Godfrey Westmorland persevered for 21 years as a commercial fisher, but the turmoil in B.C.'s Fisher prompted him to rethink his connection to the sea. With the purchase of a 41-foot yacth for cruising the Victoria Harbour Fantasea Charters Ltd. was founded 20 years ago.
“Most adults suffer from a condition called AAD – Adult Adventure Deficit,” says local coach Vic Lindal. We think he’s right, and we have a perfect cure for it. There are few things in life that offer the adventure, the camaraderie, the relaxed enjoyment, and heart pounding excitement of an ocean fishing cruise.
To maximize your enjoyment and make sure your first ocean fishing adventure is everything you hope it will be, you need professionals to guide you - a captain and crew who know the local waters and weather, who know everything there is to know about fish, and — most importantly — how to catch them. Our ship’s captain has over 40 years of experience in offshore fishing. We know how to find the area’s best fishing spots, how to plan, and how to alter plans quickly as conditions change.
Preparation starts early in the morning for us. Before each trip, the captain pre-rigs the leaders, sets out the tackle and gear, and readies the ship before leaving the dock. A multitude of scenarios can and do arise on the water, and we want to be ready for anything.
To safely enjoy your fishing cruise, you need to make some preparations too. Here are a few pointers.
One of the many benefits to being located on Canada's west coast in beautiful Victoria BC is the mild weather that allows for year-round outdoor activities. Local fish species also appreciate the climate, frequenting the waters around Vancouver Island in all seasons.
Our very own Captain Godfrey has taken advantage of Victoria's never-ending fishing season to hone his skills every day, adding up to more than 40 years of experience. A professional fisherman, Godfrey knows the best fishing spots and times for all popular fish species in the Gulf waters.
And in January, that means salmon!
There's no need to fear the rain and cold that comes along with winter fishing. January can be a fantastic season for salmon, and with few other people out on the water you'll have your pick of the salmon population. With a covered and heated boat, you won't even have to worry about getting wet! So let's get started:
In our last blog post we covered some of the different birds you might see out on the ocean around Vancouver Island — but what about other marine life? On our popular wildlife sightseeing cruises you can see orcas, sea lions, porpoises, otters, and more. Come with us and learn a little more about these majestic creatures.
