Halibut Fishing BC Canada Halibut Fishing Trips Ucluelet Halibut Fishing

BC salmon & Halibut Fishing Ucluelet Tofino FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a topic below to see more details.

Do we get to keep the fish we catch?

Does someone clean and package the fish?

Is our fish filleted?

Do you offer vacuum packing?

Do I need to buy a fishing license or is it included?

Will there be other parties on the boat with us?

Are children allowed on fishing charters?

Tell me information about your fleet

What is your Charter reservation and cancellation policy?

Are there any activities around Ucluelet?

What is the weather like in Ucluelet?

What are the driving directions to Pacific Rim Fishing Charters?

Should I make a ferry reservation?

What airlines can I use to fly to Ucluelet?

What should I bring with me?

Do we get to keep the fish we catch?

Yes, each person is can legally retain up to 4 Chinooks,4 Coho,s and two Halibut for the 2010 fishing season
Fish can be arranged to be shipped anywhere in Canada and the USA and threw most parts of the world for a additional fee
However, please spend some time and research the destination countries regulations regarding transportation and importation of animal/meat products out side North America.
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Does someone clean and package the fish?

Yes, all fish caught are bled out, gutted, cleaned and packaged by your guide.
Packaging consists of thick plastic bagging sealed by knots or ties.
For an extra fee consider these worth while additions:
1. Filleting available for no added charge.
2 Commercial Vacuum packing can be arranged with one of Ucluelet,s two processor for an additional fee. (extends the freezer life and freshness of your catch). Costs vary from $1.50 to $2.00 dollars a pound depending on your processing instructions

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Is our fish filleted?

Yes, filleting is available free upon request to department of fisheries Rules and regulations

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Do you offer vacuum packing?

Yes. Vacuum packaging can be arranged with your choice of two local processors for an additional fee.
This entails filleting the fish (available free upon request) and all packaging materials aside from transportation containers. The end result will be like vacuum packed products you would pick up in your local supermarket.
This will extend the freezer life and freshness of your fish for a one to three period of time.

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Do I need to buy a fishing license or is it included?

Short answer: YES. You will need to purchase a license for your fishing trip.
You also need to purchase a salmon conservation stamp.
You may purchase a 1 day, 3 day, 5 day, or annual license from any authorized licensing vendor.
Canadians can purchase there fishing license online at

https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/nrls-sndpp/index-eng.cfm

For your convenience there is an authorized vendor across the street from Pacific Rim Fishing Charter's docks. It is open early enough to allow you to obtain a license the day of your charter however we still recommend you purchase a license the day before your charter date.
A full authorized fishing license vendor's list can be viewed at the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website by visiting here. Click here for details.
Additional information on licensing can be obtained at the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website. Click here for details.

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Will there be other parties on the boat with us?

No, all charters are private bookings.
No other groups or families will be on board the boat unless YOU request it.
As a result, you are in control of what happens during the charter.
For example, you can change the location you are fishing, enjoy the eco-tourism, or return to port early.

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Are children allowed on fishing charters?

Yes, all ages are welcome but please notify us at time of booking if children attending are less than nine years of age for safety reasons.

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Tell me about your fleet
Pacific Rim Fishing charters has four fishing vessels, two 28 foot,one 36 foot and one 39 foot

Each Boat Offers The Following:
Seating capacity for 6 people.
Fully enclosed, heated cabin area with private stand-up washroom with sink and shower, full sized stationary table with seating for 4 people, kitchen sink, stove, and mini fridge.
Our cockpit is also fully enclosed and heated and features counter space to accommodate camera’s, drinks.
The large fishing platform will accommodate up to four fishing rods, features below deck storage for catches, and an in-deck water hose for keeping the deck nice and clean.
For added safety, all vessels are equipped with radar, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), computer navigation, depth sounder, VHF marine radio, cell phone, and electric down riggers for added comfort.

All vessels are rigged to exceed DOT and Canadian Coast Guard safety standards.

Detailed Boat Specifications:
Cabin
AM/FM Stereo & CD Controller: w/Speakers (4)
Dinette: Converts to Berth w/Storage Below
Hanging Locker
Translucent & Opening Hatch: w/Privacy Curtain
V-Berth (Cushioned): w/Storage Below
Window Curtains

Cockpit
Courtesy Lights
Engine Access Hatch: w/Gas-Assist
Fishwell: w/Drain
Foldaway Helm Seating
Hardtop: w/Stainless Steel Grab Rails
Lockable Cabin Access Door
Molded Steps: Access to Side Decks
Overhead Lights
Port Bench Seating
Removable Table
Transom Door

Construction Features

Hand-Laid Fiberglass
Heavy-Duty Marine Grade Vinyls: Expanded Back 29 (+/-1.5 oz) Ounces/Linear Yard & 45 Gauge
Textured Surface Decks
Unitized Construction: w/Glassed-In Bulkheads
Vinylester Skin Coat (Hull)

Electrical System
10-Amp Guest® Battery Charger
30-Amp Shore Power: w/50' Cord
Battery Switch
Distribution Panel (110V AC): w/Magnetic Circuit Breakers

Engine Compartment
12V Blower
Manual & Automatic Bilge Pumps

Galley
Alcohol/Electric Dual-Burner Stove
Dual-Voltage Refrigerator: w/Freezer
Stainless Steel Sink: w/Faucet
Storage Drawers

Head
Fiberglass Floor Pan
Marine Head: w/Holding Tank & Manual Flush
Shower
Vanity Cabinet: w/Molded Sink, Faucet & Storage Below
Window Curtain

Helm

12V Horn
12V Outlet
Compass
Dash Panel: w/Non-Glare
Digital Depth Indicator
Ignition Safety Switch: w/Lanyard
Instrumentation: Fuel Gauge, Oil Pressure Gauge, Speedometer, Tachometer, Temperature Gauge, Voltmeter
Teleflex Power-Assisted Steering
Trim Tabs

Hull and Deck
12V Navigation Lights
Anchor Line Locker
Anchor Roller
Bow & Transom Eyes (3)
Bow Hatch: Translucent & Opening
Fiberglass Transom Platform: w/Swim Ladder
Integral Bow Platform: w/Anchor Roller
Mooring Cleats
Safety Handholds
Self-Bailing Fiberglass Floor Liner
Side Deck Windows
Stainless Steel Bow Rails: w/Stainless Steel Fittings - Thru-Bolted to Deck
Starboard Windshield Wiper
Waste Pump-Out Deck Fitting
Windshield: w/Tempered Safety Glass

Water System
Water Heater (6-Gallon)

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What is your Charter reservation and cancellation policy?

All fishing packages and fishing charter reservations must be accompanied by a 50% deposit to secure the dates you requested from being acquired by another party. Any cancellations before 60 days from departure can be transfer to the next available dates within two charter seasons.
The balance of all fishing packages and fishing charters must be payed in full 60 days before departure to secure your reservation.
Bookings 60 to 30 days before departure can be rescheduled with agreement with Pacific Rim Fishing charters to the next available dates within two charter seasons

30 to 0 days can not be rescheduled- please call Pacific Rim Fishing charters asap at 1-877-871-8771 and ask for the fish master to see what we can do for you on a one on one basis. Thank you

If your offshore Salmon & Halibut fishing charter is cancelled due to weather you have the option to fish for salmon in the protected waters of Barkley Sound or to rescheduled your prepaid charter within two charter seasons, no refunds for accommodations, only the fishing charter itself can be rescheduled.
Because of the above policy's we would suggest paying with Visa or Mastercard to secure your dates immediately.

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Are there any activities around Ucluelet?

Ucluelet and the surrounding area has numerous activities for you to enjoy. Within 40km radius of the docks, you can find the following:

World Famous Salmon and Halibut Fishing
Pacific Rim National Park (Air tours as well)
Wild Pacific Trail
Whale Watching - (Grey, Humpback, and Orca)
Swimming
Long Beach
Kayaking and Surfing
Year round boating
Year round golfing
Winter storm watching
Echo Tours
Bear Watching (Black and Brown)
Rain forest
The Bog
Ucluelet Aquarium
Mount Ozart (Hiking)
Lake Kennedy

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What is the weather like in Ucluelet?

The weather and sea conditions change as the seasons do. The following links will give you the most recent information.

current weather conditions and forecast

National Data Buoy Center - current sea conditions in Ucluelet

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What are the driving directions to Pacific Rim Fishing Charters in Ucluelet

Tofino Area / Tofino Airport (YAZ) appox 30 min drive
This is the shortest distance you can drive to get to Ucluelet. If you are not from the Tofino area then you must fly into the Tofino Regional Airport (YAZ), rent a car at the airport and then follow these directions.

If leaving from Tofino Airport use the directions starting at "1", if leaving from Tofino use the directions starting at "2" .

1. Head South on Airport Road heading towards Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
2. Turn LEFT (South East) on Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
3. Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4) turns into Pacific Rim Highway
4. Pacific Rim Highway turns into Peninsula Road
5. Peninsula Road is the main road in Ucluelet, you can reach any destination in Ucluelet from this road

Port Alberni Area / Alberni Valley Regional Airport (YPB) appox 1.5 hr drive
Port Alberni is the closest city to Tofino and Ucluelet (both considered Villages). It provides all of the amenities (with respect to major shopping centers and retail companies) to Ucluelet and Tofino which you would find in your average city. The airport serves as a base for many flight enthusiasts, the Fire Brigade and several smaller airlines. This airport does not have service from major air carriers such as Westjet or Air Canada Jazz.

Notes:
If your DESTINATION is Tofino, directions specific to Tofino are denoted with ( TOFINO ).
If your DESTINATION is Ucluelet, directions specific to Ucluelet are denoted with ( UCLUELET ).
If your ORIGIN is the Alberni Valley Regional Airport (YPB), directions specific to Alberni Valley Regional Airport (YPB) are denoted with ( AIRPORT )
Universal directions (directions not specific to either destination) are not denoted in any way.

If your origin is the Port Alberni area, start directions at number "1"
If your origin is the Alberni Valley Regional Airport (YPB), start directions at number "3"

1. Find your way to River Road or Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4) and turn WEST
2. If you turned onto Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4), you will end at a "T" intersection (River Road / Provincial Route 4), turn RIGHT onto River Road
OR
3. ( AIRPORT ) Turn RIGHT (South) onto Coleman Road
4. ( AIRPORT ) Turn RIGHT (West) onto Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)

5. Continue to follow Provincial Route 4 until it reaches another "T" intersection (Pacific Rim Highway / Provincial Route 4)

6. ( TOFINO ) Turn RIGHT (North) onto Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
7. ( TOFINO ) Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4) Ends At Tofino
OR
8. ( UCLUELET ) Turn LEFT (South) onto the Pacific Rim Highway
9. ( UCLUELET ) Pacific Rim Highway turns into Peninsula Road
10. ( UCLUELET ) Peninsula Road is the main road in Ucluelet, you can reach any destination in Ucluelet from this road

Nanaimo - Duke Point (BC Ferries Terminal) appox 3.0 hour drive
1. Head South onto Provincial Route 19 / Duke Point Highway
2. Take the Trans Canada Highway 1 / Provincial Route 19 (Island Highway) Exit North to Nanaimo / Campbell River
3. Take the Provincial Route 19 North Ramp towards Parksville / Campbell River
4. Continue to follow Provincial Route 19 North
5. Take the Highway 4 Exit 60 towards Qualicum Beach / Port Alberni
*Note* Pay attention for this exit as the next place to turn around is over 20km away
6. Turn LEFT Onto Memorial Ave
7. Memorial Ave turns into Provincial Route 4
8. In Port Alberni you will reach a "T" intersection (River Road / Provincial Route 4)
9. Turn RIGHT onto River Road / Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
10. Continue to follow Provincial Route 4 until it reaches another "T" intersection
11. For Ucluelet continue to use "Ucluelet Directions" / For Tofino continue to use "Tofino Directions"

Nanaimo - Departure Bay (BC Ferries Terminal) appox 3.0 hr drive
1. Head South West onto Stewart Ave / Trans Canada Highway 1
2. Turn Right onto Brechin Road
3. Turn Right onto Provincial Route 19A North (Island Highway)
4. Continue to follow Provincial Route 19 North
5. Take the Highway 4 Exit 60 towards Qualicum Beach / Port Alberni
*Note* Pay attention for this exit as the next place to turn around is over 20km away
6. Turn LEFT Onto Memorial Ave
7. Memorial Ave turns into Provincial Route 4
8. In Port Alberni you will reach a "T" intersection (River Road / Provincial Route 4)
9. Turn RIGHT onto River Road / Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
10. Continue to follow Provincial Route 4 until it reaches another "T" intersection
11. For Ucluelet continue to use "Ucluelet Directions" / For Tofino continue to use "Tofino Directions"

Nanaimo Area appox 3.0 hr drive
1. Find your way to Nanaimo PKWY North / Provincial Route 19 North (Island Highway)
2. Continue to follow Provincial Route 19 North
3. Take the Highway 4 Exit 60 towards Qualicum Beach / Port Alberni
*Note* Pay attention for this exit as the next place to turn around is over 20km away
4. Turn LEFT Onto Memorial Ave
5. Memorial Ave turns into Provincial Route 4
6. In Port Alberni you will reach a "T" intersection (River Road / Provincial Route 4)
7. Turn RIGHT onto River Road / Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
8. Continue to follow Provincial Route 4 until it reaches another "T" intersection
9. For Ucluelet continue to use "Ucluelet Directions" / For Tofino continue to use "Tofino Directions"

Victoria Area appox 4.0 hr drive
1. Find your way to Trans Canada Highway 1 North
2. Trans Canada Highway 1 goes THROUGH Duncan
3. Trans Canada Highway 1 goes THROUGH Ladysmith
4. Take Provincial Route 19 (Highway 19) North ramp to Parksville / Campbell River
5. Bear Right at Nanaimo PKWY North
6. Continue to follow Provincial Route 19 North
7. Take the Highway 4 Exit 60 towards Qualicum Beach / Port Alberni
*Note* Pay attention for this exit as the next place to turn around is over 20km away
8. Turn LEFT Onto Memorial Ave
9. Memorial Ave turns into Provincial Route 4
10. In Port Alberni you will reach a "T" intersection (River Road / Provincial Route 4)
11. Turn RIGHT onto River Road / Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
12. Continue to follow Provincial Route 4 until it reaches another "T" intersection
8. For Ucluelet continue to use "Ucluelet Directions" / For Tofino continue to use "Tofino Directions"

Victoria - Swartz Bay appox 4.5 hr drive
1. After leaving Swartz Bay Ferry Bear Right onto Provincial Route 17 (Highway 17) / Swartz Bay Rd
2. Bear Right onto the McKenzie Ave West ramp to Nanaimo (Highway 1) / Trans Canada Highway
3. Turn right at Highway 1 North / Trans Canada Highway
4. Trans Canada Highway 1 goes THROUGH Duncan
5. Trans Canada Highway 1 goes THROUGH Ladysmith
6. Take Provincial Route 19 (Highway 19) North ramp to Parksville / Campbell River
7. Bear Right at Nanaimo PKWY North
8. Continue to follow Provincial Route 19 North
9. Take the Highway 4 Exit 60 towards Qualicum Beach / Port Alberni
*Note* Pay attention for this exit as the next place to turn around is over 20km away 10. Turn LEFT Onto Memorial Ave
11. Memorial Ave turns into Provincial Route 4
12. In Port Alberni you will reach a "T" intersection (River Road / Provincial Route 4)
13. Turn RIGHT onto River Road / Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
14. Continue to follow Provincial Route 4 until it reaches another "T" intersection
15. For Ucluelet continue to use "Ucluelet Directions" / For Tofino continue to use "Tofino Directions"

Victoria - Victoria Clipper Terminal apoox 4.0 hr drive
1. Leave the Victoria Clipper Terminal heading South
2. Turn LEFT (East) onto Belleville Street.
3. Turn LEFT (North) onto Highway 1 North / Trans Canada Highway 1
4. Trans Canada Highway 1 goes THROUGH Duncan
5. Trans Canada Highway 1 goes THROUGH Ladysmith
6. Take Provincial Route 19 (Highway 19) North ramp to Parksville / Campbell River
7. Bear Right at Nanaimo PKWY North
8. Continue to follow Provincial Route 19 North
9. Take the Highway 4 Exit 60 towards Qualicum Beach / Port Alberni
*Note* Pay attention for this exit as the next place to turn around is over 20km away
10. Turn LEFT Onto Memorial Ave
11. Memorial Ave turns into Provincial Route 4
12. In Port Alberni you will reach a "T" intersection (River Road / Provincial Route 4)
13. Turn RIGHT onto River Road / Provincial Route 4 (Highway 4)
14. Continue to follow Provincial Route 4 until it reaches another "T" intersection
15. For Ucluelet continue to use "Ucluelet Directions" / For Tofino continue to use "Tofino Directions"

British Columbia - Lower Mainland
If leaving from the Lower Mainland, you have two choices of routes. To get to Vancouver Island you must take a BC Ferry. Both the Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal's offer service to Vancouver Island. If you wish to have a shorter drive once you are on Vancouver Island, you may leave either Terminal for Nanaimo (Departure Bay or Duke Point). If you wish to go to Victoria to start your Vancouver Island journey, you MUST leave from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for Swarts Bay Ferry Terminal.

Depending on your choice, you should choose the closest Terminal to your departure location. We only provide directions to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal as there is only one highway to take to reach it. Tsawwassen is another matter, please use the provided Google Earth Placemark to create your own custom directions.

To get to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal:
1. Find your way to Highway 1 / Trans Canada Highway 1 and go West
2. Trans Canada Highway 1 ends at Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal:

Outside of the Lower Mainland / Rest of Canada
If driving from other parts of Canada, the easiest path to a ferry terminal that has a route to Vancouver Island is via Highway 1 / Trans Canada Highway 1 which ends at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.

Seattle Area
134 mi / 2:39
1. Find your way onto I-5 North
2. Cross The Canada / United States Border to Canada
3. Continue onto Provincial Route 99 North
4. Take Exit 28 to Provincial Route 17 (Highway 17) / River Road / Tsawwassen / Ferries
5. Turn LEFT at 62 B St
6. 62 B Street turns into Provincial Route 17 (Highway 17)
7. Provincial Route 17 (Highway 17) Ends at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
Board a Ferry with a destination of Duke Point (Nanaimo) or Swartz Bay (Victoria)

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Should I make a ferry reservation?

Yes. The BC Ferries website will allow you to reserve a particular boat. Especially in the summer months, the ferry terminal can be extremely busy. We definitely recommend making a reservation to ease your travel time.
www.bcferries.com

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What airlines can I use to fly to Ucluelet?

There are a number of airlines that fly to Ucluelet. Click on one of the links below to make your flight reservations.

orca air
Tofino Air
Craig Air
Sound Flight
Kenmore Air

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What should I bring with me?

It is always best to be prepared while on a boat - especially when you could be out for a number of hours. The following is a list of items that you should bring with you on your trip:

Rubber boots or water proof shoes
Rain gear
Warm clothing / layers work well (remember wet cotton has a negative insulative quality)
Hat / sunglasses / sunscreen
Camera
Valid BC saltwater license w/ salmon conservation stamp
Lunch, snacks, beverages (lunch can be provided upon request)
Large coolers for transporting your fish home

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Can we keep the fish we catch?

Yes, each person can keep two Halibut, four Chinooks, and four Cohos during the 2010 Ucluelet Halibut fishing season. We can arrange to have fish shipped throughout Canada and the United States for an additional fee. Fish can also be shipped to other countries depending on local meat / animal import laws.

Is cleaning, processing, and packaging provided?

Your guide will gut, clean, and process your fish. Filleting is also available for no additional charge. Fish are packaged in thick, plastic bags. Commercial vacuum sealing is available from local companies who work with us during the Halibut fishing BC season for an additional charge.

Are fish filleted?

Your BC Halibut fishing trips catch qualifies for free fish filleting upon request.

How are fish packaged for transportation?

Halibut fishing trips often take place far from home. Commercial vacuum sealing is available from two local vendors. The added fee includes all packing materials aside from the transportation containers. The result looks just like fish found in the freezer section of your local grocery store and adds self life to your catch.

Do I need a fishing license to fish?

Yes, all members of a fishing party will need to purchase a fishing license and salmon tag to take part in Halibut fishing Canada. Canadian residents can purchase a license online at https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/nrls-sndpp/index-eng.cfm. An authorized vendor is available across the street from Pacific Rim Fishing Charters. We suggest purchasing your license the day before your Halibut fishing trip Canada, though the vendor is open early enough to make the purchase the day of the trip.

Will more than one fishing party be booked on one boat?

We do not book multiple parties on one fishing boat unless you request it. Each charter is a private fishing trip with a dedicated guide. Private bookings allow fishing parties to make spur of the moment changes to fishing locations or return to port early per request.

Are children allowed to fish onboard?

Yes, children love to fish too and we encourage children on all fishing charters. If children are under the age of nine, we request you let us know ahead of time for safety reasons.

What is the reservation and cancellation policy?

When reservations are made, we collect 50% of the total price to reserve the motor yacht for the designated date. Cancellations made prior to 60 days before the charter reservation are honored by transferring the deposit to another booking within two charter seasons.

Balances owed must be paid within 60 days of the reservation. Cancellations occurring between 30 and 60 days out will be honored by transferring all money to a new reservation within the next two charter seasons. If a cancellation is desired less than 30 days before a booking, please call Pacific Rim Fishing Charters to speak with the fish master at (877) 871-8771. We handle these Halibut fishing BC Canada requests on a case-by-case basis.

If offshore charter reservations are cancelled due to inclement weather, we will offer salmon fishing in the protected Barkley Sound or a transfer to a new booking within two charter seasons. Only fishing charters can be rescheduled, accommodations will not be rescheduled or refunded.

Are there local activities other than fishing?

There are many family friendly activities in the Ucluelet area. Within 40 km of the docks are:

Pacific Rim National Park
Wild Pacific Trail
Whale Watching
Swimming
Beach Access
Boating
Golfing
Eco Tours and Air Tours
Bear Watching
Rainforest
Ucluelet Aquarium
Mount Ozart
Lake Kennedy

How is the weather in Ucluelet?

The warmest months of the year in Ucluelet are May to September, these are also the months with the least precipitation. Current weather conditions may change rapidly, so friends can check current weather conditions in Ucluelet on http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/. (We are listed in British Columbia.)

Do I need to make a reservation for the ferry?

Ferries are exceptionally busy in the summer months, so reservations are a great idea. Book ferries at www.bcferries.com.

Which airlines service Ucluelet?

Orca Air
Tofino Air
Craig Air
Sound Flight
Kenmore Air

What are the essential items I should bring?

Fishing is fun with the right equipment. Charters come equipped with all fishing tackle and supplies but guests will need to bring:

Rubber boots or water proof shoes, rain gear, warm clothing (layers are best), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, BC fishing license with salmon stamp, lunch, snacks, beverages, and large coolers to transport fish. Lunch can be provided upon request.