5.0(1 Reviews)Ucluelet's Top-Rated 8 Hour Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing for Chinook, Salmon, and HalibutCustom-built boat accommodates up to five anglers comfortablyPacific Rim waters offer prime fishing conditions year-round
Get ready for some serious fishing action on Vancouver Island's wild west coast. This full-day charter takes you into the legendary waters off Ucluelet, where the Pacific Rim's most sought-after fish are waiting. Captain Curtis has been working these waters for years, and his custom-built boat is designed to get you to the fish and keep you comfortable all day long. You'll hit both the nearshore waters and the offshore banks, giving you shots at everything from trophy Chinook to barn-door Halibut. With room for up to 5 anglers, this is your chance to experience world-class fishing in one of BC's most productive areas.
Your day starts early at the Ucluelet harbour, where you'll meet Captain Curtis and get familiar with his well-equipped vessel. This isn't just any fishing boat – it's been custom-built with serious anglers in mind, featuring all the electronics, tackle, and safety gear you need for a successful day. The Pacific Rim waters around Ucluelet offer incredible variety, from the kelp beds and underwater structure close to shore to the deeper offshore banks where the big fish roam. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll move between different zones throughout the day. The captain knows exactly where to find fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. You'll spend quality time at each spot, working the water properly instead of just running and gunning. The boat handles the Pacific swells beautifully, so you can focus on fishing instead of hanging on.
Captain Curtis provides all the gear you need, from heavy-duty rods and reels to fresh bait and proven lures. For Chinook, you'll primarily be mooching with herring or pulling spoons and flasher setups in the troll. The boat's downriggers let you get your bait right down to where the fish are holding, whether that's 40 feet or 200 feet. When you're targeting Halibut on the offshore banks, it's all about getting quality bait down to the bottom – think big chunks of salmon belly or whole herring on circle hooks. Lingcod fishing means working the rocky structure with heavy jigs and live or dead bait. The captain will set you up with the right tackle for each situation and coach you through the techniques. His fishfinder and GPS chartplotter help locate schools of baitfish and promising bottom structure. The boat's stability makes it easy to feel what's happening down below, whether it's a soft Halibut bite or the aggressive head-shaking of a Lingcod.
"Caught some beautiful Chinook with Captain Curtis. My son and I had a lot of fun and felt safe the whole trip." - Conor
Chinook Salmon are the kings of these waters, and for good reason. These powerful fish can reach 30 pounds or more in the Pacific Rim waters, with their broad shoulders and chrome-bright sides making them a sight to behold. Peak season runs from June through September, when they're feeding heavily on herring, anchovies, and needlefish near the surface. What makes Chinook so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs and jump when hooked, testing your tackle and skills. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the barbecue or smoker. Local Chinook often have that distinctive red meat that comes from feeding on quality baitfish in clean, cold water.
Pacific Halibut are the giants of the bottom, capable of reaching massive sizes on the offshore banks around Ucluelet. These flatfish can weigh anywhere from 10 pounds to over 100 pounds, though most anglers are targeting fish in the 20-50 pound range for the best eating. Summer months from May through September offer the most consistent action as Halibut move into shallower water to feed. What's exciting about Halibut fishing is you never know what size is going to grab your bait – that gentle tap could be a 200-pounder. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's incredibly versatile in the kitchen. The fight is different from salmon – more of a steady, bulldogging battle that tests your endurance.
Lingcod are the wolves of the rocky reefs, aggressive predators that will hit just about anything that moves through their territory. These toothy fish typically range from 5 to 20 pounds in local waters, though bigger ones are always possible. They're available year-round but fishing is best from late spring through fall when they're more active. Lingcod are exciting because they hit hard and fast, often grabbing your bait or jig the moment it hits their strike zone. They're also excellent eating despite their prehistoric appearance, with firm, white meat that's similar to Halibut. The rocky bottom where they live around Ucluelet provides perfect habitat, with plenty of structure and current to hold baitfish.
Ucluelet's reputation as a customer favorite fishing destination isn't built on luck – it's built on consistently productive waters and experienced guides like Captain Curtis who know how to put you on fish. This 8-hour charter gives you the time to really work the water and experience everything the Pacific Rim has to offer. Whether you're after your first Chinook, a personal-best Halibut, or just want to enjoy a day of quality fishing with friends or family, this trip delivers. The boat's capacity of 5 anglers means you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your spot now and get ready to experience some of the best offshore fishing on Vancouver Island's legendary west coast.
Meet the Overtime, your ticket to some serious Pacific fishing action off Ucluelet's coast. This 2018 32-foot custom Northwest Aluminum Craft was built specifically for chasing salmon and halibut in these productive waters. With her wide 10'6" beam and twin 300 HP Suzuki engines, she cuts through the swells with authority while the 30 HP kicker keeps you positioned perfectly over those fishy spots. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - fish finder to mark schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When nature calls or you need a break from the action, there's a private head and even a berth below deck. The galley lets you fuel up between fishing sessions. Captain's got this rig dialed in for targeting Chinook along the shoreline structures and making those offshore runs to the banks where the big halibut hang out. With room for up to 5 anglers, everyone gets prime fishing space along the rails without feeling crowded. Whether you're working jigs in 200 feet of water or pulling gear through salmon lanes, the Overtime delivers the stability and fishability that puts fish in the box.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of salmon for good reason - they're the biggest and strongest fighters you'll find in these waters. Silver-sided with blue-green backs and black spots, they average 12-20 pounds but can push 30+ pounds during peak runs. They spend most of their time in deeper water along drop-offs and current lines, following baitfish like herring and anchovies. Spring through fall offers the best action, with summer being prime time. What makes them special is that hard-pulling fight combined with that rich, orange-red meat that's perfect for the grill. They're light-sensitive, so they stay deeper during bright days. My go-to trick: troll herring at 30-80 feet with your downriggers, and watch for birds working bait schools - that's where you'll find the big ones feeding.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are one of the gnarliest-looking fish you'll hook around here - massive heads, razor-sharp teeth, and an attitude to match. Despite their name, they're actually greenlings, not cod. These bottom-dwellers love hanging out in rocky areas from 30-300 feet deep, using their mottled brown and green coloring to ambush prey. Females regularly hit 20+ pounds while males stay smaller. They're aggressive fighters that would rather battle than flee, making them a blast to catch. The meat is fantastic - firm, white, and flaky. Best tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get it away from the rocks fast. They're available year-round, but summer offers the most consistent action when they're actively feeding on our local reefs.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the deep - these massive flatfish can reach 100+ pounds and provide some of the best eating you'll find. They're bottom-dwellers that prefer 80-400 feet of water over sandy or muddy bottoms near structure. Both eyes are on their dark topside, and they're perfectly built for ambushing prey from below. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know if you've got a 20-pounder or a true giant until it comes up. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. Key tip: use heavy jigs or whole herring on the bottom, and when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait and swim off before really committing.
5.0 out of 5.0Caught some beautiful Chinook with Captain Curtis. My son and I had a lot of fun and felt safe the whole trip.
Ucluelet