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Locally Owned in Nanaimo, BC • Trusted Since 1986
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Fly Fishing

(195 products) FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Fly Fishing Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What fly line should I use on Vancouver Island?

The best fly line depends on where and what you are fishing on Vancouver Island. Floating fly lines are popular for trout fishing on lakes and rivers, while sinking fly lines are often used for deeper water and salmon fishing applications.

Q. What is the difference between floating and sinking fly line?

Floating fly line stays on the surface and is commonly used for dry flies, indicators, and general freshwater fly fishing. Sinking fly line is designed to get flies deeper in the water column for targeting fish holding below the surface.

Q. How do I choose the right fly line weight?

Fly line weight should match your fly rod weight. For example, a 5-weight fly rod should generally be paired with a 5-weight fly line for balanced casting performance.

Q. What fly line is best for trout fishing?

Floating fly lines are one of the most popular choices for trout fishing because they are versatile and easy to cast. Anglers may also use intermediate or sinking fly lines depending on water depth and fishing conditions.

Q. Do you carry fly fishing gear for Vancouver Island rivers and lakes?

The Harbour Chandler carries fly fishing gear including fly line, leaders, tippet, flies, hooks, and fly fishing accessories for Vancouver Island anglers targeting trout, salmon, and steelhead.

Let customers speak for us

from 1682 reviews
Lowrance HDS PRO 12 with 3-1 Active Imaging
I have not installed it yet

I have not installed it yet. Canpar was super slow once it got transferred to Canada post. They held it for 5 business days in my town without contacting me.
Harbor challenger is awesome but shipping through canpar was not.
Good price. Hopefully I get to use it next weekend.

MATTHEW G.
Lowrance HDS PRO 12 with 3-1 Active Imaging
TFO Downrigger-Mooching Rod 9'
Excellent rod

Great rod for the price. Loads up nicely, detects the lightest of hits and has the backbone for serious fish.

jonathan c.
TFO Downrigger-Mooching Rod 9'
Navico 9 Pin Black Transducer To 7 Pin Blue Adapter

Livraison rapide et conforme à mes attentes.

Jean-Yves L.
Navico 9 Pin Black Transducer To 7 Pin Blue Adapter
Scotty Downrigger Plug 2121 - 12V Plug & Socket
I like this plug much more than the twist lock style

I like this plug much more than the twist lock style. Easier to use and it doesn’t disengage like the twist lock did. Hopefully more durable also. Time will tell

Robert H.
Scotty Downrigger Plug 2121 - 12V Plug & Socket
Shipping Protection by Route
politesse et rapidité

politesse et rapidité

REYNALD D.
Shipping Protection by Route
Polyform Scotchman Buoys
Nice and bigger one the

Nice and bigger one the Amazon

Anonymous
Polyform Scotchman Buoys
Storm Arashi Spinbait 8
Great price

Great price. SMB killer

Allen R.
Storm Arashi Spinbait 8
C-Map / Reveal BC and Pudget Sound
Just what I wanted

Just what I wanted, works great.

Laurie G.
C-Map / Reveal BC and Pudget Sound
Oki Big Shooter Flasher HC Custom - Dirty Dog
Fantastic product

Fantastic product, excellent add to my gear set

Eric C.
Oki Big Shooter Flasher HC Custom - Dirty Dog
TFO Downrigger-Mooching Rod 9'
Great 9 foot downrigger rod

Nice balance and match with my TYEE reel. Sensitive to detect light bites, but loads up progressively for head shakes and aggressive runs with plenty of backbone to bring the fish in. First impressions very good.

Gordon F.
TFO Downrigger-Mooching Rod 9'
LIGHTHOUSE ASSORTED RIGGED TEASER 5PK
Create product got lots of

Create product got lots of fish

frank h.
LIGHTHOUSE ASSORTED RIGGED TEASER 5PK
Pro-Cure Brine 'N Bite Complete Guide Size
A+++

A+++

Anonymous
Pro-Cure Brine 'N Bite Complete Guide Size
Danik Hook Marine Fender Hook 3/8" - 5/8"
Great hooks

Great hooks. Stronger than some others. Good fit for our larger fenders. The price was typical for those hooks but seems a bit high for what they are. However we are glad Harbour Chandler carries them.

Louis K.
Danik Hook Marine Fender Hook 3/8" - 5/8"
Pro-Cure Oil 8oz Bloody Tuna
Nice to be able to get the bigger sizes

Nice to be able to get the bigger sizes.

Mike R.
Pro-Cure Oil 8oz Bloody Tuna
Johnny Ray JR-300 Swivel Mount

5 star

Anonymous
Johnny Ray JR-300 Swivel Mount

What customers think about the store

Specializing in fishing, boating, and marine supplies with extensive product selection. Fast shipping, knowledgeable staff, competitive pricing, and strong customer service. Customers appreciate helpful in-store assistance, quick order processing, and reliable...

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Delivery Product Service Staff

Steve's Weekly Fishing Report

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  • It's Football Season!!

    It's Football Season!!

    The football fish have arrived! What is a football fish you ask? Basically it's a short fat salmon. It's more football shaped than lean and long. And they are ideal...

  • Nanaimo Halibut?!?

    Nanaimo Halibut?!?

    There have been a handful of halibut caught around the mid Island area in the last week. A couple near Thrasher Rock and some closer to Nanoose. While this is...

  • Chinook Fishing Peaking

    Chinook Fishing Peaking

    In Georgia Strait the Chinook Fishing is still very hot. But the fish have generally moved deeper than last week. Fishing close to the bottom in 225-240ft of water has...

  • Chinook is Open in the Strait of Georgia!!

    Chinook is Open in the Strait of Georgia!!

    Chinook season has kicked off for Georgia Strait fishermen and the initial reports are great! We have been seeing lots of Chinook from 50ft to 230ft lately. The best location...

  • Chinook Opening Soon!

    Chinook Opening Soon!

    The summer Chinook openings have been released. It looks about the same as last year for area 17. Follow this link to read the fisheries notice The Chinook are mostly...

  • Summer fishing is here!

    Summer fishing is here!

    In Georgia Straight the Coho fishing continues to be great! The clipped fish are still running very shallow. Keep your gear in the top 30ft of water. If you drop...

  • Salmon Season in Full Swing!!

    Salmon Season in Full Swing!!

    With July right around the corner we are now in peak salmon season! In Georgia Strait the Coho fishing has been very hot. The clipped fish continue to hold shallower...

  • Coho fishing is on Fire!!

    Coho fishing is on Fire!!

    Georgia Straight Coho fishing is super hot right now. There are large schools of Coho following the bait throughout the entire strait. The only tricky thing is targeting the marked...

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