Queen Charlotte's, port hardy or prince rupert?

[Norwest Alta]

Where would you go? Is the extra travel worth the it?

We're doing a little planning on a fishing trip for 6-8 of us to the coast next year. Figure it's a 12-14 hr drive to PR. About 20 hrs counting the ferry to the Charlotte's. I'm unsure about hardy.

[The Spruce]

I have the same question. I would assume the farther the better? I was looking at flights to hardy, looks like around 1000-1100 per. Drive would be all of 20 hours there. Real interested in Serengeti or Tides out of there.
Our groups main interest is coming home with as many fish as possible!

Spruce

[Gboe8]

I did queen charlottes this year. Was beutiful and the fishing was unbelievable. Just got back from sooke yesterday that's not even comparable fishing wise. Our flights were to sandpit were around 400$ a person got them for a 100 with air miles. If you want a guide recommended for the queen charlottes pm me.

[Hilgy]

If you're going to the island head for Bamfield. Otherwise The Queen Charlottes is pretty tough to beat.

[dmcrobb12]

Here are some pics off my phone from the trip to Haida Gwaii my family and Gboe8 went on. I've been lucky enough to fish all over the west coast of BC and haven't found anything that beats the west coast of Haida Gwaii. I haven't had time to go through all the pictures but I can definitely say that the charlottes never disappoints. I used to spend some summers deck handing out there so if you want some charter options send Gboe8 or I a pm and we'll point you in the right direction

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/ae7cb1109e355525b3acb64899c80993.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/1e752b9c2764334fb3d183a7888e29d7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/e0d3f8d5543ebbbe5b7f4fba4ed56084.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/e62bc846a253e56a4a2d907f72ad7b21.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/f2dde78b9bc6ba9caddbcb2285220dbc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/f7249a8f803e11feee08047e01f5a238.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170815/cce03a71c3161ac0640e6e3e649eee4f.jpg




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[Ken07AOVette]

Awesome pictures!!!

I have only so far fished Rupert, and until things dry up I am going to continue. I just love it out there.

[dmcrobb12]

Awesome pictures!!!



I have only so far fished Rupert, and until things dry up I am going to continue. I just love it out there.



Ruperts awesome! Like you said in your other topic lots of places to go explore. I just prefer the west coast of the charlottes because that's where I grew up spending my summers. Also I find if the weather is **** 99% of the time you can still fish skidegate channel and find shelter and catch fish. Nothing worse then getting out to Lucy and having to turn around because the waters blown up


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[Norwest Alta]

I did queen charlottes this year. Was beutiful and the fishing was unbelievable. Just got back from sooke yesterday that's not even comparable fishing wise. Our flights were to sandpit were around 400$ a person got them for a 100 with air miles. If you want a guide recommended for the queen charlottes pm me.

Thinking of sandspit adventures.

[SNAPFisher]

Ruperts awesome! Like you said in your other topic lots of places to go explore. I just prefer the west coast of the charlottes because that's where I grew up spending my summers. Also I find if the weather is **** 99% of the time you can still fish skidegate channel and find shelter and catch fish. Nothing worse then getting out to Lucy and having to turn around because the waters blown up


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Interesting. Last two times out to Langara we have been delayed flying into Masset. Guess where we turn around and flew back to, Sandspit. Of course it was nice and sunny there. Seems there might be some wisdom in looking further South of Masset :)
Thanks!

[dmcrobb12]

Interesting. Last two times out to Langara we have been delayed flying into Masset. Guess where we turn around and flew back to, Sandspit. Of course it was nice and sunny there. Seems there might be some wisdom in looking further South of Masset :)

Thanks!



Masset is a great fishery but any big wind can hinder you from getting on the water. From my experience anyways.

We fish skidegate channel and even if it's blowing northwest which is the worst wind for that channel you can still usually manage to find some shelter and be into the fish.


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[KegRiver]

We cancelled our trip to Prince Rupert this year, because of the fires.

One road in, one out, not good if it's cut off by fire and there are crops in the field in Alberta.

BIL canceled his trip to Bella Bella because of the rain. folks down there say they are building a boat forty cubits long and looking for pairs of animals to put on it.

He planned on flying in so the fires weren't a concern for him.

I did a bit of fishing around Vancouver many many years ago but other then that have only fished Prince Rupert. It's getting crowded. I head Bella Bella is a lot quieter.

[Marty S]

What an excellent topic!

[Marty S]

I was recently in Rupert. There was lotsa fires south of Prince George, but they were nowhere near Hwy16, not even remotely close. Didn't even see smoke on the trip, was 3 weeks ago.

I think a lot of the answer the the original question is who you go with, not where you go. I went to Hardy a couple years ago with some outfit, they took us for a nice boat ride and took our money, didn't go more than 7 miles from town. We caught a couple 2 chinooks and a couple cohos like 5 in two days. One teeny Hali, one other lost cuz the guide was busy telling us stories about himself while his gaff was hooked around the line, having a gaffing time out while the fish was on the surface. I was hoping to go with Serengeti instead but he had no openings. Had I gone with them for an hour we would have had more fish than two days with the other outfit.

Obviously seeing the Serengeti threads, Hardy is a good place, but had you only gone with the goofy outfit and not knowing a good fisher, you would have thought Hardy was just some run of the mill place and no world class fishery existed there.

I suspect there are good fishers and bad and ugly no matter where you go. Some guys are exceptional fishers, motivated to boot. Find him and you win... barring what "nature" throws at you.

[Norwest Alta]

It's a toss up between Serengeti and sandspit. By the pics I've seen they both put on a pretty good show.

[Ken07AOVette]

I was recently in Rupert. There was lotsa fires south of Prince George, but they were nowhere near Hwy16, not even remotely close. Didn't even see smoke on the trip, was 3 weeks ago.

I think a lot of the answer the the original question is who you go with, not where you go. I went to Hardy a couple years ago with some outfit, they took us for a nice boat ride and took our money, didn't go more than 7 miles from town. We caught a couple 2 chinooks and a couple cohos like 5 in two days. One teeny Hali, one other lost cuz the guide was busy telling us stories about himself while his gaff was hooked around the line, having a gaffing time out while the fish was on the surface. I was hoping to go with Serengeti instead but he had no openings. Had I gone with them for an hour we would have had more fish than two days with the other outfit.

Obviously seeing the Serengeti threads, Hardy is a good place, but had you only gone with the goofy outfit and not knowing a good fisher, you would have thought Hardy was just some run of the mill place and no world class fishery existed there.

I suspect there are good fishers and bad and ugly no matter where you go. Some guys are exceptional fishers, motivated to boot. Find him and you win... barring what "nature" throws at you.

Come with me Marty. Let's go to Rupert! :)

[liar]

just got back from 3 weeks from comox to bela bela . the fishing and crabbing got better as we went north and slowed as we came back south . port hardy north is as good as i have seen in pr . never been to the island - next years project !

[wildman]

hey dudes!
JUST go back for port hardy last week with serengeti charters.
these guys are amazing.
any species you want they have a thousand spots.
they quality and variety is best available bar none!!

[Norwest Alta]

hey dudes!
JUST go back for port hardy last week with serengeti charters.
these guys are amazing.
any species you want they have a thousand spots.
they quality and variety is best available bar none!!

From the pictures David posts I'd have to say he's a good fisherman and seems like a good guy.

[Norwest Alta]

So anyways back to the original question.

Queen charlottes, port hardy or Rupert?

Is the extra time traveling worth it?

[wildman]

also, for the $$$ you won't find better!
3 home cooked meals a day, super comfortable accommodations, pro fishing staff...
can't say enough!!!:sHa_shakeshout:

[wildman]

got my personal best salmon with these guys on a previous trip, 37 lbs
this trip, got my pb cod at 29 lbs and pb hali at 67 lbs

[dmcrobb12]

So anyways back to the original question.



Queen charlottes, port hardy or Rupert?



Is the extra time traveling worth it?



Not trying to knock anyone else's personal favourites but QCI is world renowned as the best salmon fishing in the world.

I've fished all over and would pick the charlottes over anywhere else. That being said anywhere you go on the west coast will be an experience and any day fishing is better then a day at work

[dmcrobb12]

hey dudes!
JUST go back for port hardy last week with serengeti charters.
these guys are amazing.
any species you want they have a thousand spots.
they quality and variety is best available bar none!!

awesome fish you guys nailed em! good job!!

[Serengeti Charters]

Where would you go? Is the extra travel worth the it?

We're doing a little planning on a fishing trip for 6-8 of us to the coast next year. Figure it's a 12-14 hr drive to PR. About 20 hrs counting the ferry to the Charlotte's. I'm unsure about hardy.

Blaine, I would narrow it down to two, Hardy and Charlottes, PR isn't what it used to be and know many that fish it and guide it. The last two years consistently the best Chinook fishery on the coast has been Hardy, can look at reports and definitely true. With that being said the Charlottes is well known for it's great salmon fishing! If looking at a variety of species (Ling, Yelloweye, Hali, Salmon) I think Hardy with us has that hands down. This season and last I know Hardy has whole coast beat, no questions, on salmon fishing. But each year is different. If you're looking to mainly salmon fish and a little bit of halibut in between tides then Langara is a great place to go for that and have a chance at a Jim Dandy Chinook. Honestly depends on what you're looking for :) Make sure boats are top notch too and comfortable for 3-4 guys.

If there's one thing I know for sure though, regardless of where you go, you'll have an absolute blast with your group; how can you not with the scenery of the coast and big fish on the line :D Tough decision, both are great, I just know I'll work my ass off to give ya a good trip! :sHa_shakeshout:

[Serengeti Charters]

I have the same question. I would assume the farther the better? I was looking at flights to hardy, looks like around 1000-1100 per. Drive would be all of 20 hours there. Real interested in Serengeti or Tides out of there.
Our groups main interest is coming home with as many fish as possible!

Spruce

16 1/2 hours or so to Hardy. I'd look at flying direct from Calgary/Edmonton to Comox, renting a vehicle and driving 3 hours up to us, can get that flight for $400 round trip and cost on vehicle is minimal split between 3-4 guys. Can go Calgary->Van-> Hardy but more expensive for sure.

[Marty S]

Ok... I got it figured....

ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!!

Go fish all of them! Just try your best to find a great fisher to go with.

Hardy is SPECTACULAR... when you go with Dave Sommers, Serengeti.
The Charlottes are obviously AWESOME!
PR is a proven fishery, there's spots around if you find the "Dave Sommers" of PR then it'll be unforgettable! Same goes for many of the other places. Pick one and go fishing! Next year if things aren't what you hoped, try another place. The weather will make or break some trips tho. Then there's Bamfield and Ucluelet, Winter Harbour, Kyoquot, surely many other places?

Just have to somehow keep the idolatry in check! 1 John 5:21! Key word... somehow!

[Norwest Alta]

Blaine, I would narrow it down to two, Hardy and Charlottes, PR isn't what it used to be and know many that fish it and guide it. The last two years consistently the best Chinook fishery on the coast has been Hardy, can look at reports and definitely true. With that being said the Charlottes is well known for it's great salmon fishing! If looking at a variety of species (Ling, Yelloweye, Hali, Salmon) I think Hardy with us has that hands down. This season and last I know Hardy has whole coast beat, no questions, on salmon fishing. But each year is different. If you're looking to mainly salmon fish and a little bit of halibut in between tides then Langara is a great place to go for that and have a chance at a Jim Dandy Chinook. Honestly depends on what you're looking for :) Make sure boats are top notch too and comfortable for 3-4 guys.

If there's one thing I know for sure though, regardless of where you go, you'll have an absolute blast with your group; how can you not with the scenery of the coast and big fish on the line :D Tough decision, both are great, I just know I'll work my ass off to give ya a good trip! :sHa_shakeshout:

Might come down to a coin toss David.

[Norwest Alta]

So many questions lol.
If a guy is fishing to put fish in the freezer is 3 days enough or is 4 days preferred?
If a guy is limited out on salmon, halibut and cod by day 3 do you head out to the big water for tuna?

[Marty S]

TU-NA...TU-NA... TU-NA... TU-NA...

Just say tuna and we'll live happily ever after!

[Speckle55]

Yes the extra driving time is worth it

Haida Gwaai was a blast fishing out of Masset with Escott Sportfishing Lodge

top notch boats & guides & fish till your arms get sore

Gerry & Bonnie ran a very nice B & B extra stay waiting for ferry

then the crab hunt on North Beach with waders n net was hilarious

Old Growth trees n wild life with beach combing

they were carving a new totem pole and we stopped by a stone carver's house

fishing trips are always more than just the fishing

David :)



Where would you go? Is the extra travel worth the it?

We're doing a little planning on a fishing trip for 6-8 of us to the coast next year. Figure it's a 12-14 hr drive to PR. About 20 hrs counting the ferry to the Charlotte's. I'm unsure about hardy.

[Michael_Brown]

The Queen Charlottes are worth the extra effort. Anywhere on the west coast can be great but if you want the trip of a lifetime, take the ferry or fly to Queen Charlottes.
Going back next year because the amazing fishing still haunts me. :)


http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=1546&pictureid=8379

[farmerbrown]

Charlottes hands down!

[dmcrobb12]

After looking at Serengetis website I'd say whether it be Serengeti or Charlottes you'll be into the fish. Makes me wanna try out port hardy next year.

On a side note, I personally would not go with Sandspit adventures though if you do go the QCI route


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[Norwest Alta]

After looking at Serengetis website I'd say whether it be Serengeti or Charlottes you'll be into the fish. Makes me wanna try out port hardy next year.

On a side note, I personally would not go with Sandspit adventures though if you do go the QCI route


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Why not sandspit?

[Scott h]

Interesting. Last two times out to Langara we have been delayed flying into Masset. Guess where we turn around and flew back to, Sandspit. Of course it was nice and sunny there. Seems there might be some wisdom in looking further South of Masset :)
Thanks!

Anytime the weather is coming from the north, Masset take the brunt of it. A good northwest wind up there is not for the faint of heart! I watch the enviroment Canada marine weather site and have the option of picking my days and as such stay out of most of the nasty stuff. I still haven't towed down to Charlotte to go out the channel to the west coast but one of these days.......

[Scott h]

The OP asked which destination is best and for my money it is QCI.
There are lots of choices for accommodation (from luxury lodges to airbnb's) and lot's of local guides. It is very easy to design and organize your own custom holiday with just a little bit of research.
If you want to do it inexpensively, all you need to do is rent a house for a few days ( around $100+/day) and then hire a guide ( Around $1100/day) on the days you choose to fish. Splitting the cost between a few guys cuts the costs way down.
If you're going to try out the west coast, you may as well spend a bit more time and see the sites. North beach on Haida Gwaii is pretty much a carbon copy of Long Beach without the thousands of tourists. Getting out at low tide with a set of waders and a dip net is great way to spend the morning. Hunting crabs is definitely more fun than trapping them :sHa_shakeshout:
Digging razor clams is another must do. Once you get your system fiquered out it's really not that hard and fried Panko coated clams are are of the best seafoods out there.

[32-40win]

Shame that Oak Bay got out of the fishing business in QCI, that was the most practical place to go in its day, for a guy like me, that wanted to go on his own and flyfish up there. Two people to a boat, go out and have fun, fishmaster brought whatever you needed. Samson's may still offer much the same setup in Naden Harbour, if he is still operating. I wasn't interested in a guide, wanted either a boat to myself or one other guy with me. I fished from dawn to dusk, could take a lunch and stay out all day, or if we were close by, come in for lunch, and come in for a late dinner. No difference in fishing either Naden or Langara, never knew what was going to hit when, chasing the birds to herring balls.

[Ken07AOVette]

Question for the guys saying 'this or that place over all the rest';

Have you fished them all extensively or are you saying this because that is the place you fish?

I have only fished Rupert, I have been there when it is dead slow, and when it is absolutely ridiculously awesome. Constant salmon, huge halibut, 21 keeper crab overnight. I have also thrown back countless pink salmon one year, this year sablefish were everywhere.

RB and I caught over 300 salmon in 5 days 2 years ago, I caught 11 halibut 1 day. 6 members of this forum were there that day. :)

[Scott h]

Question for the guys saying 'this or that place over all the rest';

Have you fished them all extensively or are you saying this because that is the place you fish?

I have only fished Rupert, I have been there when it is dead slow, and when it is absolutely ridiculously awesome. Constant salmon, huge halibut, 21 keeper crab overnight. I have also thrown back countless pink salmon one year, this year sablefish were everywhere.

RB and I caught over 300 salmon in 5 days 2 years ago, I caught 11 halibut 1 day. 6 members of this forum were there that day. :)

I've fished all over Vancouver island, Prince Rupert and QCI. They all can be very good and they all can have off times. Since I got a place in Masset it's pretty much all I go to right now but I would certainly never say no to the others. I do think that QCI does have more consistent fishing overall however.:)

[Serengeti Charters]

Don't know if fishing gets any better than this boys...great day today. Limits of everything including some big Lings (hardly see em at back but every boat tagged out) and big hali and limits of Chinook plus some coho. Marty S is out for this group too...

http://i.imgur.com/SVR8NRY.jpg

Note: 3 guests not in picture as well as guides.

[Gboe8]

That's an awesome picture great work! Hard to beat that day.

[SNAPFisher]

That is scary good! :scared0015:

Hardy Buoys has some work to do :)

[Tactical Lever]

Decide on a place yet? Only ever deep sea fished out by Haida Gwaii. I believe we ended up close to Dundas Island. It was pretty awesome.

Had some friends that worked out at Langara Lodge. Must be pretty good; I believe it's the place of choice for Wayne Gretzky and Jack Nicholson.

In general I hear that that those spots just out of Alaska are supposed to be the best.

Drive up. There is so much to look at on QCI for country.