Expert Guided Multi-Species Fishing in Nanaimo Waters
Private Trip
Sixhour charter targets salmon, lingcod, rockfish, crab and prawnsSmall group of three anglers explores Strait of Georgia watersMultiple fishing methods including trolling, bottom fishing and crabbing
When you're looking for serious fishing action without burning a whole day, this 6-hour multi-species charter out of Nanaimo hits the sweet spot. GA WestCoast Charters runs these trips from the Brechin Boat Ramp, right next to the Departure Bay ferry terminal, so you're not scrambling around looking for some hidden launch spot. The Strait of Georgia waters around here are loaded with fish, and the extra time means we can chase whatever's biting instead of rushing back to dock when things get good.
This charter keeps things interesting by targeting multiple species throughout the day. We're not locked into one style of fishing – the whole point is adapting to what's working. Some days the salmon are crushing spoons in 80 feet of water, other days the lingcod are stacked up on the rocky structure, and sometimes the prawns are so thick you'll wonder why anyone bothers with anything else. The 6-hour window gives us room to move around, check different depths, and really work the productive spots without watching the clock. You'll be fishing with just two other anglers max, so there's plenty of elbow room and everyone gets their shots at the good fish. The captain adjusts tactics based on tides, bait movement, and what the fish are telling us – that's the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
We mix up the methods depending on what we're after. For salmon, we'll be trolling with downriggers, running spoons, hootchies, and cut-plug herring at different depths until we find the zone they're feeding in. The lingcod fishing is all about getting down to structure with heavy jigs and live bait – these fish don't mess around, and when they grab your offering, you'll know it. Rockfish come up on the lighter tackle, and it's a blast feeling every head shake on the way up from 200 feet. The crab and prawn gear gets deployed in the right spots while we're fishing other areas – it's like having multiple lines in the water working for you. All the rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite setup, bring it along. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for the smaller rockfish up to heavy trolling rods that can handle a big Chinook without breaking a sweat.
Chinook salmon are the kings of these waters, and for good reason. These fish can push 20, 30, even 40 pounds, and they fight like they mean it. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish showing up in late summer. When you hook into a mature Chinook, it's going to test your drag and your patience – they make long runs, shake their heads, and generally do everything possible to throw the hook. The meat is incredible, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a fish that could feed your family for a week.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. They're acrobatic fighters that love to jump and run, and they'll hit lures with an aggression that can catch you off guard. Summer into early fall is when they're most active around Nanaimo, and they're often found in shallower water than their Chinook cousins. Coho are excellent eating and perfect for anglers who want consistent action – they school up and when you find them, you can usually count on steady fishing.
Lingcod are the bullies of the bottom, and they look the part with their massive mouths full of teeth. These fish can grow huge – 20 to 40 pounders aren't uncommon – and they fight dirty, using their weight and the bottom structure to try to break you off. They're year-round residents but really turn on during winter months. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about pulling a prehistoric-looking lingcod up from the depths.
Tiger rockfish are beautifully marked fish with distinctive red and black stripes that make them easy to identify. They're found on rocky reefs and underwater structure, usually in schools, so where you catch one, you'll likely find more. These fish are excellent eating with firm, white meat, and they're fun to catch on lighter tackle. They're available year-round, though they seem more active during certain tidal conditions.
Copper rockfish are another stellar bottom fish that anglers love to target. They're copper-colored as the name suggests, often with darker mottling, and they inhabit similar rocky areas as other rockfish species. They're known for their excellent table fare and fight well for their size. Like other rockfish, they can live a long time and grow quite large, with some specimens exceeding 5 pounds. They're active throughout the year and respond well to both jigs and bait fishing techniques.
This top-rated charter gives you the best of Nanaimo's fishing scene without the commitment of a full-day trip. The multi-species approach means you're almost guaranteed to get into fish, and the extended half-day format provides enough time to really work the water properly. Whether you're a local angler looking to mix things up or visiting BC and want to experience world-class fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The intimate boat size ensures personalized attention and plenty of fish-fighting room. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak salmon seasons.
This freshly restored 21' Bayliner walkaround is your ticket to some serious fishing action in the waters around Nanaimo. With a dependable 150HP Suzuki pushing her along at up to 30 knots, you'll cover plenty of water chasing salmon, lingcod, and whatever else is biting in the Strait of Georgia. The walkaround design gives you room to move around when fighting fish, while the cabin provides shelter when the weather kicks up. She's equipped with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate schools, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a head for convenience during those long 6-hour sessions. Whether you're trolling the drop-offs for chinook, jigging bottom structure for lingcod, or pulling crab traps, this boat handles it all with stability and comfort for up to 3 anglers.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook Salmon are the kings of our waters - the biggest salmon species and what every angler dreams about. These powerhouse fish average 15-20 pounds here, but 30+ pounders cruise through regularly. They prefer deeper water and stay down in the cooler layers, making downriggers and weighted lines essential. What guests love is that incredible fight and the premium table fare - that rich, orange-pink meat is unmatched. Early morning and evening produce the best bites since they're light-sensitive. Summer into early fall gives us prime time fishing. The secret is getting your bait or lure down to where they're holding - usually 40-120 feet depending on conditions. Once hooked, these fish will test every knot and give you a battle worth remembering.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho Salmon are absolute crowd-pleasers - known as silvers for their bright sides, these acrobatic fish will jump clean out of the water and put on a show. They typically run 8-12 pounds in our waters, though we see bigger ones. What sets them apart is that fighting spirit and the way they can leap 6 feet vertically when hooked. The meat is outstanding too - bright orange-red and perfect on the table. We find them in the upper water column, often feeding near bait schools. Summer through fall gives us our best shots at them. The key is watching your sounder for bait balls, then trolling spoons or flies just above them. When they hit, hang on tight - they'll take you for a ride before coming to the net.
Sebastes CaurinusCopper Rockfish are some of the most reliable fish you'll find in the Strait of Georgia. These chunky little fighters average around 13 inches and 3 pounds, but can push up to 26 inches and 10 pounds if you're lucky. They hang out in rocky areas between 30-150 feet, using their copper and brown coloring to blend right into the structure. What guests love about them is they're not picky eaters - perfect for beginners since they'll hit almost anything you drop down. Their spawning season from December to March gives us some of the best action. Here's the trick: once your gear hits bottom, lift it up a couple feet, then drop it back down and repeat. That yo-yo motion drives them crazy.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters lurking in our rocky reefs - these toothy predators can hit 20+ pounds and will eat anything that fits in that massive mouth, including other lingcod. They're bottom dwellers that live in 30-300 feet around rocky structure, and despite their name, they're actually not cod at all. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they won't run from a fight and will often follow your lure right to the boat. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find. Year-round fishing with peak action in spring and summer. My go-to method is dropping metal jigs right to the bottom near rocky ledges - when they grab on, they usually don't let go. Just watch those teeth when landing them!
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger Rockfish are one of the more unique catches you'll encounter in our waters - they're the ones with those distinctive black vertical stripes that give them their name. These deep-bodied fish typically run 11-18 inches and pack some serious meat on their frames. They're loners that hang out in rocky crevices between 30-800 feet, making them a bit of a prize since they don't come up often. What makes them interesting is their aggressive nature - they'll defend their territory and can live over 100 years. They're great eating too. My local tip: when you're jigging near rocky structure, work that bait up and down like an injured crab - that aggressive streak will kick in and they'll hammer it hard.
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