Tofino Fishing Charters — Private Salmon & Halibut Trips.
On a CatFace Charters guided sport-fishing trip it's your boat to use for your group, and Captain Ian (Skipper) — no shared charters, no packed decks. Whether you've fished the coast for years or you're putting a rod in a kid's hands for the first time, Captain Ian runs the day around the tides, the weather and what's biting, and keeps you on the fish.
What you can catch
The waters off Tofino and through Clayoquot Sound hold some of the best mixed saltwater fishing on Vancouver Island's west coast — salmon, halibut, bottom fish, and crab and prawns:
- Salmon — the main event. Chinook (spring / king) and Coho (silver) are the mainstays, and all five Pacific salmon — Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink and Chum — run these waters through the season. Trolling is the go-to technique; Chinook fishing builds through June and peaks in summer.
- Halibut — prized bottom fish that can top 100–200 lb. Strong late spring into early summer.
- Lingcod, rockfish & snapper — hard-fighting, great-eating bottom fish (lingcod, greenling, and the many rockfish often called snapper) when you want steady, all-ages action.
- Sablefish (black cod) — a deep-drop specialty from ~500–700 ft when conditions allow.
- Dungeness & red rock crab, spot prawns — drop a trap and often go home with dinner. A hit with families and a perfect add-on to any trip.
- Albacore tuna — in late summer they range the offshore waters; ask Captain Ian whether a long-range tuna trip suits your group, the season and the conditions.
Inshore or offshore?
Inshore (Clayoquot Sound): calm, sheltered water — ideal for families, first-timers and anyone who'd rather not deal with swell. Great for crab and prawns and for winter Chinook.
Offshore (the shelf): bigger water and bigger fish — halibut and salmon on the outside, the deep-sea fishing most people picture. Captain Ian will match the water to your group, the season and the conditions.
Tofino fishing seasons
- March–October is the prime stretch; June–August is peak.
- Salmon: builds through June, strong into late summer.
- Halibut: strong late spring / early summer.
- Winter: on calm days, sheltered-water winter Chinook plus crab and prawns.
Runs move week to week — call and Captain Ian will tell you honestly what's happening right now.
Licences & regulations
To fish saltwater in BC you'll need a BC tidal (saltwater) fishing licence, and a Salmon Conservation Stamp if you want to keep salmon. Captain Ian will point you to exactly what you need and make sure your day is legal. Limits and closures are set by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and change through the season, so we always check the current rules before we head out — no guesswork.
Going home with dinner
Land something worth keeping and Captain Ian will take care of it on the water. Fresh wild salmon, halibut or crab for dinner is a pretty good end to a day.
Why fish private with CatFace
No sharing the rail with strangers. No being rushed. Just your group, more room, more time, and a captain whose whole focus is your day. It's the friendliest way to learn, and the best way to actually fish.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a fishing licence?
- Yes — a BC tidal licence, plus a Salmon Conservation Stamp to keep salmon. Captain Ian helps you sort it, and checks current DFO regulations before every trip.
- I've never fished before — is that okay?
- Absolutely. First-timers and kids are welcome; Captain Ian sets you up and shows you how. Going private means the day moves at your pace.
- Can we keep what we catch?
- Yes, within current DFO limits. Captain Ian handles your catch on the boat.
- Do you do deep-sea fishing?
- Yes — offshore trips out to the shelf target halibut and salmon in bigger water, the deep-sea fishing most visitors have in mind. Captain Ian matches the water to your group, the season and the conditions.
- Are kids welcome?
- Yes. Inshore trips on calm water are great for families; life jackets in kids' sizes are aboard.
- What if I get seasick?
- Inshore Clayoquot Sound is sheltered and usually calm. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication the night before and again in the morning; ginger and staying on deck in fresh air help too.
- What should I bring?
- Warm layers, a rain jacket, soft-soled shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water and snacks, and a camera. See Plan Your Trip for the full list.
- What if the weather's bad?
- Safety comes first. If conditions are unsafe, Captain Ian will move the plan or reschedule — he won't take you out in water he doesn't like.
- How long are trips?
- From half-day to full-day, depending on what you want to target. Call and we'll build it around your group.
Ready to get on the water?
It's just you, your group, and Captain Ian (Skipper). Call to check dates and build your day.
It's a two-minute, no-pressure chat — you'll get a straight answer and a real number for your date, and asking costs nothing. If Captain Ian's out on the water, leave a message and he'll ring you back. Not a phone person? Send a message instead.