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Top-Rated Salmon Fishing Charters in Sooke
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Sooke
- $5 - $375 price range
Summary
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Reeling Them In
Reeling in the big one with deep sea jigging off Sooke's clear waters!
Clear skies and deep sea jigging: the perfect combo for a big catch!
Reel in the Big One: Sooke Salmon Fishing
Ready for some serious salmon action? Our 6-hour charter out of Sooke is the real deal. We're talking prime fishing grounds, top-notch gear, and a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. And hey, bring the kids – they fish for free! Just remember your license, and we'll take care of the rest. Let's get out there and put some fish in the boat!
What to Expect on the Water
We'll meet you at the dock bright and early at 6 AM – trust me, the early bird gets the salmon. Our 6-hour trip gives us plenty of time to hit the hotspots and work different techniques. We provide all the tackle and gear you'll need, including our sweet automatic downriggers that'll make you feel like a pro. The boat's got everything you need for a comfortable day out, but bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. By noon, you'll be back on land with some great stories and hopefully a cooler full of fish.
Fishing Know-How
Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be using a mix of trolling and mooching techniques, depending on where the fish are biting. Our downriggers let us get our lures down deep where the big ones hide. We'll rig up with some classic hoochies, spoons, and maybe even throw out a cut plug herring if the bite is tough. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you jigging like a local in no time. Keep an eye on the fish finder, and when it lights up, get ready for some action!
Angler Tales
"What an awesome trip. We started the day meeting a great guy and by the end of the charter we had made a new friend, that we plan on calling on each time were in Vancouver. His knowledge of the area put us on fish immediately and his electronics honed in on the proper depth. To enhance the experience, we were able to use all the gear as if it was our own and the automatic retrieving down riggers were a joy operate. One of the highlights of the charter was the fresh crab boil on board the boat. After the charter, Will hauled the crab traps we dropped that morning and then fired up the boil pot and we had the freshest, sweetest Dungeness crab I have ever tasted. I would highly recommend this charter and can guarantee you will get your money's worth." - Glen
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are the acrobats of the salmon world. Known for their spectacular jumps and hard-fighting spirit, Cohos usually weigh in between 6-12 pounds. They're most active in our waters from July through September. When a Coho hits your line, hold on tight – these guys will give you a run for your money!
Chinook Salmon: Also called Kings, these are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon. A decent-sized Chinook can easily top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 or more. They're around most of the year, but peak season is May to September. Chinooks are known for their deep, powerful runs – when you hook one, you'll know it!
Pacific Jack Mackerel: These speedy little guys might not be your target, but they make for some fun action when the salmon are playing hard to get. Jacks school up and can provide non-stop action. They're great eating too, so don't turn your nose up if we get into a bunch of these.
Pacific Halibut: While we're primarily after salmon, sometimes we luck into a halibut. These flat giants can grow to enormous sizes, though most we catch are in the 20-50 pound range. They're not as common as salmon in our area, but landing one is always a highlight of any trip.
Pacific Cod: Another bonus catch, Pacific Cod are delicious eating fish that hang out in the deeper waters. They're not as glamorous as salmon, but they put up a decent fight and are a welcome addition to any fish fry.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, there's nothing quite like the rush of a salmon hitting your line as the sun comes up over the Sooke coastline. Our 6-hour trip is the perfect mix of serious fishing and laid-back fun. We've got the gear, we know the spots, and we're ready to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to experience some world-class salmon fishing, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water. The salmon are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?
Customer Review
Fishing Friend Found
Glen Porter
July 10, 2024
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Pacific halibut are massive flatfish that can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh 500 pounds. Most catches are in the 20-40 pound range, but 100-pounders aren't uncommon. These bottom-dwellers prefer cold, deep waters from 20 to 1000 feet. You'll find halibut from California up to Alaska, with prime spots in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. They're most active in summer, moving to shallower feeding grounds. In winter, they head to deeper waters to spawn. Halibut fishing is all about patience. Use heavy gear - a 6-7 foot rod with 60-pound line and a 1-pound lead to get your bait down. Pink salmon heads, squid, or herring work well. Let your bait sit on the bottom, giving the rod an occasional bounce to attract attention. These fish put up a serious fight, making them a prized catch. Their firm, white meat is also top-notch eating. Here's a tip: use scented lures in deep water, as halibut rely more on smell than sight when it's dark down there.
Coho Salmon
Pacific cod are bottom-dwellers you'll find in deep waters from 60 to 1500 feet. These greyish-brown fish average around 11 pounds but can hit 50. They're not the fastest swimmers, but what they lack in speed they make up for in numbers. Cods hang out near continental shelves and upper slopes, preferring chilly waters between 30-50°F. Summer's their feeding time, while winter sees them spawning. Come spring, they head back to open waters to chow down again. These guys aren't picky eaters - they'll bite almost anything that sinks. That makes them pretty easy to catch, even if they're not the most exciting fighters. Still, some anglers say they can bend a 9-foot rod. For the best shot at landing one, use a fast-sinking line to get your bait down deep. A 6 to 7½ foot fast action rod with 50-80 pound braid should do the trick. Squid or mackerel are solid bait choices. And here's a local tip: try fishing at night when they come up shallower.
Pacific Cod
Pacific Halibut
Pacific Jack Mackerel
Pacific jack mackerel are sleek, silver fish with blue-green backs, growing up to 32 inches but usually under 22. They're fast swimmers that school in large numbers, often hanging out with sardines and other mackerels. You'll find these guys from Alaska down to Baja California, typically offshore in subtropical waters. Adults can roam up to 600 miles out and 1000 feet deep, while younger ones stick closer to shore near piers and kelp beds. July to September is prime time for jack mackerel fishing. They're not the main target for most anglers, but they make excellent live bait for bigger game like sailfish. For tackle, go light to medium with size 4 or 6 hooks. These fish put up a decent fight for their size and can be tasty when fresh. Try slow-retrieving small lures like feathers or jigs. Here's a local tip: use a Sabiki rig and you might catch a whole school following your bait to the surface.
About the Fijian Son
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
What an awesome trip. We started the day meeting a great guy and by the end of the charter we had made a new friend, that we plan on calling on each time were in Vancouver. His knowledge of the area put us on fish immediately and his electronics honed in on the proper depth. To enhance the experience, we were able to use all the gear as if it was our own and the automatic retrieving down riggers were a joy operate. One of the highlights of the charter was the fresh crab boil on board the boat. After the charter, Will hauled the crab traps we dropped that morning and then fired up the boil pot and we had the freshest, sweetest Dungeness crab I have ever tasted. I would highly recommend this charter and can guarantee you will get your money's worth. Glen & Gina Porter July, 2024