Comox Valley's Top-Rated Year-Round Fishing Charter Experience on the Salish Sea
Location: 121 Port Augusta St, Comox, BC V9M 3N8, Canada
Access Point
Comox Fisherman's Wharf
Region
Comox Valley, Vancouver Island
Island Pursuit Sport Fishing has earned its reputation as the #1 rated tour in Comox through generations of local fishing knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence. Owner Steve Veloso brings professional guiding expertise since 2000, combined with active commercial fishing experience and Transport Canada certification. The charter operates the largest fleet of premium Pursuit boats on the central Salish Sea, featuring twin 2024 or newer 200-300HP Yamaha 4-stroke engines, heated cabins, private washrooms, and spacious fishing decks. With consistent year-round fishing opportunities just 10-30 minutes from moorage in protected waters, guests experience maximum fishing time targeting Chinook salmon, Coho, lingcod, Pacific cod, rockfish, plus seasonal prawn and crab harvesting.
Located in the heart of Comox Valley since 2006, Island Pursuit Sport Fishing specializes in professionally guided saltwater fishing charters on the pristine waters of the Salish Sea. The Comox Valley is renowned for its abundance of resident Chinook salmon that migrate through these protected waters year-round, offering exceptional fishing opportunities close to shore. Steve Veloso, owner and operator, combines generations of coastal fishing knowledge with membership on the Sport Fishing Advisory Board and active participation in local fish resource conservation. The operation maintains a family-owned fish market background and employs only guides considered part of the Island Pursuit family each with 10+ years of local on-water salmon fishing experience. From May through September, peak season delivers consistent catches of all Pacific salmon species, lingcod, Pacific cod, and snapper, while winter months offer excellent Chinook fishing plus prawn and crabbing opportunities from October through May.
Available year-round, ranging from 10 lbs to over 40 lbs.
June through October, averaging 4-10 lbs, known for acrobatic fights.
May to September, averaging 8-25 lbs, primary bottom fish target.
Common bycatch while salmon fishing, available year-round.
May to September, colorful species commonly caught while targeting salmon.
October to May, trapped close to harbor.
October to May, seasonal trapping opportunity.
Occasional bycatch when trolling or bottom fishing (not a target species).
May to October, migrating species.
Resident and transient orcas in the Salish Sea.
Frequently spotted during summer months.
Commonly seen in the coastal waters.
Resting on rocky outcrops along the coast.
Nesting and soaring along the coastline.
Often accompanying the boats in open waters.
Including cormorants and gulls.
Island Pursuit Sport Fishing operates on the central Salish Sea in protected waters just 10-30 minutes from Comox Fisherman's Wharf. Primary fishing grounds include the rich waters surrounding the Comox Valley, Alberni Inlet approaches, and the productive fishing zones of Vancouver Island's east coast. The strategic location provides access to year-round Chinook salmon migration routes, seasonal Coho runs, and productive bottom fish grounds. All fishing occurs in sheltered coastal waters ideal for families and anglers of all experience levels, with minimal travel time maximizing actual fishing opportunities.
| Season | Fishing Highlights | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar - May) | Excellent Chinook, Lingcod, Pacific cod. Local Waters Experience offered. | Chinook, Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, Prawns, Crab |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | Peak season. Chinook, Coho, Lingcod, Pacific cod, rockfish all excellent. | Chinook, Coho, Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, Rockfish/Snapper |
| Fall (Sep - Oct) | Strong salmon continues. Bottom fish productive. Prawn/crab begins. | Chinook, Coho, Pacific Cod, Rockfish, Prawns, Crab |
| Winter (Nov - Feb) | Year-round Chinook. Prime crab and prawns in calm harbor waters. | Chinook, Dungeness Crab, BC Spot Prawns |
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Island Pursuit Sport Fishing distinguishes itself through owner Steve Veloso's unique combination of professional guiding expertise since 2000, active commercial fishing experience, Sport Fishing Advisory Board membership, and family-owned fish market background. The operation maintains the largest fleet of the biggest boats on the central Salish Sea, ensuring comfort and safety in all coastal conditions. With TripAdvisor's #1 Rated Tour designation in Comox and perfect 5.0/5 Google rating from 101 reviews, the charter has built trust through meticulous attention to detail, professional service standards, and consistent fishing success. Year-round operations with protected waters fishing just 10-30 minutes from dock maximizes actual fishing time while minimizing travel. The network of partner boats accommodates groups up to 30+ guests while maintaining personalized service through direct owner coordination.
Explore top-rated fishing charters across Vancouver Island with experienced local guides offering unforgettable salmon, halibut, and ocean fishing adventures in some of BC's most scenic coastal waters.
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• Departure Point: Comox Fisherman's Wharf, 121 Port Augusta St, Comox, BC V9M 3N8.
• Nearby Cities: Comox, Courtenay (15 min), Campbell River (1.5 hrs), Nanaimo (1.5 hrs), Victoria (3 hrs).
• Access Routes: By Air (YQQ), By Ferry (BC Ferries to Nanaimo), Local Transport (Ambassador shuttle/taxis), Parking (Town of Comox lot).
Ready to experience the best fishing charter in Comox Valley? Island Pursuit Sport Fishing offers year-round opportunities to catch trophy Chinook salmon, seasonal Coho, lingcod, and winter crab and prawns. With perfect 5-star ratings, professional guides, and premium boats, your unforgettable Vancouver Island fishing adventure starts here. Book early for peak summer season (May-September) or enjoy excellent winter salmon and shellfish opportunities.
Everything you need to know about Island Pursuit Sport Fishing
Yes, you must bring a printed paper copy of your saltwater fishing license or download the Fish BC app with a linked digital copy. Licenses can only be purchased online or at Gone Fishin' in Courtenay. We recommend purchasing at least a 3-day or annual license a day or two before your charter, as the system can sometimes require a phone call. Children under 16 require a license (even though they're free). Unfortunately, we cannot obtain or print licenses for you.
Chinook salmon are available year-round in Comox, ranging from 10-40+ lbs. Coho salmon run June through October (4-10 lbs). Lingcod, Pacific cod, and rockfish are available May through September. Dungeness crab and BC spot prawns are harvested October through May. Halibut are occasional bycatch but not a target species on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
Peak season runs May through September when all salmon species, lingcod, Pacific cod, and rockfish are actively feeding with best ratings. However, Comox offers excellent year-round fishing: winter months (October-May) provide consistent Chinook salmon plus prime crab and prawn harvesting. Spring (April-May) features our unique Local Waters Experience combining fishing with coastal exploration.
Absolutely! Island Pursuit Sport Fishing welcomes all ages and experience levels. Our professional guides provide expert instruction, patient coaching, and all necessary equipment. We regularly take families with young children and accommodate 1-6 guests per boat (6 guests best suited for families with children rather than six full-sized adults). Our boats feature heated cabins, private washrooms, and spacious decks for comfort.
We offer four charter options: Full Day (8 hours) at $1,275, Flat Rate (6 hours, range 5-6.5hrs) at $975, Half Day (5 hours, July-August only) at $800, and Local Waters Experience (5-6.5hrs, April-May) at $800. All charters include professional guide, top-tier fishing gear, heated cabin, private washroom, basic fish processing (gutting or filleting), and quality transport bag. Rates are for the boat (1-4 people base rate), with $100 for each additional person up to maximum capacity.
Bring your printed fishing license, lunch, and preferred drinks (alcohol in moderation is okay). Dress in layers for coastal weather that can change every 20 minutes. Apply sunscreen before boarding (no spray-on as it's slippery and damages gear). Wear clean, non-marking shoes. Avoid large coolers as space is limited. We'll contact you the day before your charter to confirm departure time (typically 7-8 AM or 1-2 PM) and provide detailed directions to Comox Fisherman's Wharf.
Your charter includes basic fish processing (gutting or simple fillet) and a quality fish bag. For vacuum packing, The Butcher's Block offers same-day service ($3/bag, 1-3 hour processing time). If flying home, tape your cooler shut and check as baggage (no ice allowed, use ice packs for fresh fish or travel frozen). Most accommodations have cooler storage. For professional processing and shipping, St. Jean's Cannery in Nanaimo offers smoking, portioning, and shipping services.
Charters canceled more than 30 days before reservation forfeit their deposit. No-shows or cancellations within 30 days are charged the full amount. Weather cancellations are at captain's discretion we'll first attempt to reschedule, or refund your deposit if rescheduling isn't possible. We accept Visa, MasterCard, cash (CAD or USD), Interac Debit, and e-transfer. A secure online invoice with deposit is sent upon booking confirmation. Gratuities are appreciated (typical 15%: $120-$160 for 5-hour, $160-$250 for 8-hour charters).