Its been a tough few weeks for fishing charters. The great hot, sunny weather that has been holding in place due to a ridge of high pressure, which brought strong outflow winds in the straight. Due to this we have had a tough time getting out on the water and have had to cancel alot of fishing charters due to high winds. While we know its disappointing to not be able to get out on the water, we will always put our guests safety and comfort ahead of making a buck. If you do decide to book with another charter operator on a Nanaimo fishing charter, and they don't even mention the wind or the fact you might not be able to get out and you are going no matter what, this is a company that is putting making money for themselves over your safety, comfort and enjoyment. Ask them if there is a point that they don't go out in regards to the wind, if they say no, find another charter. For us, when the winds reach 15 knots(28km/h) or more on the water, we do not go out, as we know exactly what the conditions will be like. Having said that, it looks like the weather system is moving on so we should be able to get out more frequently.
On to the reports! With the winds down over the last week, we have been able to do fishing charters everyday doing multiple trips per day. The chinook fishing has been up and down lately, with one trip getting into multiple springs and the next only a couple. On the upside tho the coho fishing has been good with lots of good sized coho up to 10 pounds being caught every trip out. With the regulations right now you are only able to keep hatchery coho, so you do have to weed through the wild ones to get a hatchery or 2. The bottom fishing has been great as well with lots of yelloweye and nice lingcod up to 20 pounds. We are hoping the summer runs of big chinook are late coming through the area and will arrive soon! We are fairly booked up for the rest of the season, but do still have some days available. If your still looking to get out, even last minute, feel free to give us a call or text and we will try and fit you in a fishing charter in Nanaimo!
Make it an Unreel Day!
Capt. Blake
