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
145
Reviews
57
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(145 reviews)
Angler's choice
Nanaimo
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $397

Fishing Reports

Best Fall Fishing in Years
Best Fall Fishing in Years
Sep 18, 2017 Nanaimo
September of 2017 has produced some of the best Fall fishing I have ever seen in the Nanaimo area. Last week, we were hooking many large returning Chinook by Entrance Island. When those fish moved, we tried the shallows by Neck Point. We weren't disappointed! Our boat along with other local anglers were consistently hooking fish there between the 8 to 15lb range, the smaller being feeders, the larger being 4 year returning fish. Small 3 inch spoons between 120 to 150 on the rigger seemed to be working for the most part. Our trip on Monday produced 1 nice pink a little higher up in the feed column as well as some nice Chinook down deeper. Earlier trips were also producing Coho out by the Five Fingers. Reel Time Fishing Charters will be in the water for another week. After that, we will be pulling the boat for the remainder of the season. This has been a fantastic year and we wish to thank all of you who have fished with us and read our reports. Until next year, all the best. Be safe, fish sustainably, and tight lines :) Captain Turk Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters
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Reel Time Fishing Charters-June Report
Reel Time Fishing Charters-June Report
Jun 27, 2017 Nanaimo
Fishing has picked up again in and around Nanaimo waters. Over the past two days, we've been hooking into lots of fish just off the Five Fingers and the Hudson's Islands. Book your next trip with us soon while the fish are in the area :)
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Reel Time Fishing Charters-June report
Reel Time Fishing Charters-June report
Jun 13, 2017 Nanaimo
Reel Time Fishing Charters: June Report Fishing in and around Nanaimo has had its challenges over the past week. The water has colored due to the freshet spilling out of the Fraser and bait along with some decent size fish have been hard to find. After trying the usual places this past Saturday, we finally picked up our gear and tried a stretch of water between Gerald Island and Dorcas Rock. One pass shortly after low tide and 4 fish, one in the mid teens. The next day (Saturday), we were back out there but only managed to hook 1 keeper. With a strong Northwest blowing yestereday (Monday), we tried our luck in the Northumberland channel. Not much to speak of there. Luckly, for us, the wind died down allowing us to head out to Entrance where we finally hooked into 2 nice fish, again, both in the mid teens. This morning, we were back at Entrance where again we picked up a few more including this 21lber. For those of you without the means to get out there to enjoy the breathtaking beauty and fun of fishing in Nanaimo, book a trip. For $340.00 CAD, you won't be disappointed. Turk Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters
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Reel Time Fishing Charters-June report
Reel Time Fishing Charters-June report
Jun 2, 2017 Nanaimo
Quality verses quantity, that's how I'd describe the fishing in Nanaimo lately. During our last three outings, we've managed to put a total of 5 Chinook Salmon in the box. Not great in terms of numbers. But almost all of these fish were in the mid to high teens, one topping the scales at just under 20 lbs. Another interesting feature is that we have been catching these fish in the shallows (180 to 300 feet) in and around Clark Rock and Neck Point. Attempts to find fish in the deeper water (700 to 1,000 feet) have produced mostly undersized. For more info on what is going on in front of Nanaimo, feel free to contact us. Otherwise, book your next fishing adventure with Reel Time Fishing Charters. All the best. Captain Turk Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters.
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Reel Time Fishing Charters-May Report
Reel Time Fishing Charters-May Report
May 16, 2017 Nanaimo
Phenomenal fishing continues in and around the waters of Nanaimo. This morning, we landed 4 beautiful Chinook all between the 14 to 16 lb range, all within 90 minutes of fishing. Of the four fish, 2 where the coveted "great whites" or white Springs. With the weather finally turning warmer and sunnier this weekend, fishing may be at an all time high. For memories that will last a lifetime, give us a call. Chances are good you won't be disappointed.
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Reel Time Fishing Charters-May Report
Reel Time Fishing Charters-May Report
May 15, 2017 Nanaimo
They're back! I mean the numbers of Chinook seem to be back. Yesterday afternoon and this morning (Monday May 15), we were able to put a number of fish in the box fairly quickly. Though most of the fish appear to be smaller than the first big run that came through a few weeks ago, we did manage to hook into a number of fish in the low to mid teens. If you are looking to enjoy some time on the water and catch some of these scrappy and tasty fish, book a charter. For as low as $340.00 CAD, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime :)
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 145 reviews
See details
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
120
18
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 145 reviews
Nathalie T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on June 11, 2025
Booked a half day with our Kids and Captain Turk was awesome with the kids. He explained everything and showed them how to...
Nathalie T. 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   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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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   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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Kent P.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing in Nanaimo

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on June 4, 2025
We caught several chinook salmon but were unable to keep them on June 4 because the season was not open yet but Andrew was...
Kent P. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Kent P. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Raymond C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Good times!

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip - In Season on June 10, 2025
Captain Turk did a great job getting us on some fish. We got some crab a couple hatchery coho and a rock fish. This was our...
Raymond C. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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