We went through a similar closure last year in Prince Rupert. The Chinook limit was reduced, then closed for a period. There were no Coho available at the time , so that put an end to the Salmon game for a month. There were a few cancellations, but I also picked up a few more charters at the same time. Some charters were hit harder than others. Guys that didn’t want to put the effort in , or bottomfish were hit harder. Overall I gained quite a few days as a result of last years closure. People that had been fishing for years for salmon and Halibut had no idea of some of the other opportunities, and many when rebooking for this year added an extra day just to enjoy fishing for Sea Bass, or Ling...
Overall a mindset needs to change a bit. It’s no longer just about the limits, but about the experience. I saw people say they didn’t want to go Salmon fishing because the limit for Chinook had been reduced by 1 fish, yet the book a trip Sturgeon fishing which is strictly C&R... There are fishing lodges that have done well fly fishing for Steelhead that are C&R, and who’s anglers would be horrified if they killed a fish, yet are willing to spend thousands of dollars coming from all over the world to experience the fishing. I know these fisheries have highs and lows, but people will continue to fish. Look at the Alberta regulations. Not so much catch and keep anymore, but I bet campgrounds will be full this summer, and anglers will catch a nice walleye, snap a quick pic, and release it ... again
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