Fishing in Port Renfrew with Captn’s Sportfishing

Just over an hour and a half from Victoria, Port Renfrew is one of the most beautiful places on the whole West Coast. With its breathtaking scenery, world-class salmon and bottom fishing, and abundant wildlife, this picturesque village offers an unforgettable escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re an avid angler or simply seeking an escape into nature, Port Renfrew is a must-visit destination.

First Light, First Bite

Your day starts early, Captain Morgan welcomes you to the dock at first light with a warm smile and hot coffee, ready to kick off your adventure. Your vessel for the day, The Satisfaction, features a heated cabin to keep you cozy while the Captain walks everyone through the safety protocols on board.

Get to Know the Boat

The Satisfaction stands out among the boats in Port Renfrew. This 28’ Northwest Aluminum Craft is powered by an inboard Volvo Penta D4 260, complemented by a 25HP Yamaha high-thrust trolling motor. Its deep-V hull design is built on Vancouver Island, for west coast Vancouver Island waters. The beam is also larger than typical boats at approx. 10 feet. With comfortable seating for 6 guests in the cabin and its 10 ft. aft fishing deck there is ample space for your group to have the ultimate fishing experience.

Captn’s Sportfishing—The Satisfaction

The vessel is outfitted with top of the line Raymarine electronics, radar, AIS, a life raft, and a marine toilet. All fishing gear supplied is top-of-the-line, including three high-speed Scotty downriggers and a power crab pot hauler.

Bring along a good lunch—The Satisfaction has cold storage for your food and drinks. This West Coast Vancouver Island dream boat delivers both comfort and stability at higher speeds and while fishing.

What’s In Store for Your Day on the Water

As the last few stars twinkle in the morning sky, we’ll head out from the dock. Depending on the time of year, we may target halibut first, followed by salmon closer to shore. Other species, such as lingcod and rockfish, may also be part of the day’s catch. Captain Morgan will share some of his favorite local fishing spots, including Camper Creek, East Point, Swiftsure Bank, and Hole in the Wall.

Port Renfrew isn’t just known for its exceptional fishing; it’s also famous for the 75-kilometer-long West Coast Trail. As we return closer to shore to fish for salmon, you might spot brightly clad hikers packing up their campsites, trekking the beaches, or crossing suspension bridges. We usually toss up a wave to encourage them on their adventure. Be sure to keep an eye out for whales feeding among the rocks as well.

As our day on the water wraps up we will head back to Thrasher Cove in Port San Juan to pull up the crab pots. Hopefully they will be full of tasty Dungeness crab for your group to take home and boil for dinner.

The Satisfaction will pull into the Pacific Gateway Marina and you’ll be able to head up to Bridgemans for a beverage and a snack while Captain Morgan cleans the day’s catch for you. Port Renfrew has a fish processing plant where you can have your fish vacuum sealed and flash frozen for easy transport home.

Why Choose Captain Morgan

Morgan Whitehead is a professional certified tidal angling guide with over 25 years of experience and 30,000+ hours on the water. Some people say that Morgan has an unprecedented amount of knowledge when it comes to sport-caught fish in the Pacific Northwest waters. Whether you’re a first- time angler or a seasoned pro, Morgan has a knack for sharing his expertise. He’s a fantastic teacher who can help you refine your skills and discover new approaches to fishing.

Morgan Whitehead, Captn’s Sportfishing

Morgan started in the sport fishing industry back in 1997 at the Queen Charlotte Lodge in Haida Gwaii, where he learned to guide and developed his love of Chinook salmon fishing. In 2007, he joined Langara Fishing Lodge, where he worked for 14 seasons, creating memorable experiences for every guest who fished with him. 2020 rolled around and after 4 years as the head guide at Langara, Morgan decided to buy a boat and start Captn’s Sportfishing in Port Renfrew.

A Commitment to Exceptional Guest Experiences

Working at fishing lodges in Haida Gwaii for 20+ years instilled a deep appreciation for exceptional customer service in Captain Morgan. When guests travel to such remote and breathtaking settings, they arrive with high expectations for both the experience and the personal attention they receive. Working at the lodges taught him the importance of understanding and anticipating customer needs, from customizing fishing trips to ensuring guests feel welcome and cared for throughout their trip.

Now as an independent sport fishing guide, Captain Morgan brings this same commitment to service—creating memorable, tailored experiences; prioritizing safety and comfort; and building genuine connections with clients. The lessons learned in Haida Gwaii have shaped his ability to ensure every guest leaves with stories they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Let’s Get Out There

A sportfishing trip offers something for everyone, and we’ve had all types of guests on board and can’t wait to welcome you to Port Renfrew.

Families can bond over the thrill of reeling in their first catch while creating lasting memories in the great outdoors.

Wedding parties can celebrate pre-wedding festivities with a unique group activity. Whether it’s for a bachelor or bachelorette, a fishing trip adds an unconventional twist to the usual celebrations, offering laughs and perhaps a little healthy competition.

Work groups can come sport fishing to celebrate and create some camaraderie outside the office. The shared challenge of the catch will bring everyone together.

Get together a group of old friends to reconnect and enjoy time together on the water. The relaxed pace, combined with moments of excitement, provides the ideal backdrop for sharing stories, reminiscing, and making new memories.

No matter the group, a day on the water with Captn’s Sportfishing offers the perfect balance of adventure, connection, and relaxation, catering to all levels of experience and interest.

Words by MORGAN WHITEHEAD
Captn’s Sportsfishing
604-765-9097
[email protected]
www.captnssportfishing.com

This article is sponsored content