Multi-Species Fishing Charter in Nanaimo, BC
Private Trip
Multi-species charter targeting salmon, lingcod, crab and prawnsDeparts from Nanaimo exploring productive Strait of Georgia watersSmall group experience with maximum three guests per trip
If you're looking for variety on the water, this afternoon charter out of Nanaimo delivers exactly that. GA WestCoast Charters runs this multi-species trip from the Brechin Boat Ramp right beside the Departure Bay ferry terminal, making it super convenient to find. You'll be fishing the productive waters of the Strait of Georgia, where the diversity of species keeps things interesting from start to finish. With just three anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
This isn't your typical single-target fishing trip. You'll be switching gears throughout the afternoon, adapting techniques as you move between different fishing zones. The captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll position you where the fish are biting based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. Some days you might start trolling the deeper channels for salmon, then move to rocky structure for lingcod and rockfish. Other trips could include pulling prawn traps or dropping crab gear in the right spots. The beauty of this charter is that you never know exactly what's going to hit your line next, but you can count on action. The Strait of Georgia is famous for its productive fisheries, and there's a reason guides keep coming back to these same proven areas year after year.
You'll be using different fishing methods depending on what species you're targeting during each part of the trip. For salmon, expect to troll with downriggers, running flashers and spoons or hoochies at various depths until you find where the fish are holding. When it's time for bottom fish like lingcod and rockfish, you'll switch to heavy jigs or bait rigs, working the rocky structure and drop-offs where these predators like to hang out. The prawn and crab setups are a bit different - prawn traps get baited and dropped in muddy bottom areas, while crab traps go down in deeper water with the right bait to attract those Dungeness. The captain provides all the gear you need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle, bait, and traps. All you need to bring is your fishing license and a willingness to learn. If you've got your own lucky rod, feel free to bring it along, but the boat gear is quality stuff that's designed for these local conditions.
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of this fishery, and when you hook into a mature king, you'll know it immediately. These fish can run anywhere from 10 pounds up to 30-plus pounds, with the bigger specimens showing up during their peak runs in summer and early fall. Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights, and they make excellent table fare with their rich, fatty meat. The best part about fishing for them here is that you never know when a monster might grab your gear. Coho salmon bring a completely different fight to the table - they're acrobatic jumpers that'll put on a show once hooked. These silver bullets typically range from 6 to 12 pounds and are incredibly aggressive when feeding. Fall is prime time for coho as they stage near river mouths, and they'll often hit lures with such violence that you think you've snagged bottom until your rod starts bouncing.
Lingcod are the apex predators of the rocky reefs, and catching one is always a highlight. These toothy monsters can grow massive - anything over 20 pounds is considered a nice fish, and 40-pounders aren't unheard of in these waters. They're ambush feeders that love to hide in rocky crevices, and when you drop a jig or bait down to them, the bite usually comes as a solid thump followed by dead weight. Don't let that fool you though - once they realize they're hooked, lingcod will fight hard and try to wrap your line around every rock they can find. Tiger rockfish are beautifully marked bottom dwellers that inhabit the same rocky areas as lingcod. They're smaller fish, typically in the 2-5 pound range, but they're excellent eating and fun to catch on lighter tackle. Their distinctive yellow and black stripes make them easy to identify, and they're often found in schools around underwater structure.
Copper rockfish round out the bottom fish trio and are probably the most common rockfish you'll encounter. They're copper-colored (hence the name) and usually run 1-3 pounds, making them perfect for a fish fry. These guys are curious and will often investigate your bait or jig before committing to a bite. While they might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, they're reliable and tasty, and catching a limit of coppers makes for a great day on the water.
This multi-species charter gives you the best of both worlds - the excitement of not knowing what's going to bite next, combined with the knowledge that you're fishing proven waters with an experienced local guide. The small group size means you get personal instruction and plenty of chances to get your lines in the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new techniques or someone newer to the sport who wants to experience the diversity of Pacific Northwest fishing, this trip delivers. The afternoon timing works great for people who want to sleep in or have morning commitments, and you'll still get a full fishing experience. Plus, launching from Nanaimo puts you right in the heart of some of the best multi-species fishing on Vancouver Island. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season.
Your fishing platform is a fully restored 21-foot Bayliner walkaround cabin cruiser that cuts through Nanaimo waters with authority. The reliable 150HP Suzuki pushes this beauty up to 30 knots, getting you to prime salmon runs and productive lingcod spots without burning your whole day on travel time. The walkaround design gives you easy access to fish from bow to stern, while the cabin provides shelter when Georgia Strait weather gets moody. Onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and GPS keeps you on productive bottom structure where the big lingcod hang out. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over crab beds without spooking your targets. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold, plus a head for those longer multi-species trips, this boat handles everything from dawn salmon trolling to afternoon prawn pulls. The stable platform makes it comfortable to work gear whether you're pulling crab traps or fighting a chrome-bright Chinook. Three anglers have plenty of room to fish without tangling lines, and the reliable Suzuki means more time fishing, less time worrying about getting home.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook Salmon are the kings of our waters - the largest Pacific salmon and every angler's dream fish. These silver-sided bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can top 40 pounds in our area. They prefer deeper water and stay near the bottom, so we troll with downriggers to reach them. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding on herring and anchovies. The meat is rich and oily - perfect for smoking or grilling. What sets Kings apart is their raw power; they make long, determined runs and test your tackle. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening produce the best bites. We use large spoons, plugs, and cut herring at 60-150 feet deep. Local secret: watch for diving birds and bait balls on the sounder - that's where the big Kings are feeding. Keep your drag set properly because they'll make you earn every pound.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho Salmon are pure adrenaline on the line - they jump, run, and put on a show like no other fish in these waters. Silver-sided with dark backs, they typically run 8-12 pounds but fight like much bigger fish. These acrobatic salmon cruise the upper water column and respond well to trolling with spoons, plugs, or flies. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. The meat is outstanding - bright orange flesh that's perfect for the BBQ. What makes Coho special is their aerial displays; they can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. We troll at varying depths to find the active fish. Local tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and be ready for those jumps. Don't try to horse them in - let them run and tire themselves out. The fight is half the fun with these silver rockets.
Sebastes CaurinusCopper Rockfish are solid performers that range from brown to orange with copper-colored blotches. Most run 12-15 inches and make great table fare with firm white meat. These fish live around rocky structure from 30-150 feet and aren't shy about taking bait - perfect for newer anglers. They stay put once they find a good rock pile, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Best fishing is during their spawning season from December through March when they're most active. What guests love is they're not picky eaters and fight well for their size. We typically use jigs or bait rigs with circle hooks. My local trick: drop your jig to the bottom, then lift it up a couple feet and work it in that zone. The key is staying just off the rocks where they're hunting but not getting snagged in their hideouts.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters of the rocky bottom - ugly as sin but built like bulldozers. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings with massive heads full of sharp teeth. Females can reach 30+ pounds while males stay smaller, typically under 20. These ambush predators lurk in rocky lairs from 30-200 feet, using their mottled coloring to blend in perfectly. They're available year-round and make excellent eating with firm white meat. What guests love is their aggressive nature - once hooked, they fight hard rather than run. We target them with heavy jigs and bait around rock piles and kelp edges. The key is getting them up and away from structure quickly. Pro tip: use at least 30lb braided line because they'll try to wrap you around rocks. Drop your jig right to the bottom and work it aggressively - they grab anything that moves near their hideout.
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger Rockfish are one of our more unique catches - distinctive pink bodies with black vertical stripes that give them their name. These deep-bodied fish typically run 12-18 inches and pack solid weight for their size. They're homebodies that stick to rocky crevices and reefs between 50-300 feet, so we target them with bottom rigs around structure. Handle with care - those dorsal spines are sharp as razors. What makes them special is their longevity (some live over 100 years!) and their aggressive territorial nature. They're not common, but when we find them hiding in the rocks, they usually commit hard to the bait. Pro tip: once you feel that initial bite, keep steady pressure and lift them straight up - they'll try to duck back into their rocky hideout if you give them slack.
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