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Laurel Gareau
Captain

Laurel Gareau

Campbell River, Canada
25+ reviews
Captain Laurel Gareau is a real threat to any fish. He is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable angler with many years of experience. He knows the waters like the back of his hand and is very familiar with the methods that work best to catch the fish of a lifetime. Laurel specializes in Salmon fishing.

Charter

Rating

5.0
37 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

97%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
84%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (37)

Showing 1 – 5 of 37 reviews
  • Manuela Haggenmiller
    Manuela Haggenmiller
    de
    Germany
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Sehr guter Anglertrip

    Multi location Fishing • 3 adults

    Absolute Sportfishing können wir uneingeschränkt empfehlen. Das Boot und die Angelausrüstung sind top. Laurel kennt sich in den Gewässern sehr gut aus und hat mehrere Spots zum Angeln angesteuert. Wir haben neben Lachse auch noch Lengdorsche gefangen. Und ganz wichtig: Keine Bananen an Bord! Danke, Laurel für den tollen Tag.

    Reported catch:
    Lingcod
    Chinook Salmon
  • Kerstin Lorenzen
    Kerstin Lorenzen
    de
    Germany
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Adventure

    Fishing/ Wildlife/ Whale watching • 4 adults

    Laurel is an fishing and Adventure expert. It was great time

    Reported catch:
    Coho Salmon
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Captain

    Thank you Kerstin, it’s always great to get some fishing action and show the the dynamic environment here in Campbell River! Glad you and your family had a memorable adventure.

  • Philip Klein
    Philip Klein
    de
    Germany
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Incredible Trip with Captain Laurel: Orcas all around us

    Fishing/ Wildlife/ Whale watching • 2 adults

    Today we had the honor of spending a 5 hour trip on the Inside Passage with Captain Laurel. It was unbelievable, besides humpback whales we could also see bald eagles and sea lions. Everything was perfectly organized and the day flew by. We were able to catch several cods and the salmon bit too. But just before noon all our expectations were exceeded, orcas appeared and stayed around our boat for almost an hour, an incredible experience. We can only thank you again for the great trip and highly recommend Absolute Fishing!

  • Bruce Buck
    Bruce Buck
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    5 Hour Charter on 8/7/23

    Half Day Trip • 4 adults

    My wife, son , daughter and I had an awesome day on the water. Captain Laurel was fun and interesting to interact with. He worked hard and was very patient with us the whole time. He found the fish for us; our arms were tired by the time we headed back. Great experience!

    Reported catch:
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Captain

    Thank you for joining me for your fishing adventure! Hopefully we can get together again next time you are on the Island.

  • Denniece Crout
    Denniece Crout
    ca
    Alberta, Canada
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    4 hours of fab fishing

    4 Hour Charter • 2 adults

    Captain very knowledge and shared info about fishing and the area. Boat clean and good working order. Knew how to read the tides and bait pools. 9 caught in less than 3 hours. And another dozen strikes within that time. Would definetly recommend. If I have the opportunity I will book with Laurel again. Good time

Real catches shared by our community

  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Two anglers display a large silver salmon-like fish aboard a small motorboat on calm coastal waters with mountainous scenery.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Manuela H.
    Manuela H.
    Absolute Sportfishing können wir uneingeschränkt empfehlen. Das Boot und die Angelausrüstung sind top. Laurel kennt sich in den Gewässern sehr gut aus und hat mehrere Spots zum Angeln angesteuert. Wir haben neben Lachse auch noch Lengdorsche gefangen. Und ganz wichtig: Keine Bananen an Bord! Danke, Laurel für den tollen Tag.
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Two young anglers proudly display freshly caught salmon aboard a covered fishing boat on open coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Coho Salmon
    Kerstin L.
    Kerstin L.
    Laurel is an fishing and Adventure expert. It was great time
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Solo angler holding a large salmon aboard a fishing boat, with open water and coastal mountains in the background.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Kevin A.
    Kevin A.
    It was awesome!!!!
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    A whale breaching in a scenic marine environment, with mountains in the background, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
    Philip K.
    Philip K.
    Today we had the honor of spending a 5 hour trip on the Inside Passage with Captain Laurel. It was unbelievable, besides humpback whales we could also see bald eagles and sea lions. Everything was perfectly organized and the day flew by. We were able to catch several cods and the salmon bit too. But just before noon all our expectations were exceeded, orcas appeared and stayed around our boat for almost an hour, an incredible experience. We can only thank you again for the great trip and highly recommend Absolute Fishing!
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Adult angler proudly holding a large orange rockfish aboard a boat on calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Vermilion Rockfish
    Colin B.
    Colin B.
    We had a great day fishing! Although we didn’t have any keepers we managed to catch and release plenty of fish. Captain Laurel was great, very friendly and helpful, patient and experienced! I’d certainly recommend him and would book with him again!
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Young angler holding a large salmon aboard a fishing boat on open coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    Noriki T.
    Noriki T.
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Solo angler proudly holding a large salmon aboard a fishing boat on a scenic mountain lake.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    Melisa G.
    Melisa G.
    Got two springs and 4 pinks Had over a dozen other fish on during trip, but that’s how it goes. Tried jogging, we got a couple too young ling cod to the boat. He taught me how to jig which was really cool. Absolutely awesome guide! Laurel was amazing. Knew everything there was to know about area and great fun to chat with! Highly recommend laurel as a guide!
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Adult angler proudly holding a large salmon aboard a fishing boat in a scenic coastal setting.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    Cliff R.
    Cliff R.
    Great 1/2 day fishing with Laurel. Very nice boat & equipment. He has a good knowledge of fishing & can definitely target the fish we were after.
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Fishing rod bent with tension, indicating a fish is on the line in a serene coastal environment surrounded by lush greenery.
    Fish 1
    Coho Salmon
    Mark W.
    Mark W.
    Amazing day with Laurel, boat was super clean and modern, the fishing equipment was first class and the knowledge Laurel had was great and answered all our novice questions on fishing and salmon. Great instructions too and for making us do things right, it was much appreciated. Icing on the cake was the whale popping up to say hello. Will be sure to use Laurel again when we come back to Campbell River. Burton also wanted to say thanks too :-)
  • Absolute Sportfishing
    Absolute SportfishingCampbell River, BC
    Adult angler proudly holding a large silver fish aboard a boat against a scenic coastal fishing backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Coho Salmon
    Nick T.
    Nick T.
    A great days ‘Chinook’ fishing with Laurel. As complete beginners, my wife and two teenage daughters, Laurel took time to explain everything and gave a few practice runs before we caught anything, to get used to the gear. We seemed to be one of the only boats catching - so thanks Laurel - he knows his stuff. We ended the day with 3 keepers and put two back. We also saw an Orca and a bald eagle. Best half day money can buy. Nick and family

What's biting with Absolute Sportfishing in Campbell River

By November, the mature Salmon have moved on to their respective spawning rivers. But that doesn't mean there's nothing here for anglers: feeding Chinook are caught to the south of the town and Winter Steelhead is back.

Top catches for November