Shearwater has remained an important piece of coastal infrastructure for a long time.
With a marina and moorage, hotels, restaurant and full-service shipyard, the place has long been a key stopover for boaters, yachters and marine industry workers. Since it’s early days it’s also been a prime fishing locale.
Just prior to pandemic times, the Shearwater was purchased by the Heiltsuk Nation and re-branded Shearwater Resort. After a couple crazy covid years, Shearwater is back-on-track and enjoyed a highly successful 2023 season. With doors fully open, Shearwater Resort looks to welcome back visitors and long-time friends in 2024.
Big Coast has had some amazing years filming out of Denny Island, including lots of time at Shearwater. This includes many a run across Milbanke Sound to McInnes Island or Cheney Point and just as many trips South into Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy.
This past season, I was stoked to welcome good friend Jes McFarlen to the BC Central Coast and Great Bear Rainforest…Denny Island style. We boated all over in Don McNeice’s Bridgeview 30-footer with Twin Mercury 500 outboards, and what a rocket ship it was!
Jes and I fished several days North, which were incredible. Salmon trolling was slow around McInnes but a bottom fish mission turned out some great ling cod and halibut. The weather was also exceptional.
Towards the end of Jes’ trip we headed South to Hakai from Shearwater and got into our best salmon fishing of the trip. It was awesome bringing a few nice Chinook to the boat before Jes departed…and one of my more memorable trips of the year.
So once again, cheers to Shearwater Resort for a great visit, some wonderful dining and socializing in Fisherman’s Bar and Grill. Looking forward to next year already!
