Frequent Inquiries
Booking & Policies
What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
A 15% deposit via credit card or e-transfer is required to secure your date. For the 22′ Boston Whaler and 24′ River Hawk, cancellations are free up to 3 days prior to departure. For the 28′ Northwest, cancellations are free up to 7 days prior. Cancellations inside those windows forfeit the deposit.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Safety is our absolute priority. Weather cancellations are made exclusively at the Captain’s discretion. If the Captain determines the sea state is unsafe prior to departure, you will receive a full refund of your deposit or the option to reschedule based on availability.
Do you guarantee we will catch fish?
We guarantee premium gear, elite technology (like ActiveTarget HD sonar), and captains with thousands of hours of local experience. We work relentlessly to put you on the fish, but because we operate in a wild, dynamic marine environment, we cannot guarantee a catch.
Are your captains certified and insured?
Yes. Every King Tide captain holds a Transport Canada Master Certification and Marine First Aid. We operate fully insured, commercially registered vessels that meet or exceed all federal safety requirements.
Can I request a specific captain?
Yes — you can request a preferred captain during booking. Assignments are based on availability, group size, and trip type.
The Expedition
What is the difference between a Half-Day and Full-Day charter?
A Half-Day charter (4-5 hours) is a targeted sprint focused on a specific tidal window, usually ideal for coastal Salmon fishing. A Full-Day charter (8 hours) allows us the range to travel further offshore to the deep-water Halibut grounds and target multiple species in a single trip.
Are the boats equipped with washrooms?
Yes, both our 24′ River Hawk Pro and 28′ Northwest vessels are equipped with private marine toilets and fully enclosed, heated cabins for your comfort. The 22′ Boston Whaler is an open-deck vessel designed for maneuverability.
Is the crew good with kids and beginners?
Absolutely. Our crew prides itself on patience and hospitality. We frequently host families and first-time anglers, providing hands-on instruction to ensure a safe, educational, and thrilling experience for all ages.
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
No. King Tide Charters supplies all premium offshore hardware, including Islander reels, specialized rods, tackle, and bait. If you have a favorite rod you wish to bring, you are welcome to, but it is not necessary.
What should I wear?
Coastal weather shifts quickly, even in the summer. We recommend wearing breathable layers, a waterproof outer shell (jacket), non-slip closed-toe shoes, and polarized sunglasses to cut the glare on the water.
Licensing & The Catch
Do I need to buy a fishing license before arriving?
Yes. All guests participating in fishing must pre-purchase a DFO Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence online before arriving at the dock. Ensure you add a Pacific Salmon Conservation Stamp to your licence if you intend to retain salmon. You must carry a printed or digital copy on the boat.
Do you clean and fillet the fish?
Yes. Catch cleaning, professional filleting, and heavy-duty bagging are included on every single charter. We prep your harvest right at our private dockside cleaning station so it is ready for the grill.
Can I fly home with my frozen fish?
Absolutely. We can package your processed catch in specialized, insulated airline-approved travel boxes. When packed tightly, these boxes act as deep-freezers and will keep your fillets frozen solid for up to 48 hours of transit. Most major airlines allow these as checked baggage.
Are we allowed to keep everything we catch?
King Tide strictly adheres to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regulations regarding daily limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures. Your Captain will inform you of the exact regulations on the day of your charter and handle all measuring to ensure compliance.