Premier Halibut & Salmon Fishing Adventures in Ucluelet
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting halibut, salmon, and bottom fishExpert Captain Oly guides private charter from Ucluelet watersTenhour expedition aboard professional seaworthy fishing vessel
Captain Oly knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your reel scream. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a full 10-hour charter that gives you the time to really work the offshore grounds where the big fish live. Ucluelet sits right on the edge of some of the most productive fishing waters on the West Coast, and with just you on board, Captain Oly can tailor every aspect of the day to match your fishing goals. Whether you're after a trophy halibut that could feed your whole neighborhood or a chrome-bright salmon that'll fight like it's twice its size, this charter puts you in the driver's seat of a world-class fishing adventure.
You'll meet Captain Oly at the dock before sunrise – trust me, the early start is worth every minute when you see what these waters hold. The boat is rigged and ready for serious offshore fishing, with downriggers for salmon, heavy tackle for halibut, and everything in between for the rockfish that call these reefs home. We're heading out to the continental shelf where the bottom drops away into the deep blue, and that's where things get interesting. The trip covers a lot of water depending on what's biting – some days we'll work the salmon highways closer to shore, other times we're dropping baits in 200 feet of water for monster halibut. Captain Oly reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, but one thing stays constant: we're fishing the spots that produce, not just the pretty ones. The single-angler setup means you get Captain Oly's full attention and all the coaching you want, whether you're learning to feel a halibut bite or perfecting your downrigger technique for salmon.
This charter runs the full spectrum of Pacific Northwest fishing techniques, and Captain Oly matches the method to the target. For salmon, we're primarily trolling with downriggers, running flashers and spoons or hoochies at precise depths where the fish are holding. The electronics tell the story – when we mark fish, we're putting lines right through them. Halibut fishing is a different game entirely. We're anchoring or drifting over known structure, dropping heavy jigs or whole herring down to the bottom where these flatfish ambush their prey. The key is feeling that subtle tap-tap-tap of a halibut mouthing your bait, then setting the hook hard. For rockfish and lingcod, we're working the reefs with jigs and swimbaits, bouncing them right along the rocks where these predators hang out. Captain Oly provides all the tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along – there's nothing like landing a big fish on your own gear. The boat's equipped with a full spread of Scotty downriggers, quality rods matched to the technique, and tackle boxes full of proven lures that produce in these waters.
Lingcod are the bullies of the reef, and Ucluelet's rocky bottom is perfect lingcod habitat. These aggressive predators can push 40 pounds and have mouths full of needle-sharp teeth that'll make short work of anything they can fit down their gullet. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish moving shallow during their spawning period in winter. What makes lingcod so fun is their attitude – they'll often follow your lure right to the boat, giving you a show before they decide to bite. When they do grab your jig, it's game on with hard headshakes and bulldogging runs back toward the rocks.
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Pacific for good reason. These chrome rockets can weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger. Summer and early fall offer the best action as mature fish stage outside the rivers before their spawning runs. Chinooks fight with power and endurance, making long runs and aerial displays that'll test your tackle and your nerves. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the barbecue or smoker, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of releasing a wild fish after the fight of a lifetime.
Pacific halibut are the true giants of the bottom, and Ucluelet's offshore grounds hold some serious doormats. These flatfish can live for decades and grow to incredible sizes – 100-pound fish aren't uncommon, and the occasional 200-pounder still cruises these depths. They're ambush predators that lie buried in the sand waiting for prey to swim overhead, which means you need to get your bait right on their nose. The fight isn't flashy like a salmon, but try winching 50 pounds of halibut up from 150 feet of water and you'll understand why anglers get addicted to halibut fishing.
Albacore tuna show up during the warmer months when the water temperature rises and baitfish are thick. These offshore speedsters are pure muscle, capable of runs that'll empty your reel in seconds. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing on the grill. When the albacore are around, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere on the coast.
Black rockfish might not be the biggest fish in these waters, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These schooling fish are aggressive biters that often provide non-stop action when you find them over the right structure. They're excellent eating and perfect for anglers who want to stay busy with steady action while waiting for the bigger predators to show up.
Captain Oly's reputation speaks for itself – anglers who fish with him once usually become regulars, and for good reason. This 10-hour charter gives you the time to
This 2005 Grady White aluminum fishing boat cuts through West Coast waters with authority, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha engines that cruise smoothly at 20 knots. Built for serious anglers targeting halibut, salmon, and bottom fish in Ucluelet's productive waters, she's equipped with everything needed for a successful day on the Pacific. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when coastal fog rolls in. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long runs to the fishing grounds. The toilet adds comfort for extended trips, and the durable aluminum construction handles the Pacific swells with confidence. Captain Oly knows these waters inside and out, putting you on fish while navigating the stunning coastline around Ucluelet. Whether you're dropping lines for massive halibut or trolling for salmon, this well-equipped vessel delivers the stability and performance serious fishermen demand.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the only true "white meat" tuna and absolute rockets when hooked. These bullet-shaped fish run 20-45 pounds with long pectoral fins and never stop moving - they need constant motion for oxygen. What makes them special is the firm, mild-flavored meat that's perfect for sashimi or steaks. They travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in deeper offshore waters during summer months. The first fish hooked often leads to multiple hookups, but if it breaks off, the whole school can disappear. We troll lures 50-90 feet behind the boat in open ocean. Peak season runs July through September when they move closer to our coast. Pro tip: when you hook the first one, get it in fast and keep trolling - the school will follow the hooked fish.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are reliable bottom dwellers that put up solid fights and make excellent table fare. These dark-colored fish grow up to two feet and live around rocky reefs, jetties, and structure from shallow water down to 1,200 feet. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit almost anything you drop down, making them great for beginners and kids. Available year-round, they often school with other rockfish species near areas with strong currents. What guests love is their willingness to bite and the sweet, firm white meat. They can live 50 years and aren't picky eaters - sardines, anchovies, or jigs all work well. Local tip: use enough weight to stay on bottom and watch for the venomous spines on their fins when handling. Their large mouths mean they inhale prey whole.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of salmon - biggest, strongest, and best eating of the bunch. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs can reach 20-30 pounds in our waters, though 12-15 pounders are more typical. They're famous for their bulldogging fights and reddish-pink meat that's second to none on the table. Being light-sensitive, they hang deep during bright days, so we use downriggers and weighted setups. Early morning and evening bites are prime time. Summer months bring them closer to shore for feeding, making it our peak season. Since they're anadromous, they're always moving between ocean and rivers. Pro tip: on bright days, go with chartreuse and blue lures, but switch to darker combos when it's cloudy.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are one of our most unique bottom fish - they're not actually cod but greenlings with massive heads and wicked sharp teeth. These gnarly-looking predators blend into rocky reefs using mottled coloring, ambushing anything that fits in their huge mouths. Females grow over two feet while males stay smaller. You'll find them in 30-300 feet around rocky structure where they lay motionless until something passes by. They're aggressive fighters that would rather battle than flee, making them great sport fish. Available year-round, but best fishing happens around strong current areas. The key trick is using metal jigs and working them near the bottom - once you pull them away from their rocky hideouts, they're surprisingly easy to land.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the giants of the flatfish world - these "barn doors" can hit 100+ pounds and provide battles you won't forget. They're bottom dwellers living in 150-500 feet, preferring sandy areas near structure. What makes them special is their incredible table fare and the sheer size potential. Most run 20-40 pounds, but monsters over 200 exist in our waters. Summer brings them into shallower feeding areas, making it prime season. They're ambush predators that lay flat and strike upward, so we use 1-2 pound weights to get baits down. The waiting game pays off - once hooked, they're strong swimmers. Local tip: bounce your rod tip up and down to attract them, and use salmon bellies or herring for bait. Their keen sense of smell in deep water is key to success.
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