Frequently asked questions

How long have you been in business?
Reel Tight Fishing Charters has been in business for four years. However, owner, guide and captain Eric Maki has been fishing in B.C. coastal waters and off Vancouver Island for more than 15 years. His experience takes you directly to the fishing hot spots.

How long are the fishing trips?
You can choose to reserve a half-day or a full-day trip. We usually go out for five to 10 hours, depending on the catch.

What kind of gear do you provide?
We provide top quality gear, including four Islander MR2 reels, four Gloomis Frontier Mooching Rods, Scotty electric downriggers, and four Ugly Stick Hali Rods

What type of boat do you have?
Our fishing charter boat, the Jenny Lee, is a top-of-the-line, near-new 26-foot Campion 682 Explorer. The boat is fully equipped with high quality fishing gear, a 225 hp Honda vtec engine, GPS and sonar systems.

How many people can you take on one fishing charter?
The Jenny Lee is equipped to handle up to four people per fishing charter.

Do you cancel fishing trips if the weather is bad?
Given our years of experience on the west coast, we can usually find safe places to fish regardless of the weather. It is rare for us to cancel a fishing charter. However, we will never put clients at risk.

How do I get to Port Alberni?
If you are coming to Vancouver Island, you can take a B.C. Ferry from the mainland to Nanaimo, which is less than an hour east of Port Alberni. Two routes are available, Tsawwassen to Duke Point or Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay. Routes are listed on the B.C. Ferries website. You can also fly into Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Airport is approximately an hour east and south of Port Alberni. You can also use the map provided on the page about the Alberni-Clayoquot region.

Can you arrange accommodation?
Yes, we can arrange accommodation in Bamfield with meals at a special rate of $135 per person per night, even in high season.

Are reservations required for a charter or can I drop in?
Reservations are always required. Due to high demand, dates during the peak angling season fill up quickly, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. Click here to reserve.

I want to catch salmon. When should I go fishing?
The best salmon fishing is mid-May to mid-September. Early in the season there are successive waves of salmon migrating south. Later in the season, we find the salmon migrate into Barkley Sound and the Port Alberni canal.

I want to catch halibut. When should I go fishing?
The best halibut fishing is May to mid-August. Later in the season, we find the halibut migrate further out and are harder to catch. We frequently travel as much as 30 miles off-shore.

Are the fish we catch cleaned?
We can arrange to have your catch cleaned and packed for shipping. Reel Tight Fishing Charters also offers vacuum sealing and smoking.

Do you do charters in the winter?
We do charters year-round, including a special holiday charter on Boxing Day. Many of our clients enjoy our winter crabbing and shrimping charters.

Why should I choose Reel Tight Fishing Charters?
Fishing is our passion. Reel Tight Charters gives you the best of everything: the best boat, the best gear, and our experience, which takes you to where the fish are biting. We are also conveniently located in Port Alberni, saving you driving time compared to booking with north island companies. With Reel Tight Fishing Charters, you'll be on the water faster.

To book your unforgettable fishing experience with Reel Tight Fishing Charters, click here.