
Hi! 
Thank you for your interest in Commercial Marine Charters. The Jennifer Gayle is a 65 foot steel vessel that has accomodations for six clients. In 2007 we started our season in the second week of May and fished the West Side of the Queen Charlotte Islands. All clients went home with their limits and released many more fish as well. In 2006 one group even decided to release all spring salmon that were under 45lbs, and still went home with 4 springs each!
Last year, 2008, we are starting our season in the first week of May because of the incredible interest for West Coast fishing. This next year (2009) we will be back on the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands in the first week of May until the end of August and then will cross over ro the mainland for coho charters around Prince Rupert. We are currently booking for 2009 and 2010 as if you are interested in booking a trip on Jennifer Gayle please email or give us a call and we can see what is available.
What to expect:
All trips are a minimum of five days, so you will need at least a week planned for your trip. You will arrive on the day before your charter starts at approximately 2:00pm. At this point you will be able to purchase fishing licenses and any personal beverages that you require, or you may bring this from home. Then on to the Jennifer Gayle where we will depart for the West Side of the Islands, through the scenic Skidegate narrows (tides permitting). We will then haul the crab and prawn gear and anchor for the night. The next morning your adventure starts. Besides the salmon and halibut fishing, there are many great beaches where you can walk and beach comb for hours each evening, finding Japanese glass floats and other beach surprises. As well, you will have the opportunity to observe whales and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Safety on Board:
The Jennifer Gayle is a 65-foot steel charter boat with all the safety equipment on board including certified life raft, rubber boat, life jackets and all other needs.
Care of Your Catch:
As you catch your fish, you will be taught how to clean them, and then the fish will be put into a mixture of ice and water and held at approximately 35°F (1°C) until the end of your charter.
In Queen Charlotte City there is a company that will fillet and vacuum pack your catch, freeze it, and deliver it to the airport for your departure on the day after your last day fishing. You will have approximately 120 pounds of salmon and anywhere from 80 to 200 pounds of halibut, lingcod, and rockfish.
Getting to Sandspit:
There are two airlines servicing Sandspit, the Queen Charlotte Islands and Prince Rupert: Air Canada Jazz and HawkAir. Both Airlines have daily flights, so check with your travel agent when booking.
You can also drive to Prince Rupert where you will board with at least one vehicle to the ferry to the Charlottes because it will be neeed to transport your catch back to Prince Rupert. We also have a large suburban available to use if you're interested in touring the islands.
Smaller Groups:
We like to have at least five (5) persons to make up a crew, but can take up to six, with a minimum of four persons. If you are fishing alone or with two or three other persons, we can try to match you up with others to make up a trip. Don't forget we are currently booking for 2009 and we want to offer you a choice of times so book early.
Booking Dates:
We are currently booking for approximately 5 trips per month. Please call to reserve your trip today!
What to Bring:
*Please pack all your gear in a soft bag (not a suitcase) for ease of storage.*
- All of your personal gear that you need
- Comfortable Hiking Boots (for Beachcombing)
- Rubber Boots (for on deck)
- Jackets and Raingear are provided
- All linens and towels are provided
-Fishing Licenses
(DFO British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations)
Bathrooms and Showering:
We have a good supply of fresh water, but it is not unlimited. However, you will be able to shower every day if you like.
Fishing Gear:
We use top name gear, Penn reels, good quality fishing rods for both salmon and halibut, which are upgraded every year.
Canon and Penn downriggers - 4 total.
16ft Zodiac rubber boat can also be rigged with two Scotty downriggers and a sounder.
Also, you may bring your own gear if you desire.
Cost/Deposit:
Due to the unbelievable increase in fuel costs we have been forced to increae our charter rates to $550 per person per day. 50% is due upon booking with the balance due 60 days before the start of charter.
Comments from Previous Clients:
June 19/04 - Thomas M.
"If you read this on your first day... Be prepared for the outdoor experience of a lifetime. You are going to step off this boat an experienced crewmember of an actually working holiday. You are going to sleep well with a grin on your face and a sore arm. Reeling is a bitch. Now shape up, and remember, Fish On."
July 5/04 - Gordon I.
"I have been salmon fishing over 25 times and I believe this was the most unique trip I have ever been on. The diversity of fishing was incredible and I came away very satisfied with my catch. Ken Seymour is a pro and knows how to make your trip. I WILL be back.
P.S. I brought my spouse, my sister and her husband and two 16 year olds. They all did well."
Copyright 2005, Commercial Marine Charters Inc.