THE EXPERIENCE SALTWATER CHARTERS

PRINCE RUPERT, BC
A British Columbia Salmon and Halibut Fishing Charter

Many of our clients and potential clients have asked several questions when planning their trips. Most charter operators want to ensure that people come to Prince Rupert and have the best possible trip. We all want people to enjoy their experience in Prince Rupert and to accomplish this, charter operators need to know what people expect out of their charter. As well, clients need to know what expectations their charter operators have of them. We have placed several of these questions on this page to help in planning a trip to ensure that you get the best possible experience here in our wonderful city. One thing to note is that some of these questions may or may not be of importance or value to every person. Deciding what is important to each individual is key to letting the charter operators know what kind of trip you hope to have and what you value most.

Different charter operators offer different types of packages. Please ensure that you know what type of package you want, so that you can choose the best charter to suit your needs.

Questions that have been frequently asked and our answers to them (click on any question to be taken to our answer below):

1. What do you provide and what do we need to bring?
2. Do you have a catch guarantee?
3. What size boat do you run?
4. Will this be the boat I am fishing on? Do you take bookings for other people's boats?
5. Is it an open boat or is there a covered seating area for less pleasant weather?
6. Does the boat have toilet facilities on board?
7. Do you meet Ministry of Transport safety regulations?
8. What is your boating history?
9. What is your fishing experience? How long has fishing on the ocean been your primary career?
10. How long is the fishing day? What time do we run?
11. What are your fishing methods? Do you primarily fish for one species?
12. Do you have a minimum size limit for fish?
13. Can we continue fishing for other species if we catch our limit early in the day or do we have to go back to dock?
14. What is your usual success rate?
15. Will the catch be cleaned and dressed at the end of the day for us?
16. Is there a policy on days when the weather is very rough?
17. Will you pair us up with other groups?

1. What do you provide and what do we need to bring?

I provide fishing gear, rain gear except boots, bait, snacks, soft drinks, & water. You will need to bring a valid saltwater fishing license, a lunch, footwear, and coolers to take your catch home in.

2. Do you have a catch guarantee?

I guarantee that your group will catch fish during your trip. I will do everything in my power to ensure that you land them and that you have the best possible fishing experience. I do not guarantee that you will catch your limit in all species but you will not go home empty handed and you will have a good time.

3. What size boat do you run?

I run a 24ft Skagit Orca with a large open back deck, perfect for fishing.

4.Will this be the boat I am fishing on? Do you take bookings for other people's boats?

If I am available during the requested time, I will always book you on my own boat first. If I am booked during your requested time, I can help to arrange your trip with one of three other reputable charter operators that I work with regularly. I will never set you up on another operators boat without your prior knowledge. In this case, I will provide all of their details including contact information so that you can speak to them directly. I do not act as a booking agent and I collect no extra fees for this service.

5. Is it an open boat or is there a covered seating area for less pleasant weather?

My Skagit Orca is an excellent fishing boat with a large open back deck and a fully enclosed, heated cabin with seating for 4 adults.

6. Does the boat have toilet facilities on board?

I do have a flushing toilet on board.

7. Do you meet Ministry of Transport safety regulations?

I am Transport Canada safety inspected and certified annually.

8.What is your boating history?

I have never been in a boating accident and have never sunk a boat. Safety is the asbolute highest priority on my boat. I have personally been operating a boat on the ocean for 30 years.

9.What is your fishing experience? How long has fishing on the ocean been your primary career?

I have been fishing on the ocean as my primary career for almost 30 years. I began fishing commercially in 1978 and have been charter fishing for the last 5 years.

10. How long is the fishing day? What time do we run?

We will fish for 11 to 12 hours per day, beginning at 6am and heading in to the dock between 5 and 6pm.

11.What are your fishing methods? Do you primarily fish for one species?

I fish for all species, focusing on one species each day. I generally troll, fly fish, or jig for salmon, I bait fish and jig for halibut, ling cod and red snapper, and pull crab traps every day.

12.Do you have a minimum size limit for fish?

It is the customers choice on which fish to retain. I recommend that we dont keep halibut under 15 lbs because these are nursery stock and dont provide much meat. Most days we catch several fish over 20 lbs. With salmon, the large bait we use produces larger fish.

13. Can we continue fishing for other species if we catch our limit early in the day or do we have to go back to dock?

Again, it is the clients choice. A full day fishing means a full day. If we catch our limit in one species, we will always try for other species.

14. What is your usual success rate?

If we concentrate on one species each day, our success rate is very high. Check out the photo gallery to see pictures of each day's fishing.

15. Will the catch be cleaned and dressed at the end of the day for us?

All of your catch will be cleaned, filleted, and bagged, ready for transport at the end of each day.

16.Is there a policy on days when the weather is very rough?

Safety is always the number one concern. If I feel that the weather is unsafe to fish in, I will advise against going out. You will, of course have your deposit refunded for that day. I dont believe in taking you fishing where the odds of catching fish are very low just so that I can collect on the day.

17.Will you pair us up with other groups?

It is my policy that when you book a charter, it is YOUR charter. I do not combine groups to fill up the boat. My rates are for the boat, not per person so when you book the boat, it is your decision who comes with you.

If you have any questions that you think should be added to this list, please email us and we will add the question and our answers.

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to Nicole.
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