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Taking my brother out this weekend, his first time. We'll be in a 16-ft rental out of Horseshoe Bay. What's actually biting this time of year, and what should we put on the line? Please keep it simple, we're both beginners. And what do I need to check before we keep anything?

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  1. Sam Whitaker · 3 days ago

    Hi Jenny. Nice to have a first-timer on board. This time of year, most people in Howe Sound are fishing for winter chinook down deep, or setting a crab trap, which is often the easier win for beginners. For chinook, a flasher with a hoochie or a small spoon, fished near the bottom, is the simple setup. Come by the shop and we'll show you how to rig it. And before you keep anything, check Bill's note below.

  2. Bill Ferguson · 3 days ago

    Hi Jenny — welcome aboard. You both need a BC tidal-water licence, plus a salmon conservation stamp if you keep salmon. In Area 28 right now it's two chinook a day (62 cm minimum, no max size, since Sept 1) and four crabs a day combined — Dungeness males 165 mm, red rock males 115 mm, females go back. Bring calipers and check the adipose fin: clipped means hatchery. Check DFO's latest Area 28 notice the morning you go.

  3. Capt. Ryan Sato · 3 days ago

    One thing nobody tells beginners: write down where you dropped the line and what time it was. In a few trips you'll have your own map. And on a rental: get the boat back early. The afternoon wind in the Sound picks up, and a 16-footer isn't fun in it.

  4. Jenny ParkPoster · 3 days ago

    This is so helpful, thank you all. Crab trap plus one rod for chinook, back before the afternoon wind. Licence and stamp sorted tonight. I'll report back, even if it's zero fish.

  5. Jenny ParkPoster · 2 days ago

    Weather plans changed, so we're going once this storm series passes. Saving all your tips.

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