (or if you prefer, chop up some green onion and sprinkle it over the fish).

For sweet salmon: Make a marinade out of orange juice and brown sugar. Use about 1 cup of fresh orange juice and dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar into the juice (heating the juice slightly will make this easier). Brush the marinade onto the salmon before cooking, and again periodically while cooking.

To cook: Bake it in the oven or grill it on the BBQ. If using the BBQ, make sure you lightly oil both the fish and grill first (or wrap the fish in greased tinfoil). Cover the BBQ to seal in the heat.

For something different, cook the salmon on a cedar plank. Soak the plank overnight in water first (in a pinch, a couple of hours of soaking will do).

The salmon is done when the flesh is pink (not red) and flakes easily with a fork. Check the thickest part of the fish to test if it's done.