Expert Guided Halibut & Salmon Charters in Ucluelet BC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing adventure targeting halibut and salmonCaptain Oly provides expert guidance in Ucluelet watersMaximum four guests for personalized sport fishing experience
When you're looking for world-class offshore fishing on Vancouver Island's wild west coast, Captain Oly and Westcoast Fish Expeditions deliver the real deal. This isn't your typical harbor cruise – we're talking about a full 6-hour fishing adventure in some of the most productive waters off Ucluelet, where the continental shelf drops away and the big fish live. With room for just 4 anglers, you get that intimate charter experience where Captain Oly can focus on putting everyone on fish. These waters hold everything from trophy halibut that'll test your back muscles to chrome-bright salmon fresh from the Pacific, plus lingcod that fight like underwater bulldogs.
Your day starts early at the Ucluelet harbor, where Captain Oly will have the boat prepped and ready to roll. We're heading offshore to where the depth finder shows 200-plus feet and the GPS marks hold the promise of bent rods. The ride out gives you time to wake up with a coffee and watch the coastline of Pacific Rim National Park fade into the morning mist. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's game on. Captain Oly knows these underwater ledges, pinnacles, and drop-offs like his own backyard – spots that have been producing fish for decades. The boat's equipped with top-rated downriggers, quality tackle, and all the gear you need. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, some snacks, and layers for the changing weather. The ocean out here can shift from calm to choppy in minutes, but that's part of what makes it such a productive fishery.
We fish these waters the way they're meant to be fished – with downriggers pulling your bait and lures down to where the fish are holding. For salmon, we'll troll at various depths depending on what the fish finder is showing, using everything from spoons and plugs to fresh herring behind dodgers. When we're targeting halibut and lingcod, we switch tactics to bottom fishing with heavy jigs and fresh bait. Captain Oly reads the water and adjusts techniques throughout the day based on tides, weather, and what's working. The boat's fish finder shows the bottom structure clearly, so we can position over rocky reefs for lingcod or move to sandy flats where halibut cruise for an easy meal. Circle hooks help with catch and release when we're over slot limits, and Captain Oly teaches proper handling techniques so fish swim away healthy. The tackle is sized right for these species – heavy enough to pull a big halibut off the bottom but sensitive enough to feel a salmon picking at your herring.
Lingcod are the bullies of these reefs, and they're active year-round in Ucluelet waters. These prehistoric-looking predators can stretch over 4 feet and weigh 30-plus pounds, with mouths full of needle-sharp teeth. They ambush prey from rocky crevices and fight hard once hooked, making powerful runs toward the bottom. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll often grab your bait the moment it hits their territory. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips.
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Pacific, and Ucluelet's offshore waters see runs from spring through fall. These silver rockets can exceed 40 pounds and are famous for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Peak season runs from May through September when mature fish stage offshore before heading to their natal rivers. What gets anglers fired up about chinook is their fighting ability – they'll strip line off your reel and test every knot. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the barbecue or smoker.
Pacific halibut are the giants of the flat fish world, and the waters off Ucluelet produce some true trophies. These bottom-dwellers can live over 50 years and grow massive – fish over 100 pounds aren't uncommon. They're most active from May through September when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes halibut fishing addictive is the surprise factor – you never know if that weight on your line is a 20-pounder or a barn door that'll take 20 minutes to bring up from 300 feet. The meat is prized for its mild flavor and firm texture.
Albacore tuna show up in late summer when warm water currents bring them close to the continental shelf. These pelagic speedsters are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies that can hit 40 mph. They're typically found 20-50 miles offshore in water temperatures above 60°F, usually from July through October. What makes albacore special is their incredible stamina – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and endurance. The meat is sashimi-grade when handled properly, making them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Black rockfish are abundant in these waters and provide consistent action when the bigger species aren't cooperating. These reef dwellers school up around underwater structure and are active feeders throughout the year. They typically run 2-5 pounds and are scrappy fighters that hit jigs aggressively. While they might not be the glamour species, black rockfish keep rods bent and are fantastic eating. They're also perfect for kids or novice anglers to build confidence before targeting the larger species.
A day on the water with Captain Oly and Westcoast Fish Expeditions gives you access to some of the best fishing on the British Columbia coast. With just 4 spots available, these charters fill up fast during peak season. You're getting 6 hours of fishing time with a captain who's put in the years learning these waters, using quality gear that's maintained properly, and targeting species that most anglers only dream about. Whether
Our 2005 Grady White aluminum fishing vessel cuts through the Pacific waters off Ucluelet with twin 300HP Yamaha engines, cruising at 20 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. This rock-solid boat handles the West Coast swells like a champ while you target halibut and salmon in some of BC's most productive waters. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep us on course, even when the coastal fog rolls in. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with big fish. With room for 4 anglers plus Captain Oly, there's plenty of deck space to work the lines without getting tangled up. The built-in toilet means more time fishing, less time heading back to port. This setup gets serious anglers out to where the big ones are lurking in the deep waters beyond the continental shelf.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are speed demons that never stop moving - they literally can't rest or they'll suffocate. These torpedo-shaped tuna run 20-45 pounds with oversized pectoral fins and big dark eyes. They cruise open ocean in massive schools up to 19 miles wide, making for fast action when you find them. Summer brings them closest to shore chasing baitfish. The fight is pure adrenaline - long, blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. Plus, they're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" - fantastic for sashimi or grilling. We troll feathers, cedar plugs, and swimming lures at 6-8 knots. Key tip: when you hook the first fish, work fast - land it quickly and get lines back out because the school will follow.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are the reliable workhorses around rocky structure - aggressive biters that make great action for all skill levels. These bass-shaped fish average 4-5 pounds with dark coloring that lightens with age. They hang around rocky reefs, jetties, and kelp beds from shallow water down to 200+ feet, often schooling with other rockfish species. They're year-round residents but bite best during moving tides. Good table fare with firm white meat, and they're not picky eaters so perfect for beginners. We use medium tackle with jigs, anchovies, or cut bait. Watch those spines - they're mildly venomous. Pro tip: use a descending device when releasing deep-caught fish to prevent barotrauma and help them survive.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of salmon - the biggest and strongest fighters you'll encounter. These silver beauties with black-spotted tails range from 15-40 pounds, though 50+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise deeper waters following baitfish, staying light-sensitive so early morning and evening fishing produces best results. The rich, orange-red meat is premium table fare. Spring through fall offers consistent action as they move through our waters heading to spawning rivers. We troll with spoons, plugs, and herring at various depths. Local secret: when the water's clear, go with darker lures - purple and black combinations work magic when nothing else will get their attention.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the bulldogs of our waters - all teeth and attitude. Despite their name, they're actually greenlings with massive heads that earned them the nickname "Buckethead." These ambush predators lurk in rocky areas from 30-300 feet, using their mottled green-brown coloring to blend in perfectly. Females can reach over 40 pounds while males stay smaller. They're year-round residents that don't flee when hooked - instead they fight hard all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent, firm and white. Best fishing is over rocky structure with metal jigs or heavy bait rigs. Pro tip: once you hook one, get it up fast before it dives back into the rocks and cuts your line.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the deep - massive flatfish that can easily top 100 pounds around here. These bottom-huggers live on sandy and muddy floors from 150-500 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. Summer brings them into shallower feeding areas where they're most active. The fight is pure power - long, steady pulls that'll test your back and tackle. The payoff is incredible - dense, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. We fish heavy tackle with 1-2 pound weights to reach bottom. Circle hooks with salmon bellies or whole herring work best. My go-to trick: bounce your weight occasionally to create noise and movement - halibut hunt by sound in the depths and that little action often triggers strikes.
Vancouver