Minnesota Charters

Do you want to create memories for life? Come out to Ucluelet and join Capt Brandon "Minnesota" Wiita on the mighty Pacific ocean. Offering one of the most affordable ocean fishing charters on all of Vancouver Island.  Charged by the hour, so you can make your own plans on your own time and Brandon will do everything in his power to accommodate those wants and needs.

Since moving to Ucluelet, Captain Brandon has spent every allowed minute out on the ocean targeting Salmon (Chinook and Coho) inshore. No matter the time of year, he has found them when others can't or when others have to go long distances. Minnesota Charters has their secret spots to fill those tubs. If the weather allows, though, we can and will cruise offshore, if wanting, to target Halibut and Lingcod.

The captain uses a fun technique for Halibut that is similar to how he targeted Catfish in the Mississippi River, and it sure does work well. If doing a full day, we can target Prawns, too. It is one of the only charters in Ucluelet that offers Prawning. Coming in from fishing (at the harbor), there are Crab traps set to check as well in hopes of finding those big male Dungeness Crabs.

Fully licensed and insured by Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, as safety is always on the captain's mind. Ucluelet and its surrounding waters can be unpredictable at times, but the captain always has an eye on the weather and water to ensure everyone's safety, including safety electronics, full radar, GPS, VHF radio and an EPIRB

The captain understands that these days, everything can be expensive, but fishing shouldn't be one of them, so he offers a discounted rate to accommodate a variety of people. He is able to do this because the boat is smaller than most of the charter fleet and, therefore, more economical to run.

All you have to do is book now!

New Grady White 24 explorer, for the 2025 season!



Trip availability and prices

  • Private trip
    1 Hour Trip – Kids
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    1 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $146
    When the captain was 5 years old, his grandpa took him Walleye fishing in Northern Minnesota. He was immediately hooked and started his quest to "catch them all." The captain believes that teaching a kid to fish is one of the best things a child can learn. Take your kid(s) fishin' mom and/or dad. We understand not all kids have the patience for fishing, so we offer a very short fishing trip from 1-3 hours, or however long they can make it. It's up to the parents and kids. Most likely, it will be jigging.
    Targeted fish
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Kids
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $146
    When the captain was 5 years old, his grandpa took him Walleye fishing in Northern Minnesota. He was immediately hooked and started his quest to "catch them all." The captain believes that teaching a kid to fish is one of the best things a child can learn. Take your kid(s) fishin' mom and/or dad. We understand not all kids have the patience for fishing, so we offer a very short fishing trip from 1-3 hours, or however long they can make it. It's up to the parents and kids. Most likely, it will be jigging.
    Targeted fish
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip – Kids
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $220
    When the captain was 5 years old, his grandpa took him Walleye fishing in Northern Minnesota. He was immediately hooked and started his quest to "catch them all." The captain believes that teaching a kid to fish is one of the best things a child can learn. Take your kid(s) fishin' mom and/or dad. We understand not all kids have the patience for fishing, so we offer a very short fishing trip from 1-3 hours, or however long they can make it. It's up to the parents and kids. Most likely, it will be jigging.
    Targeted fish
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip – Crabbing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 11:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $220
    This is a fun, hands-on trip for you and your kids. We'll depart from the dock and head to the Crab hole within the Ucluelet Harbor. The captain will guide your kids on how to pull Crab traps, bait them, and send them back down to Davey Jones' locker. We will then boat around the harbor to watch the wildlife and sightsee for a couple of hours while the Crab traps soak. After that, we will pull the traps again to see what the ocean has to offer and hopefully send you home with your fill of Dungeness Crab.
    Targeted fish
    Crab
    Crab
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for 2 persons
    US $293
    It doesn't offer plenty of time to do the most we can, but in the past, we have been able to tub out on Salmon, Rockfish, and Lingcod in 4 hours for 2-3 people. We'll stay inshore and close, so we can do all the fishing we can within that time frame. We can target everything during this time or specific species, depending on what you want.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    Fall/Winter/Early Spring Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 15 - May 1
    Price for 2 persons
    US $293
    Prime time fishing has come and gone. If you expect buckets of fish, this is not the trip for you. Rain drives everything in the PNW and during these times of year, fishing is very weather dependent and there aren't a lot of fish around to be caught, to do their annual migration. This is a great way to experience the Barkley sound and surrounding areas, get out on the water and get your line wet to see what's biting. Anything and everything can be caught but weather and regulations dictate everything
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Shrimp
    Shrimp
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for 2 persons
    US $366
    A great way to spend 5 hours while being totally engulfed in the Barkley Sound and its beauty.
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Shrimp
    Shrimp
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    Fall/Winter/Early Spring Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 15 - May 1
    Price for 2 persons
    US $366
    Prime time fishing has come and gone. If you expect buckets of fish, this is not the trip for you. Rain drives everything in the PNW and during these times of year, fishing is very weather dependent and there aren't a lot of fish around to be caught, to do their annual migration. This is a great way to experience the Barkley sound and surrounding areas, get out on the water and get your line wet to see what's biting. Anything and everything can be caught but weather and regulations dictate everything
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Shrimp
    Shrimp
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for 2 persons
    US $439
    This 6-hour trip gives us more time to play. If the weather allows, we can cruise offshore to target Halibut. When offshore, we can target multiple species at the same time, too, depending on what you want to do. Or we can stay inshore and target multiple species, including Prawns, if you would like. Prawning takes about an hour, so keep that in mind on what you want to do.
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Shrimp
    Shrimp
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for 2 persons
    US $585
    This 8-hour trip is full of action-packed fun. Inshore for Salmon, Prawn, Rockfish, and Lingcod. A trip of a lifetime!
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Shrimp
    Shrimp
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Offshore Halibut
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 15
    Price for 2 persons
    US $662
    We will head offshore to target Halibut, Salmon, Rockfish, Lingcod, etc. If we get lucky and have time, we can cruise back inshore to check for Crabs. This is the same package as an 8-hour inshore fishing trip, but I have to charge a little more for fuel since we will be running around.
    Targeted fish
    Halibut
    Halibut
    Lingcod
    Lingcod
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Crab
    Crab
    Salmon (Chinook)
    Chinook Salmon
    Salmon (Coho)
    Coho Salmon
There are 28 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 43 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (49)
Mid morning fishing
Mid morning fishing
Amazing first ocean fishing trip for my boys!!
+46
Angler rating
39
4
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
90%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
93%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 43 reviews
Davis L.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Mid morning fishing

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on September 19, 2024
Brandon was very knowledgeable about ocean fishing, we had a couple of people on the boat that had never fished in open water...
Davis L. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Davis L. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Louis L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing Trip Turned Into Catching Trip

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip on July 9, 2024
Brandon is a very personable guy. He is knowledgeable about the myriad fishing regulations as well as fascinating local lore....
Louis L. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  Brandon Wiita Captain replied

Jutta R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Once in a lifetime experience for the entire family

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip – Kids on June 21, 2024
It was an unforgettable fishing experience for all of us. Our 6 years old really loved this 3 hours trip and Brandon was making...
Jutta R. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  Brandon Wiita Captain replied

Kirsty K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Day on the Water

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on September 20, 2024
We have just spent 4.5 hours on the water with Brandon & had a great time. Brandon is very personable, knowledgeable...
Kirsty K. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Kirsty K. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Will D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing first ocean fishing trip for my boys!!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip – Kids on September 17, 2024
Captain Brandon took my 6 and 7 year old boys and me for his 3-hour kids trip, it was a blast! Weather cooperated better than...
Will D. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Brandon Wiita Captain replied

FAQs about Minnesota Charters

Minnesota Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • CA $210 per group - 1 Hour Trip – Kids (1 hour)
  • CA $210 per group - 2 Hour Trip – Kids (2 hours)
  • CA $315 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Kids (3 hours)
  • CA $315 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Crabbing (3 hours)
  • CA $420 per group, additional CA $100 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip (4 hours)
  • CA $420 per group, additional CA $100 per person after 2 guests - Fall/Winter/Early Spring Fishing (4 hours)
  • CA $525 per group, additional CA $100 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip (5 hours)
  • CA $525 per group, additional CA $100 per person after 2 guests - Fall/Winter/Early Spring Fishing (5 hours)
  • CA $630 per group, additional CA $100 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • CA $840 per group, additional CA $100 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
  • CA $950 per group, additional CA $100 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Offshore Halibut (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Minnesota Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet For an additional $100 clean up and disposal fee
  • GPS Multiple types on board for redundancy
  • Fishfinder Simrad and Garmin
  • Wireless Trolling Motor iTroll with Hunt mode
  • Ice Box Stores tons of ice for your fish and snacks
  • Radar Raymarine

Trips booked with Minnesota Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (I clean and filet the fish per DFO regulations which is included in the price of the trip. I have an on board fish cleaning station, so I can do all of the work as we go along rather than spending a bunch of time at the end that we could be fishing )

Minnesota Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (off shore trips are usually 4-20 miles out. )
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Minnesota Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Minnesota Charters include:
  • Crab
  • Halibut
  • Lingcod
  • Rockfish
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)
  • Shrimp

Your captain

Brandon Wiita
Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada
6 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
43 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2022
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I wouldn't love fishing as much as I do if it weren't for my grandpa. He took me out when I was 5 years old, and I've been hooked ever since. Born and raised in Minnesota, I had no idea taking people fishing for a living was a thing. Then, I moved to Ucluelet in 2017, and my world was open to that very possibility. They say, "Do what you love, and you won't work a day in your life," that saying is absolutely accurate, and it's an honor to be able to call my passion a career!
Our Team
Brandon W.
Captain

The fish you can target

Crab Crab
Halibut Halibut
Lingcod Lingcod
Rockfish Rockfish

What the boat is like

Boat Image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
1994
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Grady White
Boat type
Cuddy cabin

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

Which types of fishing are offered

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
off shore trips are usually 4-20 miles out.
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
For an additional $100 clean up and disposal fee
GPS
Multiple types on board for redundancy
Fishfinder
Simrad and Garmin
Wireless Trolling Motor
iTroll with Hunt mode
Ice Box
Stores tons of ice for your fish and snacks
Radar
Raymarine

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
I clean and filet the fish per DFO regulations which is included in the price of the trip. I have an on board fish cleaning station, so I can do all of the work as we go along rather than spending a bunch of time at the end that we could be fishing

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Ucluelet to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
I don't have an age limit however I only have life jackets for 12+ so please bring your kid's life jacket that best fits them.
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
PayPal
Bank Transfer

What’s biting in Ucluelet right now

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...