4.9(8 Reviews)Full Day Salmon Fishing Charter Vancouver Island
4.9(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Fullday salmon trolling charter targeting Chinook and Coho offshoreProfessional guide provides equipment and expertise for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum three guests per trip
Captain Wayne Sarak's Full Melt Charters delivers one of Vancouver Island's top-rated salmon fishing experiences, targeting prime Chinook and Coho runs in the productive offshore waters. This full-day charter accommodates up to three anglers and focuses on proven trolling techniques that work for everyone from first-timers to seasoned Pacific Northwest fishermen. You'll fish the local coastal zones where Wayne's been putting clients on salmon for years, using professional-grade gear and time-tested methods that consistently produce results.
Your day kicks off early with a thorough briefing on tackle, techniques, and what to expect when those big Chinook hit your line. Wayne runs a well-equipped vessel designed specifically for salmon trolling, complete with downriggers, quality rods, and a selection of proven lures and bait. The offshore waters around Vancouver Island offer incredible salmon fishing opportunities, with depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet depending on where the fish are holding. You'll cover productive areas known for consistent salmon activity, adjusting depths and speeds based on real-time conditions. The professional environment Wayne creates keeps things fun and educational, whether you're learning to work downriggers for the first time or fine-tuning your trolling game. Don't forget to secure your British Columbia tidal waters fishing license before departure - it's required and Wayne can point you in the right direction for getting one.
Salmon trolling around Vancouver Island relies heavily on downrigger fishing, and Wayne's got the setup dialed in perfectly. You'll run multiple lines at varying depths using proven attractors like flashers and dodgers paired with spoons, plugs, or bait. The "knuckle buster" reels Wayne mentions in his briefings are built to handle the powerful runs these salmon are famous for - Chinook especially will test your drag system and your arms. Wayne reads the water constantly, adjusting your spread based on sonar readings, current breaks, and temperature changes that signal where salmon are feeding. The trolling speeds typically range from 2.5 to 4.5 knots, and Wayne knows exactly which presentations work best in different conditions. You'll learn to recognize strikes, manage multiple rods when the action heats up, and handle fish properly whether you're keeping them or releasing them. The gear provided covers everything you need, from heavy-duty rods capable of fighting 30-pound Chinook to landing nets sized for these substantial fish.
"Chris was a great captain. He was patient with our boys (8&5) and everyone had giant smiles when they returned! Ended up catching 3 salmon and 13 crab (kept 5 of them) yum!" - Brittany. "What a great time my son and I had with Captain Wayne . His boat was perfectly fit for the fishing and we had a lot of fun . Thanks Captain Wayne . We caught a lot of fish and it was nicely cleaned ny captain Wayne . We ll come back for sure" - Marc. "Great trip out salmon fishing with Wayne at Full Melt Charters. He carefully explained everything at the beginning including how to manage the "knuckle buster" reels when a big chinook hits. Which they did, often! We reached our limit of 4 in less than hour. Wayne had a good, calm attitude, even when things got a bit crazy. After the chinook limit was reached it was on to pinks, coho AND sockeye (very short surprise opening) and with some luck, we scored them all! Wayne definitely knew the right spots, what lures/bait to use and how to read the water. We even saw humpback whales as an added bonus. It was a great day of fishing and fun. Afterwards, Wayne skillfully and quickly filleted the salmon for us." - Howard.
Chinook Salmon represent the ultimate prize for Vancouver Island anglers, and these waters consistently produce fish in the 15 to 30-pound range with occasional monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. Known locally as "Kings," Chinook are powerful fighters that make long runs and test every component of your tackle system. They typically hold in deeper water during summer months, often 80 to 150 feet down, following baitfish concentrations and feeding aggressively on herring, anchovies, and squid. The best Chinook action usually happens from late spring through early fall, with peak fishing often occurring during the summer months when these fish are bulking up before their spawning runs. What makes catching Chinook so rewarding isn't just their size - it's their incredible table quality and the satisfaction of landing a fish that represents the pinnacle of Pacific salmon fishing.
Coho Salmon bring a different but equally exciting dimension to your Vancouver Island fishing adventure, known for their acrobatic fighting style and willingness to jump clear of the water when hooked. These silver rockets typically range from 8 to 15 pounds in these waters and are incredibly aggressive feeders, often striking lures with violent hits that'll get your heart pumping. Coho tend to feed closer to the surface than Chinook, usually found in the top 60 feet of water, making them perfect targets for both downrigger fishing and surface presentations. They're most active during late summer and early fall, coinciding perfectly with prime fishing weather and calm sea conditions. Coho are prized not only for their fighting ability but also for their excellent eating quality - their firm, flaky meat is perfect for grilling, smoking, or preparing fresh as sashimi.
Wayne's Full Melt Charters consistently delivers world-class salmon fishing experiences that keep anglers coming back season after season. With professional-grade equipment, expert local knowledge, and a proven track record of putting clients on fish, this charter represents exceptional value for serious salmon fishing. The intimate three-person capacity ensures personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish properly
This beautifully restored 1991 Grady-White gets you out to the productive salmon waters off Vancouver Island in style. The 23-foot cabin cruiser runs smooth with its Yamaha 300HP pushing you to fishing spots at 40 knots when conditions allow. Wayne keeps up to 3 anglers comfortable in the cuddy cabin between trolling passes for Chinook and Coho. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you fishing safely in changing coastal conditions. Cold drinks stay fresh in the icebox during long days on the water. With a bed and head onboard, you've got everything needed for serious salmon trolling from dawn to dusk. The multimedia system adds entertainment during travel time to distant fishing grounds where the big ones cruise.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of our waters here off Vancouver Island - these bruisers average 12-20 pounds but can easily push 30+ pounds. They're silver-sided with distinctive black spots and that telltale black mouth. Kings prefer deeper water, usually hanging 60-150 feet down where the cooler currents run. We target them year-round, but late spring through early fall gives us the most consistent action. What makes these fish special is their raw power - they'll peel line and test your drag like nothing else. The meat is rich and buttery with that deep red color everyone loves. My go-to tip: when we're trolling, watch for that subtle tap-tap before the rod loads up. Kings often mouth the bait first, so don't set the hook on that initial bite - wait for the weight to come on the rod.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world, and they put on quite a show once hooked. These silver bullets typically run 8-12 pounds and love to jump - sometimes clearing 6 feet of water when they're hot. We find them in the top 40-80 feet of water, often relating to bait schools and structure. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy before their spawning run. What guests love about cohos is their aggressive nature and aerial displays - they'll tail-walk and cartwheel like no other salmon. The bright orange meat is outstanding table fare too. Here's a local trick: when you see cohos jumping on the surface, drop your gear 20-30 feet below the activity. They're usually chasing bait schools, and the bigger fish hang just underneath the commotion where it's easier to feed.
4.9 out of 5.0Chris was a great captain. He was patient with our boys (8&5) and everyone had giant smiles when they returned! Ended up catching ...
What a great time my son and I had with Captain Wayne . His boat was perfectly fit for the fishing and we had a lot of fun . Thank...
Chris and Wayne made for a great experience.
Fantastic day. Hooked 11, landed 10, kept 5, and will have lots of salmon to share with friends and family back home. Wayne and Vi...
My family and I had a great experience with Wayne. He did such a great job explaining everything and what to expect. Very professi...
Great trip out salmon fishing with Wayne at Full Melt Charters. He carefully explained everything at the beginning including how t...
Had a great trip and picked up some good tips and techniques using downriggers.
Had a great morning with Wayne. My son and 2 grandsons had wonderful time. The 5 beautiful crab we added to our catch was the perf...
Vancouver Island