The bite is on in Prince Rupert.
William Pahl's 53-pound halibut took first place at the Acklands-Grainger Charity Fishing Derby on Sunday while Ken Howes weighed in a 35-pound Tyee to win the salmon division.
Anglers at the weigh-in reported outstanding fishing not only from the standpoint of numbers or weight but also fight.
Alvin Leask and partner Bruce Bolton, who were fishing near Tugwell Island, landed a dressed 20-pounder and a 16-pounder both of which put up a remarkable fight.
"Even the 16 [pound] was really wild," Leask said. "That big one was just pulling straight down to the bottom. There is really wild fish out there."
Leask said his fish came out of six to 12 fathoms on downriggers set between 17 and 20 feet.
"There's herring ponds out near there and I think that's what's attracting them," Leask said.
While a few anglers reported success using white or striped green hoochies with a flasher, Leask said he mimicked what he thought was the best bait for the area, a flasher and herring strip.