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
(109 reviews)
Angler's choice
Nanaimo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $363

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 109 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (61)
Above and beyond expectations
Above and beyond expectations
Fishing with Andrew
+58
Angler rating
87
16
0
0
2
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
91%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
83%
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Showing:
5 of 109 reviews
Mary K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Above and beyond expectations

VERIFIED   3 Hour Fishing Trip on March 7, 2024
Turks was great and he obviously loves what he does.ย  The trip was perfect for two seniors with limited fishing experience.ย ...
Mary K. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Mary K. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Kirk M.
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day salmon fest out of Nanaimo

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on July 29, 2023
Great trip with Turk out of Nanaimo, with my mother and nephew in tow - neither of whom have very much experience fishing for...
Kirk M. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Kirk M. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Rick B.
Abbotsford, BC
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Half day fishing charter with captain Turk.

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on August 8, 2023
Charter boat is conveniently located right next to the Departure Bay ferry terminal with ample parking. Captain Turk has excellent...
Rick B. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Rick B. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Leah R.
Toronto, ON
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Captain Andrew

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on July 24, 2023
I got this experience as a gift for my husband and father-in-law and they had nothing but good things to say. Despite heavy...
Leah R. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Leah R. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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David O.
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect hat trick

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (PM) on August 1, 2023
Great day with Captain Andrew.ย  We caught chinook, coho, and pink salmon on a four-hour tour.ย  He really knew where to find...
David O. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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David O. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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