Winter Spring or Chinook fishing continues to heat up in Nanaimo. This past Saturday (February 28), we hooked into 10 fish in under 3 hours of fishing. All of these fish were early summer run salmon that we either just over or just under the legal limit of 62 cm (24.5 inches) with one large exception. In any case, lots of action and lots of fun. With warmer weather and lots of fish moving into the area, the month of March looks promising. Take advantage of our off-season prices as well as the 2 fish per person limit. The Chinook fishery will close at the end of March and will not open again until July 15. Book your next Chinook fishing adventure with Reel Time Fishing Charters soon.

Over the past few trips, we've been catching a good number of Coho salmon as a fresh run moves into the area. These salmon range from 6 to 8 pounds. However, it hasn't been unusual for us to hook into fish that are over 10 pounds. With the summer weather hanging on for the next week, this might be a good time to book a salmon fishing charter before the long grey days of winter begin to set in. The bite is on.

July 2020 Fishing Report by Reel Time Fishing Charters Fishing in Nanaimo continues to be stellar during the month of July, 2020. In the past few days, we’ve hooked several Chinook salmon in the high teens and low twenties. Watching anglers test their nerves and strength against fish that leave them shaking their heads with an ear-to-ear smile on their face never gets old. With the Chinook fishery set to open July 15, we have had to release these magnificent fish for conservation reasons. But that has not stopped us from providing our guest with dinner. Our focus has been Lingcod. The abundance of Chinook has made it tricky to hook these fish. But we’ve managed to put a number of Lings in the boat this past season. If you are looking to experience some of the best fishing and amazing scenery Vancouver Island has to offer, call us about our fishing charters and marine tours. With a convenient location, a safe and comfortable ride and two decades of experience, you won’t be disappointed.

This morning, I took a group of anglers out to one of my favorite places for Coho fishing in Nanaimo. We were not disappointed. In addition to some very fine Chinook salmon that we caught and released, we also hooked into eight Coho salmon. Fortunately, three of the eight were clipped fish meaning keepers. Another great adventure aboard Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. Book with us today while the fishing is good. Chances are, you won't be disappointed. Our Covid Commitment: At Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours, our commitment to you is a service that is safe and enjoyable. As such, our Fishing Charters and Marine Scenic and Wildlife tours will include the following: • Private Charters (groups no larger than six consisting of family members & close friends only) • Face Masks (face masks will be provided for our guests and worn by our captain) • A sanitized boat (all touch points to be disinfected before each trip). • A handwashing station (our boat offers running water, a sink and soap for our guests to wash their hands after handling fishing or sight-seeing gear). • A COVID Questionnaire (all guests who book with Reel Time will be asked whether they have experienced or been exposed to COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or headache). • A no-hassle reimbursement of deposit (if for some reason the trip has to be canceled, we will reissue your deposit). The summer of 2020 will be forever remembered as different. At Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours, our desire is to replace the fear factor with the fun factor by ensuring a safe environment. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours Truly Captain Turk Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours

Best Winter Fishing in Years! It may be cold out there. It may even be windy and wavy like it was this morning. Yet, the fishing remains excellent for this time of year. This morning, in the midst of some big wind and waves, a brave crew weathered the conditions! They were not disappointed! Within seconds of dropping the first line, the rod went off and it was fish on. After a great fight in some pretty tricky conditions, the fish was in the boat, a beautiful winter Chinook. Wind and waves made it hard to hold a position but we kept at it. With no more hits, we moved around a little making our way to a place anglers call the “first green lawn.” It was there we hooked into our second fish. Another good fight but the fish was just under and we released it beside the boat. With the main runs of salmon swimming by in late April and May, March is often a challenging month to find quality and quantity. However, 2020 so far is shaping up to be some of the best Nanaimo fishing I’ve seen in years. Though it can be like trying to find a needle in a hay stack, we have been putting fish into the cooler every time, sometimes coming home with 2 or 3 fish of quality size. And, with no word yet about the new 2020 regulations, March still provides anglers with the opportunity to keep fish (if nothing changes from last year, Chinook fishing will be closed to retention beginning April). So, if a little cold or even some wavy water does not bother you, consider a fishing charter with Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours before the end of the month. Our boat is ready to go at a moment’s notice and the bit is on!

February 2020 is producing some of the best Nanaimo fishing in years. And February is also producing some of the greatest wildlife sightings in years. This past week (Friday, February 21), our fishing trip took us along the route of our Lasqueti Island Loop Tour, one of the recommended tours from Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. On our way, we were privileged to see a number of amazing sights such as colonies of Stellar Sea Lions along with one solo friend all the way from California, a California Sea Lion. Passing South Winchelsea Island we spotted 8 bald eagles perched in various trees. The big surprise however, a group of Puffins. Many years ago, Puffins used to be a common sight in the Pacific Northwest. Today however, no known colonies remain. To see them (or birds that look like them) as well as the large number of Sea Lions is confirmation that the waters in the Salish Sea are healthy. Passing Winchelsea Island, we dropped lines on the east side of Gerald Island following the contours along the deep edge. From there, we made our way toward Dorcas Rock, fishing in depths between 150 to 250 ft. I know this area well and have had much success here over the years. Today though, not even a bump. After trying this area for 2 hours, we decided to head back towards Nanaimo where once again we spotted what looked like Puffins. Slowing down, we tried to get a closer look. Unfortunately, they flew away. Once out of the Winchelsea Group, we were confronted by a fairly strong Southeast. No problem in the bigger boat though. We simply slowed down and enjoyed the ride while the heated cabin kept us warm. Our plan before calling it was to fish in front of what is known as the “Second Green Lawn.” With some good movement caused by the waves, we dropped lines. On our second pass by one of my favorite spots, we hit our first fish, a beautiful 8 lb Chinook Salmon. Our second pass produced a smaller fish that was just under the legal size limit. After a few more passes and no more takers, we made our way towards Neck Point. And, just before bringing up the lines, we hooked our third fish, a real fighter! A few short runs, a couple of head shakes and he (or she) was gone. But oh, how our imaginations began to play with us! How big was that fish? All in all, a fantastic day on the water. These are the kinds of trips that make life lasting memories. It was a little cool but nothing a few more layers of clothing (and a heated cabin) couldn’t help with. If you are visiting Nanaimo over the next month or so and would like to take a marine adventure, look us up. Nanaimo fishing charters and sightseeing tours is what we do best! We have the knowledge, experience and equipment for a great day on the water.