Josh Temple

Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge

The saltwater fishing season in Chatham Sound was highlighted by Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge's introduction of its first rate fly and light tackle itinerary. A small, personable wilderness resort, Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge became one of the first lodge's on the coast of British Columbia to offer an all inclusive top notch fly and light tackle repertoire to its visiting anglers. Many new and returning guests took advantage of this itinerary during the 2000 season and went on to discover some of the benefits of pursuing Canada's Pacific gamefish on light tackle.

The Steelheader interviewed Josh Temple, Wilp Sy'oon's head guide who put the program together, and asked him to explain more to our readers: "For nearly a decade now anglers have begun to seriously alter their mentality towards saltwater fishing on BC's coast. I can remember a time when success was strictly measured in size and

quantity of fish killed. Thankfully, these days are largely a memory. Today it seems more and more anglers are adopting a more sustainable mentality of selective harvest, utilizing alternative techniques, and discovering that they can have more fun by enjoying the art of fishing rather than the act of killing."

Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge wanted to promote and nurture this type of philosophy because in our opinion it's the future of sportfishing - not only on our coast but around the world. Historically, only a small group of intrepid anglers knew and utilized the techniques that encompass fly and light tackle angling for our Pacific gamefish. These anglers were experimenting with new techniques and discovering that it was possible to alter from more traditional methods of catching salmon and other gamefish. They not only pioneered alternative

methods and equipment but brought their discoveries to public attention - effectively giving birth to a new trend in our Pacific fishery.

Because of this pioneering effort, countless new anglers are turning to fly and light tackle angling and, not surprisingly, discovering that they're beginning to have a lot more fun."

What kind of equipment does Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge offer to its visiting guests interested in trying out this exciting new fishery?

"When I sat down and put this plan on paper the first thing I did was contact manufacturers. I wanted to find other companies who offered first rate products and shared our view of adopting a sustainable philosophy. I made a lot of calls, believe me. In the end Scott Fly Rods, G-Loomis Rods, Ross Reels, Abu Garcia Reels, Scientific Angler, and Maxima Lines agreed to aid us in putting together the absolute best fly and light tackle itinerary available.

Wilp Sy'oon now offers a complete assortment of Scott Fly Rods and G-Loomis conventional rods outfitted with Islander, Abu Garcia, and Ross Reels. Complimenting these outfits are flylines from Scientific Angler and monofilament lines from Maxima. These manufactures are producing some of the finest equipment and accessories available to the serious angler and Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge is proud to offer their success to our clients."

It sounds like you are offering a veritable tackle store of options to your guests. "That's exactly right. When we say we've put together the finest repertoire of fly and light tackle equipment available - we mean it. Many guests spent their entire trip changing from one outfit to another throughout the day in order to try and sample most of the diversity of equipment that we have available. Everything from flyfishing to spinning outfits to ultralight baitcasting set ups are covered. You can flyfish for sea bass, salmon, or trout and then change gears and go ultralight for halibut, salmon, or snapper. If you can dream it, we've got the equipment to make it possible." How was the response from your guests over the course of the season?

"Wow! It didn't take long to catch on, that's for sure. Anglers who began utilizing the new itineraries during their trip immediately noticed the added enjoyment of trying something new. Many guests caught their first Pacific salmon on the fly and many more tried their hand at catching a feisty coho or arm wrenching chinook utilizing alternative techniques on ultralight."

How did your guests find the challenges of adopting to this style of fishing?

"Most of our clients are experienced fisherman so it was a natural step in their evolution as anglers. But that's not to say that you need to be an expert to try light tackle angling. We get our share of novice anglers and they're as eager to try out these itineraries as the next person."

Traditionally, what season best suits Wilp Sy'oon's light tackle itineraries?

"Well, that's a tough question. Anyone can, and should, try these itineraries out at any time during the year - in both fresh and saltwater for that matter. But if I was to pick my favourite time I'd have to say August or September. Those months are hard to beat for sheer abundance of fish. Salmon, halibut, sea bass, cod, and snapper are everywhere and provide the best opportunity for anglers to experience the full diversity of this fishery."

Does Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge include this new itinerary in its regular packages? "You bet. Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge offers 5 day/4 night all inclusive packages. They include return airfare to the lodge from Vancouver, BC, meals, accommodation, liquor, beer and wine, four full days of guided fishing, all tackle and equipment, licenses, and fish processing."

Interested anglers wishing to find out more about this exciting new itinerary or any of Wilp Sy'oon Wilderness Lodge's other adventures are urged to call their office toll free @ 1-800-596-2226.