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, and VHF radio.

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!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    1 Hour Trip – Kids
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    1 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    US $76
    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
    US $153
    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
    US $229
    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
    3 Hour Trip – Kids
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    US $229
    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
    4 Hour Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $305
    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
    5 Hour Trip – Prawn and Salmon
    In demand! Last booked: 19 hours ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $381
    This is the captain's favorite thing to do on his time off, and would like to share this experience with you. It is very laid back but a lot of fun. Depending on the fishing report, we will either troll out to the Prawn grounds and fish for Salmon along the way and then pull Prawn traps and head back in or cruise out to the Prawn traps and troll for Salmon as we head back in. Either way, it's 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
    6 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $458
    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 (3 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $610
    This 8-hour trip is full of action-packed fun. Inshore for Salmon, Prawn, Rockfish, and Lingcod. A trip of a lifetime, for up to 3 people.
    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
    US $690
    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 15 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Minnesota Charters

Minnesota Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • CA $105 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 – Crabbing (3 hours)
  • CA $315 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Kids (3 hours)
  • CA $420 per group - 4 Hour Trip (4 hours)
  • CA $525 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Prawn and Salmon (5 hours)
  • CA $630 per group - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • CA $840 per group - 8 Hour Trip (3 MAX) (8 hours)
  • CA $950 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Offshore Halibut (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Minnesota Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS Multiple types on board for redundancy
  • Fishfinder Simrad
  • 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. )

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

Meet the Captain

Brandon Wiita
Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada
6 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
20 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

About this listing

Targeted species

Crab Crab
Halibut Halibut
Lingcod Lingcod
Rockfish Rockfish

Boat specs

Beachcomber (Cruiser) originally built in 1994, and restored in 2022. Powered by a 140HP Suzuki engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 25 knots.

Length
21 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

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

Fishing techniques

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

Amenities

GPS
Multiple types on board for redundancy
Fishfinder
Simrad
Wireless Trolling Motor
iTroll with Hunt mode
Ice Box
Stores tons of ice for your fish and snacks
Radar
Raymarine

Trip includes

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

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

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

Payment

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

Ucluelet Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 20 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (30)
A little fishing made my summer
Great time, great place!
Great time, great place!
+27
Angler rating
18
2
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 20 reviews
Alex P.
Ottawa, ON
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Good times!

VERIFIED   Special 4 hour trip for Alex Parent on July 29, 2023
What a day we had on the water! Captain Brandon is a gentleman and a scholar. Fishing is obviously his passion. He also is...
Alex P. recommends Minnesota Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Brandon Wiita Captain replied

David G.
Tofino, British Columbia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

One of the best days

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Prawn and Salmon on July 23, 2023
Where do I start, it was brilliant, fantastic, exceptional value for money, after a morning out of Victoria that didn’t come...
David G. recommends Minnesota Charters
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  Brandon Wiita Captain replied

Mark B.
Vancouver, BC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day trip with Minnesota!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Prawn and Salmon on April 24, 2023
I’ve been fishing for 35+ years and have been on many charters all over the world. What I’m always looking for...
Mark B. recommends Minnesota Charters
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  Brandon Wiita Captain replied

Ralph B.
Scotts Valley, CA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

The Perfect Fishing Trip

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip (3 MAX) on July 14, 2023
Captain Brandon provided a memorable experience for my family trip.  He was extremely knowledgeable about the local habitat...
Ralph B. recommends Minnesota Charters
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  Brandon Wiita Captain replied

Josh S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Local guide

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on March 18, 2024
Between his laser sharp knowledge of fishing, crabbing and shrimping spots, attention to details, and overall friendly demeanour,...
Josh S. recommends Minnesota Charters
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  Brandon Wiita Captain replied