Fresh Gabriola Island Fishing Reports

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.

The fishing in Nanaimo, located on Vancouver Island, continues to be stellar. This past week, our 4 hour charters have been producing between 6 to 10 fish per trip. With the weather warming up and the snow capped Mountains offering breathtaking backdrop, March trips can often be some of our finest. There is also plenty of sea life (sea birds, river otters, seals and sea-lions) to enjoy as well. Book your next fishing adventure with Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. The fishing is great. And, until the first of April, catch limit is 2 Chinook salmon per person.

Winter Spring or Chinook fishing continues to heat up in Nanaimo. This past Saturday (February 28), we hooked into 10 fish in under 3 hours of fishing. All of these fish were early summer run salmon that we either just over or just under the legal limit of 62 cm (24.5 inches) with one large exception. In any case, lots of action and lots of fun. With warmer weather and lots of fish moving into the area, the month of March looks promising. Take advantage of our off-season prices as well as the 2 fish per person limit. The Chinook fishery will close at the end of March and will not open again until July 15. Book your next Chinook fishing adventure with Reel Time Fishing Charters soon.

Over the past few trips, we've been catching a good number of Coho salmon as a fresh run moves into the area. These salmon range from 6 to 8 pounds. However, it hasn't been unusual for us to hook into fish that are over 10 pounds. With the summer weather hanging on for the next week, this might be a good time to book a salmon fishing charter before the long grey days of winter begin to set in. The bite is on.

July 2020 Fishing Report by Reel Time Fishing Charters Fishing in Nanaimo continues to be stellar during the month of July, 2020. In the past few days, we’ve hooked several Chinook salmon in the high teens and low twenties. Watching anglers test their nerves and strength against fish that leave them shaking their heads with an ear-to-ear smile on their face never gets old. With the Chinook fishery set to open July 15, we have had to release these magnificent fish for conservation reasons. But that has not stopped us from providing our guest with dinner. Our focus has been Lingcod. The abundance of Chinook has made it tricky to hook these fish. But we’ve managed to put a number of Lings in the boat this past season. If you are looking to experience some of the best fishing and amazing scenery Vancouver Island has to offer, call us about our fishing charters and marine tours. With a convenient location, a safe and comfortable ride and two decades of experience, you won’t be disappointed.

This morning, I took a group of anglers out to one of my favorite places for Coho fishing in Nanaimo. We were not disappointed. In addition to some very fine Chinook salmon that we caught and released, we also hooked into eight Coho salmon. Fortunately, three of the eight were clipped fish meaning keepers. Another great adventure aboard Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. Book with us today while the fishing is good. Chances are, you won't be disappointed. Our Covid Commitment: At Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours, our commitment to you is a service that is safe and enjoyable. As such, our Fishing Charters and Marine Scenic and Wildlife tours will include the following: • Private Charters (groups no larger than six consisting of family members & close friends only) • Face Masks (face masks will be provided for our guests and worn by our captain) • A sanitized boat (all touch points to be disinfected before each trip). • A handwashing station (our boat offers running water, a sink and soap for our guests to wash their hands after handling fishing or sight-seeing gear). • A COVID Questionnaire (all guests who book with Reel Time will be asked whether they have experienced or been exposed to COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or headache). • A no-hassle reimbursement of deposit (if for some reason the trip has to be canceled, we will reissue your deposit). The summer of 2020 will be forever remembered as different. At Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours, our desire is to replace the fear factor with the fun factor by ensuring a safe environment. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours Truly Captain Turk Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours