British Columbia is one of the world best spots for avid anglers and fishing Vancouver Island can be done in both fresh and sea water. Just for the purposes of this article we take a look at places to stay and a little about salt water angling.
The seas which surround Vancouver Island are literally teaming with six species of salmon, rockfish, halibut and loads more species of fish which anglers like to catch. There are also a great many unusual and unique species which can be found here and it is a popular island for both boaters and fishermen. Charters are available to take people out or you are able to launch your own boat from one of the many ramps.
A weekend of fishing in British Columbia quite simply can't be beaten, however if you plan going to outlying areas you may need to stay longer. The CA$ is valued at less than the UD$ and prices are about the same so visitors enjoy a discount on most things. Gas is the only item that is more expensive.
You can fly and bottom fish from boat trips out of Victoria but it is best to avoid peak season times as prices are higher and a lot of people visit this area. Live on-board operators of charter boats will take you out for the day and show you where the best fishing can be found. One of the best places is Port Hardy; this port is the entrance to Queen Charlotte Islands and will see you bagging a catch worth boasting about.
Budget fishing packages can be found in early season which include all your fishing for a couple of days, flights out of Vancouver, lodging and packing of fish, these are available for around $300. For a more upscale trip there are loads of fly in lodges available which include guides and all the extras.
Staying in a B&B is also reasonable and you can include in the price of your stay a day charter which includes both bank and beach fishing as well as shrimping, crabbing, musseling and clamming.
Camping facilities are good and very reasonably priced, but bear in mind that the roads are not great and in the wet season, this can be a problem. Camping could become uncomfortable to say the least. Finding budget accommodation is easy at most times of year, barring the salmon season.
If you are planning to fish in Uclet or Tofino, bear in mind they are much further out than Port Alberni, and you should plan to stay longer. Both these towns celebrate a salmon festival when they are quite busy.
A boat trip to Big bank for fishing is great, but only if you don't get sea-sick, if you do, try to stay in calmer waters as this will spoil your day out. It is best to take a charter as the locals can expand your fishing knowledge as well as take you to the best spots, but if you want to take your own boat, be sure and check weather conditions and tides. For people who don't like boats, there is still plenty of options available for angling. You are able to fish from rocky outcrops, piers and the beach and may catch salmon, flat fish, herring, eel, rock fish and octopus.
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Vancouver Island
