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FAQ'S >>

We understand you will have some questions, so we have compiled a list of Q&A's to help you. If you still have questions please don't hesitate to contact us by email or phone.

Where are you located?

We are centrally located in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. 

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, as well as major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and Interac E Transfer. 

Limits of chinook nootka sound fishing charter
Do you only offer day charters?

We have several different fishing charter packages available. We offer half day charters, 3/4 day trips, full day charters and multiple day charters. 

Are there washrooms on the boat?

Yes our boat is equipped with a flushing marine toilet enclosed in the cabin area. 

Will we see any wildlife while on the fishing charter?

While out on your fishing charter, there is a possibility you will see any number of marine animals. Including Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Orcas, Porpoise, Humpback whales, White Sided Dolphins, Jellyfish, Pacific Octopus, Bald Eagles and many others.

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Can a charter be extended past the reserved amount of time?

This is a fairly common request and the short answer is yes! Unless you are on a half day charter and there is another charter booked right after you, you can extend the charter by the hour. Hourly rates apply. 

Can we keep the fish we catch?

There are many rules and restrictions on fishing in our area to ensure we have salmon for our future generations. At different times of the year different salmon species have openings and closures as well as changes to limits.  Although at certain times of the year certain species are closed for retention in specific areas. There are also size limits for each species. Typically chinook, which is the most abundant of the species year round is catch and release only from April-July 15th. Coho salmon open June 1st for retention of hatchery only fish. Don't hesitate to ask when you set up your trip what fish are allowed to be retained.

What are the catch limits?

This will vary depending on what time of the season you are fishing in. While we would love everyone to catch their limits, the results will vary from day to day. We strive to give the best fishing experience as possible and want you to experience the thrill of the catch. As we look to the future of fishing on the coast, we have to have conservation in mind if we want salmon stocks to be around for future generations. Incredible fun can still be had even doing catch and release fishing, although of course we would love all of our guests to go home with a catch. Please contact us if you have questions about what to expect on a trip.

What happens with our fish after the charter?

Your fish will be cleaned and filleted for you then placed in freezer or fish bags. If you wish to have your salmon smoked or canned, we can arrange that through St. Jeans in Nanaimo.

Will we get seasick while on the fishing charter?

This answer varies widely depending on the area we are fishing and the sea conditions. Also if you have a history of motion sickness. Most of the time on the east and south coast we only experience waves when the wind picks up and currents change. Most people do not have a problem with this but if you think you might, there are numerous types of sea sickness medications that are available over the counter. We can recommend various medications but your best bet would be to ask a pharmacist for help.

Do you supply all the rods and tackle?

We supply all the fishing rods, tackle and bait for your fishing charter. We supply high end Shimano, Shakespeare, Penn, and Trophy gear. 

Is the charter weather dependent?

In short, yes. We will do everything we can to make your trip happen, but sometimes there are issues with mother nature that are out of our control. We pride ourselves in providing a safe and enjoyable trip, if we feel the weather will impact that significantly we will have to postpone, cancel or reschedule a trip. 

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25 pound Chinook Salmon caught by Unreel fishing Charters on a Nanaimo fishing charters.
What should we bring on our charter?

Anyone that will be fishing, including children, will need to have a Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. You can get single day, 3 day or yearly licenses. If you would like to be able to retain any salmon you must also have a salmon stamp with your license. They can be purchased online on the Fisheries website. You can have a digital copy on your phone. We suggest taking a screenshot of the license so you can quickly and easily show your license when boarding and as needed.

Asides from the licenses, please bring enough food and drinks for yourselves for the trip. In the summer it can be fairly warm on the water, if on cloudy or cooler days, extra or warmer clothes are a good idea. For footwear, any soft soled shoes like runners or sandals are fine. The only footwear we don't recommend would be harder soled shoes like work boots or heavy hiking boots as they can mark and damage the fibreglass floor of the vessel.

Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended

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