MV Marabell Reel Reports

Holy Coho

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2009-08-02

A new record for the MV Marabell! This 23 lb. Coho was caught at Baily Point in Hakai Pass. Congratulations.

Stunning photos from Hakai Pass

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2009-07-30

Local Victoria photographer Mike Grace took these stunning photos of the MV Marabell @ Hakai Pass. We think they speak for themselves.

Strong fishing continues at Hakai

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2009-07-23

The fishing continues to be strong at Hakai. As can be expected the best times are around the slack tides, but the area offers enough versatility that usually a light current or back eddy can be found by the observant angler. Odlum Point are the most consistent spots for Chinooks and we had five thirty plus fish on this last trip. Coho can be found pretty much everywhere in our operating area. They are averaging about eight pounds, but each day sees one or two over fifteen. The Coho are striking aggressively and can be taken fishing with or against the current.

Ken Beatty

Fishmaster, MV Marabell

Hakai Pass

Great start in Hakai Pass

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2009-07-16

It’s shaping up to be a great season at Hakai Pass. The Coho bite was on pretty much all day at Odlum Point. Whether you fished right on the kelp at five pulls or went out to the tide-lines at fifty pulls you were almost guaranteed to find fish. Several boats got into Chinooks on the morning high slack, fishing right on the kelp. Jeffery Oh had the fish of the day with his thirty pounder from Odlum. The majority of the bait showing on the surface is needlefish, but many of the fish we cut at the dock have large herring in their stomachs.

One of the Marabell’s old friends, Joe Van Goeye, had a fascinating encounter with a killer whale yesterday. While playing a nice Coho at foster rocks he noticed a large bull approaching his boat. If you have fished long enough you’ll know that typically this story ends with the whale getting the fish and you counting yourself lucky that he didn’t take the rod as well. It was a nice Coho, about fifteen pounds, so Joe reeled in as fast as he could. As he got the fish up to the boat the big bull loomed up underneath and gently took the fish in its mouth. Joe figured it was over but the whale just sat there in the water, holding the fish and staring Him in the eye. Joe is unsure how long the standoff lasted, but eventually the whale just let go of the fish and swam away. After telling me this story Joe and I both wondered what could have motivated this behavior. We both agreed that Killer Whales are extremely intelligent. Maybe the old bull figured that Joe needed the fish more than he did. Or maybe he knew it make for a great story.

Ken Beatty
Fishmaster, MV Marabell
Hakai Pass

Preliminary fishing at Hakai yields 33 pounder

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2009-07-13

After a long absence, the MV Marabell has returned to beautiful Hakai Pass this summer. The crew is very happy to be here.

The golden sand beaches and unique rock formations make this one of the most beautiful spots on the west coast. The crew has been busy setting up camp in “The Garage” but we brought along a few friends who have kindly offered to help us re-discover fishing opportunities here.

Most noteworthy is the 33 pound Chinook Gord McLeod and Dustin Rushworth pulled out of The Gap yesterday. They have also had good Chinook and Coho action at Odlum Point and The Surf Islands. The South Pointers are producing nice chicken halibut and the guys have whiffed on some bigger ones as well. Small Lingcod and Rockfish seem to be easy to find and the ubiquitous Black Bass will frustrate you or fill your tub, depending on your inclination.

The preliminary indications are very encouraging and I am willing to say I think Hakai will be on this season. On a personal note this is my favorite place I have ever fished and the two biggest Chinook of my life came out of The Gap. We all know that this is one best fishing years in recent memory so I hope all the Marabell’s old friends will jump on the chance to get up here.

Ken Beatty
Fishmaster, MV Marabell
Hakai Pass

Langara Fishing Update

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2008-08-25

The solid fishing I hoped would continue in my previous report has not come to fruition. Rather than focus on this as a problem, I prefer to see it as an opportunity for our guests to refine their skills. Really, what fun would it be if the fish just jumped into the boat?

One of the major challenges we face right now is the abundance of needlefish in the area. The salmon we catch are literally choking on them, so I can’t help but think they are not very excited by our herring presentation. This is borne out by the increase in foul hooked fish I am seeing It therefore becomes more important than ever to handle the boat properly. Go slow, don’t troll and cut your bait so it has the slowest, most even roll possible.

Andrews Point continues to be the best spot and the fish are running deep, with Coho and Chinook found between 40 and 70 pulls. Guest Jack Seedhouse has just visited again and proved that careful application of time tested methods can still produce excellent Chinook fishing at Langara. As always, I am grateful to people like Jack who are so generous with their knowledge and experience when they visit.

Ken Beatty
Fishmaster, MV Marabell
Langara Island, Queen Charlotte Islands

Langara Island Fishing Report

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2006-06-08

With the sun shining, today had by far the nicest weather of the season.

This morning’s salmon bite occured in the Andrews Pt. and Cohoe Pt. area. Anglers reported the most action in the 20–30 pull range. Strong winds made fishing from Lacy Island to Langara Rocks a bit of a challenge.

This afternoon saw a beautiful ebb tide at Bruin Bay and Guinea Pt. which gave up a healthy-dose of Langara salmon.

The crew of the ‘Bell

Getting ready

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2006-05-27

Hi Folks, Capt. Mike here.

The word is the salmon are waiting for you at Langara already!!

We’re presently in Prince Rupert taking on fuel and will be leaving for Henslung Cove, Langara Island, on tomorrow’s tide. The sail up from April Point has been fantastic and the crew have been working flat out to make sure the Marabell is ready to provide you with one of the finest fishing experiences of your life.

Those of you who have been with us before will be pleased to know that Marshall is our Fishmaster for 2006. He, together with Lead Deckhand, John, and the boys have prepared the boats and tackle to ensure your time on the water will be nothing but fishing pleasure.

Heading up the food and beverage department for 2006 is our Chief Steward, Cory. This man knows his stuff and brings a wealth of international knowledge to his position. “Mad Dog” and Pete will be back in the galley so you can rest assured that meals will be ample, and of the finest quality.

If you already have a reservation we look forward to seeing you. If you don’t have a reservation, pick up the phone and call us or send an e mail. Our reservation people will be happy to arrange your fishing trip of a lifetime for you.

Looking forward to meeting old friends and to making new ones.

Tight lines,
Capt. Mike

July at Langara Island

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2005-07-28

Nothing like a splash of colour to brighten your day...

Langara report

MV Marabell - Oak Bay Marine Group — 2005-06-14

Good fishing has balanced out the spotty weather up at Langara this past week. The early run Chinook are in full force in the area with Chinook / King salmon breaking the 30 lb mark and all guests limiting out on all species.

Halibut and rockfish are plentiful, with current hali record at 99 lbs.

Larry