Multi-Species Fishing Charter in Nanaimo, BC
Private Trip
Multispecies 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. We're talking salmon, lingcod, rockfish, prawns, and Dungeness crab all in one trip. Operating from Brechin Boat Ramp right next to the Departure Bay ferry terminal, you'll be fishing the productive waters of the Strait of Georgia where multiple species converge. With only 3 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work different setups throughout the day. This isn't your typical single-species grind – we switch tactics and target zones to maximize your chances at filling the cooler with a mixed bag.
This charter runs in the afternoon, which works perfectly for targeting multiple species as conditions change throughout the day. You'll launch from Brechin Boat Ramp and head into the Strait of Georgia, where the mix of deep channels, rocky structure, and tidal currents creates ideal habitat for everything from salmon to bottom dwellers. The small group size means you're not fighting for deck space or waiting your turn – everyone gets hands-on time with different techniques. Your captain knows these waters intimately and will move between productive zones based on what's biting. One minute you might be trolling for salmon in 200 feet of water, the next you're dropping crab traps near rocky pinnacles. The beauty is in the variety – no two trips are identical, and you never know what's going to hit next.
This trip showcases the full arsenal of West Coast fishing methods. For salmon, we're primarily trolling with downriggers, running spoons, hoochies, and cut-plug herring at various depths to find where fish are holding. When we switch to bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish, it's all about heavy jigs and live or cut bait dropped right into the structure. The prawn and crab setups are completely different – prawn traps baited with cat food or specialized baits, and crab traps loaded with fish heads or chicken. All gear is provided, but if you have favorite lures or tackle, bring them along. The captain will have multiple rod setups ready so transitions between techniques happen quickly. You'll learn proper jigging cadence for rockfish, how to work a salmon through the boat, and the patience required for successful crabbing and prawning.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel here, with fish ranging from keeper-sized residents to massive 30+ pound tyees that'll test your drag system. These kings patrol the deeper waters off Nanaimo year-round, but late spring through early fall offers the most consistent action. Coho salmon provide non-stop excitement when they're around – these silver rockets hit hard and jump repeatedly, making every hookup a show. Lingcod are the ambush predators of the rocky bottom, with fish commonly in the 10-15 pound range and occasional monsters pushing 30 pounds. Tiger rockfish and copper rockfish add steady action when bottom fishing, with their bright colors and solid fight making them favorites for the dinner table. The bonus catches of prawns and Dungeness crab round out meals perfectly, giving you surf-and-turf options from a single trip.
Chinook salmon are what dreams are made of in these waters. These powerful fish can exceed 40 pounds and provide the hardest fights you'll experience. They're present year-round but peak from May through September, often found in 80-200 feet of water following baitfish schools. When a big chinook hits your downrigger rod, you'll know immediately – the rod loads up and stays bent as the fish makes long, powerful runs.
Coho salmon bring pure adrenaline to every encounter. Averaging 6-12 pounds, they more than make up for their smaller size with acrobatic fights that include multiple jumps and screaming runs. Summer and early fall are prime time, and they often feed aggressively in the top 60 feet of water. Their silver sides and aggressive nature make them a customer favorite every single trip.
Lingcod are the perfect ambush predator, sitting motionless on rocky bottom until prey passes overhead. These toothy giants can reach 25+ pounds in local waters and provide arm-burning fights straight up from the depths. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round. Their prehistoric appearance and excellent table fare make them highly sought after.
Tiger rockfish live up to their name with distinctive orange and black striping that makes them instantly recognizable. Found around rocky structure in 100+ feet of water, they provide consistent action when salmon fishing slows down. Their firm white meat rivals halibut for quality, and their curious nature means they often investigate baits quickly.
Copper rockfish are the copper-colored cousins that share the same habitat as tigers. These hardy fighters punch above their weight class and are incredibly abundant around Nanaimo's rocky reefs. They're active feeders year-round and often the first species to hit when you drop into new structure.
This multi-species approach gives you the best shot at consistent action regardless of conditions. While other charters focus on single species and get skunked when fish aren't cooperating, this trip adapts throughout the day to put you on whatever's biting. The small group size ensures quality instruction and plenty of fishing time for everyone. Whether you're after that trophy chinook, a cooler full of rockfish, or fresh crab for dinner, this charter delivers variety that keeps every cast interesting. The afternoon timing is perfect for working around morning commitments while still getting a full fishing experience. Book your spot with GA WestCoast Charters and discover why Nanaimo's multi-species fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Jump aboard this beautifully restored 21' Bayliner walkaround that's ready to tackle Nanaimo's productive fishing grounds. Powered by a dependable 150HP Suzuki, this boat cruises smoothly at 30 knots to get you quickly from the Brechin Boat Ramp to where the salmon are biting in the Strait of Georgia. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on the hottest spots for Chinook, Coho, lingcod and rockfish. When it's time for some quiet trolling, the wireless motor lets you sneak up on wary fish without spooking them. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long fishing sessions. With comfortable seating for up to 3 anglers and an onboard head, you'll have everything needed for a productive day targeting multiple species. Whether you're dropping crab traps, setting prawn gear, or working the bottom structure for lingcod, this stable platform handles Nanaimo's waters with confidence.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook Salmon are the kings of our waters - these silver-sided giants regularly hit 15-30 pounds in the Strait of Georgia, with some pushing 40+. They're deeper swimmers than Coho, often found 60-200 feet down following the thermocline where the food is. Spring through fall offers the best action as they migrate through our area. What makes them special is that raw power - a big Chinook will test your tackle and your patience. The rich, red meat is unmatched for quality. They're light-sensitive so early morning and evening are prime times. We troll herring, spoons, and plugs at various depths. Local tip: use your downrigger to get your bait down to where the fish are showing on the sonar - Chinook rarely come up to chase, so you need to get down to them.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho Salmon are pure adrenaline on the end of your line - these silver rockets can jump 6 feet out of the water and fight like nothing else. Running 8-12 pounds on average in our waters, they're smaller than Chinook but twice as acrobatic. We troll for them in the upper water column where they chase baitfish. Summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. The bright orange-red meat is outstanding eating. Coho are aggressive and will hit spoons, plugs, and flies in bright colors like chartreuse and pink. They school up, so once you find one, there's usually more around. Key tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work - they'll throw the hook if you horse them during those wild jumps.
Sebastes CaurinusCopper Rockfish are solid bottom fish that guests really enjoy targeting in our local waters. These copper-orange colored fish average around 13 inches but can reach 26 inches and 10 pounds. They're perfect for beginners since they're not picky eaters and there's good numbers of them around rocky areas from 30-600 feet deep. You'll find them year-round, but December through March during spawning season is prime time. What people love is they're aggressive biters and put up a good scrap. The meat is tasty too. They blend in perfectly with the rocks using their mottled coloring. My tip: drop your jig to the bottom near rocky structure, then lift it a few feet and drop it back down repeatedly. That movement triggers their feeding response every time.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters lurking in our rocky reefs - these prehistoric-looking fish with massive teeth and ugly mugs can reach 30+ pounds around Nanaimo. Despite the name, they're not cod but aggressive predators that'll eat anything including other lingcod. You'll find them from 30-300 feet on rocky bottom where they ambush prey. They're available year-round but winter spawning season brings the biggest ones shallow. What guests love is their vicious strike and bulldogging fight - plus the white, flaky meat is fantastic. They won't run when hooked, just pull straight down. Use heavy jigs and work them right on bottom near structure. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they often try to wrap you around the rocks they call home.
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger Rockfish are one of our more unique catches around Nanaimo - these pink-bodied fish with dark vertical stripes really stand out. They're deep-bodied and meaty, typically running 11-18 inches, though some reach up to 24 inches. You'll find them hiding in rocky crevices between 30-800 feet, and they can be surprisingly aggressive when disturbed. What makes them special is their longevity - some live over 100 years. They're territorial loners that put up a decent fight on light tackle. The meat is excellent table fare. Since they're ambush feeders, drop your jig right into the rocky structure and work it slowly - they'll often grab it thinking it's a small crab or shrimp. Watch those dorsal spines when handling them.
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