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Lures or Bait?

Lure or Live Bait? Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each

When it comes to catching fish as quickly and effortlessly as possible, the question of which is better – artificial lures or real bait – depends on what you’re trying to catch and in what conditions you’re trying to catch it. Sometimes a lure is best, while other times, bait is the way to go. However, there are some general pros and cons to each method.

>> If you’re looking for a new fishing boat, check out our selection at Van Isle Marina: Boats for sale.

Fishing with Lures

Fishing lures are small, artificial objects often shaped like a fish’s prey that are attached to a hook and tied to the end of a fishing line. They are used to attract fish to your line.

There are many different types of lures on the market such as jigs, spinners, spoons, fly lures, crankbaits, and plugs. Some lure manufacturers have even added LEDs to the mix.

Whether they are made from rubber, plastic, metal or a mix of such materials, fishing lures are often weighted and use a combination of movements, vibrations, colours and shiny reflections to entice fish to bite.

The Pros of Fishing with Lures

  • Lures are one-time, reusable purchases.
  • Lures don’t require special storage like dirt or water tanks, which significantly reduces the weight of your tackle box.
  • Lures are not dirty or smelly.
  • Lures are fun to collect and actively engaging and satisfying to use.
  • Lures often lead to bigger catches and fewer unwanted fish on your line.
  • Lures help increase the survival rate of fish in catch and release fishing by reducing deep hooking – an occurrence that leads to higher mortality rates in fish.
  • Lures reduce an angler’s use of bait, which helps maintain populations of bait species from being overharvested.

The Cons of Fishing with Lures

  • With so many varieties of fishing lures out there, it can take some trial and error to find the best ones for what you’re trying to catch. This means you might end up with clutter in your tackle box.
  • No matter how fun lures are to collect, lures can get expensive if you’re not careful, and they won’t all work.
  • Lures can get stuck in weeds, branches, and rocks. And they won’t be all that effective in murky waters or at night time.
  • Fishing lures work best when they are cast where an abundant amount of fish is present. Unlike bait, lures won’t attract fish from far and wide, so you might be waiting a while for a bite and be required to move around to different areas.
  • Lures require the right combination of weight, hook sizes, and colours to work effectively for what type of fish you’re trying to catch, so they aren’t as straightforward as bait. In short – the number of options can be overwhelming for beginners.

When to Use Fishing Lures

For better or worse, the effectiveness of lures relies on just the right conditions. Lures are best used when:

  • The water is nice and clear
  • The weather is warmer
  • You’re dealing with aggressive, predatory fish
  • There are a lot of undersized or non-target fish present
  • You’re in a catch and release area
  • When signs are deeming the waters “artificial only” or “fly and lure only”


Fishing with Bait

Natural baits are living critters that are used to attract fish to your hook. The most common types are worms, minnows, leeches, insects and shrimp. Rather than artificial lures, which mimic a fish’s prey, bait ARE actual fish prey.

The Pros of Fishing with Bait

  • Bait is highly effective because fish are more attracted to the real live prey you’re delivering. They latch on with gusto, improving the chances of a deep hooked fish on the end of your line – one who is less likely to fall off. (A deep-hooked fish is a con if you’re doing catch and release, however.)
  • Bait appeals to a wide range of fish species, increasing the likelihood you’ll catch something.
  • Bait is often cheaper than lures in the long run. It’s free if you find your own while out and about in nature.
  • Bait attracts fish from far and wide, so you can easily set your rod up and just wait for something to bite.
  • Unused bait can be returned to nature, or even frozen until your next trip.
  • Researching bait basics helps give you a better understanding of which fish prefer which prey.

The Cons of Fishing with Bait

  • Bait is messier and smellier than fishing with lures. Prepare to get your hands, clothing, and gear smelly and dirty, especially if you’re capturing your own bait.
  • Bait needs special storage considerations like refrigeration or circulating water.
  • Due to these storage considerations, bait is usually heavier to lug around than artificial lures.
  • Bait requires more frequent trips to the bait shop and planning to make sure you have enough.
  • Fishing with bait contributes to the overharvesting of fish prey.
  • Bait attracts any and all types of fish, including small ones or otherwise not the ones you were looking to catch.
  • Bait increases the rate of deeply hooked fish – only a con in catch and release fishing as this decreases the survival rate of the fish.

When to Use Bait

As with lures, the effectiveness of bait relies on just the right conditions. Bait is best used when:

  • The water is muddy or murky
  • It’s nighttime
  • You’re a beginner looking to catch something, anything
  • You’re fishing for keeps
  • It’s cold outside, or better yet, when ice fishing
  • Your next meal depends on it!

In the end, there is no clear winner in the lures vs. bait debate. And this is by no means an exhaustive list of each method’s strengths and weaknesses.

Each method of fishing has its pros and cons – it all depends on what species you’re trying to catch, your level of experience, and your conditions.

At Van Isle Marina in Sidney, BC, near Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, we love talking fishing with our clients and visitors and would be happy to give you some pointers and talk about what works for our waters. Come see us with all your fishing and boating related questions. Find us at 2320 Harbour Road. Find out how to get here.

Yacht Life: 8 Things You’ll Love About Living on a Yacht

What’s It Like Living on a Yacht?

For many people, a property with an ocean view is the most coveted type of property there is. No matter the season, gazing out into the vast ocean and watching the sunset can be a breathtaking experience.

But have you ever considered what this view would be like from your own personal yacht? Probably about a million times more stunning! The tranquil, beautiful ocean views that a yacht offers are just a few of the many reasons why life is simply better on a boat.

The Yachting Lifestyle

When you see a luxury yacht moored at your local marina, do you ever find yourself wondering what life on board is like?

Simply put, it does not matter what type of yacht you’re on. Life on a yacht is purely what you make of it.

Here are 8 things you’ll love about life on a yacht:

Time to Relax

Life on a yacht is as calm and quiet as you want it to be, ensuring you have tons of time to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life on land. No matter the size or speed of your boat, you’ll be free from the constant hum of traffic, that annoying barking dog, and your neighbour’s noisy toddler. You’ll escape everything else you didn’t even know was stressing you out.

Privacy & Security

Many yacht owners say one of the things they most appreciate about life on the water is how much privacy they have. When you live on a yacht, you won’t have to deal with things like unexpected guests popping by or keeping the curtains closed and the doors locked at nighttime.

Exploring the World

One of the things most yacht owners love is the freedom to pick up and go whenever the mood strikes. Yachting is the ultimate way to travel and explore the world from port to port to port. You’ll never have to sleep in the same spot twice, and you will finally be able to travel with that friend or relative who fears flying.

Making Memories

Whether you do it for a few days, a few weeks, or you live on your yacht for years at a time, you’ll never forget the feeling of how special your time on the water will be. Life on a yacht makes for great photos, great conversations, and a sense of pride for the owner.

Decluttering Your Life

If you’re looking to downsize and declutter, life on a yacht may just be the excuse you were looking for to sell everything off, pack up the rest, and go.

Many Ways to Entertain

Wondering how you’ll spend time aboard your yacht? The possibilities are endless. Today’s luxury yachts offer modern kitchens, multiple bedrooms and living rooms, multiple sun decks, fitness gyms, modern kitchens, huge theatres, high-end sound systems, hot tubs, pools, and much more. You’ll feel like you’re on your own personal cruise ship.

Endless Ocean Views

As we mentioned earlier, ocean views aboard a yacht cannot be beaten. While you’re enjoying all the above, endless ocean views surround you while you’re living life on your yacht.

Ways to Make Life on a Yacht Even Better

  • Before buying a yacht, spend a few nights on one to make sure you can handle life at sea.
  • If you’re a light sleeper or are prone to getting motion sickness, a larger yacht will rock less during stormy weather.
  • Talk with other yacht owners to find out what works for them.
  • Research the resale value of your yacht if you plan on selling.
  • Bookmark our blog for more tips!

 

Questions about life on a yacht? Understanding the potentials of life on a motor yacht cannot be explained in one short article. If you would like to learn more about what type of yacht would be right for you, Van Isle Marina is here to help. Please contact one of our Yacht Sales Brokers or call us at 250.656.1138.

Winter Boating Courses to Keep Your Skills Sharp

Whether you are a skilled offshore cruiser or a new boater with only a few seasons under your belt, there is always more to learn when it comes to boating. The New Year holiday season is an excellent time to perfect existing skills or learn a wealth of new information. We have compiled a list of courses that are offered in Victoria, Vancouver, or online. Many of the courses are offered across Canada, so it is recommended to check with your local Power and Sail Squadron for more information on courses in your area.

Marine Electrical Maintenance

This course is taught by the Vancouver branch of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron. It teaches you the basics to keep your on-board electrical systems maintained and safe.

Where: Prince of Wales Secondary School, Vancouver B.C.

When: January 24, 2019 – March 14, 2019

Sailing

Looking to start sailing, or increase your knowledge of sailing procedures? This course goes over all aspects of sailing theory including rigging, handling foul weather conditions and much more.

Where: Prince of Wales Secondary School, Vancouver B.C.

When: January 15, 2019 – March 12, 2019

Near Shore Marine Navigation Level 1

This course dives deep into essential boating information, especially for those who spend long time frames away from shore. Course topics include: medical emergencies at sea, tides, and marlinespike seamanship. This course is also offered online from February 21, 2019 – May 16, 2019 in addition to being offered in a classroom.

Where: St. Matthias Anglican Church, Victoria B.C.

When: January 15, 2019 – April 16, 2019

Offshore Marine Navigation Level 2

Building on the information relayed in the Level 1 course, this course requires a strong foundation of navigation with topics that include celestial navigation, sextant training, offshore electronics and navigating in emergencies. This course is offered online.

Where: Online

When: January 7, 2019 – March 25, 2019

Offshore Personal Survival Course

This is a 2-day course offered in Victoria by the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race. It includes a theory session, as well as practical sessions with in pool training. Participants will learn how to properly conduct a man-overboard rescue, hypothermia & cold-water immersion, emergency signals and much more.

Where: Royal Victoria Yacht Club, University of Victoria (McKinnon Pool)

When: March 23, 2019 – March 24, 2019

What boating courses would you like to see offered in 2019?

ROAM – Clearing Customs by Boat

CBP ROAM screenshot

 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has announced the launch of a new streamlined, yet comprehensive way to clear customs for boaters travelling from Canada to the United States. ROAM (Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile) is an alternative method to the typical face-to-face customs clearing that most people are used to.

Small pleasure craft arriving to the United States must immediately declare themselves to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Using ROAM, boaters have the option of remotely reporting their arrival through the app on their mobile phone. This method reduces wait times for clearance, as no officer is required on board to search the vessel. Instead, boaters input their personal information and the specifications of their trip and officers can choose to video chat with boaters and remotely inspect if they deem it to be necessary.

Exceptions to using the app are:

  • Travelers who require an I-94;
  • Travelers who wish to obtain a cruising license;
  • Travelers who must pay duties on imported goods; and
  • Other circumstances as applicable.

The app is available on Google Play and Apple iTunes Store, and is currently in use in Alaska, Washington, Detroit, Port Huron and Sault St. Marie.

More information can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website, or contact your local port of entry.

Protected Anchorages in the Gulf Islands

The sun has officially set on summer, and winter is on the horizon. The “off-season” brings a plethora of wild and glorious weather to the Pacific Northwest. In an instant, things can change and even the most experienced boater may need to seek refuge. Below is a list of a handful of the many anchorages in the Gulf Islands that can provide shelter during a storm.

Ford’s Cove – Hornby Island

Ford’s Cove – Hornby Island

Ford’s Cove is the only completely protected anchorage on Hornby Island. The southern tip of Denman Island blocks any south winds, while Hornby and the Ford’s Cove spit protects from the other directions.

The bottom is a mix of sand and mud which provides a lot of hold during stormy weather, and the depth of the water typically ranges from three to five meters.

If amenities are needed, the Ford’s Cove Harbour has washrooms, electricity and a small store.

Annette Inlet – Prevost Island

 

Annette Inlet Anchorage – Prevost Island

Prevost Island has no lack of great anchorages, but Annette Inlet is a local favourite.

Not only is it beautiful, but it is easy to maneuver and sheltered. While this area does lack immediate amenities, Annette Inlet is spacious and less busy than most other anchorages its size.

The surrounding area is private property, so trips ashore are discouraged.

Royal Cove – Portland Island

 

Royal Cove Anchorage – Portland Island

 

Royal Cove is nestled in the northern most part of Portland Island. It is a quiet alternative to Princess Bay, which is located on the southern side of the island.

The cove is quite sheltered, however if you are avoiding a strong north wind, there may be a better suited anchorage for you elsewhere.

Your anchor is sure to stay put, as the bottom is made up of thick mud. If you have a deep keel, be wary of the rocks located on the west side of the cove.

Clam Bay – Thetis Island

 

Clam Bay Anchorage - Thetis Island

The aptly named Clam Bay (previously the site of a large shellfish operation) is tucked in between Thetis Island and Penelakut Island. The two islands are separated by a very small channel which is maneuverable by dinghy and will lead you right to the amenities at Telegraph Cove.

This anchorage will provide you shelter in all but an easterly wind. The bottom is stable with mud and sand, and anchor holding is typically found around six to twelve metres.

We encourage you to refer to your navigational aids and do your research before checking out a new anchorage. Do you have a favourite location to anchor during troubled seas? Let us know in the comments!

Bird Watching in Sidney B.C.

Previously, bird watching has been known as your “Grandmother’s hobby”, but more recently it has become a wildly popular past-time for all ages. Due to Sidney’s many ecological reserves and parks, local birdwatching has taken off. With Vancouver Island’s mild climate, there are large selections of birds who permanently nest, as well as migratory birds who only show themselves seasonally.

Keep an eye open for bird sanctuary signs like the one below that indicate areas for bird watching. Frequently there are information signs with listing common species to the area and information on their habitats.

 

Check out our local favourite spots below:

Robert’s Bay – Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary

 

 

Robert’s Bay is only a few steps away from Van Isle Marina. It is home to many native shrubs and trees that provide hunting grounds and nesting sites for many mammals, not just birds! The mud flats at Robert’s Bay are an important part of the local ecosystem as many mud shrimp and small creatures are found here, which feed many birds. The ever first photo documented record of the rare Laughing Gull in British Columbia took place here!

Common birds:

  • Harlequin Duck
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Bonaparte’s’ Gull

Land’s End Road

 

Land’s End Road is the northern-most point of the Saanich Peninsula, mostly commonly known for being home to the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal. This area is also home to a significant amount of birds who rely on the sandy beaches and low tides to feast. The dense forests surrounding the area provide shelter from the elements and provide perches to nest.

Common Birds:

  • Black Oystercatcher
  • Bald eagle
  • Killdeer

Victoria International Airport

 

Even with constant airplanes passing over, sightings of rare birds are frequent in this area! The airport is the only place in North America that you can spot Skylarks. The Victoria International Airport Authority has worked alongside the Victoria Natural History Society make the lands that surround the airport more of a suitable habitat for the Skylarks. As these birds are ground nesters, initiatives include mowing specific plots of land to make the area more suitable to nests. The 9 km pathway around the airport is a great way to see birds by foot or by bike.

Common Birds:

  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Bald Eagle
  • Northwest Crow

Sidney Spit

 

During Fall and Spring migrations, Sidney Spit is a birder’s paradise. Due to recent efforts to better preserve the spit and surrounding area, Purple Martins have made a comeback and can be seen in the nesting boxes along the docks.

Common Birds:

  • Purple Martins
  • Nighthawks
  • Marbled Murrelets

Are any of your favourite bird watching locations on the Saanich Peninsula? Let us know in the comments!

 

A New Way to Travel – Northstar Air Tours

Vancouver Island is a big and beautiful place. The Island stretches 460 kilometers in length and 100 kilometers in width for a total of 32,134 km2 in area. We are surrounded by some of the most pristine and beautiful coastlines in the world, attracting people from across the globe. Our forests are dense and populated […]

Read more

Spring Boating Start-Up Checklist

Spring is in the air; is your boat ready to get back to cruising? If you did winterize your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and possible headaches now, which means the road between your boat and the water is shorter! Although it is always best to winterize a boat before putting it into storage, if you didn’t, don’t worry. Here are some tips to get your bow pointed in the right direction:

Have Your Manufacturer’s Manual Handy

If you have a copy, fantastic. If you don’t, it would be a good idea to get one. You’ll need it to replace fluids and parts properly. Never take apart anything without consulting the manual first.

De-winterizing Your Engine

This will be the biggest and messiest task, so it is recommended that you start here. If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, do so now. At the same time you change the oil, be sure to change the oil filter. Change the oil in the transmission or the outboard’s lower unit as well. Next, fill up the cooling system. Be sure you examine the hoses for any cracks and empty out the strainer. Finally, check the batteries and replace them if needed. Use a battery tester to check out the amps and volts and perform a thorough engine test.

Inspect the Canvas & Vinyl

Check your bimini top, seats, covers, and other vinyl and canvas items for tears, mildew and dirt. Repairs tears and holes, and then clean with the proper cleaner for canvas and vinyl.

Inspect the Hull and Propellers

Check the hull for abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair if needed. Inspect and replace zincs if necessary. Touch up or replace bottom paint. Check the propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion.

Clean and Wax the Hull

First clean your boat’s exterior using a marine safe cleaner from a marine supply store. Van Isle Marina is also able to supply or order in almost any product you may need. Then, wax the hull as necessary.

Polish the Metal and Teak

Metal and teak are referred to as ‘brightwork’ and enhance the look of your boat. Also, prolonged neglect of metal and teak can compromise the integrity of the materials. To protect the metal, use a metal polisher. For teak, it is usually recommended that you sand it and then apply stain and varnish.

Test All Electronics

Bring all the electronics back on board and do a thorough test to be sure they are working properly. Test the radio, GPS, compass, depth finder, and any other marine electronics.

Clean the Interior

Whether you have an open deck or cabin with full galley, clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.

Van Isle Marina’s Yacht Park is available to help you with any springtime preparation you may require.  Our Sea-Lifts and Brownell submersible trailers can haul-out up to 70 feet or 45 tons.  You can book a full or half haul-out depending on your needs.  Half Haul-outs are convenient for inspections, zinc changes or marine surveys.  If you have never been to the marina before, our videos are an excellent introduction to the haul-out process.

Five Hikes in the Gulf Islands

At Van Isle Marina, we are fortunate to be located in the heart of the Gulf Islands, one of the best cruising grounds in the world. There are more than 200 islands in the region, each different than the last. The sheltered waters of the islands are wonderful for fishing, swimming, and sailing, while the isolated forests are perfect for hiking and camping. Below are five of the most popular hikes in the area, and are, of course, only accessible by boat!

Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail (Moderate – 7.2 km)

Located on Portland Island, (nice and close to Van Isle Marina!) the Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail is one of the most highly rated hiking trails in the Gulf Islands. It is a dog friendly loop trail that follows the shoreline around the island, showcasing the pristine white seashell beaches. If 3 hours is a bit too long, there are cross island trails that can shorten the hike to 1 hour. There is a dinghy dock located on the North side of the island at Princess Bay and Royal Cove for the convenience of local boaters.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 3 hours

Tumbo Island (Easy to Moderate – 3.5 km)

Take a step into seclusion on this quiet island to enjoy an easy hike through a few of British Columbia’s various ecosystems; garry oak and douglas fir forests, marshes and coastline. While you are walking, try to spot the remains of the coal mine that inhabited the island in the 1900s! This island’s name comes from “tombolo” which is a sand, shingle and driftwood bar.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 90 mins

Mt. Norman Hike (Difficult – 1.5 km)

On the southwest side of Pender Island is a short but very steep trail, leading to amazing views of the Gulf Islands, Olympic Mountain Range and Mt. Baker. There is a boardwalk and viewing platform, so you can relax and truly enjoy the beauty that you worked plenty hard for! The elevation gain is 199 m, so this trail is not for the faint of heart.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 60 minutes

Russell Island Trail (Easy to moderate – 1 km)

Russell Island is the closest you can get to feeling like you are in Hawaii, without being in Hawaii. In fact, during the mid-19th century it is estimated that at least 1000 Hawaiians came to the Pacific Northwest and some even settled on Russell Island. Take a walk around the island on the well maintained trail to experience a near-tropical environment, and to see the artifacts left over by the Hawaiian residents.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 30 Minutes

Roe Lake Trail (Moderate – 1.2 km)

Located on Pender Island, Roe Lake is a small fresh water lake on the western side of the island. The area is local to many wildlife including deer, beaver and plenty of wild birds. On any given day in the summer, the area is enjoyed by plenty of picnickers and families, as there is an easier 0.5 km trail accessible from Magic Lake Estates. The full 1.2 km trail is accessed through Shingle Bay Rd.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 55 minutes

Enjoy your hiking on the Gulf Islands!

Tips for Cool Weather Cruising

The lure of the open water, even during cold weather, can be overpowering. In locales (like ours!) where year-round boating is possible, do not let the cold keep you from experiencing a different — and exciting — facet of boating. Extra preparation and precautions should be taken before heading out on the water when the thermometer heads downward.

Layer, layer, layer – You’ve likely heard this from your local weather forecaster several hundred times over the past few years, but layering truly is one of the best ways to stay warm. That’s because each piece of clothing traps a layer of insulating air. And as the temperature or your activity level changes, you can shed a layer at a time until you’re comfy again. Dressing properly is key to enjoyable winter cruising. Start with long underwear and add layers. Though scientists recently debunked the belief that the most heat escapes through the head, it’s still advisable to wear a warm hat and warm, water-resistant gloves. Some winter cruisers invest in exposure or flotation suits. Similar to ski suits, they are insulated and keep boaters warm over just a layer of light clothing.

Ship Shape – Check the boat’s furnace to ensure you will be nice and cozy inside the boat. Carry additional fenders and lines.

Watch out for wind – In the winter, storms tend to roll in fast and leave in a hurry. Don’t forget to check the weather well before you head out. If you’re caught in the wind, make sure you’re ready. Careful and safe boating is very important for the safety of your passengers. Take it slow and watch out for fellow boaters.

Entertain Yourself – The days are short and the nights are long. If you plan to spend the night in a remote bay, bring books, videos and other entertainment.

Ready the Crew – Make sure each crew member has the proper cold weather clothing for comfort inside or outside the boat. Bring an umbrella, they are useful for hustling from the boat to the pub or marine store.

Plan a Staycation – Bring all your favourite foods, beverages, books and games and spend a night or two at your home port.

Though winter cruising may seem unappealing to the unfamiliar, the hardy few who do it know it offers a chance to experience familiar waters in new ways. The landscape takes on a new cloak, the crowds thin out and well-known places feel somehow different. And there are few pleasures better than curling up in a warm salon with a book on a rainy winter day.