Absolute Sportfishing

Absolute Sportfishing offers exciting adventures in Campbell River, British Columbia. The captain has over 20 years of local knowledge and experience. If you want to fish in protected waters surrounded by magnificent scenery, amazing tidal flows, and a dynamic marine environment, you have found the right place.

Situated between Vancouver Island and the coastal mainland, Cambell River is home to all 5 species of Pacific Salmon (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum). They migrate through the fishing grounds as well as delicious Lingcod and bottom fish. And who knows, you might also be rewarded with Halibut while targeting Chinook Salmon!

Your charter boat is a beautiful Offshore 255 Pursuit that is kept immaculate and has fully covered comfortable seating, Espar heater, marine head, big screen GPS/sonar/radar, custom built rods, and the finest tackle & equipment. Equipped with new 4-stroke Yamaha main and trolling motors, 2 VHF radios, rain gear, and safety equipment, you are assured to be comfortable at all times.

Conveniently located in the heart of Campbell River surrounded by many options for dining and accommodations as well as being a hub for many other outdoor activities, you can find something for just about everyone’s tastes and budgets.

Your charter includes all tackle, bait, refreshments and light snacks. Your catch will be professionally cleaned and properly bagged for transport. There are three local outlets that can process your catch (fillet, vacuum-pack, and freeze).



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Charter
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    US $519
    A great way to get a taste of salmon fishing or a start to a multi day trip; check in to your accommodations & hit the water for the late bite!
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 31
    US $648
    This trip will see you fishing the beautiful waters for Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum Salmon. All the necessary equipment and the fish cleaning and processing service will be provided. A very popular option to get out fishing and still have 1/2 the day to golf, go hiking, mountain biking or just to relax. Morning or afternoon trips, whichever suits your plans for a great day!
  • Private trip
    Fishing/ Wildlife/ Whale watching
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 15 - Sep 15
    US $718
    A great way to get a variety on the water! We will scenic tour out of Campbell River to look for marine wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, sea lions, humpback whales and Orca whales and then set the lines for some salmon fishing. All of our region is surrounded by stunning panoramic scenery. Available on 5, 6 & 8 hour trips with the option of adding hours while aboard.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 31
    US $1,037
    Our most requested charter, with Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Chum, and Pink Salmon all among the popular catches.
  • Private trip
    Multi location Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $1,216
    This is the ultimate day trip, we depart at 6:00 am for an all day fishing excursion with several prime locations to fish surrounded by stunning scenery and a great chance to see whales & wildlife! My favourite way to way to show what our region has to offer.
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Absolute Sportfishing

Absolute Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • CA $704 per group - 4 Hour Charter (4 hours)
  • CA $880 per group - Half Day Trip (5 hours)
  • CA $975 per group - Fishing/ Wildlife/ Whale watching (5 hours)
  • CA $1,408 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • CA $1,650 per group - Multi location Fishing (10 hours)

When you book a trip with Absolute Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS 12 inch display
  • Fishfinder Simrad/1Kw Transducer
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
  • Radar GPS overlay radar

Trips booked with Absolute Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Snacks
  • Drinks

Absolute Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing

Absolute Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Jigging

Top targeted fish species with Absolute Sportfishing include:
  • Lingcod
  • Salmon (Chinook)

Meet the Captain

Laurel Gareau
Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
ID & license verified
34 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2017
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.
Captain Laurel Gareau is a real threat to any fish. He is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable angler with many years of experience. He knows the waters like the back of his hand and is very familiar with the methods that work best to catch the fish of a lifetime. Laurel specializes in Salmon fishing.

About this listing

Targeted species

Lingcod Lingcod
Salmon (Chinook) Chinook Salmon

Boat specs

Pursuit (Sportfishing) originally built in 2008. Powered by a 300HP Yamaha F300 4stroke engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots.

Length
26 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Jigging

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
12 inch display
Fishfinder
Simrad/1Kw Transducer
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Radar
GPS overlay radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
Drinks

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 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 agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
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
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Bank Transfer

Campbell River Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 34 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (34)
Half day trip with Absolute Sportfishing
Half day trip with Absolute Sportfishing
Incredible Trip with Captain Laurel: Orcas all around us
+31
Angler rating
33
1
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
84%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
97%
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Showing:
5 of 34 reviews
Bruce B.
Maple Grove, MN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

5 Hour Charter on 8/7/23

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on August 7, 2023
My wife, son , daughter and I had an awesome day on the water. Captain Laurel was fun and interesting to interact with. He...
Bruce B. recommends Absolute Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Laurel Gareau Captain replied

Harold S.
Morton, WY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

1/2 + day with Capt Laurel

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on August 24, 2023
Five hours close to the harbor, so almost all was fishing time. Caught 3 species of salmon! The water wasn’t crowed at all....
Harold S. recommends Absolute Sportfishing
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You found this review helpful
  Laurel Gareau Captain replied

Sacha V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

We had a great time!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Charter on June 29, 2023
It was a great experience. We won’t forget this for the rest of our lives. Laurel, in my opinion, is the best one could wish...
Sacha V. recommends Absolute Sportfishing
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You found this review helpful
  Laurel Gareau Captain replied

Gary B.
Courtenay, British Columbia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Laurel

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on June 22, 2023
Capt. Laurel was great, giving wonderful tips using the equipment and making you feel right at home. Caught a lot of fish on...
Gary B. recommends Absolute Sportfishing
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You found this review helpful
  Laurel Gareau Captain replied

Donald S.
Chilliwack, BC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing day of fishing with Captain Laurel.

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on August 9, 2023
Great day of fishing with lots of keepers and double headers. The day was filled with great stories and learning tips.
Donald S. recommends Absolute Sportfishing
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You found this review helpful
  Laurel Gareau Captain replied