Premier Nanaimo Fishing Charter & Marine Tours on the East Coast of Vancouver Island
Location: The Palms Marina, 1240 Stewart Ave, Nanaimo, B.C.
Access Point
Nanaimo Harbour
Region
East Coast Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands
Guests consistently praise captain Blake for his exceptional skills in locating big fish and ensuring an awesome time on the water. Reviews highlight successful trips pulling in limits of springs, including a 24lb Chinook, and commend the guide's expertise in showing visitors the best fishing spots in Nanaimo. Customer satisfaction is their top priority, ensuring every guest experiences the thrill of the catch.
Based centrally in the Harbour City of Nanaimo, Unreel Charters offers professionally guided saltwater sport fishing trips, scenic marine tours, and water taxi services. Operating a high-end 25-foot Pursuit 2470 Walkaround sport fishing boat—a vessel typically found at high-end west coast lodges—the charter combines top-tier equipment with local expertise. They service the east coast of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, providing everything from half-day fishing trips to multi-day packages and custom marine transportation.
Unreel Charters operates primarily out of Nanaimo Harbour, exploring the productive waters of the Georgia Strait. Their service area on the East Coast of Vancouver Island includes Nanaimo, Parksville, Nanoose Bay, and Ladysmith. They also provide water taxi and tour access throughout the Gulf Islands.
| Season | Fishing Highlights | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Chinook are catch and release only (April to July 15th). Lingcod retention typically opens May 1st. | Chinook, Lingcod |
| Summer | Coho retention opens June 1st. Pink salmon show up in the summer months. | Coho, Pink, Chinook |
| Fall | Peak season for Chum salmon, which are usually caught from September to October. | Chum, Coho |
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Unlike standard charters, Unreel Charters operates a 25-foot Pursuit 2470, a vessel chosen for its amazing offshore capabilities and safety in the demanding Pacific Ocean. Beyond fishing, they are a versatile marine operator offering specialized water taxi services to the Gulf Islands and scenic marine tours. Their ability to coordinate multiple boats allows them to accommodate large groups and events seamlessly.
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: The Palms Marina, 1240 Stewart Ave, Nanaimo, B.C.
• Nearby Cities: Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Ladysmith.
Secure your dates for a professionally guided Nanaimo fishing charter or arrange your Gulf Islands water taxi transport. Contact Unreel Charters directly to book your trip or inquire about custom marine tours.
Everything you need to know about Unreel Charters
Yes, anyone fishing, including children, must have a Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. If you wish to retain salmon, you must also have a salmon stamp. These can be purchased online via the Fisheries website, and a digital copy or screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
You will target Chinook, Coho, Pink, and Chum salmon, along with Lingcod and crab. Retention rules vary by season: Chinook is typically catch and release only from April to July 15th, while Coho retention opens June 1st for hatchery fish. Chum salmon are usually caught from September to October. The guide will brief you on current local regulations.
Yes, the Pursuit 2470 is equipped with a brand-new flushing marine toilet enclosed in the cabin area.
Yes, unless there is another charter booked immediately after yours, you can extend the charter by the hour. Hourly rates apply.
Bring your fishing license, food, and drinks for the trip. Dress in layers for cooler days on the water. Soft-soled shoes like runners or sandals are required (hard-soled work boots are not recommended as they damage the fiberglass floor). Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Yes, Unreel Charters specializes in Nanaimo and Gulf Islands water taxi services, scenic marine tours, wildlife viewing, and custom charters for special occasions, crew transportation, and real estate viewings.