Full Melt Charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsFishing ReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Guide

Learn More

My Trips

World-Class Salmon Charters on Vancouver Island

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

Summary

Get ready for a full day of salmon fishing on Vancouver Island with Guide Wayne Sarak from Full Melt Charters. You'll cruise through beautiful waters, stopping to check out Steller Sea Lions and other local wildlife along the way. The main event is trolling for salmon in top spots like Sooke Harbour and Race Rocks. Wayne knows where the fish are biting, so you'll have a good shot at reeling in some nice catches. If you're up for it, you can add crabbing to your trip - just ask to have a trap set out while you're fishing. It's a great way to potentially score a tasty bonus to go with your salmon. With room for up to 5 guests, this offshore charter gives you plenty of time on the water to soak in the scenery and try your luck at landing the big one. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, Wayne will make sure you have a fun day out on the Pacific.
World-Class Salmon Charters on Vancouver Island

Salmon and Scenery

previous-image
A group of 3 people fishing in the beautiful location of Sooke

Two anglers in BC fishing

Coho salmon caught in BC

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

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

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

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

Two anglers fishing in Sooke, a scenic coastal town

A person fishing at Sooke, with the text 'Best, great'

2 big fish caught in BC

Three rainbow trout caught while fishing in Sooke

Chinook Salmon caught during fishing in Sooke

A group of 3 people fishing in the beautiful location of Sooke

Two anglers in BC fishing

Coho salmon caught in BC

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

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

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

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

Two anglers fishing in Sooke, a scenic coastal town

A person fishing at Sooke, with the text 'Best, great'

2 big fish caught in BC

Three rainbow trout caught while fishing in Sooke

Chinook Salmon caught during fishing in Sooke

A group of 3 people fishing in the beautiful location of Sooke

Two anglers in BC fishing

Coho salmon caught in BC

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

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

next-image

Vancouver's Best Salmon Fishing Adventure

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready for a world-class salmon fishing experience right here on Vancouver Island? Hop aboard with Guide Wayne Sarak from Full Melt Charters for a full day of reeling in the big ones. We're not just talking any old fishing trip – this is the real deal, complete with wildlife spotting and the chance to pull up some tasty crab. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered for an awesome day on the water.

What's on the Menu Today?

Picture this: You're cruising through the crystal-clear waters off Vancouver Island, the salty breeze in your hair, when suddenly – bam! – a pod of orcas surfaces nearby. That's just a taste of what you might see on this trip. We'll make pit stops to check out the local celebs – those massive Steller sea lions lounging around like they own the place (which, let's face it, they kinda do). But don't get too distracted, because we've got some serious fishing to do.

We'll hit up all the prime spots where the salmon like to hang out. Sooke Harbour? Check. Secretary Island? You bet. Beechey Head and Race Rocks? Oh yeah, we're going there. These aren't just random spots on a map – they're the golden tickets to landing yourself a trophy Chinook, Pink, or Coho salmon. And hey, if you're feeling extra lucky, we can drop a crab trap and see what crawls in. Nothing beats fresh crab for dinner, am I right?

Trolling 101: How We'll Hook 'Em

Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be trolling for salmon, which is basically like taking your lure for a nice, long walk underwater. We use downriggers to get our gear down deep where the big boys swim. It's all about mimicking their natural prey and enticing them to strike. We'll set you up with top-notch rods and reels, and show you how to work that line like a pro.

Don't worry if you've never done this before – Guide Wayne's got years of experience and knows all the tricks of the trade. He'll show you how to read the water, spot the signs of a school of salmon, and most importantly, how to reel in that monster fish when it decides your lure looks like lunch. Just remember, when that rod starts to bend and that reel starts to sing, it's game on!

The Usual Suspects: Our Target Species

Let's break down the stars of our show – the salmon. First up, we've got the Chinook, also known as King salmon. These bad boys are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. They can grow up to 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 15-30 pound range. Chinooks are known for their fight, so hold on tight when you hook one of these!

Next, we've got the Coho, or Silver salmon. These guys are the acrobats of the bunch. When hooked, they'll leap clear out of the water, putting on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They typically weigh in around 7-11 pounds, but what they lack in size, they make up for in spirit.

Last but not least, there's the Pink salmon. These are the smallest of the bunch, usually weighing 3-5 pounds, but don't let their size fool you. They're feisty fighters and can be a blast to catch, especially on lighter tackle. Plus, they're absolutely delicious when grilled up fresh.

The best part? We can target these beauties pretty much year-round, but summer and early fall are prime time. July to September is when you'll have the best shot at landing all three species in one trip. Now that's what I call a salmon grand slam!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I could go on and on about why this trip is the bee's knees, but let me tell you why it's not just me singing its praises. Our guests rave about the experience, and many of them come back year after year. It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. It's about the whole package: the stunning scenery, the wildlife encounters, the thrill of the chase, and let's not forget, the bragging rights when you land that trophy salmon.

Plus, with a max of 5 guests per trip, you're getting a personalized experience. No crowded party boats here – just you, your buddies, and Guide Wayne sharing his local knowledge and favorite fishing spots. It's like fishing with an old friend who happens to know all the best secrets of these waters.

Time to Get Your Fish On!

Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on the water by now, check your pulse! This full-day salmon fishing trip with Full Melt Charters is the real deal. You've got the chance to catch not one, not two, but three different species of salmon, all while taking in the breathtaking beauty of Vancouver Island.

Remember, we're not just offering a fishing trip – we're offering a full-on Pacific Northwest adventure. From wildlife watching to potentially pulling up a crab trap full of dinner, this is the kind of day you'll be talking about for years to come.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your lucky fishing hat, round up your crew, and let's get you booked for the salmon fishing experience of a lifetime. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or King Salmon, are the heavyweights of the Pacific. These bruisers can tip the scales at 30+ pounds, with most catches in the 15-20 pound range. You'll find them hugging the bottom in cooler, deeper waters around Vancouver Island. They're not called Kings for nothing - these fish put up a serious fight, often making long runs that'll test your gear and your patience. Late summer to early fall is prime time for Chinooks. Anglers love 'em for their size, but also for their rich, flavorful meat. If you're after a trophy fish with great table fare, Chinook's your target. Pro tip: When trolling, try using a cut-plug herring with a flasher. The scent and flash combo is hard for a hungry King to resist.

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho, or Silver Salmon, are the acrobats of the Pacific. These 8-12 pound fish are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them in coastal waters and rivers, often hanging out near the surface. Cohos are aggressive feeders, making them a blast to catch on light tackle or flies. The best action is usually from late summer through fall when they're heading back to their spawning grounds. Anglers love Cohos for their fight and their bright orange, flavorful meat. If you're looking for a mix of excitement and good eating, Cohos are hard to beat. Here's a local secret: on cloudy days, try using lures with a bit of chartreuse or hot pink. These colors seem to trigger more strikes when the water's dark.

Coho Salmon

Pink Salmon

Pink Salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest Pacific salmon, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. Most weigh in at 4-5 pounds, with some reaching up to 10. These silver-sided fighters prefer cooler, shallow waters near the coast. You'll often spot them by their signature humped back when they're getting ready to spawn. Pinks run in huge schools, making for fast action when you find them. They're especially abundant in even-numbered years, with peak season from July to September. While not the biggest, pinks are known for their delicate, light flavor - perfect for smoking or grilling. For the best results, try using small, bright lures. A pink hoochie squid behind a flasher is a local favorite that mimics their favorite snack.

Pink 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

Ready for an awesome day out on the water? Hop aboard Guide Wayne Sarak's custom charter boat for a full day of salmon fishing and wildlife spotting around Vancouver Island. We'll cruise to some prime fishing spots like Sooke Harbour and Race Rocks, dropping lines to try our luck at catching some big salmon. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for Steller sea lions and other cool marine life. Want to up the ante? We can even set out some crab traps if you're in the mood for some fresh seafood. With room for 5 guests, it's the perfect way to spend a day exploring the beautiful coastline and getting a taste of Vancouver Island's amazing fishing. Just bring your sense of adventure - Guide Wayne will take care of the rest!
Full Melt Charters

Follow Us

FacebookInstagram

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Fishing Reports

Target Species

Meet the Guide

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

Fishing License

Wildlife Cruise

Halibut Hunt

Salmon Rush

Offshore Halibut

Halibut Catch

Captain Wayne (604) 376 9972

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!

More about Full Melt Charters

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap