Steve Vavrik

About Steve Vavrik

Steve Vavrik is an avid Vancouver Island angler, tackle specialist, and staff contributor for Island Fisherman Magazine. Based in Nanaimo, he is part of the fishing department at The Harbour Chandler, where he writes regional reports and advises coastal boaters on tackle systems and marine gear. Specializing in downrigger mechanics, terminal rigging precision, float fishing with soft beads, and coastal chinook trolling, Steve’s writing delivers hands-on, practical field advice for Pacific Northwest waters.

DIY Downrigger Repairs
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DIY Downrigger Repairs

DIY Downrigger Repairs

By Steve Vavrik|August 3, 2026|How To|

Performing your own Downrigger Repairs dockside or out on the water can instantly save a ...

How to Measure Fishing Leaders: The Ultimate Coastal Guide
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How to Measure Fishing Leaders: The Ultimate Coastal Guide

How to Measure Fishing Leaders: The Ultimate Coastal Guide

By Steve Vavrik|June 8, 2026|Features, How To|

How to Measure Fishing Leaders: The Ultimate West Coast Guide Learning how to measure fishing ...

The Art of Cut Plugging
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The Art of Cut Plugging

The Art of Cut Plugging

By Steve Vavrik|July 17, 2025|How To, Features|

One of the best-known fishing techniques developed on the West Coast is the classic art ...

One Rod To Rule Them All
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One Rod To Rule Them All

One Rod To Rule Them All

By Steve Vavrik|April 28, 2025|Gear, Features, Tips|

Often a tackle salesman gets asked the dreaded question by customers for that one impossible ...

Float Fishing Soft Beads on the River
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Float Fishing Soft Beads on the River

Float Fishing Soft Beads on the River

By Steve Vavrik|January 18, 2025|How To, Features, Gear|

Photo: Rachel Eyre Float fishing soft beads in rivers has been growing in popularity in ...

Vancouver Island Fall Salmon Fishing Lures
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Vancouver Island Fall Salmon Fishing Lures

Vancouver Island Fall Salmon Fishing Lures

By Steve Vavrik|September 7, 2024|Gear, Features|

Fall is when the Fall Salmon fishing season on Vancouver Island goes into overtime. It ...

Geoduck Ceviche: King of Clams
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Geoduck Ceviche: King of Clams

Geoduck Ceviche: King of Clams

By Steve Vavrik|July 14, 2024|Recipes, Creature Feature|

The Pacific geoduck (Panopea generosa) is the world’s largest burrowing clam and is pound-for-pound the ...

Electric Reels for Deepwater Fishing
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Electric Reels for Deepwater Fishing

Electric Reels for Deepwater Fishing

By Steve Vavrik|June 20, 2024|Gear, Features|

Power Up! Traditionally, fishing in deep water was limited to around the 300' mark. Even ...

What is The Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia?
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What is The Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia?

What is The Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia?

By Steve Vavrik|February 11, 2024|Features|

The average angler often may feel that government agencies and the Department of Fisheries (DFO) ...

Choosing the Best Fishing Knife
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Choosing the Best Fishing Knife

Choosing the Best Fishing Knife

By Steve Vavrik|January 13, 2024|Features, Gear, Tips|

Whether you fish with a fly rod, a downrigger, or a gillnet, you will need ...

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