For the small coastal community of Tofino, fishing has always been a major attraction, with fish and seafood stocks creating the backbone
for the area's growth years ago. These rich aquatic resources continue to attract Sport Fishermen from all over the world, with this season
showing as much popularity as ever. Whether it is due to the conservation regime that has been adhered to by the Salmon fishers of the B.C.
Coast, or just a natural
"cycle" of better ocean survival conditions, the Pacific Salmon stocks are rebuilding more and more each year. With the positive
turn in Salmon stocks coast wide, Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim region boasts some of the best year-round fishing opportunities in the
Province.
Along with the building stocks of Chinook and Coho Salmon, other diverse fisheries in the Tofino area continue to thrive as
well. Jay and his guides have been consistently producing more and more Halibut each season, and are continually the area's top producers.
Jay has also invented a hot new Halibut lure that should hit the market in 2005. LingCod and Rockfish are always a great option - as a focus
or as a by-catch.
With Tofino continually labeled as the premier destination for the rapidly growing Saltwater Fly Fishery, Jay's Clayoquot
Ventures has kept stride with these progressive changes with two customized fly fishing vessels, and offering top of the line equipment,
both onboard, and for sale at Jay's Fly & Tackle. Flagship products like Sage and G. Loomis Rods, Islander Reels, Rio and S.A. Mastery
Lines are examples of the quality gear available. Through Jay's continually expanding selection of fly patterns and tying materials, specialty
clothing by Patagonia, as well as the most effective terminal tackle on the market, Jay's Fly & Tackle covers all needs of local and
visiting anglers.
For the Freshwater enthusiasts, Jay's guided options are as good as ever. Starting in the spring, the excursion of choice
is the pursuit of Native Steelhead in the remote and pristine systems of Clayoquot Sound. A favorite of many is the unique multi-day drift
from a mountain lake to the tidal waters of the Sound. By the month of May, the fly-in access lakes start to produce great action as the
hungry trout pull out of their winter dormancy. For the remainder of the year, numerous Cutthroat Trout reward our efforts, while a select
few lakes provide unprecedented action for Rainbows, like no other on Vancouver Island. Some of these trophies have easily broken the 10
lb. range, most often on 5-6 wt. fly rods. To keep these options unique and robust, we release all fish on our freshwater excursions.