5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Chinook and Coho Salmon Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore trolling for Chinook and Coho salmonProfessional gear included with optional crab trapping availableSmall group charter accommodating up to three guests
Get ready for some serious salmon fishing off Vancouver Island with Captain Wayne Sarak and Full Melt Charters. This isn't your weekend warrior kind of trip – we're talking about a full day of offshore trolling in some of the most productive salmon waters on the West Coast. You'll be targeting prime Chinook and Coho in legendary spots like Sooke Harbour, Secretary Island, Beechey Head, and Race Rocks. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Wayne's got the local knowledge and top-rated equipment to put fish in the boat. Plus, if you're into it, we can drop some crab traps along the way because why not double down on the seafood action?
This is a proper offshore adventure that starts early and keeps you busy all day. We're running a smaller operation with just three anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. Wayne knows these waters like the back of his hand – he's been working the productive zones around Vancouver Island for years, reading the currents, bait schools, and seasonal patterns that make or break a fishing day. The boat comes fully rigged with quality downriggers, rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you need. You'll spend your time moving between proven hotspots, adjusting depths based on what the fish finder shows, and learning the subtle art of West Coast salmon trolling. Between spots, keep your eyes peeled for Steller Sea Lions – they're regulars in these parts and always put on a show. Just remember to grab your BC tidal waters fishing license before you head out because the conservation officers don't mess around.
We're running downriggers with proven West Coast setups that have been putting salmon in the box for decades. You'll be using flashers and spoons, plugs, and bait depending on what the fish are telling us that day. The downriggers let us get your gear down to the precise depth where the salmon are holding – sometimes that's 60 feet, sometimes it's 200, and Wayne reads the water to dial it in. The rods are medium-heavy action with quality reels that can handle the screaming runs these Chinook are famous for. We'll be trolling at different speeds through structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where salmon ambush baitfish. The boat's electronics include GPS, fish finder, and temperature gauges so we can track the thermocline and find those sweet spots where salmon concentrate. When a rod goes off, you'll know it – the drag will sing and you'll be in for a real battle. Wayne handles the boat positioning and net work while you focus on fighting the fish and learning the techniques that separate successful salmon anglers from weekend warriors.
"Did a short charter with these guys during the summer of 2024 and can't say enough good things about these guys! Meet up location was easy to find, friendly and knowledgeable guide, got us right on the crabs and the fish. We will be back on a yearly basis!" - Brenden Hoffman
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of West Coast fishing and the main target on this charter. These fish grow massive in the rich Pacific waters off Vancouver Island, with mature adults ranging from 15 to 40 pounds, and the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. Chinook are apex predators with powerful builds and stamina that'll test your arms and drag system. They're most active during the cooler months from late spring through early fall, following herring and anchovy schools along the continental shelf. When you hook into a big Chinook, expect multiple runs, deep dives, and head-shaking fights that can last 20 minutes or more. The meat is premium – rich, fatty, and perfect for the grill or smoker. Local anglers call them "Kings" for good reason, and landing one of these bruisers is what salmon fishing dreams are made of.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the mix with their acrobatic fighting style and aggressive strikes. These silver bullets typically run 6 to 12 pounds around Vancouver Island, but what they lack in size compared to Chinook, they make up for in pure energy. Coho are known for their spectacular jumps and surface runs when hooked – they'll go airborne multiple times trying to throw your hooks. They're more willing to hit surface presentations and bright lures, making them perfect targets for anglers who want consistent action. Peak Coho season runs from mid-summer through early fall when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. The flesh is excellent eating with a milder flavor than Chinook, and their willingness to bite makes them a favorite for building confidence in newer salmon anglers.
Pink salmon show up in massive numbers during odd-numbered years, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing action you'll find anywhere on the coast. These smaller salmon, typically 3 to 5 pounds, make up for their size with sheer abundance and eagerness to bite. When the pinks are running, you can expect multiple hookups and non-stop action that'll keep everyone on the boat busy. They're perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they're relatively easy to handle but still put up a scrappy fight. Pink salmon prefer smaller lures and lighter tackle, so Wayne adjusts the setup accordingly when targeting these fish. While they're not as prized for eating as Chinook or Coho, they're excellent for smoking and make great fish cakes. The real appeal is the sheer volume – during peak pink runs, double-digit fish days are common and the action can be absolutely crazy.
This full-day salmon charter with Full Melt Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality fishing with a captain who knows how to find fish and put you on them. Wayne
This beautifully restored 1991 Grady-White gets you to the best salmon waters around Vancouver Island in style. The 23-foot cabin cruiser cuts through Pacific swells with its powerful Yamaha 300HP engine, reaching speeds up to 40 knots when moving between hot fishing spots like Sooke Harbour and Race Rocks. The comfortable cuddy cabin keeps you dry during weather changes, while the onboard fish finder helps locate those deep Chinook schools. With GPS navigation and radar for foggy morning runs, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh, this boat handles everything from trolling the productive waters off Secretary Island to setting crab traps. The multimedia system provides entertainment between bites, and when the salmon action slows, you can relax on the bed or grab a snack from the cooler. Perfect for up to 3 anglers ready to target both Chinook and Coho in British Columbia's legendary salmon grounds.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKnown as the King of salmon, Chinooks are the biggest you'll find in these waters - typically running 15-30 pounds around Vancouver Island, with some monsters pushing 40+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer deeper water during the day, usually 80-200 feet down where it's cooler. They're most active early morning and evening when they'll move shallower to feed on herring and anchovies. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial run when hooked - pure power that'll test your drag system. The meat is rich and buttery, perfect for the BBQ. Local tip: when trolling spoons or plugs, keep your speed around 2.5-3 knots and watch for bait balls on the sounder - that's where the big kings will be lurking underneath.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are the acrobats of the salmon world. These 8-15 pound fighters are famous for their spectacular jumps - they can leap 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them in the top 60 feet of water, often mixed with baitfish schools near structure or kelp beds. Their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs make them beautiful fish, and the bright orange meat is some of the best eating you'll get. Coho are aggressive feeders, especially during their late summer runs, making them a favorite for both trolling and casting. They'll hit spoons, plugs, and flies with authority. The key around here is matching the local baitfish - anchovies work great. Keep your gear medium-heavy since these fish fight hard right to the boat.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPinks are the smallest Pacific salmon but don't let size fool you - these scrappy 3-5 pounders are loads of fun on light tackle. They run in huge schools every other year (odd years are best here), making for fast action when they're around. You'll find them in shallower water, often within 50 feet of the surface, chasing small baitfish and plankton. Their distinctive humped backs and large black spots make them easy to identify. Pinks are perfect for beginners since they're eager biters and great eating - mild, flaky meat that's excellent grilled or smoked. They love bright colors, especially pink hoochies and small spoons. Pro tip: when the pinks are schooling, try a small pink or chartreuse jig tipped with herring - the action can be non-stop.
5.0 out of 5.0Did a short charter with these guys during the summer of 2024 and can’t say enough good things about these guys! Meet up location ...
Vancouver Island