Emerald green mountains meet the clear blue Pacific Ocean making Vancouver Island an enchanted destination for big-water anglers. Kyle and Crystal Borkes, host of the KC Kayak Fishing YouTube channel, take us on a tour of the island paradise where trophy fish lurk only a few hundred yards off the beach.
Fish Vancouver Island: Catch Halibut, Lingcod and Salmon
Game Plan
It may be called the Big Island, but Crystal points out, “The best fishing destinations on the island are relatively close, so you can fish several locations over your stay.” Kyle adds, “There is plenty of beach access but expect rough and rocky launches.” Check the weather and tide predictions. Crystal says, “Winds less than 10 knots are manageable.” Use marine charts to identify areas with steep, rocky bottom, perfect habitat for bottomfish. “Drop a swimbait to the bottom for lingcod and rockfish,” Kyle suggests. Another option is slow trolling for salmon. The Borkes use a modified downrigger with a shortened boom to drop an eight-pound ball. The downrigger trails a flasher and spoon.
Season
Best fishing is spring through fall. Bottom fishing season opens May 1 and salmon season begins June 15.
Rigged Up
To cover bottom fishing or trolling, use a seven-foot, medium-heavy Shimano Trevala and Piscifun Alijoz 300 baitcaster spooled with 50-pound braided line and a 30-foot topshot of 40-pound monofilament. “For salmon trolling our favorite setup is a Gibbs Highliner Lemon Lime Blue Flasher with a Yes Bananas Skinny G Spoon,” Kyle says. Salmon jigging calls for a 1.5- or 2.5-ounce Gibbs Delta Mac Fish jig in Herring Aid pattern. To bottom fish for lingcod, the Borkes prefer a 10- or 16-ounce Gibbs Power Paddle swimbait. Summer sees the most rain and fog, so pack a breathable rainsuit; fishing in fall, winter and spring requires a drysuit. Fog is disorienting and dangerous; to navigate in low visibility, the Borkes monitor location on a smartphone GPS app and track depth with a fish finder. They carry VHF radios to maintain contact and alert emergency services. “If the fog rolls in, stay tight to the rock structure to avoid a boat collision.”
Kayak Gear
To ply the huge swells and swift current, the Borkes rely on Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL kayaks. “We fish in six- to seven-foot swells and the Sportsman is stable and seaworthy,” Kyle explains. He rigs the boat for trolling and jigging. “We have downriggers and fish finders, everything a motorboat has.”
Outfitters
Gone Fishin has four stores scattered around the island. “Pick the staff’s brains about what lures are working and load up on Gibbs tackle before heading to the coast,” Crystal recommends.
Where to Stay
The island offers plenty of convenient camping options, Pacific Playgrounds is a favorite. Home-share accommodations are the best bet in small towns. Or splurge on the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort for a luxurious stay. “Make reservations early, space fills up a year in advance.”
Where to Eat
Don’t leave Vancouver Island without having a Nanaimo bar, a three-layer dessert with graham cracker crust, custard center and hard-chocolate topping. The Borkes’ favorite example is at Red’s Bakery in Nanaimo.
Limitless horizons and easy access bring deepwater fishing within reach. Feature photo: KC Kayak Fishing
