ABOUT
Canada’s Finest Fishing on Vancouver Island,
British Columbia
Join us in Esperanza and Nootka Sound for some of BC’S best fishing
A fishing trip to Vancouver Island is your next big adventure awaiting you. Experience the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that North Vancouver Island has to offer. The plentiful waters around Nootka Sound, and Esperanza Inlet will entice any world traveler. Our west coast lodge delivers fishing trips, resort accommodations, and chef prepared meals, in a prolific fishing region that will not disappoint. Featuring career-guides, Reel Obsession is unique from other British Columbia fishing operations as we have two unique fishing locations to serve you on your next west coast fishing adventure.
World-Class Fishing in British Columbia
Salmon and halibut fishing adventures on the west coast of Vancouver Island
Our team of professional guides love to catch fish! This is their chosen career, not a Summer job. At Reel Obsession, we pride ourselves in showing our guests a truly unforgettable, fun, and first-class experience. Guest satisfaction is high and the majority of our groups fish with us year-after-year, booking their fishing adventure with us over a year in advance.
Our salmon fishery is second-to-none on the west coast of British Columbia. Our lodge is located on what they call, “The Salmon Highway”, where the continental shelf comes closer to Vancouver Island, than anywhere else on the coast. This funnels all south migrating salmon to our specific location, at the base of the funnel. This prolific fishery gives us access to dozens of different runs heading to their home rivers through our entire fishing season. The result is simple, it means you won’t hear us say, “you should have been here yesterday.” Big salmon caught off the coast of vancouver island.
Halibut and bottom fish are part of our daily routine. The underwater reefs and humps that make up Esperanza and Nootka Sound offer an abundant variety of this delectable white meat. Halibut over 200 pounds call these waters home. Although regulations require these large females be released throughout all of British Columbia, our guests land a number of excellent eating-size fish that keep them returning year-after-year.
Vancouver Island has the mildest climate in British Columbia and all of Canada offering amazing year-round fishing charter opportunities. We are proud to offer fishing charters out of our West coast lodge from May to September as well as fishing charters direct from Victoria, B.C. throughout the rest of the year.
In addition to prolific fishing, it is likely that during your Reel Obsession adventure, you’ll come across a variety of marine life. Killer whales (orcas), grey whales, humpback whales and porpoises are common encounters in our waters. Seals, sea lions, eagles and bears are another reason to make sure you have your camera on the boat
Fishing Charter
Guides
Adrian O’Connor
on OBSESSION TOO
From the time I could hold a rod I was in the boat or on the shore with my dad. My passion for the sport was definitely handed down. Like I said, it’s been imprinted in me from a very young age. I now spend almost 200 days a year with rod in hand, mostly work and of course some play. My uncle invited me to Zeballos 16 years ago and it has been my home every summer since; that’s how my career started. Now it’s my turn to pass the rod over to my father, son, or guest!
Kashes Redfern
On Wild One
Kashes has been fishing his whole life. He started fishing on the river when he was 6, then running his own boat on the ocean when he was 12. He has always been obsessed with fishing. He started in the industry as a dock boy when he was 14 years old and got his first guiding job when he was 17 – and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon! His fishing experience is sure to fill the boat with fish and your head with crazy fishing stories. Guiding isn’t just his job its his passion.
Gibran White
ON FISH HAWG
With over 30+ years in the fishing and tourism industry and the last 10+ years running the biggest guiding operation in our area, Reel Obsession is beyond excited to have Gibran White as part of our team! Gibran’s knowledge and enthusiasm of the wild and rich history of our island are sure to get you hooked. Not only is he passionate about sport fishing but he is heavily involved with enhancement and habitat projects up and down the coast. For this guy, fishing is beyond a hobby and a passion… it’s his life.
Brian ‘Cowboy’ Cameron
ON TELL ‘N Tales
Growing up in Alberta, ranching, cowboying, fishing, and hunting all contributed to fueling Brain’s desire and passion for outdoor adventure. Ultimately, that is how he landed here on the west coast of Vancouver Island as a professional saltwater sport fishing guide. Known to many as Cowboy, Brian’s passion for guiding and showing his clients a truly memorable time is what it’s all about. Whether it’s their first time on the ocean or seasoned patrons, being apart in sharing these moments is what drives him and is truly Brian’s …‘real obsession’
Norm Berndtsson
Norm has been a dedicated fisherman and hunter his entire life and enjoys this lifestyle best when he is taking others along to share in the adventure. A prairie boy with an addiction in boats, he has been drawn to Vancouver Island and has now fished our saltwater for nearly two decades. ‘Calm no matter how complicated the day gets’, describes how Norm will land your fish whether you are a seasoned rod handler or a first-timer. Valuing a quality experience for his guests, he is dedicated to squeezing every inch out of the day’s opportunity.
Jason ‘Jaybo’ Bolton
ON Slaboratory
With over 25 years guiding experience, Jason is a First Nations islander local where his passion for fishing started at a young age. He began professionally guiding in the early 90’s and fished the waters of Bamfield, Ucluelet, Nootka Sound, and the northern waters of Prince Rupert. Jason takes pride in passing on the rod and creating some great memories and stories for his company to share.
Torsten ‘Toasty’ Novak
ON The GRady
Better known as Toast or Toasty. This guy has been on the water since he could walk. If it swims, walks, or flys – he can find it. His passion, like so many of us, has driven him to sharing it with as many people as he can. With his unparalleled focus to detail, great humour, and wealth of knowledge, you can be sure to have a trip where your arms and stomach hurt from playing fish and laughing. Having guided from Sooke/Victoria all the way to Haida Gwaii, rest assured this guy can get you on the fish, make some lasting memories, and give you stories to tell for years to come!
Dave Haldin
ON Tyee One on
Dave has a mission to fish the planet and is looking forward to being a part of your fishing adventure here at Reel Obsession. At an early age fishing with his family on their boat, Dave’s passion took flight. He moved into the industry not only as a fishing guide 30 years ago but into a lifestyle that has taken him from Alaska all the way to the coast of Costa Rica slaying fish!
Atef ‘Boomer’ Youssef
ON NO DOUBT
Also known as “Boomer”, Atef is obsessed with boats and fishing! This guy has been fishing since he could walk and now as an adult, he’s turned his passion into a career. At a young age, Atef had his guiding debut in Haida Gwaii and has spent many hours fishing and guiding all over the coast. An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Boomer is sure to give you a day full of laughter, stories, and action.
Tristan Ruszel
ON NO DOUBT
Tristan was born and raised on Vancouver Island and grew up fishing the coast. He got the chance in high school to start working at a fishing lodge in Northern BC which fuelled his passion and kicked off his guiding career on the beautiful West Coast – 18 years later and here he is, still living the dream.
Fishing Charter
Guides
Adrian O’Connor
on OBSESSION TOO
From the time I could hold a rod I was in the boat or on the shore with my dad. My passion for the sport was definitely handed down. Like I said, it’s been imprinted in me from a very young age. I now spend almost 200 days a year with rod in hand, mostly work and of course some play. My uncle invited me to Zeballos 16 years ago and it has been my home every summer since; that’s how my career started. Now it’s my turn to pass the rod over to my father, son, or guest!
Kashes Redfern
Kashes has been fishing his whole life. He started fishing on the river when he was 6, then running his own boat on the ocean when he was 12. He has always been obsessed with fishing. He started in the industry as a dock boy when he was 14 years old and got his first guiding job when he was 17 – and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon! His fishing experience is sure to fill the boat with fish and your head with crazy fishing stories. Guiding isn’t just his job its his passion.
Gibran White
ON FISH HAWG
With over 30+ years in the fishing and tourism industry and the last 10+ years running the biggest guiding operation in our area, Reel Obsession is beyond excited to have Gibran White as part of our team! Gibran’s knowledge and enthusiasm of the wild and rich history of our island are sure to get you hooked. Not only is he passionate about sport fishing but he is heavily involved with enhancement and habitat projects up and down the coast. For this guy, fishing is beyond a hobby and a passion… it’s his life.
Brian Cameron
ON TELL ‘N Tales
Growing up in Alberta, ranching, cowboying, fishing, and hunting all contributed to fueling Brain’s desire and passion for outdoor adventure. Ultimately, that is how he landed here on the west coast of Vancouver Island as a professional saltwater sport fishing guide. Known to many as Cowboy, Brian’s passion for guiding and showing his clients a truly memorable time is what it’s all about. Whether it’s their first time on the ocean or seasoned patrons, being apart in sharing these moments is what drives him and is truly Brian’s …‘real obsession’
Norm Berndtsson
Norm has been a dedicated fisherman and hunter his entire life and enjoys this lifestyle best when he is taking others along to share in the adventure. A prairie boy with an addiction in boats, he has been drawn to Vancouver Island and has now fished our saltwater for nearly two decades. ‘Calm no matter how complicated the day gets’, describes how Norm will land your fish whether you are a seasoned rod handler or a first-timer. Valuing a quality experience for his guests, he is dedicated to squeezing every inch out of the day’s opportunity.
Jason Bolton
ON Slaboratory
With over 25 years guiding experience, Jason is a First Nations islander local where his passion for fishing started at a young age. He began professionally guiding in the early 90’s and fished the waters of Bamfield, Ucluelet, Nootka Sound, and the northern waters of Prince Rupert. Jason takes pride in passing on the rod and creating some great memories and stories for his company to share.
Torsten Novak
ON The Grady
Better known as Toast or Toasty. This guy has been on the water since he could walk. If it swims, walks, or flys – he can find it. His passion, like so many of us, has driven him to sharing it with as many people as he can. With his unparalleled focus to detail, great humour, and wealth of knowledge, you can be sure to have a trip where your arms and stomach hurt from playing fish and laughing. Having guided from Sooke/Victoria all the way to Haida Gwaii, rest assured this guy can get you on the fish, make some lasting memories, and give you stories to tell for years to come!
Dave Haldin
ON TYEE ONE ON
Dave has a mission to fish the planet and is looking forward to being a part of your fishing adventure here at Reel Obsession. At an early age fishing with his family on their boat, Dave’s passion took flight. He moved into the industry not only as a fishing guide 30 years ago but into a lifestyle that has taken him from Alaska all the way to the coast of Costa Rica slaying fish!
Atef ‘Boomer’ Youssef
ON No Doubt
Also known as “Boomer”, Atef is obsessed with boats and fishing! This guy has been fishing since he could walk and now as an adult, he’s turned his passion into a career. At a young age, Atef had his guiding debut in Haida Gwaii and has spent many hours fishing and guiding all over the coast. An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Boomer is sure to give you a day full of laughter, stories, and action.
Tristan Ruszel
ON NO DOUBT
Tristan was born and raised on Vancouver Island and grew up fishing the coast. He got the chance in high school to start working at a fishing lodge in Northern BC which fuelled his passion and kicked off his guiding career on the beautiful West Coast – 18 years later and here he is, still living the dream.
Fishing Charter
Fleet
Slaborotory
26’ Proline has Twin 150 Mercury
Sea Pro’s and 15 Kicker
This 26 foot Proline has twin 150 Mercury Sea Pro’s and a 15 hp kicker. This boat has a 9 foot 6 beam giving it a very stable ride and a large cockpit to fish from. This is an extremely comfortable and smooth riding boat for up to 4 guests.
Tell’N Tales
28’ Wellcraft with Twin 225’s and 15 Kicker
One of the nicest riding boats you will ever experience for your fishing adventure. This boat slices through the water like it is twice as big. It has a large cockpit for fighting fish, stand up head, and large cabin to lie in if you’re too tired from fighting all the fish you’re going to catch. Radar, dual GPS and fish finders along with brand new 2015 twin 225’s and 15 kicker make it a great boat.
Tyee One On
2550 Pursuit with 300 HP and 20 HP kicker
This boat is new to the fleet for 2016. The Pursuit name is known for its quality craftsmanship. This boat is specifically made for offshore sport fishing during your fishing adventure. The beam is 8 foot 6 and the length is 26 feet. This boat has many bells and whistles, I get excited just thinking about it: CD player, GPS and radar, led lighting system, enough rod holders to set up a tackle shop, and much more.
Obsession Too
28’ Trophy with Twin 250’s and Kicker
The 28’ Trophy has great lines and is incredibly comfortable to fish from. With its 10-foot beam, it is a very stable boat and provides lots of deck space to fight your salmon, tuna and halibut. This boat is licensed to fish up to six anglers, however we only fish four guests plus the guide on board. This boat was built in 2004 and is in pristine condition. It has a large cabin and full washroom. The boat is powered by twin 250 four stroke outboards, new in 2016.
No Doubt
26’ Sea Ray with 300 hp Outboard
This boat was originally an inboard model. It was stripped of the inboard in 2005 and built to guide from. A pod extension was added and now holds a 300 HP Yamaha four stroke and 9.9 Yamaha auxiliary motor. This model Sea Ray is known as one of the smoothest riding boats around. With its sleek design it cuts through the waves like a knife. It has a large cabin and lots of cover with seating for 4 guests and the captain. Loaded with top of the line electronics and a rear steering station, this boat out performs other boats all of the time!
Fishing Charter
Fleet
Slaborotory
26’ Proline has Twin 150 Mercury Sea Pro’s and 15 Kicker
This 26 foot Proline has twin 150 Mercury Sea Pro’s and a 15 hp kicker. This boat has a 9 foot 6 beam giving it a very stable ride and a large cockpit to fish from. This is an extremely comfortable and smooth riding boat for up to 4 guests.
Tell’N Tales
28’ Wellcraft with Twin 225’s and 15 Kicker
One of the nicest riding boats you will ever experience for your fishing adventure. This boat slices through the water like it is twice as big. It has a large cockpit for fighting fish, stand up head, and large cabin to lie in if you’re too tired from fighting all the fish you’re going to catch. Radar, dual GPS and fish finders along with brand new 2015 twin 225’s and 15 kicker make it a great boat.
Tyee One On
2550 Pursuit with 300 HP and 20 HP kicker
This boat is new to the fleet for 2016. The Pursuit name is known for its quality craftsmanship. This boat is specifically made for offshore sport fishing during your fishing adventure. The beam is 8 foot 6 and the length is 26 feet. This boat has many bells and whistles, I get excited just thinking about it: CD player, GPS and radar, led lighting system, enough rod holders to set up a tackle shop, and much more.
Obsession Too
28’ Trophy with Twin 250’s and Kicker
The 28’ Trophy has great lines and is incredibly comfortable to fish from. With its 10-foot beam, it is a very stable boat and provides lots of deck space to fight your salmon, tuna and halibut. This boat is licensed to fish up to six anglers, however we only fish four guests plus the guide on board. This boat was built in 2004 and is in pristine condition. It has a large cabin and full washroom. The boat is powered by twin 250 four stroke outboards, new in 2016.
No Doubt
26’ Sea Ray with 300 hp Outboard
This boat was originally an inboard model. It was stripped of the inboard in 2005 and built to guide from. A pod extension was added and now holds a 300 HP Yamaha four stroke and 9.9 Yamaha auxiliary motor. This model Sea Ray is known as one of the smoothest riding boats around. With its sleek design it cuts through the waves like a knife. It has a large cabin and lots of cover with seating for 4 guests and the captain. Loaded with top of the line electronics and a rear steering station, this boat out performs other boats all of the time!