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Top-Rated Salmon Trolling on Vancouver Island

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Vancouver Island
  • $385 - $1,160 price range
  • Updated Date: August 28, 2025

Summary

Ready for some great salmon fishing on Vancouver Island? Join Guide Wayne Sarak of Full Melt Charters for a half or full day trip targeting Chinook and Coho. Wayne knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a solid day of trolling. As you cruise along, you'll get amazing views of the island's rocky shores. It's offshore fishing, so be prepared for a real ocean experience. The boat can take up to 3 guests, perfect for a small group or family outing. Remember to grab your fishing license before you head out. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying this for the first time, Wayne will make sure you have a blast reeling in those prized salmon. It's the kind of day on the water that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Top-Rated Salmon Trolling on Vancouver Island

Salmon Strikes

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Deep sea fishing for Chinook Salmon at Crab Shack Store

Big Chinook Salmon scored while deep sea jigging!

Deep sea fishing in Sooke BC, using jigging and trolling techniques

Big catch of the day in partly cloudy Sooke BC!

Fishing tackle and seafood at Crab Shack Store, deep sea jigging and trolling

Gear up for the best deep sea adventure at the Crab Shack!

Fishing gear at Crab Shack Store - Tackle and Seafood Sales for deep sea jigging and trolling

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea adventures!

Deep sea fishing in Sooke BC, partly cloudy day

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an epic deep sea adventure!

Crab Shack Store for tackle and seafood, deep sea fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea jigging adventures!

Best fishing in Sooke BC: Deep sea jigging and trolling techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea action in Sooke!

Deep sea fishing in Sooke BC, using jigging and trolling techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the perfect stage for a day of deep sea angling!

Deep sea fishing techniques at Crab Shack Store - Tackle and Seafood Sales

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea jigging adventures!

Three Chinook Salmon caught by deep sea jigging at Crab Shack Store

Triple threat: Chinook Salmon trifecta landed at the Crab Shack!

Deep sea fishing for Chinook Salmon at Crab Shack Store

Big Chinook Salmon scored while deep sea jigging!

Deep sea fishing in Sooke BC, using jigging and trolling techniques

Big catch of the day in partly cloudy Sooke BC!

Fishing tackle and seafood at Crab Shack Store, deep sea jigging and trolling

Gear up for the best deep sea adventure at the Crab Shack!

Fishing gear at Crab Shack Store - Tackle and Seafood Sales for deep sea jigging and trolling

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea adventures!

Deep sea fishing in Sooke BC, partly cloudy day

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an epic deep sea adventure!

Crab Shack Store for tackle and seafood, deep sea fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea jigging adventures!

Best fishing in Sooke BC: Deep sea jigging and trolling techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea action in Sooke!

Deep sea fishing in Sooke BC, using jigging and trolling techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the perfect stage for a day of deep sea angling!

Deep sea fishing techniques at Crab Shack Store - Tackle and Seafood Sales

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea jigging adventures!

Three Chinook Salmon caught by deep sea jigging at Crab Shack Store

Triple threat: Chinook Salmon trifecta landed at the Crab Shack!

Deep sea fishing for Chinook Salmon at Crab Shack Store

Big Chinook Salmon scored while deep sea jigging!

Deep sea fishing in Sooke BC, using jigging and trolling techniques

Big catch of the day in partly cloudy Sooke BC!

Fishing tackle and seafood at Crab Shack Store, deep sea jigging and trolling

Gear up for the best deep sea adventure at the Crab Shack!

Fishing gear at Crab Shack Store - Tackle and Seafood Sales for deep sea jigging and trolling

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic deep sea adventures!

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Reel in Salmon on Vancouver Island

Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! If you're itching to get out on the water and hook some serious salmon, you've come to the right place. I'm Wayne Sarak, your guide with Full Melt Charters, and I'm here to take you on a killer salmon fishing trip off the coast of Vancouver Island. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got the perfect half-day or full-day adventure waiting for you. Let's dive into what makes this trip a must-do for anyone visiting our neck of the woods.

A Day on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising through the pristine waters surrounding Vancouver Island, the salty breeze in your hair, and the anticipation of landing a monster Chinook or Coho salmon building with every passing minute. That's what you're in for when you hop aboard with Full Melt Charters. We'll set out from our local marina, and before you know it, we'll be in prime salmon territory. I've been fishing these waters for years, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of feeling that first tug on the line.

Trolling Tips and Tricks

Now, let's talk fishing. We'll be trolling for salmon, which is basically like dangling a tasty buffet in front of these silver bullets. We use downriggers to get our lures down to where the big boys are hanging out. Don't worry if you're new to this – I'll show you the ropes and share some local secrets that'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding tech. Just bring your valid fishing license, and we're good to go.

What Anglers Are Saying

"What a great time my son and I had with Captain Wayne . His boat was perfectly fit for the fishing and we had a lot of fun . Thanks Captain Wayne . We caught a lot of fish and it was nicely cleaned ny captain Wayne . We ll come back for sure" - Marc

"Fantastic day. Hooked 11, landed 10, kept 5, and will have lots of salmon to share with friends and family back home. Wayne and Victoria were great guides, knowledgeable, friendly, informative, and super helpful. We had so much fun. I'm gonna bring our kids back for a family outing." - Daniel

"Had a great trip and picked up some good tips and techniques using downriggers." - Steve

Salmon Superstars

Let's talk about the stars of the show – Chinook and Coho salmon. Chinook, also known as King salmon, are the heavyweights of the Pacific. These bad boys can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and trust me, when you hook one, you're in for a fight. They're known for their rich, flavorful meat, making them a prized catch for both sport and table. The best time to target Chinook is from May to September, with peak action usually hitting in July and August.

Coho, or Silver salmon, might be a bit smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in acrobatics. These fish are famous for their spectacular jumps and runs that'll have your reel screaming. Coho typically show up in our waters from July to October, with September often being the sweet spot. They're aggressive and love to chase lures, making for some heart-pounding action on the water.

Time to Cast Off

Alright, folks, here's the deal – whether you're looking to fill your freezer with some of the best-eating fish out there or just want to experience the thrill of battling a wild Pacific salmon, this trip is your ticket. With a max of three guests per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and hands-on fishing time. We've got half-day and full-day options to fit your schedule, and trust me, once you're out there with a bent rod and a screaming reel, you'll be glad you came.

Don't just sit there dreaming about it – grab your spot on the boat and let's make some fishing memories. The salmon are calling, and Full Melt Charters is ready to take you where the big ones are biting. Book your trip now, and get ready for a fishing adventure you'll be bragging about for years to come. See you on the water!

Customer Reviews

FishTastic Fun

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What a great time my son and I had with Captain Wayne . His boat was perfectly fit for the fishing and we had a lot of fun . Thanks Captain Wayne . We caught a lot of fish and it was nicely cleaned ny captain Wayne . We ll come back for sure

Read More
MD
Marc de Maleingreau

August 17, 2024

Dynamic Duo Delight

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Chris and Wayne made for a great experience.

JM
Jim Marinow

July 5, 2025

Salmon Bonanza

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Fantastic day. Hooked 11, landed 10, kept 5, and will have lots of salmon to share with friends and family back home. Wayne and Victoria were great guides, knowledgeable, friendly, informative, and super helpful. We had so much fun. I’m gonna bring our kids back for a family outing.

Read More
DR
Daniel Rounds

October 7, 2024

Downrigger Mastery

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Had a great trip and picked up some good tips and techniques using downriggers.

SW
Steve Weldon

August 5, 2024

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or King salmon, are the giants of the Pacific. These bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds, with some topping 50. You'll find them hugging the bottom in cooler, deeper waters off Vancouver Island. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when they're feeding heavily before spawning runs. Anglers love Chinooks for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. These fish will test your gear and your arms with powerful runs. To land one, try trolling with cut-plug herring near underwater structure. Keep your line tight and be ready for that telltale heavy thump when a big King strikes. Pro tip: Early mornings are often best, when Chinooks are most active near the surface. Nothing beats the rush of battling one of these iconic salmon in the misty dawn light.

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho, or silver salmon, are the acrobats of the salmon world. Averaging 8-12 pounds, these feisty fish are known for their spectacular leaps and runs. You'll find them in coastal waters and rivers around Vancouver Island, often in calmer areas near debris or cover. Late summer and fall are prime Coho time, as they start their spawning runs. Anglers prize Coho for their aggressive strikes and aerial displays - they'll often hit lures with reckless abandon. Their bright orange flesh is also excellent eating. To target Coho, try casting or trolling with flashy spinners or small spoons. These fish are suckers for anything that mimics a wounded baitfish. Local secret: on overcast days, switch to darker lures like blue and purple. Coho seem to key in on these colors when the light's low. Get ready for some drag-screaming action when a silver decides to put on an airborne show.

Coho Salmon

About the Full Melt Charters

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Hop aboard for an awesome salmon fishing trip with Guide Wayne Sarak on Vancouver Island. Wayne knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for some prime fishing action targeting big Chinook and Coho salmon. As you troll through the scenic coastal waters, you'll get amazing views of the island's rugged shoreline. Wayne's expertise means you've got a great shot at hooking into some trophy fish. Just remember to bring your valid fishing license and you'll be all set for an epic day on the water. Whether you choose a half or full day, you're in for a treat with Full Melt Charters. Get ready to make some lasting memories and hopefully land the catch of a lifetime with Wayne as your guide!
Full Melt Charters

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Book your adventure with Full Melt Charters today and experience the thrill of fishing on Vancouver Island like never before. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, our expert guides and top-notch equipment ensure a memorable and successful trip. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories on the beautiful waters of Vancouver Island – reserve your spot now!

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