What You Need to Know About Fishing for Halibut

If you enjoy fishing, chances are you have dreamed about heading out onto the ocean to try your hand at Pacific Halibut fishing. The waters around Vancouver Island are home to halibut all year round, with abundance during the spring and summer months, making the area a great choice for halibut fishing in B.C.

Fishing for halibut requires a slightly different approach than for other fish species, but once you know the tricks, tips, and equipment required, you’ll be all set for a successful catch.

Where and When to Fish for Pacific Halibut

Pacific Halibut are the largest species of flatfish on the West Coast of Canada. They have a distinctive diamond shape with a white underbelly that makes them easily recognisable.

While the most commonly caught halibut tend to be in the 10 to 50 pound range, they can grow up to 400 pounds and 8 feet long – that would take some hauling in!

Pacific Halibut live mainly on the deep ocean floor, or on shelves at the edge of underwater plateaus. They are bottom feeders, so anglers must target these areas to be successful.

Good locations to fish for halibut around Vancouver Island include:

• Victoria and the southern Juan de Fuca Strait
• The entire West Coast, from Port Renfrew to Quatsino Sound, especially the Clayoquot Sound and Tofino area
• The northern tip of the island from Cape Scott to Port Hardy

Pacific Halibut do not have a migratory cycle, which means they are around throughout the year; however, spring and summer are the best times to fish for them as the weather conditions and temperatures make for a more enjoyable experience.

What Equipment Do I Need for Halibut Fishing?

Where Pacific Halibut live and how they prefer to eat means anglers need some specific equipment. Follow this checklist to make sure you have all the right equipment to make your next halibut fishing trip in B.C. a successful one.

• Rod and Reel: If you will be regularly fishing for halibut, invest in a halibut rod. These are 6 to 7 feet in length, strong, balanced and lightweight, enabling them to withstand the heavy weight and powerful pull of the halibut. A reel with a large handle will make the long reel-in easier and more comfortable.
• Line: Because Pacific Halibut can live 200 to 300 feet underwater, a long and strong line such as an 800 foot long, 60 to 80 pound braided nylon, is essential.
• Hooks and weights: A common halibut rig setup includes a large hook with a hoochie or other attractor, tied to one end of a spreader with strong line. A circular weight is attached to the other end of the spreader to ensure the bait stays on the ocean floor.
• Bait: Halibut use sight and scent to find their food, so aim to create a strong scent trail with live bait. Fresh octopus, herring, crab or cod are good bait options that halibut are attracted to.
• Halibut Spear: Not essential, but a spear will help to bring the halibut in at the surface of the water, before it is able to wriggle off the hook.

Consult your local fishing equipment expert for more information and advice on setting up your halibut fishing rig.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Halibut Fishing

Consider these additional tips and tricks to help you have a successful halibut fishing trip:

• Check your marine charts and depth finder to locate plateaus where halibut are likely to be found.
• Review catch limits and closure notices for the area you are fishing in. Current catch limits on the British Columbia coast for halibut are either one measuring 90 cm to 133 cm in length (head on), or two each measuring under 90 cm in length (head on).
• To attract halibut to your bait, lift and drop the weight regularly to distribute the scent and send out seafloor vibrations.
• Bright teasers or beads will attract halibut to your bait.

Caught a Halibut? Here’s a Tasty Recipe to Try.

Congratulations, your halibut fishing trip was a success and now you have a beautiful fresh fish to serve up for dinner. If you know how to fillet a halibut, you will be able to get the maximum meat from your fish and cook and eat it fresh, or flash freeze it for another day.

The quickest and simplest way to enjoy fresh halibut is pan-fried. This method is easy enough to do right in your yacht’s galley so you can enjoy your haul the same day you caught it.

Pan Seared Pacific Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce

• 4-6 Halibut fillets
• 2tbsp Olive Oil
• ½ cup butter
• 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic (fresh or powdered), paprika, fresh herbs – optional and to taste

Method:

1. Pat halibut fillets with paper towel to dry them off
2. Season with salt and pepper and other seasonings of your choice
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, once hot lay halibut fillets in pan
4. Allow filets to sear without moving or turning for 3-4 minutes (this prevents the fish from falling apart when you turn it)
5. Flip fillets and cook for additional 2-3 minutes
6. Remove fish from pan and keep warm
7. Reduce the pan to medium heat. Add butter, allow to melt and cook until light brown
8. Add juice of 1 lemon and simmer until liquid is reduced by half
9. Serve halibut fillets drizzled with lemon butter sauce sprinkled with your choice of fresh herbs
10. Serve with steamed veggies or a crisp salad

Prefer something different? Choose from this list of 10 quick and delicious halibut recipes.

Go Halibut Fishing in a New Yacht from Van Isle Marina

Van Isle Marina is ideally placed to be your base for a halibut fishing trip. Located in Sidney, B.C. on the southeastern corner of Vancouver Island, many halibut fishing grounds are within easy reach of our full-service marina for a single or multi-day trip.

Need a new yacht to access those halibut fishing hotspots? Our knowledgeable yacht sales team can find you the perfect vessel with room to pull in a big fish. Contact us today for more information.

Going Green With Electric Boating

Electric boats come in all shapes and sizes, from small fishing boats to large yachts. They can be powered by either an onboard battery or a plug-in charger. Some electric boats are powered by a combination of batteries and solar panels or are hybrid models with a gas-powered engine as a backup.

Electric boats are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits. They produce zero emissions, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option than gas-powered boats. 

Looking to buy an electric boat? You’re not alone! Sales of electric boats are on the rise, as more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

What Are Electric Boats and How Do They Work?

Simply put, electric boats are vessels that use an electric engine powered by a battery, instead of a gas-powered combustion engine. They come in a variety of models. These models range from fishing skiffs to leisure cruisers to luxury yachts.

Some things to know about electric powerboats:

Battery Power:

• The batteries, usually lithium-ion, come in a variety of strengths. They are measured in kilowatts. The higher the kilowatts, the more power that can be fed to the engine.
• The batteries need to be recharged after each use. This can be done using a regular electrical outlet.
• Battery bank life is dependent on engine size, weight, size of the boat and what the main use of the boat is. 

Electric Propulsion Engines:

• The electric power outboard motor is battery powered. Every 1,000w of engine power is equivalent to 3hp of traditional engine power. 
• Minimal maintenance is required for an electric engine as there are no fluids or oils to top up.

• The speed capability of an electric boat can range from 5 knots per hour up to 35-50 knots in the latest high-tech electric foiling yachts. 
• The more battery power the boat has, the faster it will go. As battery technology develops, more powerful batteries that take up less room will lead to increased capability in electric boats. We’re already seeing this in our smartphones, tablets, computers and even pickup trucks. Compact batteries for boats are sure to follow suit!

The Pros and Cons of Electric Boating

Pros:

• Low noise levels: Great for wildlife watching, fishing or relaxed boating.
• Environmentally friendly: Electric boats don’t produce any smelly emissions, C02 or nitrous oxide and there is no risk of oil leaks.
• Instant torque: Can respond very quickly to acceleration. 
• Low maintenance: No regular engine maintenance is required, no fluids to check and fill and winterization is not needed.
• Low running costs: Charging overnight at regular 110v power (faster with a rapid charger) will cost just a few dollars each time.
• Latest technology: New Wi-Fi connectivity allows owners to check power levels and start the engine using an app.

Cons:

• Initial cost: At this time, electric boats remain more expensive than other boats. Much like electric cars though, as their share in the market grows and technology develops, prices will start to come down.
• Range limitations: The biggest concern for many considering going electric is whether the battery will run out while on open water. Knowing the capacity of your vessel’s engine and keeping an eye on your power gauge is important. The more power your boat needs, the more battery power it will use. It will last longer on a leisurely tour than it would speeding and towing wakeboarders.
• Charging stations required: You need to moor or trailer yachts somewhere with electrical hookups available.
• No overnight or deep-sea excursions: No electric boat battery bank will currently last long enough for long-haul trips.

Considering an Electric Boat? Ask Yourself These Questions First

Although still a small percentage of overall sales, the number of electric boats being developed and purchased is growing fast. Investments in this technology mean that the performance and quality is rapidly becoming equal to internal combustion engines.

Whether you are a first-time boat buyer or a current boater who wants to change to something more eco-friendly, consider these questions when looking at electric boats.

1. How many people do you want to transport? The performance of an electric boat is affected by weight. You’ll need to consider the power required for the number of people you want to transport.
2. Where will you keep your boat? Will you have access to a charging point or fast-charging station at your marina? Do you have room to store it at home?
3. Where will you primarily use your electric boat? Traditionally, electric boats have been considered more suitable for calm boating on inland waterways and lakes, but newer models perform well on open water without significantly draining energy.
4. What is your budget? Electric boats do still tend to cost more than a traditional gas engine boat. You need to factor in insurance costs, safety equipment, and storage or trailer. However, electric boats require very minimal maintenance in comparison and have substantially lower running costs.

Ultimately, consider what you want to do with your boat. Are you looking for a leisurely lake cruiser, a fishing trip vessel or a powerboat for watersports? There are electric boat options that are able to do all these things, but make sure you choose one with adequate battery power, top speed and top range for your requirements.

Not Quite Ready to Commit to an Electric Boat?

If you’re not quite ready to go fully electric, there are some hybrid models on the market, which include a gas combustion engine that is used as a backup or to power up the batteries while in motion.

If you already own a yacht or other vessel and don’t want to get a brand new one, you can also consider electric outboard engine replacement. A great option for a renovation or instead of expensive maintenance. 

Let Van Isle Marina Find You the Perfect Electric Boat

With so many electric options on the market now, choosing the right one is a big decision. The Yacht Sales team at Van Isle Marina will be happy to help you navigate the choices and find a solution that fits your budget and needs.

At our full-service marina, located in Sidney, BC, electric boat owners can access metered electrical supply in both our marina slips and our yacht park, making for convenient battery recharging.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about purchasing or storing an electric boat at Van Isle Marina.

How to Get Your Yacht Shining Like New Again

There is nothing more pleasurable than sailing on a sunny day in a boat that’s sparkling like new. Unfortunately, we all know that UV rays and salt water can take their toll on your boat’s shiny finish over time, but regularly waxing or painting your boat can help retain that ‘like new’ finish.

While refinishing your boat can be time-consuming, expensive and even a bit tricky, the results are definitely worth it. Our guide to waxing and painting your boat will help you decide which is the best option for your vessel and take you through the process step-by-step for each.

Why Do I Need To Wax Or Paint My Boat?

Most new fiberglass boats are finished with a protective gelcoat which starts off shiny and smooth. Over time, this gelcoat layer gets damaged by exposure to the sun and saltwater causing:

• Discolouration
• Cloudiness or chalkiness
• Dullness
• Fine scratches

Waxing or painting your boat will remove this damage and restore your yacht’s shine. Regular waxing also protects the hull and topside by sealing the surface, therefore preventing water stains.

Wax Or Paint – Which Does My Boat Need?

Ultimately, the type of boat you have, its age and the level of damage will be your guide as to whether a polish and wax or a paint job is required. For example:

Polishing and Waxing:

• Polishing and waxing regularly will help restore and maintain your boat and protect it for the boating season
• In most cases, some polishing of the gelcoat will be required before wax is applied
• Polishes contain abrasive compounds which will remove some of the old gelcoat and reduce oxidation, cloudiness, small scratches. Polishing is usually done using a mechanical buffer
• Wax is then used to protect and seal the gelcoat and repel water and UV rays 
• Wax can be applied directly over a gelcoat which is in good condition with no scratches or damage

Painting:

• Sometimes the gelcoat gets worn too thin by years of polishing and waxing – in this case, painting is the best option for a ‘like new’ refresh.
• Painting is a more time-consuming and expensive job; but once done, the finish will last for a long time, especially if maintained with regular wax coatings.

If you are unsure about what treatment your boat needs, always consult with an expert at Van Isle Marina’s world-class Yacht Park. While we do not offer topside painting or waxing services, we do specialize in anti-fouling services, including:

• Seasonal application of new anti-fouling including wet sand surface prep
• Prepping new boats for service in saltwater. Marking waterlines and applying epoxy barrier coatings
• Sandblasting and stripping old anti-fouling
•  Changing zincs
•  Polishing running gear

We also rent scaffolding for anyone who wants to complete this work themselves or have a third party come in and complete these services.

Top Tips For DIY Boat Waxing

Experts suggest waxing your boat at least once a year, although many people like to do it twice – at both the start and end of each boating season.

Step 1 – Clean, Clean, Clean! Use an environmentally-friendly boat wash to ensure all salt, dirt, mould, grime and stains are removed.

Step 2 – Polish to restore the gelcoat layer. Depending on the level of damage, different polishing techniques may be required including wet polishing or rubbing compounds.

Step 3 – Wax on! Apply thin layers of wax coating to seal and protect the polished gelcoat. Wax options include:

• Carnauba wax – a natural wax that gives a glossy finish ideal for boats with little to no damage
• Cleaner wax – includes gentle scrubbing ingredients to help remove dirt and stains
• Polishing wax – made of synthetic materials, blocks UV
• Restorer Wax – has coarser compounds mixed in to deal with heavier oxidation

For more information check this review of boat wax by TripSavvy.

Top Tips For Painting a Boat

Painting your boat’s hull and topside can be time-consuming and expensive, but once it’s done it will last for years with regular waxing. You can paint over gelcoat or over an existing paint layer.

Before you start painting make sure you have all the equipment you will need and you have enough paint to complete the job. There are different types of boat paint to consider:

• Single-part enamel – easy to use but wears fast
• Single-part polyurethane – lasts longer than enamel
• Two-part polyurethane – most expensive but lasts longest

Totalboat’s guide to topside painting explains the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Once you are ready to paint, follow these steps:

1. Remove any hardware, wood trim and decals
2. Repair surface imperfections like chips or gouges using an epoxy filler
3. Prep the paint or gel surface by washing, de-waxing and polishing
4. Apply primer, allow to set before applying paint in thin even layers to prevent dripping
5. Once the paint has fully cured, apply wax layer to protect the paint
6. Enjoy the compliments your shiny paint finish will no doubt bring!

Remember, painting your hull and topside is different from anti-fouling paint, which should be done every 1 – 2 years. Ask our experienced team about our anti-fouling and epoxy prep services!

Van Isle Marina Can Help You Find What You’re Looking For!

Based in Sidney, BC; our team of professionals are waiting to help you – whether you are looking for recommendations for someone to complete the work for you, or want to do it yourself. We can offer advice and provide the equipment or supplies you may require – just ask!

Looking for that brand new boat shine? Our yacht sales team would be glad to help you find your new dream boat. Contact us today for more information on services or sales.

How to Be a Safe Boater

If you sit in the captain’s seat of your yacht, you also take on the duty of ensuring that your boating experience is safe. In order to ensure safety of everyone on board, there are a number of things to consider:

• Is the vessel itself safe to use, seaworthy and properly equipped?
• Are your guests safe and do they know what to do in an emergency?
• Do I know how to navigate and interact with other water users so everyone is safe?

Being responsible for safety can be daunting at first, but by following this boating safety checklist, you can feel confident that you have the equipment you need and know what to do to keep everyone safe on your vessel.

The Key Steps to Boat Safety – a Checklist

Learn: The first step to safe boating is knowledge. Anyone operating a pleasure craft in Canadian waters must complete an accredited training course and exam to receive their Pleasure Craft Operating Card. This course will teach you everything you need to know about how to be safe on the water and the equipment you must carry on board.

Equip your vessel: According to Transport Canada, there are some safety items that you must have on your vessel by law. Exact requirements may vary depending on the size of your vessel, make sure you check the safe boating guide before kitting out your yacht.

• Personal Flotation Devices / Lifejackets: You must have at least one PFD per person on board. It is recommended that every passenger wears their life jacket at all times

In over 87% of drowning deaths, the victim was either not wearing a PFD or wearing one that didn’t fit correctly according to Red Cross Canada. When choosing life jackets consider the following:

Fit – life jackets have weight limits, if this limit is exceeded it may mean the wearer is not kept afloat. The PFD should fit snugly enough that it cannot be pulled up past the wearer’s chin.

Age – life Jackets for small children should have crotch straps and head supports to ensure they stay in place and keep the child’s face out of the water.

Activity – different styles of PFDs are available for different uses, i.e. with bigger arm holes for anglers.

• Buoyant Heaving Line: At least 15m long, for water rescues. Also consider at least one throwable floatation device such as a ring or pillow buoy.
• Manual propelling device or anchor with 15m rope: In case of engine failure.
• Visual signalling devices: Approved flares or waterproof flashlights with spare batteries.
• Sound signalling devices: Portable and fixed horns and whistles to attract attention and use in low visibility. Larger vessels also require a fixed bell.
• Fire extinguisher: Visit Transport Canada to find the required classification of fire extinguisher for your vessel type
• Bailer or hand pump: In case of water breaches or leaks.

Add an emergency kit: Although not legally required, these additional items will be invaluable in an emergency situation.

• First Aid Kit – put a basic kit together yourself using this Canadian Red Cross
• Documentation – boat registration, local water charts.
• Communication tools – VHF Radio, marine UHF Radio, Cell Phone (know which radio channels to use for local emergency assistance and ensure someone else on board knows how to use it).
• Navigation tools – charts, radar, GPS
• Spare batteries
• Extra water and snacks
• Essential weather kit – Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, waterproof clothes.
• Dry change of clothes
• Knife

For more information about what an emergency kit should contain, see Van Isle Marina’s Emergency Boating Checklist.

Always do a pre-departure boat safety checklist: A pre-departure checklist is a quick and easy way to ensure that your vessel is safe and ready to go out on the water. By going through this list you can fix any problems before you set sail.

• Are the oil, fuel and other fluid levels correct?
• Are batteries all charged?
• Is all required safety and other equipment present?
• Are your lights working correctly?
• Is your radio working?

Educate your guests on boating safety: Before you set sail, make sure your guests know:

• Where the PFDs are and how to use them.
• How to use the radio and other signalling devices.
• What to do in the case of an emergency if you are incapacitated.

How Else Can I Ensure My Vessel and Guests are Safe?

• Check the weather forecast: Weather systems can move in quickly at sea. Always check the local forecast before setting off and know what to do if the weather changes suddenly. Environment Canada marine weather forecasts will let you see at a glance if there are any weather warnings in your area.
• File a float plan: Make sure someone on land knows your plans so they can alert authorities if you do not return as expected. Such as a friend or family member.
• Navigate safely: Remember:
  • Keep out of the path of larger vessels
  • Use navigation lights and radar to ensure you are seen
  • Don’t cause an obstruction to others
• Don’t drive impaired: Almost 65% of annual boating deaths involve the use of alcohol. Alcohol and drugs reduce motor skills, judgement and ability to react. Wait until you are back in dock or on land to enjoy a drink.

Van Isle Marina – Your Yacht is Safe With Us

At Van Isle Marina our knowledgeable staff can help you to find any boating safety equipment you may require for your vessel. We can also provide any information you need to know about local waters.

At our full service marina located just outside Sidney, BC, you’ll find a marine fueling station, and dock store. You’ll also find secure, heated lockers where you can store your boat safety and emergency items. With moorage options ranging from nightly to year round, you can relax knowing your yacht is safe and secure. Contact us to find out more about our marina services today.