Best Places to See When Exploring Vancouver Island

Exploring Vancouver Island’s lush rainforests and beautiful beaches is a boater’s dream. Starting at Van Isle Marina on your map of Vancouver Island, BC, this guide to sailing Vancouver Island will highlight the best places to visit along the east coast culminating in northern Vancouver Island at the tip of Cape Scott Provincial Park.

No car, no problem. This guide to locations and activities has been carefully crafted with a boater in mind to be only a short paddle, walk or bike ride away. So, pull out your Vancouver Island map and follow along to chart your course of charming and unique destinations along Vancouver Island’s eastern coast. An adventure awaits.

8 Stop Worthy Spots from Van Isle Marina to Campbell River

Starting at Van Isle Marina on the tip of the Saanich Peninsula and heading north through the Southern Gulf Islands, you will find many interesting small towns to explore as well as stunning, wildlife-filled coastlines. Some recommended stops include:

While at Van Isle Marina – Borrow a courtesy bicycle for a quick ride to an outdoor activity that will appeal to everyone – Robert’s Bay Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (750 m). Victoria Distillers (3 km) provides a taste of something local, while Glass Beach (3 km) will keep the treasure hunter occupied.

Explore the Float Homes at Cowichan Bay Village – Enjoy the slow pace as you wander the float-home lined bay, browse for unique trinkets and enjoy the fish & chips at The Rock Cod in North America’s first Cittaslow designated community.

Shop Salt Spring Island’s Farmers Market – Stock up on fresh local produce, mouth-watering baking, one-of-a-kind clothing, and internationally acclaimed art from one of the many friendly artisans at this famous Saturday market. Doggy daycare is available too.

Discover all the Murals in Chemainus – With over fifty murals and sculptures to guide you through the town of Chemainus, this community-driven art tourism experience provides a new twist on a walk around town.

Bite Into an Award-Winning Cinnamon Bun in Ladysmith – Take a short walk for a sweet treat. With nine cinnamon bun flavours to choose from and a host of house-made baked goods, there’s something to suit everyone at Old Town Bakery.

Bike Around Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) – This Marine Provincial Park, home of the Snuneymuxw people, is a stone’s throw away from Nanaimo. Rent a bike or walk the many hiking trails to see if you can find an elusive white raccoon foraging through a tidal pool. Saysutshun is one of the only known locations white raccoons have been encountered in British Columbia. Look for moon snails at low tides as you walk to Protection Island.

Explore the Malaspina Galleries on Gabriola Island – This unusual wavelike formation carved into the sandstone peninsula is an awe-inspiring landmark worth exploring. Best visited at low tide, the Malaspina Galleries are admission free and accessible to the public.

Shuck a Huge Fanny Bay Oyster – On your way to discovering the coastal trails on Denman Island and Hornby Island, anchor and visit the Fanny Bay seafood shop and get your hands dirty. Create your own tide-to-table experience with their fresh and sustainably sourced seafood and slurp-worthy oysters.

7 Adventures from Campbell River to Cape Sutil

Continuing the journey to northern Vancouver Island, travel through wildlife-rich waters where the island meets the mainland. Keep your eyes peeled for orcas, whales, sea lions, bald eagles and a plethora of other sea life while enjoying your journey between these recommended locations:

Sail Around Quadra Island – If sailing Vancouver Island’s iconic locations is on your bucket list, Quadra Island is the perfect destination. Renowned in the Pacific Northwest for its protected anchorages and accessible beaches, the island’s late-summer placid water is ideal for cruising. Weather systems at any time of the year make for exciting sailing in Quadra’s many open channels.

Whale Watch at Robson Bight – The barnacle-encrusted rocks of Robson Bight attract pods of orcas to this stretch of Johnstone Strait. Unfortunately, the ecological reserve is closed to the public. However, nearby Boat Bay or Growler Cove on West Cracroft Island make excellent whale-watching anchorages. Help keep these magnificent mammals safe by following the Federal Watching Guidelines.

Rent a Cottage at Telegraph Cove – One of eastern Vancouver Islands’ last boardwalk communities, Telegraph Cove, transports you to another time. Steeped in history, this colourful community of cabins still stands on stilts. Treat yourself to a night off your boat at one of the many charming rentals and enjoy the self-guided historical boardwalk tour. This convenient location provides access to paddling opportunities, outdoor adventures, and abundant Pacific marine wildlife in the Broughton Archipelago and Johnstone Strait.

Immerse Yourself in Culture at Alert Bay – Be sure to spend a Saturday on Cormorant Island to enjoy the T’sasala Cultural Group Dance Performance in the ‘Namgis Traditional Big House (July & August). While you’re here, marvel at the world’s tallest Totem Pole and immerse yourself in the rich history of the local people at the U’mista Cultural Centre.

Take a Wander Around Port McNeill – Take a break from exploring the Broughton Archipelago in Port McNeill – home to the world’s largest burl. Stroll the seawall and carry on downtown to Broughton Boulevard to view this thirty-ton bulbous growth taken from a Sitka Spruce.

Meet the Locals in Port Hardy – The Totems and Big Houses that stand tall amongst the towering Douglas Fir trees in Port Hardy connect you to the story of the Quatsino and Gwa’sala’ Nakwaxda’xw peoples. Grab a coffee at Café Guido and meander through the Hardy Bay Seawall and Carrot Park, wonderful places to chat with locals.

Plan an Adventure at Cape Scott Provincial Park – If you want to get out and stretch your legs after cruising the entire east coast of the island, the North Coast Trail provides a challenging multi-day adventure for experienced backpackers. The sea stacks at San Josef Bay and sandy beaches are a stunning stop-off for those more interested in a day trip. Find anchorage at Bull Harbour on Hope Island to prepare for your west coast adventure and ready yourself to round the cape if you’re circumnavigating the island.

Van Isle Marina – Excellence and Value in Every Marina Experience

Whichever locations you choose to explore on Vancouver Island, be sure to stop at the premier marina in the Pacific Northwest, Van Isle Marina. As one of the largest full-service marinas in British Columbia, our unparalleled personal service will meet all your needs. Let us know how Van Isle Marina can help you plan your trip sailing Vancouver Island.

We are located in Tsehum Harbour, just minutes from BC Ferries’ Swartz Bay terminal, and the Victoria International Airport. Directions by car, boat, coordinates and chart can all be found at vanislemarina.com.

A Complete Overview of BC Fishing Regulations on the Ocean

The west coast of Canada is a fishing enthusiast’s paradise, and we all want to keep it that way. That’s why BC fishing regulations are designed to ensure that the resident species can be fished without being depleted too quickly. 

While fishing regulations may seem inconvenient to some, they act as on-paper stewardship for the marine ecosystem, ensuring fish populations remain strong for generations to come.

Read on to learn 6 things you should know before saltwater fishing on the west coast, including the saltwater fishing regulations BC enforces, licensing rules and the types of fish found in British Columbia’s coastal waters.

6 Things to Know About Saltwater Fishing in BC 

Even frequent anglers can’t be expected to remember all the fishing regulations for British Columbia. So, it’s always good to refresh your knowledge before going out on a fishing trip, especially for a species with which you are less familiar. 

As a starting point, here are five things you should know about before saltwater fishing in BC.

1. BC Saltwater Fish Species

BC’s coastal waters are home to a wide variety of saltwater fish species, including some considered “anadromous,” meaning that they spend part of their lifecycle in the ocean and in freshwater.

While fishing species like halibut, ling cod, albacore tuna and any of the 5 types of salmon are among the most popular to fish, there are many species that anglers are likely to come into contact with in the oceans off BC’s west coast.

This Department of Fisheries and Oceans fish identifier list for the Pacific region details the fish found in the area and how to identify them.

2. Fishing Licensing Rules in BC

By law, anyone who wishes to go fishing in British Columbia must have the correct license. To catch any species of shellfish or finfish, you will need a BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License. 

It is useful to know the following regulations connected to the use of a BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing license:

• The license is not transferable.
• The license must be carried when fishing and produced on request by conservation officers, fishery officers or guardians. 
• All retained halibut and chinook caught in a Management Area must be recorded on the license.
• All retained ling cod caught in waters off the eastern coast and southern tip of Vancouver Island (Management areas 12-19 plus 20-5 to 20-7, and 29-5) must be recorded on the license.
• BC salmon fishing regulations state that anyone intending to catch and retain any species of Salmon must have a Salmon Conservation Stamp in addition to their BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License. However, the stamp is optional if the angler intends to release all Salmon caught.

3. License Types and Fees

There are various saltwater fishing license options available depending on how often you plan to go ocean fishing. You must choose a non-resident license if you are not a resident of Canada. 

You can find details of the types of licenses available, their associated fee and an online license application here.

Note: Although children under 16 require a tidal water fishing license, it is free.

4. Saltwater Fishing Gear Restrictions

Since saltwater fishing often goes beyond the simple fishing rod and hook gear selection, there are regulations in place to specify and restrict how much and what kind of gear may be used in catching saltwater fish.

Looking for a new fishing boat? Read more about the best boats for fishing.

Below is a quick breakdown of the restrictions and allowances surrounding using particular gear.

General

• Gear restrictions and allowances are subject to change mid-season.
• You can use multiple rods in coastal tidal waters, but only one rod is allowed when fishing in BC’s tidal rivers.
• You may not use a sinker weighing more than 1 kg unless you use a downrigger line. In this case, the fishing line must be attached to the downrigger with a release clip.
• A gillnet for smelt fishing may be at most 7.5 meters, with a mesh size between 25 mm and 50 mm.
• Only one gillnet may be used at one time and must have a buoy with the owner’s details clearly marked on it.
• If you use a dipnet to catch mackerel, smelt, sand lance, sardines or anchovies, it must measure at most 90 cm, with a bag no longer than 1.5 times that measurement.

Hooks

• Barbed hooks, including triple-barbed hooks, may be used for all finfish except salmon and trout.
• Barbless hooks must be used when fishing in the tidal waters of BC rivers.
• Your line may only have one hook except for:
  • Multiple hooks may attach a piece of bait to the line, provided they aren’t intended to catch more than one fish.
  • Multiple hooks may catch mackerel, herring, anchovy, Pacific Sand Lance or Pacific Sardine.

Using Fish as Bait

• Fish suitable for human consumption may not be used as bait in sport fishing.
• Fish offal, mackerel, sardines, or herring may be used when baiting traps.

5. Be Aware of Daily Catch Limits

Catch limits protect local fish populations while allowing anglers to retain something from their catch. Because some fish species have healthier populations than others, daily limits for saltwater fishing in BC vary according to the species and the Management Area you are fishing in.

Always research daily catch limits for the area you are fishing in before setting off and remember to record all halibut, chinook and lingcod catches on your license.

6. Reporting Your Catch

To monitor the impact of recreational fishing on the species found in BCs oceans, DFO requires any BC Tidal Water Sports Fishing licence holder aged over 16 to report their complete catch, whether retained or not, for a fixed period.

For example, an annual license holder will be asked to report all catches for one specific month, indicated on their licence.

Participation in this recreational monitoring program is mandatory and a condition of being granted a license. 

Get On the Water and Catch the Big One

Now you know the regulations and licensing requirements, it’s time to get out onto the beautiful west coast ocean and get fishing!

You can easily access the world’s best sports fishing from your southern Vancouver Island base at Van Isle Marina.

Do you need a new fishing boat to get you out to the best fishing spots? Our yacht sales team can help you find the perfect vessel. Contact us today to find out more.

If you enjoy sea kayaking, Vancouver Island is the place to be. From sandy beaches and hidden coves to mountain views, island archipelagos and an abundance of sea wildlife to spot – you can access all the stunning experiences from the seat of your kayak.

If you’re a yacht owner, you’re one step closer to the best places for kayaking Vancouver Island. Anchor up in a sheltered bay and put your kayaks in right there. The beauty of bringing your kayak on your vessel means you don’t have a long paddle to get to your chosen destination – you can spend your time exploring instead.

In this guide to sea kayaking Vancouver Island, we’ll explore the 6 best places to kayak from your boat and share some tips to make every experience memorable.

What Makes Sea Kayaking Vancouver Island Special

From short scenic paddles to multi-day adventure trips and everything in between., there is a multitude of sea kayaking opportunities to be found in all parts of Vancouver Island.

With stunning scenery, mild year-round temperatures and marine life at every turn, no wonder the Pacific Northwest is considered one of the best ocean kayaking locations in the world.

If you have had a dream to kayak with orcas, Vancouver Island is the perfect spot. Many of the waterways around the island are within feeding and migratory paths, and kayakers are often treated to the joyous sight of a pod of resident orcas emerging from the waves.

It’s not only whale watching that is possible from the water. Ocean kayaking around Vancouver Island is likely to get you up close and personal with marine life, including:

• Humpback Whales
• Gray Whales
• Sea Otters
• Sea Lions
• Bald Eagles and other bird life

What to Know Before you Kayak Vancouver Island

Although you may be an experienced boater, there are some things to know before setting off on any kayak trip.

Weather – Vancouver Island weather can change often, especially on the west coast. Always check the marine weather forecast before setting out to avoid getting caught on the water.

Safety – According to the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide, safety equipment required for human-powered vessels includes:

• A PFD for each passenger
• A bailer or bilge pump
• A sound signalling device (whistle)
• A buoyant heaving line
• A reboarding device, such as a float

Complete a kayak rescue course before you start ocean kayaking to learn lifesaving skills should you or someone with you capsize.

Be prepared – Plan ahead for any trip. Check maps and research the area you plan to paddle in, as some areas are only suitable for experienced kayakers due to strong currents.

6 Best Places to Go Sea Kayaking from Your Yacht on Vancouver Island

There are so many options for sea kayaking on Vancouver Island. However, here are our best suggestions that offer a variety of experiences for the confident kayaker or first-timer.

Kayaking Nanaimo

Nanaimo’s downtown harbour area offers interesting shorter kayak trips. When arriving on your yacht, either moor in the harbour or anchor up by Saysutshun (Newcastle Island). Beginners will enjoy looking for sea stars along the Newcastle Channel, while more experienced rowers can kayak around the island in a couple of hours. Look out for the resident albino raccoon which inhabits this marine provincial park.

Tip: End your day by paddling over to Canada’s only floating pub on nearby Protection Island for refreshments with a view.

Kayaking Deep Cove

Boaters with resident moorage at Van Isle Marina may enjoy a short day trip and paddle closer to home. Head north around the tip of the Saanich peninsula to Deep Cove. Situated on the peninsula’s west side, this sheltered cove is protected enough for beginner paddlers but large enough to test your arm muscles. Anchor up offshore and enjoy exploring the sandy shoreline.

Kayaking Quadra Island

Quadra Island is located within the Discovery Islands on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island and is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the mainland mountain ranges. Quadra has two marine parks: Small Inlet and Octopus Island, which are ideal for exploration by kayak. There are plenty of protected bays to anchor up in while you enjoy getting closer to the secluded shorelines and rich forest greenery.

Tip: If kayaking the ‘inside passage,’ watch out for challenging tidal rapids and whirlpools that can develop in bad weather.

Kayaking Broken Group Islands

One of the most famous places to sea kayak on Vancouver Island is the Broken Group Islands.

Situated off the west coast, south of Tofino in the Pacific Rim National Park reserve, the Broken Group consists of 100 small islands featuring white sandy beaches, inlets and abundant wildlife.

Many people plan multi-night kayak trips in this area, making the most of wilderness camping opportunities on the islands. Arriving by yacht means you can anchor up directly within the islands and take short or longer explorative paddles. Mooring overnight is permitted with a valid Parks Canada pass, enabling you to explore this stunning area at your leisure thoroughly.

Tip: Weather is very changeable on this coast, and fog can roll in quickly. Stay alert to your surroundings and location.

Kayaking Johnstone Straight and Broughton Archipelago

Johnstone straight is the body of water found off the eastern coast of northern Vancouver Island and one of the best places to encounter orcas. During the summer, you can dock at Telegraph Cove, a historical waterfront resort formerly a cannery, a Canadian Air Force mill and a telegraph post.

This marina can accommodate boats up to 25ft and is a great starting point for half or full-day kayak trips with the incredible mainland mountains as a backdrop.

Note: The marina at Telegraph Cove does not offer electrical or water hookups. However, there are services such as a store and restaurant on land.

Tip: From Telegraph Cove, you can easily travel by boat into the Broughton Archipelago, the islands and islets between Northern Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. These islands offer opportunities to spot black bears and cougars on shore.

Kayaking Victoria

Another short trip from your Van Isle Marina base is downtown Victoria. Less experienced paddlers will enjoy the gentle waters of the inner harbour and gorge, which offer plenty of historical architecture to admire from your vessel.

Tip: Day moorage can be booked online with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

Start your Vancouver Island Sea Kayaking Adventure from Sidney’s Van Isle Marina

Van Isle Marina’s location just north of Sidney, BC, is a great starting point to explore Vancouver Island’s many sea

kayaking opportunities. The staff at our state-of-the-art marina are always happy to share some great locations nearby for all of your adventures. .

If you’re looking for a new yacht to transport you and your kayak to our recommended paddling locations, our yacht sales team can help. Contact us today for more information on purchasing a yacht or mooring with us.

A Guide to Essential Marine Electronics

Most modern-powered yachts come with an array of boat electronics, but you may wish to add some extras or have an older boat that needs upgrading. 

This guide will offer a list of the best marine electronics you should consider adding to your slice of on-the-water heaven. 

Read on to learn what’s available, how to get started with boat electronics and how to maintain them so they last a long time.

Tips on Getting Started with Boat Electronics

Boat electronics provide essential functions, like helping you navigate, maintaining the lines of communication, and providing a single operational hub for all your boat’s electronic components. However, like the other parts of a ship, they must be chosen carefully and appropriately maintained. 

Before you purchase any new marine electronics for your yacht, here are 5 things to consider:

1. What type of boat do you have?

Not every boat requires every type of gadget. When choosing boat electronics, you’ll need to consider what kind of boat you own. Is it a cruising boat, a fishing boat or a sailing boat? For example, a fish locator won’t be your top priority if you don’t own a fishing boat and don’t go fishing often.

2. What are your needs?

You’ll have to consider your needs when choosing which electronics to outfit your boat with.

A chart plotter is excellent to have onboard if you regularly travel away from the shore. If you don’t travel far from shore, but fishing is a favourite hobby, you might consider getting a fish locator. 

3. Do you want to upgrade your system?

Like other types of technology, marine electronics are constantly evolving, so it is never long before the next generation of gadgets comes along. If you want to upgrade a component of your system, choosing one with NMEA 2000 networking protocol will allow you the convenience of plug-and-play capability.

4. How do you want to enter data into the system?

You should think ahead. A touchpad will be fine if you’re going somewhere warm enough to rule out the need for gloves. On the other hand, if you are likely to be wearing gloves, a keyboard will work best since touchpads don’t always register input unless the fingers are bare. 

5. Where exactly do you want to go?

Navigation devices often come with maps for inland, coastal and international waters, with the ability to add other maps to the collection. You can also buy combo gadgets that feature chart plotters and fish locators.

Top 5 Must-Have Boat Electronics

While some boat electronics are optional, like a marine stereo that allows boaters to have audio while out on the water, others are must-haves for all boaters.

Here is a quick look at some of the essential best boat electronics to have on your yacht:

• VHF radio. A VHF radio is an essential electronic tool that allows you to maintain lines of communication with the authorities in an emergency. Since they don’t rely on cell reception and can handle getting wet, VHF radios are reliable and easy to use.
• Multifunction Displays. Also known as “MFDs,” modern versions look and operate like smartphones. In boats that have an array of onboard electronics, an MFD acts as a hub that controls all of it.
• GPS systems. Just as GPS navigation has made getting around on land easy, it can do the same for getting around on the water. Called either a GPS or a “chart plotter,” this type of electronic tool can act alone, be added to your MFD or be accessed through an app on your tablet or smartphone.
• Fish locators. MFDs have a built-in fish locator, but you can buy them individually. Fish locators allow you to locate fish more quickly through sonar. Depth sounders work the same way.
• Engine Monitors. Engine monitors analyze the engine’s components for functionality. An MFD can include this electronic gadget, but it can also work individually as preferred. 

Cleaning and Winterizing Your Boat Electronics

Marine electronics are handy, but you must adequately maintain these tools like any other equipment on your boat. Your electronics will need to be cleaned regularly and winterized before the cold season – or before long periods of disuse – to work at their best.

How to clean your gadgets

Follow these steps to quickly and easily clean your boat electronics:

1. First, turn off the unit to keep your settings safe.
2. Then, spritz the gadget lightly using fresh water and a spray bottle to remove any salt residue.
3. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning directions. If there are none, wipe the gadget’s components with a soft cloth and a mixture of fresh water and mild soap. You can also use a 50/50 dilution of white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Never use ammonia or bleach-based cleaners, as these can cause the screen’s coating to be yellow. 
4. After cleaning the unit, dry it with a microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels, as these are abrasive and often contain chemicals.
5. Don’t rub too hard when you clean or dry the unit since the screens on some gadgets can be delicate.
6. Apply a bit of boat wax to your plastic radome and GPS antenna. That will give them UV protection.
7. When you aren’t using the boat’s electronics, keep their screens covered so they don’t get damaged by the sun or dust.

How to winterize your gadgets

If you live in a place with cold and damp winters, think about winterizing the onboard electronics. Winterizing can be quickly done by following these steps:

1. First, clean the boat’s electronics using the steps above.
2. Then, remove the electronic tools from the ship and store them indoors.
3. If you can’t remove the electronics, disconnect the batteries. You can also put a paper bag of rice or silica bead packets near the wiring harness to prevent corrosion when the boat isn’t in use.
4. If you have to leave the electronics onboard, turn them off every so often to reduce the amount of moisture collecting inside.

Let Van Isle Marina Help You Get Connected

Do you need help finding a new yacht with all the electronic systems you want? The yacht sales team at

Van Isle Marina in Sidney, BC, can help guide you to a suitable model.

For more information on how we can help you, contact us today.

Everything You Need to Know About Catching Deep Sea Fish

Deep sea fishing is a thrilling experience and a great way to spend time on the water with some fellow avid anglers.

The chance to do this type of fishing doesn’t come along often, so when it does, you don’t want to risk spoiling the trip with poor planning.

Instead, use this handy guide to learn what gear you will need, the ideal type of fishing boat and what you can expect to catch when fishing Victoria, BC waters.

See our Fishing Boats for Sale

Fishing Rods for Deep Sea Fishing

For deep-water fishing, you need a strong rod coupled with a reel that can handle the length of line you will need. There are two main types of saltwater fishing rods:

• trolling rods and
• surf rods

Trolling rods are shorter and stronger than typical casting rods. They feature a large top-mounted reel that has free spooling

movement and holds plenty of line. Trolling rods are typically placed in rod holders on the stern of the boat and allowed to trail behind as the boat moves. All you do is drop your bait and deep sea fishing lures in the water, set your rod in the holder, and let the line drop.

Surf fishing rods are typically used onshore, but they can also be used on boats. They can handle large fish and come in a range of lengths and weights. The reel is bottom-mounted and looks much like a casting reel except that’s a bit

larger. The only “catch” is that, since they are designed for fishing in shallower waters, you may be limited to keeping your bait and hook closer to the surface.

Types of Hooks for Catching Deep Sea Fish

The types of hooks used in saltwater fishing are the same as in freshwater fishing, except that they have a greater size range since the target fish are generally bigger. There are three types of hooks used in deep sea fishing as follows:

J-Hooks

J-hooks come in a range of styles according to what kind of fishing you plan to do, but the unifying feature is that they are shaped like a J. The basic rule when choosing your hook size is to match it to the size of fishing bait you intend to use and the kind of deep sea fish you want to catch.

Circle Hooks

The introduction of catch-and-release fishing gave rise to the circle hook, shaped so that the point of the hook turns inward toward the shank, rather like a J-hook with a more pronounced curve. This shape prevents the hook from becoming stuck in the fish’s gut, instead moving to hook onto the fish’s jaw as the line is pulled.

Treble Hooks

Treble fish hooks resemble three J-hooks clustered together. The biggest benefit of a treble hook is that you can usually use a treble hook that is a size or two smaller than the comparable J-hook and still get the same result.

Types of Boats for Deep Sea Fishing

In deep water fishing, your boat has to be big enough to accommodate you, your friends, all your gear and whatever you catch. So, a simple powerboat won’t do. Your boat also has to be able to withstand the fight of a large fish, as well as have that fish on board.

Below, you’ll find a quick look at the 3 most common types of offshore fishing boats.

Cuddy Cabin 

This type of boat features a vee-shaped hull, 20 to 35 feet long, with inboard engines. The cockpit is set to the side, allowing entrance to the small cabin at the front of the boat. The cabin has seats that can double as beds, and the more luxurious models will have a bathroom.

Down East Cruiser

This style of boat is popular and has been in use for both commercial and recreational fishing for well over 100 years. With a large hull and large inboard motors that can hold a substantial quantity of fuel, this type of boat is ideal for multi-day trips. Down East Cruisers range from 25 to over 45 feet long, with deep vee-shaped hulls that enable them to handle rough seas.

Sport Fisher

This type of boat is purpose-built for chasing big fish. The minimum length of a Sport Fisher is 30 feet, but they can be up to 90 feet. Sport fishers have “tuna towers,” from where the captain controls the boat and keeps an eye out for fish. Featuring a typical range of over 950 km and an array of outriggers, a Sport Fisher can comfortably take up to 8 people wherever they need to go to catch the type of fish they want.

What to Bring on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip

As with any fishing trip, there is always a list of extra things you will need to take with you including an emergency boating kit. When you are spending a few hours or days out on the water, you won’t be able to run to a shop to get something you missed.

So, before you set foot on the boat with your rods and deep sea fishing reels, go over the checklist below to see what else you will need.

• Tidal fishing licence
• Tackle
• Extra line, hooks and sinkers
• Bait
• Clothing for all possible weather
• Rain jacket and pants
• Shoes with good traction
• Gloves
• Hat
• Sunblock
• Polarized sunglasses
• Lip balm with SPF
• Seasickness medication
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kit
• Plenty of food and fresh water
• Life vests
• Life preserver rings
• Towels
• Camera
• Sealable plastic bags for waterproofing
• Cash, if you are hiring a charter
• A large cooler with ice or freezer packs
• A dry bag or duffel for transporting supplies

For overnight trips, you will need to include the following items on your checklist:

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sleep mask
• Battery pack and charger for a cell phone
• Toiletries

What You Can Catch in BC’s Pacific Waters

British Columbia is known for salmon, so it’s no surprise that all five species can be found here in the waters around Vancouver Island. In addition to the five types of pacific salmon, there is a variety of fish species that are popular catches, including the following:

• Pacific Halibut
• English Sole
• Ling Cod
• Pacific Cod

Get Started on Your Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Van Isle Marina

Do you want to go deep water fishing but aren’t sure where to start?

Whether you are looking to buy your first sports fishing yacht or want to upgrade from your current cruiser, the Yacht Sales Team at Van Isle Marina can get you set up with the boat of your deep sea fishing dreams.

Our state-of-the-art marina, located in Sidney, BC, is close to the spectacular scenery of the southern Gulf Islands, making it a great place to start and end your open sea fishing adventure.

Contact us today to find out more about our current yachts for sale and our marina services.