Premium Halibut Fishing Off Vancouver Island

Published Date: August 28, 2025
Fishing

Vancouver Island
$385 - $1,160 price range
Updated Date: October 1, 2025

Summary

Ready for a serious day of fishing? Join Guide Wayne Sarak for 8 hours of halibut action off Vancouver Island. We'll head offshore to where the big ones lurk, giving you plenty of time to work the prime spots. Wayne knows these waters inside and out, so whether you're a seasoned pro or new to halibut fishing, he'll put you on the fish. You'll learn the tricks for hooking into these powerful bottom-dwellers – some of the largest, hardest-fighting fish in the Pacific. With a 3-person max, you'll get hands-on experience and personal attention. Bring your camera for the stunning coastal scenery, and be prepared for some serious rod-bending action. There's nothing quite like the rush when a huge halibut takes your bait. By the end of the day, you'll have mastered new techniques, made some fishing buddies, and hopefully landed a trophy fish to brag about.

Premium Halibut Fishing Off Vancouver Island

Big Halibut Moments

Exciting trail marker #5704 guides anglers to the best deep sea jigging spots near Crab Shack Store.

Exciting adventure awaits with the best tackle setup in partly cloudy conditions.

Great trail access for deep sea jigging and trolling adventures in Sooke!

The best adventure starts here - road to exciting fishing at Crab Shack Store with deep sea jigging and trolling opportunities.

Full Day Halibut Hunt: Vancouver's Ultimate Catch

Get ready for a serious day on the water with Guide Wayne Sarak, chasing down the mighty Pacific Halibut off Vancouver Island. This ain't your average fishing trip - we're talking 8 full hours of battling some of the biggest, baddest flatfish in the ocean. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the halibut game, Wayne's got the local know-how to put you on the fish. Grab your spot on the boat and let's go land a monster!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off early, loading up Wayne's fully-rigged charter boat with all the gear you need for a full day of halibut hunting. As we cruise out of the harbor, you'll get to soak in those jaw-dropping Vancouver Island views - snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, and if we're lucky, maybe even some whales or sea lions putting on a show. Once we hit Wayne's secret honey holes, it's game on. We're talking deep drops, heavy tackle, and the potential for some serious arm-burning action when a big 'but decides to take the bait. Wayne's been at this for years, so he'll walk you through the techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. Fair warning: once you feel that first thump of a halibut hitting your line, you might just be hooked for life.

Halibut Tactics 101

Alright, let's break down how we'll be chasing these flatfish giants. Halibut fishing is all about getting your bait down deep - we're talking anywhere from 100 to 600 feet, depending on where they're hanging out that day. Wayne's boat is rigged with top-notch downriggers and heavy-duty rods to handle the job. We'll be using a mix of live bait (if available) and some killer artificial lures that Wayne's perfected over the years. The key is to keep that bait right in the strike zone, often just off the bottom where these ambush predators like to hide out. When a halibut hits, you'll know it - these fish fight like freight trains! Be ready for some serious reeling as we work to bring your catch up from the depths. Wayne's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so even if the fish are being stubborn, we've got plenty of options to try throughout the day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Pacific Halibut are the star of the show on this trip, and for good reason. These flatfish are the heavyweights of the North Pacific, with some monsters topping 300 pounds! The average catch around Vancouver is more likely to be in the 20-80 pound range, but that's still more than enough to get your heart racing. Halibut have a reputation for being bulldogs of the sea - once hooked, they'll use their massive bodies to dive deep and put up one heck of a fight. What makes them so special? For one, their sheer size is impressive. Imagine reeling in a fish that's wider than you are tall! They're also prized for their firm, white flesh that's absolutely delicious whether you're grilling, frying, or smoking it. The best time to target halibut around Vancouver is typically from May through September, when they move into shallower waters to feed. One of the coolest things about these fish is how they hunt - they'll lie flat on the bottom, blending in perfectly, then ambush anything that swims by. When you're out there with Wayne, keep an eye on the fish finder - seeing that massive halibut signature light up the screen is a rush every angler needs to experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, there's a reason Wayne's trips are booked solid year after year. It's not just about catching fish (though we do plenty of that). It's about the whole package - the stunning scenery, the thrill of the hunt, and the chance to learn from a guy who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Wayne's got a knack for making everyone feel comfortable on the boat, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro. He'll share stories from his years on the water, point out wildlife you might miss, and make sure you're having a blast even when the fish aren't biting. And let's be real - there's something special about being out on the open ocean for a full day, away from the noise and bustle of everyday life. It's a chance to disconnect, focus on the task at hand, and maybe even surprise yourself with what you can reel in.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're serious about landing a trophy halibut and having an epic day on the water, this is the trip for you. Wayne's full-day charters book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around if you want to lock in your spot. Remember, this is a small-group experience with just 3 guests max, so you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and time on the rods. Whether you're looking to check "monster halibut" off your fishing bucket list or just want to experience the best of what Vancouver Island has to offer, Wayne's got you covered. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and get ready for a day you'll be talking about for years to come. The halibut are out there waiting - all that's left is for you to show up and start reeling!

Learn more about the animal

Pacific Halibut

Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) Fish Description

The Pacific Halibut is one of the largest flatfish in the world (2nd biggest, next to its close relative, Atlantic Halibut). It’s a saltwater fish that thrives in deep cold waters. It has a muddy brown color and dark-brown spots. Its body is more elongated than most flatfishes and shaped like a diamond.

They’re strong swimmers and eat a variety of fishes from the bottom of the ocean - cods, turbots, pollocks, octopi, crabs, and shrimps. They also sometimes eat fishes from the pelagic - salmon, herring

Interesting Facts About the Pacific Halibut

Pacific halibuts are called demersal fish, these are fish that stays in the bottom of the ocean, just like stingrays.
Almost all halibuts are “right-eyed”, which means they are facing up with the “right side” of their face and the left side is the bottom.

Pacific Halibut Size

The Pacific halibut is a large fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and 5 feet wide and weigh up to 500 lbs. Their average weight is 20-40 lbs, but catching 100 is pretty common. As of now, there is no average length of the Pacific Halibut. They mature at the age of 8 for males and 12 years old for females.

Habitat & Distribution of the Pacific Halibut

The Pacific Halibut mainly lives in the deep waters of the northern Pacific region. They usually prefer depths 20-1000 feet, but they can go as deep as 3,600 feet. They prefer the cold temperatures of 37°-46°F and are mostly found on or near continental shelves.

In the U.S., their range is from California up to the Chukchi Sea. Good fishing spots are the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. You can also find Pacific halibuts in nearer areas such as the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington.

Pacific halibuts migrate in a clockwise manner, from northwest to southeast. A good time to catch these fish is in summer, where they are more active in their feeding grounds and are closer to shallow waters. During winter, they go to deeper waters to spawn their eggs.

Fishing Techniques for the Pacific Halibut

Being bottom-dwellers, make sure you equip yourself with gears for deep fishing. Try to aim the sweet spot for fishing Pacific Halibut which is 150-500 feet. They like to stalk their prey from the bottom and being strong swimmers, it’s good to make a chase with your baits to tease the halibut. To send your baits to the bottom, use a 1-2 lb weight. Slightly cast your line forward to get the fly down and retrieve it fast every once in a while to check. Just leave the rod attached to the rod holder slightly bounce the rod up and down attracting the halibut. It’s a waiting game for this fish.

Fly fishing for Pacific halibuts is rare but it’s doable. For Fly Rods, use a 50-pound monoline with fast sinking heads and a 12-15 heavyweight rod with a 16-lb snippet. Recorded fly fishing for Pacific halibuts can go as heavy as 138 pounds. For spinner rods, use a 6-7 feet heavy rod with a 60-lb line and 1-1.25 lb lead.

Recommended baits are pink salmon heads and bellies, squids, herring, and octopus. To further catch the attention of the Pacific halibut, use some fishing attractants. For lures, use jigs or spoons that make some noise to attract them They’re known to use their sight and hearing in more shallow waters but in deeper waters, they hunt with scent.

About the Full Melt Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Get ready for an epic day of halibut fishing off Vancouver Island with Guide Wayne Sarak. This 8-hour trip takes you to the prime offshore spots where monster Pacific halibut lurk. Wayne's years of experience and local know-how give you the best shot at hooking into these powerful flatfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to halibut fishing, you'll learn proven techniques to entice these prized catches. The extended time on the water means more chances to find the fish and land that trophy you've been dreaming about. Soak in the rugged beauty of the coastline as you cruise to the fishing grounds. With room for 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group of friends or family looking for a full day of big-game fishing action. Bring your camera – the scenery and potential catches are definitely photo-worthy. By the end of the day, you'll have gained new skills, made lasting memories, and hopefully have some tasty halibut fillets to take home.

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