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 guide provides all fishing gear and equipmentOptional crabbing available with marine wildlife viewing opportunities
Vancouver Island's waters are legendary for salmon fishing, and this full-day charter with Captain Wayne Sarak puts you right in the heart of the action. You'll be trolling the productive offshore grounds around Sooke Harbour, Secretary Island, Beechey Head, and Race Rocks – spots that consistently produce both trophy Chinook and feisty Coho salmon. This isn't your typical half-day rush job; we're talking about a proper full-day adventure that gives you real time to work the water and dial in on what the fish want. Whether you've been chasing salmon for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, Wayne's got the local knowledge and gear to put you on fish.
Your day starts early at an easy-to-find launch point, where you'll meet Wayne and get the rundown on conditions and game plan. The boat's rigged with quality downriggers, rods, and tackle – everything you need to fish these waters properly. We'll be covering serious ground, moving between proven salmon haunts based on what's producing. The offshore trolling approach lets us work different depths and structures, from the shallow kelp beds where Coho love to ambush bait, to the deeper drop-offs that hold the big Chinook. Between fishing spots, keep your eyes peeled for Steller Sea Lions hauled out on the rocks – these waters are alive with marine life. If you're interested, we can drop some crab traps during the day and check them later for a bonus treat. Just remember to grab your BC tidal waters fishing license before the trip – it's mandatory for everyone on board.
Offshore salmon trolling is all about covering water efficiently while presenting your lures at the right depth and speed. Wayne runs a clean setup with downriggers that'll get your gear down to where the salmon are holding, whether that's 40 feet or 140 feet. We're talking spoons, flasher and hoochie combos, and plugs – the proven producers for these waters. The key is reading the sonar, watching for bait balls, and adjusting your spread based on what the fish are telling you. You don't need to bring anything gear-wise; the boat's stocked with everything from light Coho setups to the heavy artillery needed for big Chinook. Wayne knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll put you on the structure and depth where salmon are most likely to be feeding. The trolling approach also means less work for you – once the lines are set, it's about watching the rods and being ready when one goes off.
"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 kings of Pacific salmon, and for good reason. These fish can push 30-plus pounds around Vancouver Island, with some real monsters topping 40 pounds if you're lucky. They're typically holding deeper than Coho, often relating to underwater structure and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but the best fishing often happens during the summer months when the fish are fattened up and aggressive. When a big Chinook hits your downrigger, you'll know it – these fish have the power to strip line and test your drag. They're prized not just for their size, but for their rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho Salmon bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These silver rockets are known for their acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times when hooked. They typically run smaller than Chinook – usually in the 8-15 pound range – but what they lack in size they make up for in pure aggression. Coho love to hang around bait schools in the upper water column, making them perfect targets for our trolling approach. They're particularly active during the summer and early fall months, and they're not shy about hitting lures. The meat is excellent eating with a slightly milder flavor than Chinook, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and exciting fights.
Pink Salmon might be the smallest of the Pacific salmon species, but they more than make up for it in numbers and attitude. During odd-numbered years, massive runs of pinks flood Vancouver Island waters, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll ever experience. These fish typically run 3-6 pounds, but when they're around, you can catch dozens in a single outing. They're scrappy fighters that will test your light tackle, and they're great for beginners since they're usually eager to bite. While they don't grow as large as their cousins, pinks are excellent eating when fresh and provide non-stop action when the runs are in. They're particularly abundant during late summer and early fall during peak years.
This full-day charter gives you the best shot at experiencing Vancouver Island's world-class salmon fishing. With Wayne's local expertise, quality gear, and access to multiple productive fishing grounds, you're setting yourself up for a memorable day on the water. The three-angler capacity means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're after a trophy Chinook for the wall, some Coho for the dinner table, or just want to experience some of the best salmon fishing on the West Coast, this charter delivers. Don't wait – prime salmon fishing windows book up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance at getting into some serious fish.
This freshly restored 1991 Grady-White cabin cruiser is your ticket to prime salmon fishing waters around Vancouver Island. At 23 feet with a powerful Yamaha 300HP engine, she'll get you out to the productive grounds at Sooke Harbour, Secretary Island, and Race Rocks with speed and stability. The comfortable cuddy cabin gives you a break from the elements between fishing spots, while the onboard fish finder helps locate those trophy Chinook and Coho. With GPS and radar keeping you on course, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, you're set for a full day of serious salmon trolling. The boat sleeps up to 5 but fishes 3 guests comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work the lines. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, this well-equipped vessel handles the coastal waters with confidence.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of our waters, running 12-39 inches and typically 7-15 pounds, though we see plenty of 20-30 pounders around Vancouver Island. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs love deeper water during the day since they're light-sensitive. We target them offshore around Sooke and Race Rocks using downriggers and trolling setups. Early morning and evening bites are prime time. What makes chinooks special is their incredible fight and that rich, orange-red meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They can live up to 7 years and migrate between fresh and saltwater. Here's a local tip: when trolling, use a large spoon or plug behind a flasher at 80-120 feet deep. The key is keeping your gear moving through the water column where they're feeding on herring and anchovies.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are the acrobats of our salmon fishing. Running 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds on average, these fish can jump clean out of the water - sometimes 6 feet high. They've got that classic silver body with a blue-green back and love hanging around structure and drop-offs in 40-80 feet of water. What really sets cohos apart is their aggressive nature and aerial shows when hooked. The meat is top-notch with bright orange-red color. Around Vancouver Island, we find them near Beechey Head and Secretary Island during summer and early fall runs. They feed on herring, anchovies, and squid, so we match our lures accordingly. Here's my go-to setup: chartreuse and pink spoons behind a dodger, trolled at 3-4 knots. When they hit, keep steady pressure - they'll try every trick to throw that hook, including multiple jumps.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest Pacific salmon but make up for size with numbers. They average around 4-5 pounds and have that distinctive hump on their backs, especially the males. These silver fish turn darker in streams and only live about 2 years, making every run count. In our waters around Vancouver Island, they love the cooler temperatures and feed heavily on plankton and small baitfish. The great thing about pinks is they're perfect for beginners - they're willing biters and put up a decent scrap for their size. Their meat has that nice pink color from all the crustaceans they eat. Best fishing is during their odd-year runs in summer. Here's what works: bright pink jigs or hoochies work magic. I like to add a bit of herring scent to really get their attention. Fish them in 20-60 feet of water near creek mouths and you'll connect.
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