How to Get Into Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide for Vancouver Island
Fishing is one of the easiest outdoor activities to get into—especially on Vancouver Island. Learn what gear you need, where to go, and how to start fishing with confidence.
Fishing
Shop fishing gear online from The Harbour Chandler, a locally owned Nanaimo tackle shop trusted by BC anglers since 1986. Browse rods, reels, line, downriggers, flashers, hoochies, crab and prawn traps and fly fishing gear from brands like Shimano, Scotty, Gibbs Delta, Penn and Orvis, plus our own HC Custom Tackle for West Coast saltwater and freshwater fishing. Order online for delivery across Canada or visit our Nanaimo store to get set up for your next trip.
Gibbs Delta Skinny G - Herring Aid / Nickel
Gibbs Zak Attack - Assorted 10pk
Gibbs Delta Skinny G - No Bananas
Scotty #1026 Pedestal Swivel Mount
VMC TechSet Siwash Open Eye Hooks - Coastal Black
Gibbs Delta Skinny G - Bon Chovy
Scotty 370 Trolling Snubber with Ball Bearing Swivel
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks - NS Black
Gibbs Highliner #1 - "A" Guide Series - CB55 Flasher
Gibbs Delta Skinny G - Hit & Run
Gamakatsu Big River Bait Hooks Open Eye
Gibbs Delta Zak Royal Flash - Assorted 10pk
To get started fishing, you need a rod and reel combo, fishing line, basic tackle such as hooks and weights, and bait or lures. A complete fishing kit is a great option for beginners looking for an easy, ready-to-go setup.
Vancouver Island offers excellent salmon fishing, trout fishing, and saltwater fishing. Popular methods include trolling for salmon, casting from shore, and freshwater fishing in lakes and rivers around Nanaimo and across the island.
Salmon fishing typically requires trolling gear such as downriggers, flashers, hoochies, spoons, and anchovies. A strong rod and reel setup designed for saltwater fishing is recommended for targeting salmon.
A lightweight rod and reel combo paired with trout lures or flies is ideal for trout fishing. Fishing kits are a great option for beginners fishing lakes and rivers on Vancouver Island.
Yes, a valid fishing licence is required for both freshwater and saltwater fishing in British Columbia. Regulations vary depending on species and location, so it is important to review current rules before heading out.
Popular lures for Vancouver Island include spoons, hoochies, plugs, soft plastics, and flies. The best choice depends on the species you are targeting, such as salmon or trout, and the fishing conditions.
Saltwater fishing gear is typically heavier and more corrosion-resistant to handle larger fish and harsh conditions. Freshwater gear is lighter and designed for smaller species like trout and bass.
For ocean fishing, you will need a saltwater rod and reel, trolling gear such as flashers and lures, a downrigger if fishing deeper waters, and proper safety equipment for boating.
Fishing on Vancouver Island can be productive year-round, with peak salmon seasons in the summer and fall, and strong trout fishing in spring and early summer depending on the location.
You can shop fishing gear at The Harbour Chandler in Nanaimo or online. We carry rods, reels, tackle, and fishing equipment for Vancouver Island anglers.
Yes. We have been a locally owned tackle shop in Nanaimo since 1986, and we ship fishing gear across Canada through our online store.
Free shipping is available on most orders over $120 CAD. Some items may be excluded, so please check our shipping policy.
We carry brands such as Shimano, Penn, Abu Garcia, Scotty, Gibbs Delta, Gamakatsu, VMC, Simms and Orvis, plus our own HC Custom Tackle.
Yes. Our fly fishing range includes Orvis fly rods, reels, waders, wading boots and accessories.
Yes. We offer reel spooling and downrigger servicing through our Nanaimo store. Contact our team for details.