Fresh Gabriola Island Fishing Reports

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.

Great day out on the water today. Loads of fish,crabs and prawn. Even got a cool show from the whales today. Fishing in the winter is still loads of fun.

Our half day and full day charters have been going very well. Fishing for chinook salmon has been very productive. On average for our half day charter 2 hours of fishing we have been playing about 10 fish. Being able to keep one or two of the 10 fish played. Crabing has been fantastic with catching well over 30 crabs and being able to go home with more then we wish for. Our prawning trips have been going great as well better then we gave hoped for. Lots of limits being caught

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."

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.

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.