Giant halibut, delicious wide-mouth lingcod, many species of rockfish and, of course, and trophy salmon: These are the tangible rewards of a sports fishing expedition off Port Hardy and northern Vancouver Island. Better still, the inside and coastal waters of the area offer a first-chance to dip into salmon run, as these muscular fish swim south from the open Pacific towards Campbell River, Ucluelet, Sooke, and other sports fishing capitals on the island.
Chartered Fishing
A half-dozen charter companies are available to take rookie and experienced anglers out to sea in hard-bodied aluminum boats manned by professional guides. Photography and wildlife sightseeing outings are as easy to arrange and book with these operators as fishing trips. Check at the Visitor Centre for rack cards and pick up the annual tide guide published by the Rotary Club of Port Hardy.Mike Kelly's Tides & Tales Sports Fishing Adventures utilizes a pair of modern, cabin-equipped boats, the EarleeJune and the Blue Pearl, in tracking down Chinook and Coho salmon. Other local experts (often former commercial fishermen themselves) include Starfish Charters, Free Spirit Charters, Codfather Fishing Charters, and Catala Charters.
After the Catch
Charter operators will usually clean and process fish, and can provide tips on where these catches can be smoked and vacuum packed. One popular choice is Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish. Whole fish delivered to its loading bay in the former shopping mall at 9300 Trustee Road can be smoked in a variety of flavors – cracked peppercorn, Indian candy, Cajun, garlic and natural included. Filleting, vacuum sealing and freezing is all handled by the staff.
Fishing Accommodations
Heavy duty boats, fishing gear, modern rooms, and prime access to rich fishing grounds have made the Winter Harbour Lodge a favorite getaway. Built on a wharf jutting out into a sheltered bay, the lodge is situated at the end of the unpaved Holberg road in picturesque Winter Harbour on the island's far west coast. Two good accommodation choices in Port Hardy: the Quarterdeck Resort and Glen Lyon Inn, both steps from Fisherman's Wharf. The Old Skipper B&B in Coal Harbour has a backyard smoke house and is run by a charter captain with his own 11.5m/38ft vessel.
Stop by the Port Hardy Visitor Centre for more information and tips on local fishing hot spots. Also, appropriate fishing licenses are required for fresh and saltwater fishing in British Columbia. Both types can be purchased online via the BC Government's fishing regulations website.