Fresh Gabriola Island Fishing Reports

I know, many people don't consider winter as a prime time to book a fishing charter. However, there are many reasons to consider booking a trip during the first three months of the year. First, retention of Chinook salmon remains open (after April 1st, chances are good it will close until July 15, 2023). Second, the fishing and crabbing during this time of year can often be very good. And it has been lately. Again, our four hour trips are producing great action. Our last trip landed 2 beautiful fish while releasing a number of smaller ones as well as a packed crab trap. Third, we offer discounted trips through the months of January through March so you are saving money. Finally, if it is the rain or cold you are worried about, our boat offers lots of cover as well as cabin heat. As a guide, I enjoy fishing these cooler months almost more than I do the summer. During the months of January through March, there is usually an abundance of sea life (sea lions and various water fowl feasting on strong seasonal herring runs). Snow capped mountains gleaming in all directions offer a stunning background. And the winter weather? Well, whether it be the sun gloriously breaking through the clouds after a shower or the cold crisp air suggesting either snow or summer is on its way, these winter trips usually leave a lasting memory. Book a winter charter today knowing that 5% of your proceeds go to salmon enhancement projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder while Investing in its Future."

Over the past few weeks, Chinook salmon fishing in Nanaimo has been the best I've seen in my years as a fishing guide. The quantity of fish has been amazing. And the quality is getting better day by day. Today in just under 2 hours, we had our limit of Chinook, one topping the scale at 12 lbs (that's good for a winter spring!). What really stands out about this year is that these fish seem to be everywhere. In the past two weeks, we have fished the south end of Gabriola Island all the way south to the Brick Yard and have hooked fish at every location. Today, just to test fate, I fished as close as legally possible the Harbor mouth and still managed to find fish. They just seem to be everywhere. Another encouraging sign is that most of these fish are hatchery. This is good news for anglers. It shows that the hatchery programs across the Pacific Northwest are really working. For a reel good time, book your next fishing adventure with us in Nanaimo. Retention is 2 per angler until the end of March. After April 1st, there is a very good chance this fishery will close until July 15, 2023. Also, keep in mind that with Reel Time Fishing Charters, 5% of every trip goes back into salmon restoration through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we like to say at Reel Time..., "Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future." Captain Turk (Andrew Turkstra) Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours

Over the past two weeks, Reel Time has encountered large numbers of Chinook salmon in Nanaimo waters. Our four and six hour charters have been producing between 8 to 12 fish respectively. Average size of these fish is between 8 to 12 lbs with some fish coming in at the mid to high teens. Chinook salmon are scrappy, beautiful and a thrill to bring to the boat. And though the Chinook salmon fishery is open to catch and release only during the months of May and June, the excitement of hooking, landing and releasing one of these magnificent creatures is life-giving. All things considered (the environmental changes and the challenges Chinook face), the opportunity to go out and fish for these salmon is a gift. And, to help ensure that this gift is one that others can enjoy for generations to come, Reel Time Fishing Charters and Marine Tours donates 5% of every charter back into salmon enhancement projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Going to be visiting the Nanaimo area soon? Take in an adventure of a life-time! Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future.

I'm terrible at taking pictures. I'm a little better when it comes to fishing. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday on the waters of one of the most beautiful places on earth..., the Pacific North West. The weather was mild and sunny, the seas calm, the company life giving and the fishing fantastic. Out of the four fish landed, three where kept, all beautiful winter Chinook in that 10-12lb range. Even if only 1 fish had come aboard that day, I still would have considered it to be a perfect day of fishing. Listening to the water lap lazily against the side of the boat, breathing in the fresh ocean air, gazing out at snow capped mountains, enjoying the company of a good friend, really, we are so privileged to be able to live in this country, take in its beauty and fish for these magnificent fish. Looking to enjoy a day of life? Book a winter fishing charter or scenic tour with us. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future!"

With cooler temperatures over the past week, Reel Time Fishing Charters has been fishing in the fog. I often tell my guests it is my favorite. Fog often means milder weather and calmer seas. The stillness and limited visibility can often feel eerily quiet, especially when a pod of Orca's surface near by as they did on our last trip. These are fishing adventures we all live for. In addition to the vast amount or marine life, our Saturday charter also hooked into numerous fish as well, keeping our guest occupied in more ways than one. The final surprise of the day was the hauling in the crab trap which produced 2 of the largest Dungeness crab I have ever seen. Take advantage of our off-season prices and book now. Chances are good you won't be disappointed.

The bite is on in Nanaimo! Over the past few days, we've kept our guests busy on the rods with lots of scrappy winter Chinook salmon. Our four hour fishing charter this morning (Friday, January 14, 2022) produced over half a dozen double headers. Our efforts were rewarded near the end with a nice fish in the low teens. With a daily limit of 2 fish per person and our reduced winter prices, fishing doesn't get any better than this. Book your next trip with Reel Time Fishing Charters. Make some memories that will last forever.