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Expert-Guided Nanaimo Fishing Charter | Getter Done
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Nanaimo, BC
- $410 - $1,100 price range
Summary
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Nanaimo's Catch of the Day
Nanaimo’s best kept secret: mornings like this.
Sometimes Nanaimo hands you something worth keepin
Nanaimo mornings always start with a cast.
Nanaimo gave us more than we expected today.
Just a good day for salmon and sea air.
Somewhere near Nanaimo—something big hit the line.
The salmon showed up. So did we.
Out of Nanaimo, into something real.
Waiting for the tug that tells a tale.
Just beyond the harbor, the bite started.
Nanaimo’s best kept secret: mornings like this.
Sometimes Nanaimo hands you something worth keepin
Nanaimo mornings always start with a cast.
Nanaimo gave us more than we expected today.
Just a good day for salmon and sea air.
Somewhere near Nanaimo—something big hit the line.
The salmon showed up. So did we.
Out of Nanaimo, into something real.
Waiting for the tug that tells a tale.
Just beyond the harbor, the bite started.
Nanaimo’s best kept secret: mornings like this.
Sometimes Nanaimo hands you something worth keepin
Nanaimo mornings always start with a cast.
Nanaimo gave us more than we expected today.
Nanaimo's Ultimate Fishing Adventure: 8-Hour Charter
Get ready for a jam-packed day of fishing action on the waters off Nanaimo! This full-day charter with Getter Done Charters gives you 8 solid hours to experience the best of what our local fishery has to offer. We're talking salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and even some tasty shellfish to round out your catch. If you're looking to make the most of your time on the water, this trip delivers big time.
What's On The Menu
We kick things off by dropping some crab and prawn traps - nothing beats fresh seafood! Then it's time to target the crown jewels of Pacific Northwest fishing: Chinook and Coho salmon. These hard-fighting fish will give you a run for your money. Later in the day, we'll switch gears and go after some bottom-dwelling brutes like lingcod and rockfish. The best part? We don't have to run far to find the fish, which means more time with lines in the water.
Hooks, Lines, and Sinkers
On this trip, we'll use a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. For salmon, we'll likely be trolling with downriggers - dragging lures or bait at specific depths where the fish are hanging out. When it's time for lingcod and rockfish, we'll switch to jigging or bait fishing near structure and reefs. Don't worry if you're new to these methods - your captain will walk you through everything you need to know. We provide all the gear, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky fishing hat!
Reel Talk from Happy Anglers
"John and I appreciated this trip headed by Capt Brannen and I look forward to another good time." - Samuel
"Highly recommend this trip, I enjoyed this trip with my son" - Joy
Fish on the Line
Pink Salmon: Also known as "humpies," these are the smallest of Pacific salmon but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. They run in huge schools every other year, making for some fast and furious action when they're around. Pinks average 3-5 pounds and are great for kids or beginners looking to build confidence.
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. Coho typically weigh 6-12 pounds and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're often found closer to the surface, which can make for some exciting visual strikes.
Chinook Salmon: The king of Pacific salmon, Chinooks (or "springs" as we call them locally) are the heavyweights of the bunch. They can top 30 pounds or more, and hooking into one of these chrome-bright bruisers is the highlight of many fishing trips. Chinooks are prized for their rich, fatty meat - perfect for the grill or smoker.
Lingcod: These prehistoric-looking fish are ambush predators with a face only a mother could love - but man, are they fun to catch! Lingcod hang out near rocky structure and can grow to impressive sizes. A 20-pounder isn't uncommon, and they put up a stubborn fight all the way to the boat. Their white, flaky meat is a favorite among seafood lovers.
Yellowtail Rockfish: These colorful fish are often found in schools near rocky areas or reefs. While they might not be the biggest fish in the sea (typically 2-5 pounds), they're a blast to catch and make for excellent eating. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to catch one after another - great for filling the cooler!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our Nanaimo fishing grounds are a real mixed bag, and that's what makes it so exciting. One minute you're battling a hard-charging salmon, the next you're muscling up a big lingcod from the depths. The variety keeps you on your toes and ensures there's rarely a dull moment. Plus, with the chance to bring home a mix of fish and shellfish, you'll have plenty of options for the dinner table.
A Day on the Water
We'll meet up bright and early at the marina, load up the boat, and hit the water as the sun's coming up. Your captain will have a game plan based on recent fishing reports and conditions, but we're always ready to adjust on the fly. Expect to cover a few different spots throughout the day as we target various species. We'll take breaks as needed, but most folks are too excited about the next potential bite to want to stop for long!
What to Bring
Pack for a full day on the water: sunscreen, sunglasses, layers (it can be cooler on the water), and a camera to capture your catches. Don't forget snacks and drinks - fighting fish works up an appetite! We've got all the fishing gear covered, so no need to worry about that. Oh, and maybe bring a cooler for the ride home - with any luck, you'll have some fresh fish to take with you!
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a top-notch fishing experience that covers all the bases, this 8-hour Nanaimo charter is hard to beat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, you're in for a treat. With a mix of salmon, bottomfish, and the bonus of crab and prawns, it's the ultimate sampler of what our local waters have to offer. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get in touch with Getter Done Charters and let's make some fishing memories!
Customer Reviews
Captains Adventure
Samuel V
November 22, 2022
Father Son Journey
Highly recommend this trip, I enjoyed this trip with my son
Joy K
October 10, 2023
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are the kings of our local waters, and for good reason. These bruisers average 15-30 pounds, with some topping 50+. They're here year-round, but peak fishing is May to September. Look for them from the surface down to 100 feet, often near underwater shelves and drop-offs. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, oil-packed meat. Trolling with downriggers is the go-to method, using cut-plug herring or large spoons. When a big king hits, hang on tight - their initial runs can smoke a reel. For a real thrill, try mooching with light tackle. There's nothing like feeling that telltale tap-tap-tap of a chinook taking the bait.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a local favorite, known for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights. Averaging 8-12 pounds, these silver-sided battlers show up from July through October. Find them around kelp beds, drop-offs, and river mouths in the top 60 feet of water. Coho hit hard and run fast, making for an exciting catch on medium tackle. Their rich, orange flesh is prized for its flavor. To hook into coho, try trolling flashy spoons or hoochies behind a flasher. When they're active, watch for them jumping - that's your cue to cast right into the frenzy. Nothing beats the thrill of a coho going airborne on the end of your line.
Lingcod
Lingcod are the bulldogs of our local waters - aggressive, powerful, and always up for a fight. These toothy predators hang out near rocky structure in 30-300 feet of water year-round. Most run 10-20 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't unheard of. Lingcod have a face only a mother could love, but their white, flaky meat is delicious. They'll hit just about any bait or lure that gets close to their lair. For best results, work large jigs or live bait right on the bottom around rocky pinnacles and ledges. When you hook one, be ready for a stubborn battle - these fish don't give up easily. Just watch those teeth when you land 'em!
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, averaging 4-5 pounds. They're abundant here from July to September, running in huge schools close to shore. Look for them in the top 30 feet of water around kelp beds and rocky points. Pinks put up a spirited fight on light tackle and are fun to catch in numbers. Their meat is milder than other salmon, great for smoking or grilling. To entice strikes, try casting small pink or chartreuse lures - these colors mimic their favorite food, krill. Pinks may not be the biggest, but they make up for it in action and numbers.
Yellowtail Rockfish
Yellowtail rockfish are a fun, tasty target when you want steady action. These yellow-tailed battlers average 2-4 pounds and school up around rocky reefs and pinnacles in 100-300 feet of water. They're here year-round, but fishing is best from spring through fall. Yellowtails put up a good scrap for their size and are excellent eating. To load up, drop jigs or bait to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks. When you find the school, it's often fish after fish. Pro tip: use a fish descender when releasing them to avoid barotrauma. Yellowtails might not be our biggest catch, but they're always a blast and great for filling the cooler.
About the 22’ Grady-White
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
John and I appreciated this trip headed by Capt Brannen and I look forward to another good time.