At Reel Time Fishing Fishing Charters, we realize that a lot rides on a Vancouver Island Fishing trip. You, our guests, invest a great amount of time, energy in resources into a 1-3 day or more fishing trip. For this reason, Reel Time Fishing Charters works hard before, during and after to honor that investment. Our hope is a trip where memories are made, relationships are formed and future contacts can be welcomed. And so, at Reel Time, we work towards the following:
Safety: Safety is of paramount importance to us. Whether fishing close to shore (Nanaimo) or further out (Ucluelet, sometimes 40 km), much can happen and happen fast. Weather can turn ugly! Thick fog can set in! A medical emergency can take place etc etc. For these and other reasons, we make sure our boat is pulled out and inspected annually, that it has all the necessary safety and navigational equipment including radar, and that our guide (me :)), is up on all the latest tickets required by Transport Canada (Safe Vessels Permit, Radio, Emergency, and Marine First Aid). In fact, the very choosing of our charter boat (a Hourston Glascraft) was very intentional. In addition to choosing a boat with a large cabin to keep as many as 5 people dry in wet or foggy weather, we also chose a boat that is one of the strongest, safe and most stable boats found in the Pacific Northwest.
Sustainability: We want our guests coming back year after year. And wouldn’t it be cool to see our children coming back year after year. In order for that to happen, we don’t bend the fishing guidelines. Barbless hooks are used for salmon in order to release the smaller fish and any wild species whose stocks are being preserved. Size and limit restrictions set by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are also honored. As well, 5% of all charter income goes back to the Pacific Salmon Foundation. We as fishing guides and recreational anglers have been entrusted with one of the most amazing natural fishing resources in the world. At Reel Time Fishing Charters, we aim to support, protect and even educate fishing and nature enthusiast about these resources.
Service: Many of us in the guiding profession love to fish, sometimes too much. At Reel Time Fishing Charters, people, not fish, come first. Of course, I, like any of the other guides, love the hunt, the catch, and the feast afterward. But as I have discovered, there is more to guiding than just fishing. In addition to fishing, many look forward to simply getting away and relaxing. Others love to fish but are also renewed by the life and beauty of Pacific Northwest. And then, there are others who come along simply to support their family members or friends. And so, at Reel Time, we work hard at helping everyone relax, renew, reconnect and reel in fish. It’s why we ask this question before or shortly after leaving the dock: “What are your expectations, hopes or dreams for this fishing trip?” We also work hard at helping you with other details such at how to prepare, preserving your catch, which hotels to stay at, things to do during your stay, how to best get to Nanaimo or Ucluelet, and touching base after you leave.
Safety, sustainability, and service. And if you wonder whether or not we have been able pull this off, check out our testimonials. While you’re at it, check out our prices. In addition to safety, sustainability, and service, we also aim at giving you the best prices.
For more info about our trips, contact us either by phone, facebook, or email. Otherwise, to all of you, have a wonderful Christmas
Turk (Andrew Turkstra)
Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters