BC Salmon/Halibut this July

[bigdave]

Hey guys,

My wife and I will be celebrating 10 wonderful years of marriage this July. We will be going out to Vancouver Island for some vacation time and relaxation. The other day I floated the idea of driving out to the West coast of the island for a little salmon fishing. Well, I think we are going to do it.

Does anyone have any experience in this regard? Can you recommend a charter service? Anyone interested in sharing a boat, perhaps? My wife and I are pleasure anglers, we are NOT hardcore, fish till you die people. However, we are more than happy to pay a fair price to fill our coolers with Salmon and Halibut and have a great time with good folks. We are planning on a 8hr combo charter.

I may have more questions later.

[Buckshot Bill]

Tofino and Ucluelet are great places to go to.  I fished out of Tofino a number of years back and it was very good.  I would do a web search for charters and start calling.  Most of them are pretty good and will have success just because of the area.  Check these links out to help get you started.
http://www.gotofino.com/fishingtofinobc.html
http://tofinofishing.com/
http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SearchResultsListings/BritishColumbia.htm?CATID=172&LOCID=625&KWDS=&NBY=True&FLID=625&PN=1&Lev1=11
http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SightsActivitiesEvents/NaturalSightsParksWildlife/Fishing/VancouverIsland.htm?media=cpc&referrer=yahoo-search&CMP=KNC-NA&HBX_PK={Keyword:nil}&HBX_OU=51
http://www.uclueletbc.com/

Hope it helps and that you have a fun and memorable anniversary.

[rasbo]

I fished outta ucluelet several yrs back had a blast,I dont remember the charters,we flew into an old runway military at one time I believe,and stayed in a condo.Its beautiful country

[Bearhunter]

You can go out with the Canadian Princess boats out of Ucluelet, they have accomadations also.  You will do better going out on a small private boat though, but you will pay significantly more though.  Went on my honeymoon to Ucluelet/Tofino, it was a fun trip.

[huntnphool]

These guys do pretty well up there, some friends have gone out with them.

http://www.longbeachcharters.com/

[popeshawnpaul]

If you are going to drive that far, go somewhere good...   

I say go to Tahsis.  Roosevelt elk, bears everywhere, otters, eagles, shrimp, uncrowded and remote.  There is a motel there and it is very scenic.  There are a few salmon spots inside with no waves.  Or you can go out for salmon and untapped bottom fishing. 

[bigdave]

Pope,

"There are a few salmon spots inside with no waves."

This part of your comment intriged me because my wife does get motion sickness. She can take medicine but tends to be a little spacey when she is on the meds. Is this a fly in place or can I drive there?

[lokidog]

My anniversary is in July as well, 21st.  My wife feels we did not get enough salmon last year to fulfil her needs .  I've got a 21' Trophy set up with downriggers.  It's a gas guzzler but with a few people to share costs.....could be fun. Plus a LOT less expensive than charters.  I don't know the area so it would be nice to have someone familiar along.  I could fish 5 fairly comfortably, 6 might work.  Could do bottomfish as well, lings and rocks.

[Firstlight]

Ive fished both places and would have to say, if you dont mind the the rollers Ucluelet is better fishing most of the time. I would suggest staying away from the puker boats. ( princess charters ) Get booked up with one of the smaller guide boats and get ready for a blast. We normaly bring are own boat up, but if I had to pick a guide it would have to be Captain Dan.

All of the princess boats just jig all day. All the others troll with training wheels.(downriggers)

Have a blast, and dont forget the camera.

[HawkenBob]

July will be hit or miss on the South west side of the Island. Especially the inside fisheries for Kings. Mid to late Augest in Tofino, Bamfield and the like are best for consistantsy.  We typically hit Bamfield around the 15th or later. The inside fisheries are a bit later even untill they get going.

Winter Harbor would be a better bet. You can drive there instead of the 20 mile run to the grounds from Tahsis. Very secluded and remote. But even there in this day and age most of the inside (read calm water) fishing is very hit or miss. So ocean conditions will apply. Its all private guide boats so it is a bit more but you come in when you want. Not when the capt. says.

Last year we went to Winter Harbor and fishing was really good from the 7th or so on of augest. But your looking at 3 to 6 miles off the coast for Kings untill late augest. If they show...

[rasbo]

Ive fished both places and would have to say, if you dont mind the the rollers Ucluelet is better fishing most of the time. I would suggest staying away from the puker boats. ( princess charters ) Get booked up with one of the smaller guide boats and get ready for a blast. We normaly bring are own boat up, but if I had to pick a guide it would have to be Captain Dan.

All of the princess boats just jig all day. All the others troll with training wheels.(downriggers)

Have a blast, and dont forget the camera.

is dan a short guy that used to work for princess

[bigdave]

thanks for the advice guys......

Keep it coming.

[popeshawnpaul]

I drive to Tahsis.  You go to Campbell River and then over the top of the island to the coast.  The best fishing is a 20 mile run but it's through narrow corridors so it's all protected the whole way.  The fishing inside out there isn't quite as good as it is outside, but when the waves are pounding you it's a good second option.  There are a few guides that stay inside.  I think I averaged around 3-6 kings in the 20-30 lb range fishing on the inside.  Some years are better than others.  When I can get outide there is decent ling and halibut fishing and good king fishing.  I'll give more details but really, you need to call up there, find a good guide, and have them run you out fishing for the day.  I have some pictures I'll post some time.