About Us

Coastal Island Fishing Adventures
Campbell River, British Columbia
Vancouver Island, Canada

Chris McGill, Skipper, Coastal Island Fishing Adventures

Ever since I was a youngster, born and raised in Campbell River, and I have always loved teaching and showing people young and old how to catch world class salmon. I have been in the sport fishing industry since 1991 with Gary and have also spent 10 years operating large commercial vessels along the BC coast from Victoria to Alaska in the winter months. Now skippering Coastal Island Fishing Adventures' new fully equipped, covered and heated 25 ft Bayliner Trophy cruiser, fishing will never be the same! With my knowledge, experience and passion of being on the ocean combined with a true fishing machine, I'm sure you'll have a trip of a lifetime!

Rick Hackinen

Skipper, Coastal Island Fishing Adventures

Back in the 1970’s, I was a very keen salmon angler and explored much of the coast. When I started guiding in 1981, I learned that I am most enthusiastic about sharing the fishing experience with others. After eighteen years of successful guiding in a 17’ Boston whaler at one of the big old lodges, I spread out for a bit for the next ten years in a 24ft covered guide boat.

Let me share with you what a wonderful area this is: from Campbell River we can fish several different ecosystems, from the wide yet protected waters of Georgia Strait, to the narrow salmon migration passages to the north, and towards the steep inlets leading into the mountains to the east. I look forward to sharing my knowledge whether from one of our covered cruisers or from a traditional rowboat in the tyee pool.

Guest Comments:

Hi, Gary and Eric.

I only recently looked at the website and saw our picture on there. Boy, did it bring back memories of our cold but wonderful fishing trip. Of course y'all did not see the "rest of the story" getting the fish back to Texas. We did not arrive back in Anacortes until late at night after leaving Campbell River. We had been trying to find frozen gel packs all day and knew we had to put something freshly frozen with the fish. We finally went to the grocery store and bought a bunch of frozen vegetables. We then had to drive to Bellingham to our motel for the night. Our flight left early in the am.
We were at the airport about 5:30am and I had to babysit the cooler while Tim dropped off the rental car and hoofed it back to the terminal. He then had to go to the counter to see if they were going to allow the box to go on the plane. Two airline personnel got into a fight, one saying "yes" the other saying "no". Thank God the yes lady won. We then had to hunt down the one cart in the whole small airport to wheel the cooler inside. When they weighed the box it was over 100 lbs. We started pulling out frozen peas, squash, etc. to get to the magic number.

We landed in Seattle and changed planes. I saw our white box being loaded up the ramp of our plane. At least it would be in Phoenix. I did not see it in Phoenix so we went on faith that it would be in Houston when we arrived. We landed, went to baggage claim and there it was! Our white, now cracked and leaking Styrofoam fish holder. We loaded it on a cart and dripped outside to the parking lot van stand. When the van stopped, everyone in it took one look at us and the leaking box and started protesting. The driver helped load it on and away we went. The next day, I spent all day filleting and bagging fish. I couldn't eat any for a while.

We have so enjoyed our fish and think about our trip almost every day. Can't wait to get back. We just love it up there. Thanks, Eric, for a wonderful experience. Tim has not done a lot of fishing and he was having the time of his life.

Michelle and Tim Romedy
Needville, Tx.

Gary, I just thought I would drop you a note to let you know what a wonderful time my wife, girls, and I had with Chris on August 15th. The boat, and equipment were all first class. And as I am sure you are aware, Chris is a great guide. Courteous and personable, our family had a wonderful time with Chris learning about Salmon fishing techniques in the BC area, as well as Vancouver Island and the Campbell River area. I certainly hope to be able to come back to the Campbell River area and do some more Fishing. I will definitely book the trip with your company, and have already highly recommended it to several friends at work. I would love to be able to buy one or more of your Coastal Island Fishing hats to remember the trip and market your company with my friends. When we were there, Chris indicated that you did not have any available at that time. Would you please reply and let me know how often you get them in, and what they cost. Chris immediately sent us some pictures from our trip, and we also took several wonderful pictures as well. Please let me know if you would like any additional photos for your marketing brochures. Its not often you get to see your daughter reel in a 20 Lb Spring, and catch another 20 and 25 Lb Spring yourself in the same day. Not to mention, the trill of stealing my Spring back from the Seal. What a blast!
Thanks Again, Gordon, Jen, Tessa, and Britta Anderson

Thanks for the trip this morning, Gary. My dad, my two sons, and myself thoroughly enjoyed the time and the experience today; excellent guide (Chris) and equipment. Lots of patience with nice rewards. Looking forward to the next time.
Regards, Scott Curry

Chris, Thanks for a wonderful day of fishing! Your skills as a guide and your personal ability to communicate with your clients are the best I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. You put our family at ease, and instilled confidence in my girls and wife, which made the trip extremely memorable. We also really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to you about your family, your other job, and to learn more things about the Campbell River. From my perspective, some of life’s best opportunities and experiences are found by meeting people from other places and learning first hand about their life and the local cluture. Your personal skills, and fishing expertise are not merely good for Coastal Island Fishing, but your are also a great representative for Campbell River, and Vancouver Island. If I ever get a chance to come back, you’ll be the first person I contact when planning my trip. If you or your family ever plan on coming to the Minnesota area, please send me an e-mail and I would be glad to help provide suggestions or help arrange a trip. Better yet, have you stop bye and see us. Thanks Again. Gordon, Jen, Tessa, and Britta

Gary,
Just a short note to say thank you to both you and Chris (our guide for the day) for a fantastic day's fishing for Chinook salmon off Campbell River. The day started with flat calm water and the sun rising over the mainland mountains as we put the prawn traps out. The salmon fishing could not have been better - I think the combination of an excellent guide and top notch gear didn't give the fish much of a chance! It turned out to be one of those days where we could not get the second rod down before a spring had hit the first. A day I will remember. We limited on our prawns as well - they were delicious. I will see you later this summer.
Best regards, Grevin Williams

Hi Gary, Thanks for arranging to have our group be guided by Chris again this year. Last year was such a wonderful experience for us and Chris played a big part in making it that way. We’re all looking forward to the trip on August 17 & 18, 2007
Thanks Don Kretlow

Gary,
Had a great time and plan to make it a regular trip each year. Chris is a great guide, please send my regards.
- Denny Miller, Florida

Gary,
At the risk of sounding repetitive, I want to tell you again how much we enjoyed our trip again this year.
- Clive, Winnipeg Canada

Gary,
Just want to thank you for a great days fishing, See you soon..
- Jim & Trish, Washington

Gary,
Thank you again for a great trip, I will use those pictures to encourage my friends to visit you!
- Richard Boisvert

Gary,
Thanks again you did a great job, I look forward to next year.
- Michael, Australia

Gary,
Thanks again for a couple great days of fishing. You run a very tight ship with nice boats and equipment, see you next year.
- Gerry, Hawaii

Hi Gary,
Just wanted to let you know we sure enjoyed our trip up through the narrows fishing chum! We look forward to next year I have attached some pictures from the trip.
- Herb & Jess

We had a fabulous time. Chris is superb guide and look forward to coming back.
- Jason Fenton, WA

Gary,
Want to thank you again for a fantastic afternoon of fishing, looking forward to another trip in August.
- Katherine & Bob

Thanks Gary,
My kids had fabulous time they are still talking about it.
- Kathleen, AB

Gary,
You lived up to your quote “Tight Lines & Good Fishing!” We had great trip and look forward to returning again. Chris is a great guide.
- Mike & Paul, Portland Oregon

Gary,
Had a great time again this year, We will be back!
- Kevin Hall, WA

Hi Gary
We had a wonderful fishing trip with Gary – his friendly personality combined with his professionalism and excellent guiding had our day filled with Tight Lines and lots of Chum! I can’t wait to come back next October for another action packed, fun trip!
- Karin, BC

Gary,
Thank you, for an enjoyable day of fishing, we look forward to seeing you again.
-Sharon Jones, BC

Gary
My brother and I had the opportunity to fish with Gary last August. We had an excellent experience! Gary is very knowledgeable and personable and provided us with everything from clothing to lunches. We felt safe and comfortable in his well equipped boat. We caught our limit of fish, also! What a memorable day! Fantastic!
- Fred & Rob, BC

Our reputation comes from experience and dedication..
90% client return rate

Come on a Salmon Fishing Charter with us in Campbell River, B.C. on beautiful
Vancouver Island

Call Gary Stotts Today
Toll Free: 1-(888)-225-9776
Tel: (250) 287-3831 - Cell: (250) 203-3851
Email: gary@coastalislandfishing.com