Prawning is Hot!!
For the last month I've been getting lots of really good prawning reports from all over Georgia Strait. The word is there are loads of prawns, and they are extra...
Hareline Loon Stanley's Ice Off Paste
Regular price $12.99 CADUnit price /Unavailable
Hareline Loon Stream Line Fly Line Lubricant - 1/2 oz
Regular price $9.99 CADUnit price /Unavailable
Dragonfly Weight Forward Sink Tip 7WT Type 3 Sink WF-7FS
Regular price $29.99 CADUnit price /Unavailable
Sold outDragonfly Weight Forward Full Sinking 5WT - WF-5S
Regular price $29.99 CADUnit price /Unavailable
Frequently Asked Questions
Fly Line Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What fly line should I use?
The best fly line depends on your fishing conditions. Floating line is the most versatile and commonly used on Vancouver Island, while sinking and sink-tip lines are ideal for fishing deeper water or targeting fish below the surface.
Q. What is the difference between floating and sinking fly line?
Floating fly line stays on the surface and is ideal for dry flies and shallow presentations. Sinking fly line is designed to get flies deeper in the water column, making it better for lakes, deep pools, and targeting species like salmon and steelhead.
Q. What does weight forward mean in fly line?
Weight forward fly line has more mass toward the front, making it easier to cast longer distances and handle wind. This design is the most popular choice for anglers fishing Vancouver Island rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
Q. How do I match fly line to my rod?
Fly line should match the weight rating of your rod. For example, a 5 weight rod pairs with a 5 weight line. Matching line weight ensures proper casting performance and control.
Q. Do I need different fly lines for rivers and lakes?
Yes, river fishing often uses floating lines for control and presentation, while lake fishing may require intermediate or sinking lines to reach fish at different depths.
Q. What fly line is best for salmon and steelhead?
For salmon and steelhead on Vancouver Island, anglers often use heavier weight lines (6–9 weight) with sink-tip or full sinking options to effectively present flies in deeper, faster-moving water.
Q. How long does fly line last?
Fly line lifespan depends on usage and care, but most lines last 1–3 seasons. Regular cleaning and proper storage can extend performance and durability.
Q. Do I need backing for fly line?
Yes, backing is added to the reel before the fly line to provide extra line capacity when fighting fish. It is especially important when targeting larger species like salmon and steelhead.
Q. Where can I buy fly line on Vancouver Island?
The Harbour Chandler offers a range of fly lines for anglers across Vancouver Island, including floating, sink-tip, and full sinking options suited for local fishing conditions.
Let customers speak for us
Realized they were too small for Salmon fishing
Realized they were too small for Salmon fishing so we cut the hooks off & made them into nice earrings for my daughters - would sell like hotcakes @ Christmas
Rich L.
Gibbs Mini G - Irish Cream
Works great bought 3 and used it for a daisy
Works great bought 3 and used it for a daisy chain!
Strong
Strong -💪
very solid reel
solid reel . more “beef” than a similar sized Hardy click and pawl reel. Balances well with modern fiberglass and bamboo two hand rods
Scotty Tablet Mount
Good price at Harbour Chandler and unit sees perfect for the job and well built (as most Scotty things are).
Ernie P.
Scotty Tablet Holder
Harbour Chandler Nanaimo online and retail fishing and marins upplies
I first found this place in person when boating and at dock in Nanaimo. Great prices and staff then. I just placed 2 orders online. Very good prices compared to what I get here at retail stores in the lower mainland. Knowledgeable staff and placing my online orders. I’ll likely buy much of my gear in the future from them.
Ernie P.
The Harbour Chandler
Received
Received. Look like good quality. Haven’t used them yet.
mustang always makes a great suit and great
mustang always makes a great suit and great pricing
Adrian V.
Mustang Catalyst Flotation Bib Pant
If you dont have this in your boat your missing out
If you dont have this in your boat your missing out.
I love fishpond
I love fishpond.
My favorite flashers
Awesome flashers expensive but worth it when they are in fire catching fish
Crab Trap
Awesome.
Well built trap.
Looking forward to giving it a try.
Highly recommend.
Scotty products are the best
Scotty products are the best, I like that they continue to innovate. Love Harbour Chandler. The folks there remember who you are, cashier called me by name.
Amazing rod at this price, handles more on the medium side of medium heavy, love the colour too, so easy to see contrasted to the world around you. Boated some pretty mid August springs with it
Replacing my 3G radar
In replacing my 3G radar, the entire process was easy- HC staff were extremely helpful throughout the process. From testing the old unit to identifying a 'plug and play replacement and required adapter, everyone was available and informative. I'm almost looking forward to the next foggy day.
Jim S.
SIMRAD Halo 20 Radar
What customers think about the store
Well-stocked marine and fishing retailer with extensive product selection. Fast shipping, knowledgeable staff, and responsive customer service. Competitive pricing with frequent sales. Highly recommended by fishing enthusiasts and boaters across North America....
AI-generated from customer reviews.
Quality Service Shipping Staff
Steve's Weekly Fishing Report
View all-
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The Rain is Here, and so are the Salmon!
We are finally getting the needed rain to pull this years salmon into the rivers and stream. Every river system will now be loaded with fresh salmon and followed by...
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Time to Hit the River!
River fishing was great this week, despite the low water. The forecasted rain kept getting delayed, but it's finally starting to arrive. This will cause a big push of fresh...
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River Fishing is about to Pick Up!!
With some rain in the forecast river fishing is about to kick into high gear! It's been a dry fall so far, so while the saltwater salmon fishing season has...
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Ocean Salmon Fishing Still Going Strong!!
With the nice weather conditions, our ocean salmon fishing is still going strong! Most salmon runs seem to be running a bit late this year, giving us extra time to...
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Beach Fishing is Heating Up!
The beach fishing on Vancouver Island has kicked into high gear! The rain last week has got the fish moving and fishing has been excellent. The rivers have some fish...
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Beach Fishing Season is Here!
With the change in weather, beach fishing is heating up! This is my favourite time of year when the salmon stage at river and creek mouths, bringing fishing opportunities even...
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Large Chinook Fishing is Peaking!
Fishing for large Chinook has been excellent in Georgia Strait for the last week. Some of the fish have moved in closer to shore, but the outer islands and rocks...
