Michelle Zalmanowitz
Michelle Zalmanowitz
ca
Alberta, Canada
•
Member since 2022
5.0
Verified

A morning on the water

Full Day Trip2 adults

Ended up having to change plans scheduling due to mother nature having windy intentions but overall I'm really happy with the experience. Jeff W. was our captain and guide and educator for the day and his incredible knowledge, experience, skill and proficiency added ten-fold to the experience. We brought in a number of fish despite being early in the season. If you're even thinking about booking, just go for it -- this is well worth it!

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Top Rods Guide Service - Sooke
4.9
(243)
26 ft
Group size 1 - 5
1 - 5
Fish 1
Fish 2
+6
4 hour trip • 5 persons
US $352

Rating

4.9
243 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

  • 98%
    Great experience
  • 96%
    Family friendly
  • 100%
    Friendly captain
  • 100%
    Good boat
  • 97%
    Recommended
  • 94%
    Caught fish

All reviews (243)

Showing 1 – 5 of 243 reviews
  • Joanie Lamoureux
    Joanie Lamoureux
    Repeat angler
    ca
    Quebec, Canada
    •
    Member since 2023
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Lots of fish and lots of fun !

    3/4 Day Trip • 3 adults

    We absolutely loved our three days of fishing with Captain Al! On our first day, we went salmon fishing and caught some truly beautiful (and big) salmon. Our second day was dedicated to bottom fishing, and the variety of species we were able to catch made the experience absolutely incredible. For our third day, we did a mix of salmon and bottom fishing, and once again, the fishing was diverse and plentiful. Captain Al made the whole experience even better with his knowledge, professionalism, and passion for fishing. Every day was different, exciting, and full of action. We couldn’t have asked for a better fishing experience during our time in Sooke. Three amazing days on the water that we won’t soon forget. We highly recommend fishing with Captain Al!

    Reported Catch
    Cod
    Crab
    Chinook Salmon
    Coho Salmon
    Response from Captain

    thanks, Joanie for your review. I also had a great three days with you guys. That was lots of fun. I was glad we could get a good bunch of salmon and bottom fish for you to take home. Hopefully, we can get you out again another time down the road thanks again for the delicious salmon and skate. That was very delicious. You guys have a good rest of the summer and have a safe trip back home and tell mom to enjoy her golfing. Take care and thanks again tight lines and happy faces. Al

  • Dongjun Shin
    Dongjun Shin
    ca
    British Columbia, Canada
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    The most Epic Experience

    Half Day Trip (PM) • 4 adults

    We had an absolutely incredible fishing trip in Sooke with Captain Al yesterday, and I honestly can’t say enough good things about the experience. My brother-in-law and I ended up catching three salmon and a cod, which already made for an amazing day, but what really made the trip special was Captain Al himself. The boat was spotless, everything was extremely well organized, and from the moment we got on board, we felt completely taken care of. Captain Al was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. He guided us throughout the entire trip and made everything easy and enjoyable for us. You can also immediately tell that he is genuinely well-loved and respected by everyone around him. Everywhere we went, people seemed to know and love him, and after spending the day with him, it was very easy to understand why. After we caught our fish, he even took care of cleaning and preparing everything for us. Every little detail was handled perfectly from beginning to end. One thing that really touched us was at the end of the trip. We realized we hadn’t brought enough cash and asked if we could leave him a tip by credit card. He simply wouldn’t take it\. After everything he had done for us that day, his kindness and generosity really stayed with us. This was so much more than just a fishing charter. It was genuinely one of the best experiences we’ve ever had and a memory my brother-in-law and I will never forget. Captain Al, thank you for such an unforgettable day. If you’re looking for a fishing charter in Sooke, I couldn’t recommend him more highly. We will absolutely be back!

    Reported Catch
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Captain

    thanks DongJun for your review. That was awesome. Thank you very much. I was lots of fun getting you guys into some king salmon and coho. i’m glad the weather was nice also for the afternoon trip  it was cool to get your brother-in-law out for his first salmon trip all the way from Korea you guys have a good rest of the summer and thanks again, tight lines and happy faces Al

  • Nathalie Noel
    Nathalie Noel
    ca
    British Columbia, Canada
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip

    Half Day Trip (PM) • 5 adults

    Al was amazing from start to finish! We had an incredible day on the water. His knowledge, professionalism, and years of experience with both salmon fishing and crabbing really showed. The boat was spotless, and all of the equipment was top-notch and well maintained. He made sure we were well taken care of the entire trip, and we were spoiled from beginning to end. We caught beautiful salmon and so much crab that we had enough to feed a family of 20! We couldn't have asked for a better experience and will absolutely be booking with Al again. If you're looking for an unforgettable fishing charter with someone who truly knows what they're doing, we highly recommend Al!

    Reported Catch
    Crab
    Coho Salmon
    Response from Captain

    thanks for your review Nathalie i’m glad you had a good time. It was nice to get you some fish and some crab for a nice dinner. Had lots of fun with you guys. That was a good birthday gift. Thanks again. You guys have a good summer and hopefully we see you again tight lines and happy faces Al

  • Justin Betts
    Justin Betts
    ca
    Kelowna, BC, Canada
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Canada Day ever!

    Half Day Trip (PM) • 2 adults

    Top Rods is Top Notch!! Great half day on the water. Captain Al was nothing but the best, even got a hold of me the day before for a weather update and we changed gears and went out the next morning instead of afternoon. What a choice that was! Nothing but sunny skies, dropped of the coined deadliest catch crab pot, then headed to catch some Coho, after meeting quota haha went for some of the big spring kings. Wife landed catch of her life! 14lb spring! after the best 4+ hours, the wind came in as we were leaving the fishing grounds. When arrving back, picked up the cab pot and hit the marina. little did we know the day wasn't over. Captain Al put on a fillet n seal show! Tubby 2 was the best. Patient hungry boy that got his fill. Highly recommend! Best Canada Day yet! Fresh caught crab over the fire to top it all off!

    Reported Catch
    Crab
    Coho Salmon
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Captain

    thanks for the review, Justin that’s awesome. I’m glad you guys had a great time. I had a super good time with you guys. I’m glad it all worked out and you got some Nice seafood for dinner. That’s awesome. Thanks again. You guys have a great summer and hopefully we see you again Al

  • Linda Mclellan
    Linda Mclellan
    ca
    British Columbia, Canada
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Best captain ever

    3/4 Day Trip • 2 adults

    Captain al was awesome...he worked hard for us and new all the hot spots...we caught alot of fish...we were very happy with this charter and overall first time experience...the captain was very enthusiastic and patient with us...will definitely book again...al is an awesome guy with great knowledge of his fish and the ocean.

    Reported Catch
    Cod
    Crab
    Coho Salmon
    Response from Captain

    thanks Linda for your review. I’m glad that I could get you and Mike some salmon and bottom fish. I had a great time with you guys. Enjoy your catch and hopefully we see you down the road next year have a good fall and winter. Thanks again tight lines and happy faces Al