May is the Month for Lingcod They may be scary looking, but they sure are tasty. In fact, if I had to choose between halibut or lingcod, I’d pick lingcod any day of the week. Problem is, I have always found them to be a little tricky to catch. So, when I do fish for them, I check tides and tide tables religiously. Once fishing, I work ledges and drop-offs keeping my bait as close to the bottom as possible. The preferred method by many is jigging for lingcod. I like trolling for them using 4 to 8 oz swimbaits. It’s a lot of work and you must be on your toes since you are constantly bringing gear up and/or dropping it back down. But it can be a very effective way of hooking these “bucket heads” as they are sometimes called. On opening day this year, my group of two and I were greeted by a beautiful sunny morning. Knowing I just missed the tide change on an ebb tide, I choose to fish the northwest side of Gabriola. Trolling two of my favorite 4 oz swimbaits, I watched my depth as I began to work an edge. Once alongside of Gabriola Island near the old Cannery, we finally started having some action. Unfortunately, our customers where Quillback, Cooper Rock Fish, and a very nice Yellow Eye and an undersized Lingcod. We still hadn’t found our prize fish. With about an hour left in the trip, I was bringing up the gear as the depth changed from 160 to 90 feet when I noticed a slight bounce on the portside rod. I grabbed the rod yanking the line off the clip. I quickly handed the rod over to my guest and asked, “feel any better this time?” “Oh yes” was the reply. Five minutes later, we had our first nice lingcod aboard. Oh yeah! If you enjoy eating white meat from the ocean, Lingcod is the way to go. And, with salmon closed until the beginning of June, it is all we’ll be fishing for. As I tell my guests, May is the month for Lingcod.

March is the month for Spring Break. March is also the month to discover and enjoy the amazing fishing, nature and history offered around the Harbor City of Nanaimo. Hi, my name is Captain Turk, owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. For almost two decades I have had the privilege of showcasing the beauty of BC’s west coast. Believe me when I say, the opportunity never gets old. If you are visiting or living locally here in BC, I’d like to invite you on a Fishing Charter or Scenic & Wildlife tour. The experience is something you may never forget. When it comes to Chinook Salmon fishing, Nanaimo is well known. And over the past few months, fishing for “Kings” has been exceptional. They look good, fight good and taste good. Crabbing is also something worth trying. If fishing isn’t your thing, book one of our unique scenic and wildlife tours. There is so much to see and discover. Nanaimo and surrounding islands are rich in wildlife and full of history and folklore. You’ll be amazed at all sights as well as their historical and cultural significance. Make Spring Break 2025 a spring to remember. Take in the breath-taking beauty of the land from the wonder of its waters. Chances are good, you won’t be disappointed.

Adrenaline Rush, Salmon Fishing, Nanaimo B.C. The adrenaline rush for me usually starts the night before. After all these years, sleep still comes slowly as I lay awake contemplating where I’ll be going and what I’ll be using. Awakened by my alarm the next morning, I am greeted by a bright orange sunrise. Oh ya, another day in paradise! Dressing in my winter woollies, I grabbed a coffee and drove down to the docks where my trusted steed awaited. Thirty minutes later, I was on my way with four enthusiastic quests eager to embark on a new adventure in life. After dropping a crab pot, we motored out to the fishing grounds. Ten minutes in, we had our first fish to the boat. Just shy of the legal limit, we released it and doubled back. When the rod went off this time, I knew we were into a better fish. Handing the rod over to an experienced angler, it was all smiles all the way in. A beautiful 75 cm Chinook. “Largest fish so far this season” I said to my group. What I didn’t know…, it was about to get better. A little over an hour later, the port side rod went off. I knew it was something big when it hit, popped the clip, and was off on a tear. “Fish on” I cried! With the rod doubled over, it was the usual deep down head shaking madness followed by a short run halfway to the boat and then another short run right beside the boat. Finally, she was in the net. Wow, a beauty measuring 76 cm’s. “My heart was beating like crazy” said the women once the fish was aboard. Yep, I thought to myself. Its something I have often heard my guests say after fighting one of these incredible fish. They truly can be an adrenaline rush. We boxed one more fish that morning before heading back to retrieve the crab pot full of Dungeness. What a day! What a gift! As their first Westcoast salmon adventure, it was an exhilarating experience. I am sure it will not be their last.