Fresh Gabriola Island Fishing Reports

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

Over the past two weeks, Reel Time has encountered large numbers of Chinook salmon in Nanaimo waters. Our four and six hour charters have been producing between 8 to 12 fish respectively. Average size of these fish is between 8 to 12 lbs with some fish coming in at the mid to high teens. Chinook salmon are scrappy, beautiful and a thrill to bring to the boat. And though the Chinook salmon fishery is open to catch and release only during the months of May and June, the excitement of hooking, landing and releasing one of these magnificent creatures is life-giving. All things considered (the environmental changes and the challenges Chinook face), the opportunity to go out and fish for these salmon is a gift. And, to help ensure that this gift is one that others can enjoy for generations to come, Reel Time Fishing Charters and Marine Tours donates 5% of every charter back into salmon enhancement projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Going to be visiting the Nanaimo area soon? Take in an adventure of a life-time! Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future.

I'm terrible at taking pictures. I'm a little better when it comes to fishing. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday on the waters of one of the most beautiful places on earth..., the Pacific North West. The weather was mild and sunny, the seas calm, the company life giving and the fishing fantastic. Out of the four fish landed, three where kept, all beautiful winter Chinook in that 10-12lb range. Even if only 1 fish had come aboard that day, I still would have considered it to be a perfect day of fishing. Listening to the water lap lazily against the side of the boat, breathing in the fresh ocean air, gazing out at snow capped mountains, enjoying the company of a good friend, really, we are so privileged to be able to live in this country, take in its beauty and fish for these magnificent fish. Looking to enjoy a day of life? Book a winter fishing charter or scenic tour with us. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future!"

With cooler temperatures over the past week, Reel Time Fishing Charters has been fishing in the fog. I often tell my guests it is my favorite. Fog often means milder weather and calmer seas. The stillness and limited visibility can often feel eerily quiet, especially when a pod of Orca's surface near by as they did on our last trip. These are fishing adventures we all live for. In addition to the vast amount or marine life, our Saturday charter also hooked into numerous fish as well, keeping our guest occupied in more ways than one. The final surprise of the day was the hauling in the crab trap which produced 2 of the largest Dungeness crab I have ever seen. Take advantage of our off-season prices and book now. Chances are good you won't be disappointed.

The bite is on in Nanaimo! Over the past few days, we've kept our guests busy on the rods with lots of scrappy winter Chinook salmon. Our four hour fishing charter this morning (Friday, January 14, 2022) produced over half a dozen double headers. Our efforts were rewarded near the end with a nice fish in the low teens. With a daily limit of 2 fish per person and our reduced winter prices, fishing doesn't get any better than this. Book your next trip with Reel Time Fishing Charters. Make some memories that will last forever.

Nanaimo Salmon Fishing Specials with Reel Time Fishing Charters The alarm sounds only to remind you its 6 am. You jump out of bed and quickly dress in layers of warm clothing. Grabbing your favorite coffee mug, you open the fridge door and pull out a small bag of snacks and beverages. Wallet, keys, cell phone and fishing license, that’s all you’ll be needing today! Quietly, you exit the front door just as the headlights of your friend’s car pull up the driveway. After a quick stop at the local coffee shop, you head down to Nanaimo’s waterfront. Pulling into the parking lot, you notice the first rays of light beginning to awaken a new day. Parking the car, you and your friend quickly gather your things. As you walk towards the dock in the cold stillness of the morning, you notice the only other sound, the gentle gurgle of a boat motor. With a light skip to your step, you wonder what is it about the salmon fishing that stirs the heart of both young and the old alike? Captain Turk greets you with his usual enthusiasm. After years of guiding, he’s as excited about the adventure as you are. It’s been a number of years since you’ve last fished with him so he goes over the safety features of his new ride, a 26ft Hourston Glascraft. It’s truly an angler’s dream boat, lots of deck space, a full galley with cabin heat, a stand-up head, the latest in fishing electronics and gear and a flybridge. He then unties and pushes off. The moment is here, we are on our way. Gliding out of the New Castle Channel, the engine suddenly roars to life as the boat gets up on plane leaving the docks and doldrums behind. Rounding the corner of New Castle Island, you are greeted by a large orange ball cresting the eastern horizon and piercing through the early morning mist. Captain Turk points out two massive rock structures just off the shoreline that resemble large chess figures. As you exit Departure Bay and enter the open waters of the Salish Sea, Captain Turk steers the boat towards Clark Rock. Minutes later, he slows to a stop. Turning off the main, he drops the trolling motor and fires it up. He checks he chart plotter and says with a smile, “We’re here!” As the trolling motor warms, he positions the downriggers and readies the rods. Surrounded by water and wonder, you take in the quiet beauty of the day. You take in a deep breath thinking when did it ever feel so safe and satisfying? Its then you realize the boat is moving forward, reels peeling out line as Captain Turk drops the gear down. Selecting the desired depth, both rods bent over, he turns to you and your friend and says, “Let the fun begin” Every fishing trip is a new adventure. You never know what to expect. And that’s what makes each charter a memorable experience and a gift. We are so privileged to still be able to fish for these magnificent creatures that taste good, look good, and fight good! It is also why 5% of each trip goes back into salmon restoration projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. So, as another year begins, book a life giving trip with Reel Time Fishing Charters. Experience the wonder. Invest in its future.