Spent a few hours (6:45-9:30 am) this morning bottom fishing off the pier during the high tide. I originally planned to fish at another location in the West Vancouver area but arrived to find that fishing was not allowed there. Given that I drove all this way from Coquitlam, I decided to try my luck bottom fishing off Ambleside pier. I have not fished there since June of last year so not too sure what to expect. There were already quite a few crabbers early this morning (6:45-7 am). It was a good thing I brought 2 rods with me- the longer 9 ft rod, I cast it from the far end of the pier with a heavy sinker and still-fished, the shorter 6'6" rod, I equipped with a lighter set up and fished in shallower water close to the rocks and pilings. The species I was hoping to get was the pile perch, a fish that I have not seen in a long time (10+ years). After a few casts, my wish was granted- nabbed an 11 inch pile perch not far from the pier:
The short rod got most of the action today, with a second (larger) pile perch landed, along with 2 greenlings. The longer, still-fishing rod nabbed only 1 greenling and a small rock sole (accompanied by a crab!). Other fish that were caught and released included several bullheads, sanddabs, and a snake prickleback.
Overall catch of the day:
I'm planning to start beach fishing for coho in a few weeks...can hardly wait!