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
142
Reviews
57
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(142 reviews)
Angler's choice
Nanaimo
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $399

Fishing Reports

Great Winter Fishing in Nanaimo
Great Winter Fishing in Nanaimo
Feb 16, 2024 Nanaimo
Not many consider winter fishing as an option around Vancouver Island. However, there are many pluses to booking a charter during the months of February and March. For starters, there is often plenty of action. Our 4 and 6 hour charters consist of 8 to 15 hook-ups with some nice keepers in the mix. Also, the limit for Chinook salmon is 2 per person while summer limits are 1 per person (also, retention of Chinook will close at the end of March and will not open again until July 15, 2024) Crabbing during the winter is often better too. Finally, our winter charters are less expensive than our summer charters offering substantial savings for our winter guests. Personally, I prefer the cooler clearer days of February and March to the hot and sometimes smoky days of July and August. So, if you haven't ever been on a winter fishing trip here in Nanaimo, give winter fishing a try. Chances are good you won't be disappointed.
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Coho Fishing is Fantastic in Nanaimo!
Coho Fishing is Fantastic in Nanaimo!
Jun 2, 2023 Nanaimo
Coho season has just opened in Nanaimo (June 1st) and the action has been fast and furious. This morning, on a short three hour trip, we could hardly keep them off our bait. We hooked 4 fish before we even had time to put the second line in the water. Most of the fish we were catching were around the 20 to 22 inch area with a few coming in at the 24 inch mark. In the mix there were a good number of hatchery fish as well..., good new for anglers as they are the ones we can keep. These fish are coveted by many sports anglers. They as super scrappy and like taking to air performing some amazing aerial acrobats. Another reason many people like catching Coho is because they taste so good. Looking for some great action from a hard fighting, good eating fish. Look no further than Reel Time Fishing Charters and Marine Tours. Book now knowing the 5% of each trip goes back into Salmon restoration projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future."
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Lingcod Season Is Here!
Lingcod Season Is Here!
May 6, 2023 Nanaimo
Over the past week, we've managed to get out on the water half a dozen times in search for the ultimate prize, Lingcod. With the exception of one trip, we've hooked lings on every outing. Most of our success has been trolling large squid patterns or swim baits close to the bottom or along ridges. Lingcod can be finicky and the bite can often be very subtle. But once hooked, they don't usually let go of the bait. These fish are scary looking but very tasty. Their meat color can also vary from a light tinge of blue or even green. But don't let that worry you. Once cooked, the meat turns white. And many prefer their meat over any other type of bottom fish. The fight from these fish is somewhat comparable to that of a halibut. When hooked, if often feels as if you are simply pulling in dead weight. Larger fish however, do take runs putting up a fairly impressive fight. Looking for some delicious fish-n-chips. Book a trip with us during the month of May, the season of the Lingcod. Five percent of every trip goes back into salmon restoration projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future.
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Fishing and Crabbing remain
Fishing and Crabbing remain "top shelf"
Mar 8, 2023 Nanaimo
Today's trip was sensational in so many ways. We passed sea-lions after dropping the crab trap. Once out of the harbor, we were treated to glistening snow-capped mountains in every direction. A bright spring sun warmed us as a cool crisp breeze blew over the water. And then the action began. No sooner had we dropped the second line when the first rod went off. After a great battle, our first fish was in the boat. Before we could even get the line back into the water, the other rod went off. Again, another tussle and fish number two was in the box. Minutes after dropping both lines, a third fish hit and then a fourth. I knew then we were going to have one of those days you don't forget. After three and a half hours of fishing, we managed 5 Chinook salmon and released a number of that were just under the legal size limit. But the excitement was not over yet. Back into the harbor and it was over to pick up the crab trap. Sliding slowly beside the float, hooked it with the gaff and began to pull. Wow, it was heavy. Once in the boat, we counted over fifteen Dungeness Crab, six that were of legal size. Catching my breath, I turned to my guests, I said, "It doesn't get any better than this." Looking for something to do with the family this Spring Break? Book a trip with Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. Experience the wonder, invest in its future.
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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 142 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (92)
Knowledgeable Captain
Knowledgeable Captain
Knowledgeable Captain
+89
Angler rating
118
17
0
0
2
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
87%
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Showing:
5 of 142 reviews
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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Mekaila B. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Andrew D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Passion and Professionalism

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on August 22, 2024
My sister-in-law, brother, wife, and I had an absolute blast in Nanaimo fishing with Captain Turk. He was the utmost professional,...
Andrew D. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Jared S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing trip with Captains Turk and Josh

VERIFIED   NEW  8 Hour Trip - In Season on July 18, 2025
I wanted to take my Dad salmon fishing as he has never gone before. Captain Turk and Captain Josh were amazing, and we maxed...
Jared 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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Kyle W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Knowledgeable Captain

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on August 2, 2025
Capt Turk is knowledgeable & has been fishing the area 15+ years with this charter. We targeted Chinook & Coho, and landed...
Kyle W. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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