Port Hardy Fishing Charter | Private 10 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting salmon, halibut, and rockfishPrivate boat accommodates up to 4 guests maximumCaptain Lloyd provides experienced guidance and equipment
Captain Lloyd and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. This private 10-hour charter out of Port Hardy gives your group of up to 4 anglers exclusive access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the North Island. Whether you're dead-set on landing a monster Chinook or want to fill the cooler with rockfish, this trip adapts to what gets your blood pumping. Not feeling the fishing vibe? No problem – we can switch gears and drop crab traps or pull prawn traps instead.
We push off at 6:00 AM sharp, giving us the full day to work the best spots before other boats crowd the grounds. Port Hardy sits at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, where the open Pacific meets protected waters, creating perfect conditions for both salmon runs and bottom fish populations. Captain Lloyd reads these waters like a book – he knows when the tide changes will fire up the bite and where the baitfish are stacking up. The early start means we can hit multiple spots throughout the day, from shallow rockpiles where lingcod ambush prey to deeper drop-offs where halibut cruise the bottom. Your group gets the boat to yourselves, so we can spend extra time at hot spots or move around quickly if the fish aren't cooperating. The 10-hour window gives us flexibility to adjust tactics and chase whatever species are biting best.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what we're targeting. For salmon, we'll pull flashers and spoons at different depths using downriggers, adjusting our spread based on where the fish are marking on the sonar. Captain Lloyd's got the trolling patterns dialed in – he knows the exact speeds and depths that trigger strikes in these waters. When we switch to bottom fishing for halibut, lingcod, and rockfish, we'll anchor up or drift over structure using heavy tackle and fresh bait. Circle hooks and 2-4 pound lead weights get your offering down to where the big fish live. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. The boat's equipped with a fish finder, GPS, and all safety equipment, plus a cleaning station to get your catch ready for the table.
Pink Salmon show up in massive numbers during odd-numbered years, turning Port Hardy into a fishing frenzy from July through September. These scrappy 3-5 pound fish travel in huge schools and will hit anything flashy you put in front of them. Don't let their size fool you – pinks fight hard and are fantastic eating when fresh. They're perfect for kids or anyone new to salmon fishing since the action stays consistent once you find a school.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world, known for their aerial displays and stubborn fights. Running 8-12 pounds on average, these silver bullets show up from June through October and love to smash lures near the surface. Captain Lloyd targets them around baitfish schools and tide rips where they ambush herring and anchovies. Coho are prized for their firm, flavorful meat and their tendency to jump clear out of the water when hooked.
Chinook Salmon are the ultimate prize in these waters – the kings of the Pacific. Port Hardy produces some true giants, with fish over 30 pounds landed regularly during peak season from May through September. These powerful fish fight deep and hard, testing both your tackle and your arms. The bigger specimens prefer deeper water and larger baits, making them a real trophy catch that many anglers travel across the continent to pursue.
Pacific Halibut are the barn doors of the bottom, with fish over 100 pounds possible in the deeper waters off Port Hardy. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and gravel waiting for prey to swim overhead. Halibut fishing requires patience and strong tackle, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Summer months offer the most consistent action, though we catch them year-round in these productive waters.
Canary Rockfish add steady action and excellent table fare to any bottom fishing trip. These bright orange and yellow fish live around rocky structure and kelp beds, often schooling in large numbers. They're aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of baits and lures, making them perfect for filling out your limit when salmon fishing slows down. Canaries run 2-4 pounds typically and have sweet, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips.
This top-rated Port Hardy charter books up fast, especially during peak salmon season. Captain Lloyd's local knowledge and proven track record keep regulars coming back year after year, and word-of-mouth brings new anglers constantly. The private boat setup means you're not dealing with crowds or strangers – just your group and a crew focused on putting you on fish. Remember that 35% deposit is required after booking, but it stays refundable until 30 days before your trip date, giving you flexibility to plan around weather and schedules. Whether you're chasing your first salmon or hunting for a new personal best halibut, this 10-hour adventure gives you the time and expertise to make it happen. Book now and get ready to experience some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Captain Lloyd's 23' Duckworth is built for serious offshore fishing around Port Hardy's productive waters. This well-equipped boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably while chasing salmon, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish in the deeper waters off Vancouver Island's northern tip. The boat comes loaded with high-speed downriggers perfect for getting your gear down to where the big chinook and coho are holding. State-of-the-art sonar and fishfinding tech help locate schools and structure, while the GPS and radar keep you on course even when the morning fog rolls in. There's a crab and prawn trap puller for when you want to switch up your fishing style and target some tasty crustaceans. Creature comforts include an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 10-hour days on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking fish, and there's a proper head onboard so you don't have to cut fishing time short. The boat's size strikes the right balance - stable enough for offshore conditions but nimble enough to work tight spots where the fish are biting.
Sebastes PinnigerCanaries are one of the prettier rockfish you'll encounter - bright yellow-orange coloring with three distinct orange stripes across their head. They typically run 20-23 inches and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. You'll find them schooling over rocky bottoms in 100-300 feet of water, though they can go much deeper. These fish live a long time - some reach 75 years - so they're smart and can be selective. Summer and fall are prime time when they're more active and feeding aggressively. They readily take jigs, shrimp flies, and cut bait, but here's the key: once you find a school, work it thoroughly. Drop a rubber-tail jig or shrimp fly right into the school and let it flutter down. Keep your bait moving slightly - they like action but not too aggressive. Just remember to use a descending device if you're releasing any.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the trophy fish everyone dreams about - the largest Pacific salmon that can reach 30+ pounds in these waters. They're built like submarines with silver sides, blue-green backs, and distinctive black gums. You'll find them year-round, but summer brings the best action when they're feeding heavily before heading to spawn. Kings prefer deeper water and are light-sensitive, so they often hold 40-80 feet down during the day. The reddish-pink meat is rich and oily - perfect for grilling or smoking. These fish are powerful, making long runs and testing your gear. They're picky eaters compared to other salmon, preferring larger baits like whole herring or big spoons. Best fishing is early morning or evening when they move up to feed. My secret: troll slowly with a large plug or fresh herring at dawn - kings like to ambush their prey.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho are the acrobats of the salmon world - once hooked, they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show. These silver bullets typically run 8-12 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them from July through October in Port Hardy waters, often following baitfish near the surface or around structure. They love cooler water and will move up and down the water column chasing food. The bright orange-red meat is top-notch eating, and their aggressive nature makes them a favorite for both trolling and casting. Coho can jump up to 6 feet vertically, so keep your rod tip up and let your drag do the work. Look for them around kelp beds, drop-offs, and anywhere you see bait activity. My go-to trick is running a bright chartreuse or pink spoon about 20-30 feet down when they're feeding actively.
Hippoglossus StenolepisHalibut are the barn doors of the deep - massive flatfish that can stretch over 6 feet and weigh 100+ pounds, though most run 20-50 pounds. These bottom-dwellers live on sandy or muddy bottoms anywhere from 60-400 feet deep around Port Hardy. Summer is prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes halibut special is the fight - they're incredibly strong and stubborn, often making multiple runs to the bottom. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They're ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the bottom waiting for prey. Use heavy jigs with cut herring, salmon bellies, or whole squid. The trick is keeping your bait moving just off the bottom - bounce your jig up and down to mimic injured baitfish. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, let them eat it for a few seconds before setting the hook.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPinks are the smallest Pacific salmon, usually running 3-5 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers. Also called humpies for the distinctive hump males develop during spawning, they're perfect for beginners and kids. You'll find them in the cooler waters around Port Hardy from late July through September when they're heading to spawn. They love cold water around 50°F and stick close to shore. What makes pinks special is their willingness to bite - they're not picky eaters and will hit bright pink jigs, spoons, and flies. The meat has that classic salmon pink color from all the crustaceans they eat. Pro tip: when you see them jumping and splashing on the surface, switch to a small pink hoochie or spinner - they get aggressive in schools and you can often catch several quickly.
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