Captain
Andrew Turkstra

Member since January 2017 Nanaimo, Canada
Background
I have been fishing all my life. Many had suggested I become a fishing guide, so I took their advice and after working for a number of different fishing charters on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I started my own business called Reel Time Fishing Charters. With a passion for boating, fishing and the enjoyment of helping people catch fish, there has been no looking back!
Techniques
Trolling and jigging

Hey, I'm Captain Andrew Turkstra

Nanaimo, Canada
Background
I have been fishing all my life. Many had suggested I become a fishing guide, so I took their advice and after working for a number of different fishing charters on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I started my own business called Reel Time Fishing Charters. With a passion for boating, fishing and the enjoyment of helping people catch fish, there has been no looking back!
Techniques
Trolling and jigging
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(147 reviews)
Angler's choice
Nanaimo
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $392

Fishing Reports

Great Fishing & Crabbing continues....
Great Fishing & Crabbing continues....
Feb 17, 2023 Nanaimo
I know, many people don't consider winter as a prime time to book a fishing charter. However, there are many reasons to consider booking a trip during the first three months of the year. First, retention of Chinook salmon remains open (after April 1st, chances are good it will close until July 15, 2023). Second, the fishing and crabbing during this time of year can often be very good. And it has been lately. Again, our four hour trips are producing great action. Our last trip landed 2 beautiful fish while releasing a number of smaller ones as well as a packed crab trap. Third, we offer discounted trips through the months of January through March so you are saving money. Finally, if it is the rain or cold you are worried about, our boat offers lots of cover as well as cabin heat. As a guide, I enjoy fishing these cooler months almost more than I do the summer. During the months of January through March, there is usually an abundance of sea life (sea lions and various water fowl feasting on strong seasonal herring runs). Snow capped mountains gleaming in all directions offer a stunning background. And the winter weather? Well, whether it be the sun gloriously breaking through the clouds after a shower or the cold crisp air suggesting either snow or summer is on its way, these winter trips usually leave a lasting memory. Book a winter charter today knowing that 5% of your proceeds go to salmon enhancement projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder while Investing in its Future."
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Cold Weather, Hot Fishing: Nanaimo Fishi
Cold Weather, Hot Fishing: Nanaimo Fishi
Jan 19, 2023 Nanaimo
Over the past few weeks, Chinook salmon fishing in Nanaimo has been the best I've seen in my years as a fishing guide. The quantity of fish has been amazing. And the quality is getting better day by day. Today in just under 2 hours, we had our limit of Chinook, one topping the scale at 12 lbs (that's good for a winter spring!). What really stands out about this year is that these fish seem to be everywhere. In the past two weeks, we have fished the south end of Gabriola Island all the way south to the Brick Yard and have hooked fish at every location. Today, just to test fate, I fished as close as legally possible the Harbor mouth and still managed to find fish. They just seem to be everywhere. Another encouraging sign is that most of these fish are hatchery. This is good news for anglers. It shows that the hatchery programs across the Pacific Northwest are really working. For a reel good time, book your next fishing adventure with us in Nanaimo. Retention is 2 per angler until the end of March. After April 1st, there is a very good chance this fishery will close until July 15, 2023. Also, keep in mind that with Reel Time Fishing Charters, 5% of every trip goes back into salmon restoration through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we like to say at Reel Time..., "Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future." Captain Turk (Andrew Turkstra) Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 147 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (96)
Outstanding!
Outstanding!
Outstanding!
+93
Angler rating
122
18
0
0
2
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
87%
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Showing:
5 of 147 reviews
Robert W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall
Captain Turk: gave us a great fishing experience which he can tune to the level of the fishing guests on board, novice to experienced....
Robert W. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Robert W. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Alicia O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Outstanding!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on August 27, 2025
Our family of four (dad 45, mom 41, daughter 16, and son 12) visiting from Ontario had an absolutely epic experience with Reel...
Alicia O. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Alicia O. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Mekaila B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Everyone reeled in a fish!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on June 15, 2025
When you go fishing all you can do is hope to reel one in! We are a family of 4 and everyone reeled in 3+ fish each in a four...
Mekaila B. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Mekaila B. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

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

Amazing atmosphere!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on September 13, 2025
Incredible time! Always swapping it up, we constantly had fish on the lines, and if there was ever a moment weโ€™re we werenโ€™t...
Robert S. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Robert S. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Adam R.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Coho stood no chance!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on July 10, 2025
My girlfriend and I had a great time fishing with Captain Turk. Iโ€™ve been fishing my whole life but it was her first time....
Adam R. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Adam R. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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