
Fishing the West Coast of Vancouver Island, BC (Photo: Joel Unickow)
The bite is on, the salmon are running, and the halibut are hitting hard. But amidst this piscatorial paradise, there’s a pesky problem that can turn a dream fishing trip into a soggy, green-tinged nightmare: seasickness.
I have plenty of friends who boat (and even own boats) on the east side of the Island, the Sunshine Coast, and in Vancouver, but get sick on the wild West Coast open sea—it’s a different kettle of fish. On the open Pacific, where the swells can build and echo off the rocks, even the saltiest of us can find our stomachs doing the tango.
Fishing in swells on the West Coast Vancouver Island (Photo: Joel Unickow)
What is Seasickness, Really?
Seasickness, or motion sickness as it’s more broadly known, happens when your brain gets conflicting signals from your senses. Your inner ear, eyes, and body send different messages about motion and balance, leading to that queasy feeling, cold sweats, and eventually, the dreaded chumming of the waters. It’s a miserable experience and one that can sideline even the most enthusiastic angler. Luckily, there is gear in the tackle box to combat this. Let’s dive into some common remedies and weigh their pros and cons.
DISCLAIMER: Before you choose from our recommendations, first talk to your doctor about options for you, especially if you have a medical condition, are currently taking medication, are a child, or are pregnant.
“The Patch” (Scopolamine)
These small, prescription adhesive patches are typically placed behind the ear and release scopolamine, a medication that helps block nerve signals to the brain that contribute to nausea and vomiting.
This has been a popular choice for many years. After consulting local doctors and pharmacists, the 1.5 mg transdermal scopolamine patch was discontinued in Canada around 2022. We were told it wasn’t due to concerns about product quality, safety, or efficacy—it likely wasn’t making enough money. In the form of something like Transderm Scop, it may be brought with you into Canada, but it must be properly labelled and preferably in its original packaging.
Scopolamine is classified as a controlled drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) in Canada, which means its possession, sale, production, etc., are regulated, and a prescription is required for legal possession. You can usually bring either a single course of treatment or up to a 30-day supply of a controlled drug. NOTE: You must declare all medications to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office when you arrive in Canada.
- PROS: For many, the patch is incredibly effective. It can provide long-lasting relief, often for up to three days, which is perfect for multi-day trips out to the fishing grounds. Once it’s on, you generally don’t have to think about it.
- CONS: Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, pupil dilation, pharyngitis, and even confusion in some individuals. There are package warnings that include the potential for severe side effects, like “May cause psychiatric and cognitive effects, seizures, and impair mental and/or physical abilities.”
The Wristband (Acupressure)
These simple bands work by applying pressure to a specific point on the inside of your wrist, believed to relieve nausea.
- PROS: Wristbands are non-drowsy, drug-free, and readily available at most drugstores and marine supply shops. They’re also reusable and have no known side effects. For some folks, they provide mild relief, especially for less severe motion.
- CONS: The effectiveness of wristbands is a subject of debate. While some swear by them, others find they offer little to no relief. They might be more helpful for milder cases or as a preventative measure rather than a cure for full-blown seasickness. (The word “placebo” also comes to mind, but that’s just my opinion.)
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in your body that can cause symptoms of allergic reactions or motion sickness.
Gravol (Dimenhydrinate)
Gravol
When nausea strikes, Gravol the common over-the-counter antihistamine, is a go-to for many. In the US and the UK, the common brand is Dramamine—in either product, the medical ingredient is dimenhydrinate.
- PROS: Gravol is widely available and relatively inexpensive. It can be quite effective at reducing nausea and vomiting, especially if taken before symptoms start. It comes in various forms, including chewable tablets, which can be handy on a boat.
- CONS: The biggest drawback of Gravol is drowsiness. It can make you feel quite sleepy, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to stay alert for that rod tip twitch or screaming reel. It can also cause dry mouth. Some suggest taking it just before bedtime, the night before your outing.
Meclizine
Meclizine from Central Drugs in Nanaimo (Photo: Joel Unickow)
Another over-the-counter antihistamine, Meclizine, is marketed as a “less drowsy” alternative to Gravol. It’s my opinion that this is your top choice in Canada for preventing seasickness, car sickness, and other motion sickness. On Vancouver Island, it’s available at compounding drug stores, like Central Drugs, without a prescription. They offer 15 doses of 25 mg per capsule for $12.99 CAN and recommend taking one about an hour before you get on the water. In the US, you can buy the brand Bonine or Antivert in tablet form, which boasts effectiveness for 12 hours. While meclizine is available at compounding drug stores in Canada, it’s not available through regular pharmacies (e.g., London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc.) due to discontinuation by manufacturers—there are no brands mass producing or selling it in Canada.
- PROS: For most people, meclizine generally doesn’t cause drowsiness, allowing you to stay alert while fishing. It also tends to have a longer duration of action, often providing relief for up to 24 hours with a single dose.
- CONS: While often less sedating than Gravol, meclizine can still cause drowsiness in some individuals (I hear that it’s rare). It can also lead to dry mouth. Like Gravol, it’s most effective when taken before you start feeling sick.
Don’t let seasickness steal your fishing joy or ruin an expensive trip. Explore remedies, practice preventative measures, and find what keeps you feeling shipshape on our magnificent Pacific waters. Tight lines and calm seas—or at least calm stomachs—to you all!
This article appeared in Island Fisherman magazine. Never miss another issue—subscribe Today!
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Featured Catch
Joel Unickow halibut (Photo: Rob Frawley Lucky Strike Sportfishing Tofino)