Bald Eagles: 10 Interesting Facts You May Not Know

All About Bald Eagles and Where to See Them

Even if you are used to seeing bald eagles soaring above, it’s still a thrill to see one of these majestic birds at the top of a nearby nest tree or out on the hunt.

If you want to find these birds of prey, Vancouver Island is a great place to be. While exploring some of the island’s beautiful shores on your yacht, keep an eye or camera lens out for these impressive symbols of freedom and strength.

Read on to learn about bald eagles and some of the best places on Vancouver Island to see them.  

All About the Bald Eagle

The word “bald” might suggest that this eagle lacks head feathers, but in fact, that part of its name comes from the term “piebald,” which refers to an animal bearing a pattern of spots or an area that lacks pigment.

With white feathers on the head and a dark brown body, an adult eagle already looks striking, without considering that the typical bald eagle size is 3 feet from the top of the head to the tip of the tail. 

Their size and an average bald eagle wingspan of 8 feet might make you think an adult is a hefty bird. But they weigh less than 15 pounds because of their hollow bones.

While bald eagles are native to North America and can be found all over British Columbia, their preferred habitat is near the coast or in densely treed areas around rivers and lakes. 

What Do Bald Eagles Eat?

Bald eagles mainly eat fish – such as salmon – and other birds. However, they can also hunt for small mammals and even those up to the size of a tiny fawn. 

While bald eagles prefer live prey, they are also known to eat carrion (dead or rotting flesh) when their typical game is not abundant. 

Although bald eagles are predatory, they are considered opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever meat is available, whether alive or not.

10 Interesting Facts About Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are not only beautiful birds and impressive hunters, but they also have some hidden skills to help them survive. Here are 10 bald eagle facts you may not know:

  • Excellent vision. A bald eagle has eyesight that is 8 times better than a human’s. This characteristic allows them to spot prey hundreds of feet in the air.
  • Devoted mates. When bald eagles find a mate, they remain with that mate for their entire life.
  • Neck rotation. Eagles can turn their head 210 degrees to spot prey more easily.
  • Impressive grip. Bald eagles have a grip strength up to 10 times that of a human, allowing them to not only catch their prey but also carry it over distances without letting go.
  • Bold and intelligent. Bald eagles dive directly in front of the sun to blind their prey.
  • Living the high life. A bald eagle’s nest is typically found at the tops of tall trees or high cliffs. By making a home so high up, bald eagles can keep themselves away from other predators while giving them an excellent vantage point for spotting prey.
  • Balanced feather loss. When bald eagles lose feathers on one side, they will also lose the same ones on the other. This way, their feathers remain balanced so as not to impact their ability to fly correctly.
  • Nesting. Bald eagle nests can be up to 2 meters in diameter and are made of lichens, seaweed, plant stalks, sticks and moss.
  • Swimming skills. Have you ever seen a bald eagle swimming? Although it’s not an everyday activity, they have been known to use their wings to propel themselves through the water, usually while holding onto a fish with their claws.
  • Illegal eagle. It is unlawful to pick up bald eagle feathers to take home or to own any part of a bald eagle.

The 5 Best Places to Spot Bald Eagles on Vancouver Island

Bald eagles are a common sight for fishermen and other boaters travelling along Vancouver Island’s coasts. On any given day, you might see one or two bald eagles, but you might also see dozens as they soar through the skies and hunt the coastline for their prey.

While it is possible to spot bald eagles almost anywhere along the coast of Vancouver Island, including Victoria, some places are recognized as offering better sighting opportunities. 

Here is a list of the 5 best places to spot bald eagles on Vancouver Island:

  1. Tofino. On Vancouver Island’s west coast, situated on a peninsula in Clayoquot Sound, you’ll find Tofino, a district with a population of around 2,000 people. Tofino is home to coastal rainforests, sandy beaches, inland lakes and bald eagles.
  2. Campbell River. Just over 50 km from Courtney, on Vancouver Island’s east coast, you’ll find the city of Campbell River. Nestled between its namesake river and the south end of Discovery Passage, Campbell River is virtually surrounded by prime bald eagle habitat.
  3. Telegraph Cove. Located just over 200 km northwest of Campbell River, Telegraph Cove is a tiny community of just 20 people. Formerly the site of a fish cannery, Telegraph Cove is now a hotspot for eco-tourism, including bald eagle viewing.
  4. Port McNeill. Port McNeill is situated near the east coast’s northernmost tip of Vancouver Island. With a small population of around 2,000 people, Port McNeill is a popular summer-time tourism destination due to the wide variety of wildlife that can be seen in the surrounding area.
  5. Ucluelet. Just over 40 km south of Tofino, on Vancouver Island’s west coast, is the municipality of Ucluelet. Ucluelet is bordered by water on three sides and offers an abundance of bald eagle viewing opportunities.

Wildlife Viewing from The Comfort of Your Boat

One of the best ways to view bald eagles in BC is from your boat. Contact a member of Van Isle Marina’s knowledgeable sales team if you’re interested in taking full advantage of Vancouver Island’s natural beauty by exploring the coast by purchasing a new or used boat. We can find your ideal yacht and get you out on the water in no time. 

Our state-of-the-art marina is the perfect location to start and end a day of on-the-water wildlife viewing. Contact us to find out more about mooring with us.

Deep Sea Fishing in Victoria, BC

Everything You Need to Know About Catching Deep Sea Fish

Deep sea fishing is a thrilling experience and a great way to spend time on the water with some fellow avid anglers.

The chance to do this type of fishing doesn’t come along often, so when it does, you don’t want to risk spoiling the trip with poor planning.

Instead, use this handy guide to learn what gear you will need, the ideal type of fishing boat and what you can expect to catch when fishing Victoria, BC waters.

See our Fishing Boats for Sale

Fishing Rods for Deep Sea Fishing

For deep-water fishing, you need a strong rod coupled with a reel that can handle the length of line you will need. There are two main types of saltwater fishing rods:

  • trolling rods and
  • surf rods

Trolling rods are shorter and stronger than typical casting rods. They feature a large top-mounted reel that has free spooling

 

movement and holds plenty of line. Trolling rods are typically placed in rod holders on the stern of the boat and allowed to trail behind as the boat moves. All you do is drop your bait and deep sea fishing lures in the water, set your rod in the holder, and let the line drop.

Surf fishing rods are typically used onshore, but they can also be used on boats. They can handle large fish and come in a range of lengths and weights. The reel is bottom-mounted and looks much like a casting reel except that’s a bit

larger. The only “catch” is that, since they are designed for fishing in shallower waters, you may be limited to keeping your bait and hook closer to the surface.

Types of Hooks for Catching Deep Sea Fish

The types of hooks used in saltwater fishing are the same as in freshwater fishing, except that they have a greater size range since the target fish are generally bigger. There are three types of hooks used in deep sea fishing as follows:

J-Hooks

J-hooks come in a range of styles according to what kind of fishing you plan to do, but the unifying feature is that they are shaped like a J. The basic rule when choosing your hook size is to match it to the size of fishing bait you intend to use and the kind of deep sea fish you want to catch.

Circle Hooks

The introduction of catch-and-release fishing gave rise to the circle hook, shaped so that the point of the hook turns inward toward the shank, rather like a J-hook with a more pronounced curve. This shape prevents the hook from becoming stuck in the fish’s gut, instead moving to hook onto the fish’s jaw as the line is pulled.

Treble Hooks

Treble fish hooks resemble three J-hooks clustered together. The biggest benefit of a treble hook is that you can usually use a treble hook that is a size or two smaller than the comparable J-hook and still get the same result.

Types of Boats for Deep Sea Fishing

In deep water fishing, your boat has to be big enough to accommodate you, your friends, all your gear and whatever you catch. So, a simple powerboat won’t do. Your boat also has to be able to withstand the fight of a large fish, as well as have that fish on board.

Below, you’ll find a quick look at the 3 most common types of offshore fishing boats.

Cuddy Cabin 

This type of boat features a vee-shaped hull, 20 to 35 feet long, with inboard engines. The cockpit is set to the side, allowing entrance to the small cabin at the front of the boat. The cabin has seats that can double as beds, and the more luxurious models will have a bathroom.

Down East Cruiser

This style of boat is popular and has been in use for both commercial and recreational fishing for well over 100 years. With a large hull and large inboard motors that can hold a substantial quantity of fuel, this type of boat is ideal for multi-day trips. Down East Cruisers range from 25 to over 45 feet long, with deep vee-shaped hulls that enable them to handle rough seas.

Sport Fisher

This type of boat is purpose-built for chasing big fish. The minimum length of a Sport Fisher is 30 feet, but they can be up to 90 feet. Sport fishers have “tuna towers,” from where the captain controls the boat and keeps an eye out for fish. Featuring a typical range of over 950 km and an array of outriggers, a Sport Fisher can comfortably take up to 8 people wherever they need to go to catch the type of fish they want.

What to Bring on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip

As with any fishing trip, there is always a list of extra things you will need to take with you including an emergency boating kit. When you are spending a few hours or days out on the water, you won’t be able to run to a shop to get something you missed.

So, before you set foot on the boat with your rods and deep sea fishing reels, go over the checklist below to see what else you will need.

  • Tidal fishing licence
  • Tackle
  • Extra line, hooks and sinkers
  • Bait
  • Clothing for all possible weather
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Shoes with good traction
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Sunblock
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Seasickness medication
  • Hand sanitizer
  • First aid kit
  • Plenty of food and fresh water
  • Life vests
  • Life preserver rings
  • Towels
  • Camera
  • Sealable plastic bags for waterproofing
  • Cash, if you are hiring a charter
  • A large cooler with ice or freezer packs
  • A dry bag or duffel for transporting supplies

For overnight trips, you will need to include the following items on your checklist:

  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sleep mask
  • Battery pack and charger for a cell phone
  • Toiletries

What You Can Catch in BC’s Pacific Waters

British Columbia is known for salmon, so it’s no surprise that all five species can be found here in the waters around Vancouver Island. In addition to the five types of pacific salmon, there is a variety of fish species that are popular catches, including the following:

  • Pacific Halibut
  • English Sole
  • Ling Cod
  • Pacific Cod

Get Started on Your Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Van Isle Marina

Do you want to go deep water fishing but aren’t sure where to start?

Whether you are looking to buy your first sports fishing yacht or want to upgrade from your current cruiser, the Yacht Sales Team at Van Isle Marina can get you set up with the boat of your deep sea fishing dreams.

Our state-of-the-art marina, located in Sidney, BC, is close to the spectacular scenery of the southern Gulf Islands, making it a great place to start and end your open sea fishing adventure.

Contact us today to find out more about our current yachts for sale and our marina services.

Sailing in a Storm: It’s Not as Difficult as You Think

Things About Heavy Weather Boat Handling You Should Know

Any boater would rather avoid sailing in a storm than have to face its challenges. But despite the best-laid plans, it’s possible to get caught in unexpected heavy weather while on the water.

The most important thing to know if this happens to you is to stay calm. You may find yourself on the water with bad weather approaching faster than you can get away from it. But there are some key steps you can take to keep everyone on board safe and make it back to port.

In this blog, we will detail the signs that the weather is turning stormy, how to prepare for a bad weather encounter and the first key steps to take fast. We’ll also list some heavy-weather boat handling techniques and tips for recreational power boats and sailboats in storms.

>> Also, be sure to check out our emergency boating kit checklist

Can You Avoid Sailing in a Storm?

When at all possible, try to avoid being on the water during stormy weather. The best way to avoid getting caught out is by checking the marine weather forecast before any planned trips. The forecast contains marine weather for current conditions and predictions for the next 48 hours, so check at least a day ahead of your trip for any storm warnings.

If a strong storm is coming into shore, even boats moored at a marina may need some protection. These 10 tips to stormproof your boat are a good starting point.

Once you are out on the water, you can continue to monitor the marine weather forecast over your VHF radio channel 21b (storm forecasts will be relayed on the coastguard channel 16 also). Remember to keep an eye on the horizon for signs of heavy weather too. 

Some signs of bad weather approaching include:

  • Clouds: flat clouds getting lower and thicker, vertical clouds that are rising, or dark clouds are all warnings of bad weather.
  • Temperature: watch for sudden temperature drops.
  • Wind: sudden increase in the wind or significant direction change should be noted.
  • Flashes on the horizon: indicate a lightning storm.

Spotting these changing weather patterns soon enough may allow you to get back to land before getting caught in it.

Be Prepared for Bad Weather on the Water

Being prepared will help you to sail successfully through a storm. Educate yourself about heavy weather sailing techniques, what to do if someone goes overboard and how to report a Mayday situation.

Ensure required emergency equipment is on board and easy to access should you need it, including:

  • VHF radio 
  • Sound signaling equipment
  • Lifejackets or PFDs for all passengers
  • Anchors – in addition to a regular anchor, a sea anchor may be helpful in a storm. Sea anchors are cones of canvas material that are attached to the bow and slow downwind drift.

For more information about the safety equipment that you are legally required to carry on your vessel, check Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.

Before heading out on a cruise, research protected anchorages in the area in case you need to seek shelter. This list of protected anchorages in the Gulf Islands is a good starting point. 

What to do When a Storm Hits Without Warning

If you do find yourself sailing into the wind and heavy waves, take these steps right away:

  • Have everyone onboard put on a lifejacket.
  • Reduce your speed. This gives you more control and makes it less likely your vessel will slam into a wave.
  • Turn your running lights on so you are visible to others.
  • Chart and log your current position.
  • Find the closest safe port on the charts. Don’t try to get back to your home port if there is another option close by. 
  • Passengers should go into the cabin and sit in the centre of the boat. If you are in an open boat with no cabin, passengers are to sit on the floor in the centre of the boat, away from metal objects.
  • Close all hatches, ports and windows to prevent water from getting into the boat.
  • Pump the bilges. Too much water on board can unbalance the boat in big waves.
  • Tie down or store any loose items, so they don’t move around and cause an injury risk.

On a sailing boat:

  • Reef your mainsail to make the surface area smaller and slow your travelling speed.
  • Alternatively, switch to storm sail and jig.
  • Ensure everyone on deck has a harness and is attached to jack lines/lifelines.

Heavy Weather Boat Handling and Sailing Techniques

Once you have done all the immediate things required to keep your passengers safe and have a handle on your position, your main aim is to get to a safe mooring or place to shelter. 

Here are some tips for handling your vessel in rough water:

Heavy weather boat handling for the recreational motor vessel:

  • Slow your speed to equal the speed of the waves, this will help prevent broaching and put less pressure on the structure of the boat.
  • Point the bow of the yacht into the waves at a 45-degree angle to avoid tipping or swamping.
  • Tack the boat if needed to prevent sailing parallel to waves.
  • Don’t sail too close to shore unless you are approaching moorage. There is always a risk of being blown onto shoreline rocks.
  • If you run out of fuel or suffer engine failure, deploy your sea anchor and regular anchor to hold a safe position without tip
  • ping. 

Heavy weather sailing techniques for sailing boats:

  • Point one end of the boat towards the waves 
  • If you haven’t already, switch to storm sail and jib. These small sails help to slow the vessel significantly while still allowing directional control.
  • Deploy a sea anchor from the bow to prevent the sailboat from tipping. 
  • If the storm becomes too heavy to ride out or you need physical rest, consider ‘Heaving To.’ This technique positions the sails, so they work against each other and hold the boat in place. Add an anchor to prevent drift.

Remember to continue to monitor the emergency VHF channel and keep a watch out for obstacles or other boats in the water. If you are in an emergency situation, taking on water, have hit an object, or have a man overboard – make a mayday call immediately.

A Safe Port of Call at Van Isle Marina

If you need somewhere to moor your yacht when a storm is in the forecast, look no further than Van Isle Marina.  Located in Sidney BC, there is plenty nearby to keep you busy on your no-sailing days.

Drop in or contact us for more information about moorage fees and availability.