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

(172 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 1501 reviews
Calcutta 2-Latch Tackle Tray
Tackle Tray

It was what I was looking for at a good price.

Ken C.
Calcutta 2-Latch Tackle Tray
Gibbs Delta Skinny G - Green Herring Aid
Herring Aid

Herring Aid gets fish!!!

Tom W.
Gibbs Delta Skinny G - Green Herring Aid
Mepps Bronze Slammer - Gold Perch Tail
Good selection

Good selection, quick delivery great trans

Todd K.
Mepps Bronze Slammer - Gold Perch Tail
Oki Big Shooter Moonjelly Series - UV Jellyfish Green Haze
Good

Good puchase

Steven P.
Oki Big Shooter Moonjelly Series - UV Jellyfish Green Haze
Gibbs Highliner #1 - Glow Crystal Green Flasher
Nice

Nice pricing

Steven P.
Gibbs Highliner #1 - Glow Crystal Green Flasher
Gibbs Highliner #1 - Green Striper Flasher
Good

Good value

Steven P.
Gibbs Highliner #1 - Green Striper Flasher
O'ki Big Shooter - Green Striper Silver Prism
Decent

Decent pricing

Steven P.
O'ki Big Shooter - Green Striper Silver Prism
Gibbs Highliner #1 - "A" Guide Series - Spring Roll Flasher
Excellent customer service which is why I am a repeat customer

Excellent customer service which is why I am a repeat customer.

Steven P.
Gibbs Highliner #1 - "A" Guide Series - Spring Roll Flasher
Interstate Starting Batteries
So far

So far, so good. Replaced old batteries and starting power is there.

David B.
Interstate Starting Batteries
Navico RF25N Rudder Reference Sensor with Micro-C connector
Tim was very helpful

Tim was very helpful. Second time I have ordered from HC, both times Tim was awesome. Items arrived within 2 days!

Warren S.
Navico RF25N Rudder Reference Sensor with Micro-C connector
Shimano Tekota A Conventional Reel
I am using this reel to troll for lake trout

I am using this reel to troll for lake trout. I have an older version of the same real that has held up beautifully over the years. This new Tekota 500 is very smooth, has a great drag and has a very sleek profile.

Lou B.
Shimano Tekota A Conventional Reel
Scotty Depthpower Brake Upgrade Kit
Exactly as it was

Exactly as it was described

Don D.
Scotty Depthpower Brake Upgrade Kit
My Stainless tubing arrived cut accurately and

My Stainless tubing arrived cut accurately and packaged properly to arrive on the mainland safely
I will be ordering all my stainless tube from Harbour

Dave B.
The Harbour Chandler
Westcoast Fishing Tackle Hyper Glo Plug - Mother of Pearl

Works well when Chinook and Coho are feeding on immature herring.

R.A.
Westcoast Fishing Tackle Hyper Glo Plug - Mother of Pearl
Oki Big Shooter Herring Aid Chartreuse Glow Flasher

Good product.

R.A.
Oki Big Shooter Herring Aid Chartreuse Glow Flasher

What customers think about the store

Store offers fast, efficient service with quality marine products at competitive prices. Customers praise helpful staff like Tim, quick delivery (often within 2 days), well-packaged orders, and excellent customer support. Products include fishing gear, boat eq...

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Delivery Product Quality Service

Steve's Weekly Fishing Report

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  • 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...

  • First Week Of Coho Fishing

    First Week Of Coho Fishing

    The first week of Coho fishing is well underway. It's looking like we should be in for a great season, with lot's of fish in most locations. I've had good...

  • Coho Countdown! The Harbour Chandler

    Coho Countdown!

      Everybody is gearing up for Coho opening on June 1st! The forecast is looking great with lot's of good sized Coho moving throughout Georgia Strait. Entrance Island and Five...

  • Lingcod Report & the Coho Opening Announced!! The Harbour Chandler

    Lingcod Report & the Coho Opening Announced!!

    Lingcod fishing is still going strong in all locations. I've had good reports from all throughout the east side of Vancouver Island. The new trolling lures are really catching on...

  • Lingcod Fishing is Hot! The Harbour Chandler

    Lingcod Fishing is Hot!

    Our lingcod season is off to a great start on both sides of the Island. All throughout Georgia Strait I'm seeing good reports, with many larger than normal lingcod. Lingcod...

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