1. What time of year are you open?
Fishing: June 01 – Sept. 05
Inside Passage Eco-Cruises: June and late August into September
2. What are the average temperatures?
Fishing: daytime 60-75° F / nighttime 50-65° F
Cruising: daytime 60-75° F / nighttime 50-60° F
3. How many guests can your tugboat accommodate?
The M.V. Parry is a 1941 85ft heritage wooden tugboat that accommodates 12-14 guests.
4. Do I have to reserve the whole vessel?
NO! Pacific Tugboat Adventures honors reservations for individuals as well as exclusive group bookings.
5. Do we eat fish all week?
The meals aboard the tugboats are legendary, Pacific Tugboat Adventures’ talented chefs provide a diverse and balanced traditional North American menu. Fresh fish and seafood will always be part of the week but this can be increased or decreased as you desire. We ask you to inform us of any dietary needs or desires as we want to make your adventure both personal and comfortable.
6. Where do you operate out of?
We offer both fishing and cruising adventures . The cruises depart out of Vancouver, Bella Bella and Prince Rupert while we offer three fishing areas, Prince Rupert and Bella Bella.
7. How do I get to the Tugboat?
All tugboat departure ports are serviced by air from Vancouver. We will recommend and reserve space on the most convenient flight available or guests may choose to travel via car, ferry or train to departure ports (not all options available in all areas).
8. Do we fish from the Tugboat?
You will fish from custom designed 18′ fishing skiffs outfitted with depth sounder, radio, center console and 50hp, 4- stroke Honda engines. Two anglers per skiff although they comfortably accommodate three adults. Numerous halibut have been landed from the deck of the tugboat while at anchor and guests are encouraged to try their luck!
9. Do we have a guide?
All trips are self-guided. Remember the tugboat anchors on the fishing grounds to provide you with added comfort and service.
10. What fishing tackle should I bring?
The tugboat is outfitted with all the tackle required; rods, reels, bait, jigs, flies as well as all your weather wear including boots. Fly fisherman are asked to supply fly rods/reels and line. A pair of binoculars and a camera can add to the special moments and memories.
11. Can I take my fish home?
Yes! Your catch will be professionally cleaned, frozen and packed for airline travel or you may choose to have us make arrangements for your catch to be processed (smoked, canned, vacuum packed, etc.). This would follow you by up to 6 weeks and is delivered to your home or office.
12. Do the tugboats travel at night?
No! This is a leisurely cruise, the tugs travel only a couple hours per day when Following the Fish and 4-8 hrs. when on a Cruising Adventure. Pacific Tugboat wants you to enjoy adventure by day and the solitude of the evening, including a restful nights sleep anchored in a quiet peaceful cove.
13. When is the best time for fishing?
The unique advantage of one of our tours is our mobility. Pacific Tugboat Adventures pioneered the use of mobility to “Follow the Fish” as they migrate from north to south. We choose the best regions and fish only during their prime weeks, moving daily to stay on the run. Our fishing season is from May 25 – Sept. 20th. Chinook (King) Salmon from May 25 – August 25: Coho (Silver) Salmon from July 1 – Sept. 20: Halibut & Bottom fish all season. Fly fishing from August 1 – Sept. 20.
14. How far in advance should I reserve?
Pacific Tugboat Adventures (formerly Westwind) has been in operation since 1974 and enjoys a 70% repeat clientele. With both a limited season and space, we recommend reserving a year in advance, but please call to check on available space at anytime.
15. What is there for a non-fisherman to do?
As you cruise through the majestic fjords and picturesque channels, choose to go ashore for beach-combing, clam-digging or maybe a wilderness hike to a secluded lake. Whales are your companions and often provide close encounters of the magnificent kind as we travel side by side. Explore the shore line and river estuaries viewing the abundant wildlife, study the fauna or just take in the serenity of being alone in the remote reaches of the Inside Passage. You will visit ghost towns, historical sights and waterfalls. If you like to read, the tugboat has an extensive library, relax all by yourself with your choice of book in the lounge or on the upper deck as the other guests enjoy some fishing. Our crew will be happy to go along and provide some local insight or to just guide you towards your pleasure and let you enjoy on your own.
Prince Rupert is one of British Columbia’s northern sport fishing hot spots.
This region of B.C. borders the Alaska panhandle and is home to the famous Skeena and Nass River runs of Chinook (King) salmon. These impressive salmon are world famous and reach weights upwards of 90 lbs. The Coho salmon runs in this area are also strong, large and abundant.
The peak time is mid May through July.
Depart from Bella Bella on the central coast section of the fabulous Inside Passage. Pacific Tugboat Adventures “Follows The Fish” and at the same time enjoys some of the best scenery in B.C.
Experience close encounters with schools of porpoise, Orcas, Humpback and Grey whales as we move daily to stay on the fish. Keep an eye out for the elusive Spirit Bear as we travel the waters of the Great Bear Rain Forest.