ABOUT
Reel Obsession Fishing Resort – Canada’s Finest BC Fishing
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!
Torsten ‘Toasty’ Novak
On Striptease
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!
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.
Kashes Redfern
On Wild 1
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.
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’
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!
Chris Plunet
ON Fish Hawg
With over 20,000 hours logged as a Westcoast Saltwater Guide, Chris has more than just a passion for fishing, it’s a lifestyle. Chris has fished the water of Haida Gwaii, Central Coast of BC, and the Southwest side of Vancouver Island. He spent his high school summers guiding in the Haida Gwaii, and has been doing what he loved ever since. The addiction started for Chris at a young age of 3-4 years old when he would grab onto his dad’s leg, fighting him until he could go out fishing with him. Chris prides himself on attention to detail, cleanliness and organization both with his boat and gear as well as always having a plan for each day.
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.
Jesse ‘Sea’ Legg
ON SLABORATORY
Jesse “Sea” Legg has grown up in the ocean from fishing to surfing its waves! He has a huge respect for what the ocean offers and an intuition for fishing that parallels his time spent in the tides. He’s extremely passionate about you catching the big one and will keep you entertained throughout your whole trip. Just keep that rod tip up and enjoy the ride! P.S. No bananas on board.
Richard Tipper
ON Morning Tug
Known to most as “Tipper”! This guy is a devoted outdoorsman and guide with a genuine passion for teaching and sharing the joys of the outdoors. Raised in an outdoorsy family, he cultivated a deep love for fishing and hunting, driven by his unwavering dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and determination to create exceptional experiences for his guests. At Reel Obsession, Tipper invites anglers of all skill levels to embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure. His commitment to sustainable practices underscores his goal of preserving the environment for future generations, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature and share in the excitement the ocean can provide.
Jeff Goulding
Fishing has been a part of Jeff’s life since he was three, fishing the rugged waters of the West Coast of Vancouver Island with his dad. Together, they chased salmon, halibut and lingcod. Now he gets to share that passion with his son and fiancé. For the past four years, he has been a fishing guide in Haida Gwaii, where he gets to introduce others to the thrill of the catch and the serenity of the water. Fishing is more than a hobby, it’s a passion and some might say, an obsession. It’s about the adventure, the connection with nature and the memories made along the way.
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!
Morning Tug
23’ Grady White Gulfstream
Grady Whites are known for their smooth ride and stability in rough water. The 232 Gulfstream is arguably one of the best fishing platforms designed. A spacious back deck, sizeable cuddy and a head! Morning Tug has a brand new 350hp Mercury Seapro and a 15hp trolling motor. She’s a fast and furious fishing machine that will get you to and from the lodge safe and dry.
Striptease
24′ Grady White 232 Gulfstream with twin Mercury 200 HP Sea Pros and 15 HP Pro Kicker’
Striptease is owned and Captained by Head Guide Toasty. The 232 Gulfstream is famous for its stability and comfort. This stellar addition to our fleet is locked and loaded with all the top of the line electronics, gear, diesel heater, and brand new Mercury Sea Pros. Its massive fishing platform makes it a true West Coast fishing machine.
Fish Hawg
29′ Trophy 2901 with twin 300 HP Mercury Sea pros and 25 HP Mercury Pro Kicker
The Trophy 2901 has proven itself on the West Coast for over a decade with its comfortable smooth ride and massive fishing platform with all the amenities one could ever ask for. From a diesel heater, to top of the line electronics and gear. This beast is equipped with brand new twin 300 HP Mercury Sea Pros and a 25HP Mercury Pro Kicker
Wild 1
24’ Grady White Offshore with a Yamaha 300 HP and 15 HP Pro Kicker
Wild 1 was discovered in a Bamfield yard after years of waiting to get back on the water. Brought back to life by Owner & Captain Kashes, she boasts a large deck designed for the perfect combination of function, comfort and fishing ability. While one of the smaller boats in the fleet she’s light and fast while still living up to the Grady name handling the offshore waters that the West Coast has to offer.
