Live Aboard – VM Salmon Seeker

MV Salmon Seeker

The M.V. Salmon Seeker is a marvelous 180’ ship-turned-hotel, permanently anchored at Kano Inlet, in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. Every year, from early June to early September, she plays host to hundreds of guests (28 at a time), who come in search of some of the most exciting, ‘extreme’ fishing in the world. The inlet is on the west coast of a rugged island, facing the open Pacific, only miles from Alaska. It is also directly in the path of millions of migrating salmon, which chase the plentiful shoals of herring; but in the same waters, massive halibut (up to 300 lbs.) can also be targeted, as well as ling cod, rockfish, and various bottom-feeders. On the ship, you’ll be miles from civilization, yet every creature comfort is provided: you stay in a cheerful, cozy stateroom near a bar and hot-tub, and gourmet dining is available every day.

Two anglers and a guide will fish from a 20’ Boston Whaler ‘Outrage’, with 150 HP 4-stroke Yamaha, fully equipped with fish-sounder, extra trolling motor, VHF radio, and GPS. All gear and rainwear is provided, typically 10.5’ Shimano Technium rods with Islander MR2 reels. There can be up to 10 hours of guided fishing a day, and packages involve 4 or 5 days, all trips departing from Vancouver. For groups of 10 or more competitive-minded anglers, fishing tournaments can be arranged, targeting Chum, Coho, or Chinook, depending on the time of year. The staff will professionally clean and freeze your catch, which can also be canned or smoked by a Nanaimo cannery (at extra charge). Last season’s record halibut was 273 lbs, and the all-time biggest at the MVSS was 305!

The very special thing to emphasize is the place: the magical, mysterious Queen Charlotte Islands, land of the Haida and Emily Carr. It is utterly remote – the only people you will see will also be From the Salmon Seeker. As they like to say on the ship, ‘Civilization slips away’, and you find yourself in a sheltered bay ringed by green mountains, sharing the quiet with puffins and eagles, bear and deer, and the occasional passing whale.

If you have a group of guests looking for a cozy, unique environment with excellent fishing and the ability to take some fresh salmon home with them at the end of the trip, this is a first rate option.