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World-Class Port Alberni Fishing Charter | Getter Done
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Nanaimo, BC
- $410 - $1,100 price range
Summary
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Barkley Sound Fishing Action
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.
Port Alberni Fishing: Salmon to Halibut
Hey there, anglers! Ready for a top-notch fishing adventure in beautiful British Columbia? Our Port Alberni charter takes you right into the heart of some of the best salmon and bottom fishing around. We're talking a full day on the water, from the scenic Alberni Canal all the way out to the rich fishing grounds of Barkley Sound. Whether you're after hard-fighting salmon or tasty bottom fish, we've got you covered. And the best part? You get to do it all while soaking in the stunning coastal scenery that makes this part of Vancouver Island so special.
What to Expect on the Water
Our day kicks off bright and early at the Port Alberni marina. We'll load up the boat and cruise down the Alberni Canal for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Don't worry, the ride itself is half the fun – keep your eyes peeled for eagles, seals, and maybe even a whale or two. Once we hit Barkley Sound, it's game on. We'll start by targeting salmon in the morning, using a mix of trolling and mooching techniques depending on what the fish are biting. After we've had our fill of salmon action (or filled the fish box), we'll switch gears and move inshore for some bottom fishing. Halibut, lingcod, and rockfish are all on the menu here. Oh, and if you're feeling lucky, we can even drop some crab traps in the morning and check them on the way back – nothing beats fresh crab for dinner!
Fishing Know-How & Gear
Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing – we've got you covered. For salmon, we'll be using a mix of downriggers and traditional trolling setups. We might throw out some cut-plug herring, hoochies, or even spoons depending on what's working. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll drop down some heavy jigs or bait rigs. The key here is to keep your line vertical and feel for those subtle bites. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, plus top-of-the-line electronics to find the fish. Just bring a valid fishing license, some grub, and clothes for the weather. Oh, and don't forget your camera – the views out here are something else!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"We took our 8 year old and 5 year old fishing with Captain Brannen and it was such a lovely adventure. He was great with the kids, very knowledgeable. We all had a wonderful time." - John
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fighters are a blast to catch. They typically range from 6-12 pounds but can get bigger. Coho are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. We usually target them from July through September, with August being prime time. These fish are not only fun to catch but also delicious on the grill or smoker.
Chinook Salmon: The kings of the Pacific, Chinook (or spring salmon) are the heavyweights of the salmon world. They can top 30 pounds or more, and when one of these bruisers hits your line, you're in for a real battle. We see Chinooks throughout the season, but the big ones often show up in June and July. Nothing beats the feeling of bringing one of these monsters to the net.
Pacific Halibut: These flatfish are the submarines of the sea. They might not look pretty, but boy do they put up a fight – and they're fantastic eating. We typically find them in depths of 100-300 feet. The average size is 20-40 pounds, but 100+ pounders aren't unheard of. Halibut fishing is all about patience and technique, but when you hook into one, it's like trying to pull a barn door through the water.
Lingcod: With their prehistoric looks and aggressive nature, lingcod are a favorite target for many anglers. These toothy predators hang around rocky structures and can grow to impressive sizes. The meat is white, flaky, and incredibly tasty. We often catch them while targeting other bottom fish, but they're worthy of a targeted effort too.
Black Rockfish: These feisty little battlers are a blast on light tackle. They typically school up, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Rockfish are excellent eating and perfect for fish tacos or a simple pan fry. We often catch them while targeting other species, making them a great addition to a mixed bag.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, there you have it – a full day of world-class fishing in one of the most beautiful spots on Vancouver Island. From salmon to halibut, we've got all the bases covered. Our trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or even solo anglers looking to join a shared charter. Remember, we can take up to 4 guests, so gather your crew and let's make some fishing memories. The fish are biting, the scenery is stunning, and the boat is ready. All we need now is you! Give us a shout to check availability and lock in your date. Trust me, after a day out here, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
Customer Review
Family Fish Fun
John B
September 4, 2023
Learn more about the species
Black Rockfish
Black rockfish are the perfect species for anglers who like constant action. These aggressive little battlers typically run 2-5 pounds and school up around rocky reefs and kelp beds. We find them from the surface down to about 120 feet deep. Blacks hit lures hard and fight above their weight class, making for a fun day when the salmon aren't cooperating. They're also excellent eating - firm white flesh that's great for fish and chips. To target them, we'll drift over structure and drop jigs or bait to the bottom. My favorite setup is a 2-ounce swimbait in blue and white. Work it with quick jerks off the bottom and hang on - when you find a school, it's often non-stop action!
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Pacific, and for good reason. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, with thick, muscular bodies built for power. We find them cruising the deeper waters of Barkley Sound, often 30-100 feet down. Spring and summer are prime time, as kings follow baitfish schools inshore. Chinooks are known for long, bulldogging runs - when one hits, hold on tight! Their rich, red flesh is unbeatable on the grill or smoker too. To entice a bite, we'll often troll with cut-plug herring or anchovies. But my secret weapon is a green/chartreuse hoochie behind a flasher. Kings seem to go nuts for that combo. Just be ready for an epic battle when that rod goes down!
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are a blast to catch, known for their acrobatic jumps and strong fights. These silver-sided beauties typically run 8-12 pounds, though some monsters push 30+. We target coho as they migrate through Barkley Sound, usually peaking in late summer and fall. Look for them near kelp beds, river mouths, and current seams in the top 30 feet of water. Coho hit hard and often go airborne, making for an exciting battle on light tackle. Their orange-red flesh is prized for its rich flavor too. For best results, try trolling with flashers and hoochies, or casting spoons and spinners near structure. My go-to lure is a blue and silver Coyote spoon - coho can't seem to resist it.
Lingcod
Lingcod are the bullies of the seafloor - big, aggressive, and not afraid to throw their weight around. These bottom-dwellers can grow over 5 feet long and 70 pounds, with a face only a mother could love. We find them lurking around rocky reefs and kelp beds, typically in 30-300 feet of water. Lings are ambush predators, so we drop jigs or live bait right on their doorstep. They hit hard and fight dirty, often wrapping you in the rocks. But man, are they fun to catch. And don't let their ugly mugs fool you - lingcod make for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste. Pro tip: use heavy gear and get them off the bottom quick. Once you break their home-turf advantage, the fight's basically over.
Pacific Halibut
Pacific halibut are the true heavyweights of our local waters. These massive flatfish can grow over 8 feet long and 500 pounds, though most we catch are in the 20-100 pound range. We target them in deeper water, typically 100-300 feet down over sand or gravel bottom. Halibut fishing is a game of patience - drop your bait to the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. Once hooked, it's like reeling in a barn door. The fight is more steady pressure than fast runs, but man do they pull. And the reward is some of the best-tasting white fish you'll ever have. For bait, we use salmon bellies or octopus on a circle hook. My top tip: when you feel that bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Just reel steady and let the circle hook do its job.
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
We took our 8 year old and 5 year old fishing with Captain Brannen and it was such a lovely adventure. He was great with the kids, very knowledgeable. We all had a wonderful time.