Like fishing for compliments, fishing for fish requires the right bait, the right line, and a guide who is willing to exaggerate. Reel it in with today's Groupon: for $69, you get one admission to a half-day salmon fishing charter from Good Time Dave’s Fishing Charters in East Sooke (a $140 value). Charters depart from Cheanuh Marina, with transport available to and from the marina.
With David Eves manning the helm, Good Time Dave’s Fishing Charters enthusiastically takes to the open waters of the Juan De Fuca Strait known for Tyee Chinook salmon and monstrous halibut. Surrounded by the natural splendor of the Olympic mountain range and west coast shoreline, Dave leads groups of four fishers of all experience levels with unbound energy and a nose for fishy hiding places. During the four-hour expedition, guests fish in style with top-notch gear and electronics on the 23-foot boat christened Spring Central. After hauling in various big fish, rod-wielders can leave the dirty work of cleaning and packaging the finned payload to Good Time Dave’s staff. Anglers may also take in some wildlife watching of friendly whales, chatty sea lions, and majestic bald eagles bitter about their botched hair transplants.
Good Time Dave’s Fishing Charters
Before he founded Good Time Dave’s Fishing Charters, David Eves spent 15 years fishing off the west coast of Vancouver Island. As a result, he brings a vast knowledge of the water and extensive fishing experience to his trips, as well as a Transport Canada certification, marine first-aid training, and enthusiasm for his work. David chauffeurs patrons out onto the water on a 23-foot Sea Sport that seats four. The vessel aids amateur fishermen in their quest for the perfect catch with a variety of high-tech tools including a Lowrance colour sounder that uses sonar to locate areas with high concentrations of fish and a black box that infuses the water with an electrical current to attract salmon. While on an adventure, patrons can hunt and hook Pacific salmon and halibut, or enjoy the rocky surroundings and fill souvenir jars with crisp clean air.