Man overboard lands unlikely fishing story off Salt Spring Island, B.C.

A man fishing off Salt Spring Island got more than he bargained for when he dived overboard after fallen fishing gear, and landed an unexpected catch.

When retired Vancouver firefighter Steve Bauer and his friends went fishing off the coast of Salt Spring Island last week, they were expecting to return home with a few tidbits and tales – but not one so tall they would need video evidence to prove it.

Bauer had been boating in the ocean near the Vesuvius ferry terminal when his fishing rod, a special rod and reel he had just been gifted for his birthday, fell overboard. As he dove in the water after his gear, he realized a fish was still attached to the end of the line – and it was a big one.

A video taken from the boat shows Bauer, fully submerged from the neck down as he treads water, frantically reeling in his catch as music and cheers from his fishing mates roar in the background.

The group aboard the boat, which included CTV News Vancouver news director Ethan Faber, rushed to switch off the motor and rescue their saturated friend. Bauer swam alongside the vessel, passing his rod and reel to the crowd before he was heaved back on board.

A few moments later the group managed to land the salmon, gathering around for a photograph to cement the memory and create physical proof of their unlikely tale.

As for the salmon, the group quickly realized it was of the spring variety – restricted to catch and release at this time of the year – and returned it safely to the waters.