Fishing Charter Tofino BC | 6 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing charter with Bobby Kimoto ChartersTarget salmon, lingcod, rockfish and halibut in Tofino watersOptional Hot Springs Cove visit for relaxation between fishing
If you're serious about fishing the wild waters off Tofino, this 6-hour charter with Bobby Kimoto is your ticket to some of the best offshore action on Vancouver Island's west coast. We're talking about getting into the deep stuff where the big fish live – Lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific halibut, and when the stars align, some serious albacore tuna. This isn't your typical harbor tour; we're heading out where the continental shelf drops off and the Pacific gets real. With just 2 spots on the boat, you're getting a personalized fishing experience that big charter operations can't match. Plus, if the fish are being finicky or you want to mix things up, we can swing by Hot Springs Cove for a soak between fishing spots.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are feeding and before the afternoon winds kick up. Bobby knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to run 15-20 miles offshore to find the bite. We'll be fishing in 100-400 feet of water depending on what's running, and trust me, when you're pulling a 40-pound Chinook up from 200 feet down, you'll understand why this trip is worth every penny. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers and all the tackle you need, but feel free to bring your own rod if you've got a favorite setup. Weather permitting, we'll hit multiple spots throughout the day – maybe start with some salmon action in the morning, then move to deeper structure for lingcod and rockfish. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is we're not rushed; if the bite's on, we can stay put and load the boat.
We fish smart out here, not just hard. For salmon, we're running downriggers with flashers and spoons or hoochies, typically 80-150 feet down depending on where the fish are showing on the sonar. When we're targeting lingcod and rockfish around structure, we switch to heavy jigs and live or cut bait – these bottom dwellers want something meaty. Halibut fishing means going even heavier with 16-32 oz weights and large baits like whole herring or salmon bellies. The gear on board can handle anything from a scrappy rockfish to a barn door halibut, and Bobby will set you up with the right tackle for whatever we're chasing. If albacore are in the area (usually late summer), we'll switch tactics completely – lighter tackle, surface trolling with feathers and small spoons behind the boat at speed.
Lingcod are the bruisers of the bottom, and Tofino's rocky reefs hold some monsters. These prehistoric-looking fish can push 40+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Best action is spring through fall when they're in shallower water guarding their nests. What makes them special? They're ugly as sin but taste amazing, and landing one feels like pulling up a submarine. Chinook salmon are the kings for a reason – we're talking fish that can hit 30-50 pounds in these waters. Peak season runs May through September, and there's nothing quite like the screaming drag when a big spring salmon takes off. They're smart fighters too, using the current and diving deep to try and shake the hook.
Pacific halibut turn every angler into a believer. These flatfish can range from "chicken" halibut around 10-15 pounds up to absolute units pushing 100+ pounds. Summer months are prime time, and they're scattered across sandy bottoms in 150-300 feet of water. Landing a big halibut is a workout – they fight like a barn door in the current. Albacore tuna show up during warm water years, typically August through October. These are pure speed and power, fighting harder pound-for-pound than almost anything else in the ocean. When they're around, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. Black rockfish might not be the glamour species, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. They school up around underwater pinnacles and kelp beds, and when you find them, you can fill the cooler fast.
Look, good fishing doesn't wait around, and neither should you. With only 2 spots available, these charters book up fast, especially during peak salmon season. Bobby's been running these waters for years, and his repeat customers will tell you – this is the real deal. Six hours gives us the flexibility to chase whatever's biting and explore different areas without feeling rushed. Whether you're after that trophy Chinook for the wall or just want to load up the freezer with fresh Pacific seafood, this trip delivers. The offshore waters around Tofino are some of the most productive on the coast, but you need someone who knows how to find and catch the fish. Book your dates now and get ready for some serious fishing – just don't forget to bring a cooler for all the fillets you'll be taking home.
Hit the productive waters around Tofino aboard this well-equipped 25-foot Pursuit cabin cruiser. This 2001 cuddy cabin handles the Pacific swells with confidence, powered by twin Yamaha 150HP engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly at cruising speeds up to 35 knots. The boat's GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive spots for Lingcod, Salmon, Rockfish, and Halibut. When you hook into something big, you'll appreciate the stable platform and spacious cockpit for fighting fish. The enclosed cabin provides shelter from coastal weather, and there's an onboard head for convenience during those longer 6-hour trips. Whether you're targeting specific species or keeping your options open, this setup gets you to where the fish are biting in Tofino's rich waters.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are pure speed and endurance - these bullet-shaped fish never stop moving and fight like nothing else out there. They typically run 15-30 pounds with long pectoral fins and that classic tuna build. We target them in summer and early fall when water temps warm up, usually 8-15 miles offshore in blue water. They travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles, so when you find them, the action gets fast and furious. What anglers love is the non-stop fight - these fish pull drag for what feels like forever. Plus, they're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat tuna," so the eating quality is premium. The trick is staying with the school once you hook up. We troll at 6-8 knots with cedar plugs and feathers, keeping lures 75-100 feet back. When that first fish hits, get everyone ready because the whole school usually lights up.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are reliable fighters that give you solid action without being too finicky about what they'll eat. They run 2-5 pounds on average with a bass-like shape and dark coloring that lightens as they age. You'll find them around rocky reefs, jetties, and kelp beds from shallow water down to 200 feet. They're available year-round but seem most aggressive during cooler months when baitfish are schooled up tight. What guests appreciate is their willingness to bite and decent table fare - firm white meat that's great for fish and chips. They're also perfect for beginners since they fight well but aren't overwhelming. The key is getting your bait or lure down to the structure where they live. We use medium jigs bounced along the rocks, or live anchovies on a sliding sinker rig. Just watch those dorsal spines - they pack a painful punch.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the salmon world, and for good reason. These silver bullets average 15-25 pounds but can easily hit 30-40 pounds in our waters. They're incredibly strong fighters with long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. We find them from spring through fall, with peak action in summer months when they're feeding heavily on herring and anchovies. They prefer deeper water during bright days, often 80-150 feet down, following baitfish along drop-offs and underwater structure. What makes them special is the combination of their fight and incredible table quality - that rich, orange meat is unmatched. The key here is getting your gear down to where they're feeding. We run downriggers with flashers and spoons, keeping everything moving at trolling speed to trigger their predatory instincts.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are one of those fish that look meaner than they act. Despite their massive heads, razor-sharp teeth, and aggressive appearance, they're actually pretty lazy bottom dwellers that prefer ambushing prey from rocky lairs. Most run 15-25 pounds around here, though we've seen some real monsters pushing 40+ pounds. They hang out in 30-300 feet of water along rocky reefs and kelp beds where they blend in perfectly with their mottled green-brown coloring. You can target them year-round, but they're most active during cooler months. What guests love is that once hooked, they fight hard but tire quickly - plus the meat is excellent eating. Pro tip: use heavy jigs and bounce them right along the bottom structure. Lingcod rarely chase lures, so put it right in their face.
Hippoglossus StenolepisHalibut are the ultimate prize fish - these giant flatfish can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds up to well over 100 pounds. They're bottom dwellers that live in 150-400 feet of water over sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush everything from cod to salmon. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas and become more active. What guests really enjoy is the anticipation - halibut fishing is often a waiting game followed by an intense battle with a fish that can outweigh you. The meat is also top-shelf white fish that's hard to beat. The secret is patience and proper presentation. We use heavy weights to get bait down fast, then work it slowly along the bottom. Fresh herring or salmon bellies work best, and adding some scent helps in deeper water where they rely more on smell than sight.
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