Flying over BC’s rugged coastline you see how expansive it truly is. To the left of the plane Vancouver Island looks massive in the distance and the well-carved harbours and inlets full of sailboats and fishermen look to be a scene from a postcard. The flight time was surprisingly quick and as you begin to descend into the Bella Bella area you feel your heart beating with excitement. You have come a long way to fish for giant salmon, and word of mouth has spread that this season is the best in years.
The small town of Bella Bella greets you with warm hospitality and your shuttle ride down the hill to the docks took only a few minutes. You’ll be fishing faster than you thought. Originally the Ocean Explorer was to meet you in Bella Bella; however the salmon seem to be charting a new path as of late. With the change in plans; you now find yourself boarding a smaller float plane called a ‘Goose’, to meet the Ocean Explorer at sea as it positions itself precisely amongst the fishing fields.
The 110-foot vessel seems bigger in person than in the pictures. As you approach the boat Captain Hank reaches down and helps you onboard, after a brief tour of the ship and a quick change of clothes you realize the Ocean Explorer has everything you need, there is a lounge and hot tub, an executive chef named Dave, your own private stateroom, and a view nothing short of spectacular.
The crew onboard is thrilled to show you around, but they also know exactly why you are here. It’s time to put on the wet gear and get out on the water. There are four 17-foot skiffs tied to the Ocean Explorer and just as one of the fishing guides signals for you to get in, Chef Dave hands you a tray of delicious looking appetizers just in case you get a little hungry.
Your fishing guide today is Chris Carlson; he’s been guiding in these waters for over 25 years. There are pictures of Chris throughout the Ocean Explorer showing off catch after catch of big salmon and even bigger halibut. This guy clearly knows what he’s doing and you are jumping at the chance to learn some local knowledge first hand.
As you near Spider Island, a place known for its big fish, you slow down and Chris asks everyone emphatically ‘Are you ready to catch some GIANT salmon?’ He sounds so excited to have you here and it’s rubbing off on your entire group. Chris explains a little about the fight you should expect and how you will be able to tell what kind of salmon you have on the line by how your rod reacts.
He then grabs your line, attaches your bait and confidently throws it in the sea. ’12 pulls on your line he says’ You are fishing now, and your skiff is full of anticipation.
A few minutes pass when the sound of a cold beer cracks the silence and at the same time you unexplainably feel a hit on your line. It’s nothing much yet, but something down there is showing some keen interest. Everyone is watching you now. A few moments pass when all of a sudden your reel is spinning seemingly almost out of control. ‘Let ‘Em Run’ Chris yells. ‘Don’t pull on him yet, let him tire out a little - that’s a Spring you’ve got on the line – and it could be a huge one’. This is the fight you wanted. All lines except yours are now in the boat and you are literally moving from side-to-side just trying to hang on. There is a sense this fish is wearing out and as you start to reel it in, it dives deep yet again. “This is getting ridiculous” you think to yourself, “I thought this type of fishing only happened in the south”.
Finally after 25 minutes and the most effort you’ve ever put into fishing, you feel the salmon start to give up. Slowly you reel it in closer and closer…and get your first glimpse of one MASSIVE fish. You realize now amongst all this beautiful scenery, your good friends, and a great fishing story that what you signed up for wasn’t just the fishing, it is an experience that few will ever get to have.
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THE LATEST DEALS & NEWS
Did you see us on the CBS Early Show on Thursday May 2nd. Travel and Leisure Magazine recommended the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch as a top Summer Destination for 2007!
2008 SPECIAL EVENTS & PROMOTIONS
Kids can stay, eat and play for free in July; One (under13) youth FREE with every 2 paying Adults.
August Special...5th Night Free anytime in August.
We love the UK! All our UK guests get a Free Cowboy Hat and T-shirt with any length of stay.
The dates for the 2008 Cattle Drive and Branding weekend have been announced to the general public. Join us starting May 16th for one of the last remaining authentic cattle drives in Canada
The dates for the Spring Cowgirl Bootcamp have been annouced. Starting June13th, this annual weeked is a great time for to unleash the cowgirl in you!
The Nemaiah Valley Rodeo and Downhill (horseback) Mountain Race for the 2008 August Long-Weekend (August 1-4) is now on sale.