Ray's Sport Fishing Charters

Based in Tahsis on Vancouver Island, Ray's Sport Fishing Charters leads owner-guided trips throughout Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet and the surrounding offshore waters. With decades of experience, Ray has earned his reputation as one of the best guides on the coast and knows the prime spots to target salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish.Ray runs every trip himself and keeps the operation intentionally small, with the best gear available on board. Charters are always built around the people in the boat, with the freedom to follow the fish and make the most of everything the coast has to offer, on and off the water.The fish are the reason you come. Everything else is why it becomes an annual tradition.

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Where we Are

Nootka & Esperanza

Busy salmon migration routes including Chinook (King) and coho converge in these waters with abundant populations of halibut, lingcod and more — making Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet some of the richest fishing grounds on the west coast.Our unique access to both waters means we follow the fish, not the boat traffic, and always have plenty of options. Protected inshore water close by allows us to start fishing forty-five minutes after leaving the dock, with offshore grounds within reach when conditions allow. It's not unusual to spot orca and humpback whales, sea lions and otters along the way.

Tahsis

A small tight-knit community at the end of a long gravel road, tucked into a protected inlet and surrounded by rugged mountains. Remote enough to feel like a hidden secret, straightforward enough to reach with some grit and a full tank of gas. In summer, the marina becomes the heartbeat of the community and is where the day starts and ends. Expect the essentials: cold beer, good company, a general store and world-class fishing.

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"There has never been a better fisherman or a better friend than Ray. Come hell or high water I'm going back. "

- Sarge

“Ray knows these waters inside and out. Every day he found the bite, adjusted quickly, and made sure we were in the right place at the right time. One of the best charter experiences I’ve had.”

- Guy G

Our Team

"Razor" Ray, Owner & Guide

Ray Chittenden, better known as Razor Ray, has been fishing the West Coast since 1978 and guiding out of Tahsis since 2009. Over that time, he has built a loyal clientele and a season that fills largely through word of mouth and returning guests. His 2025 Frank & Lucille Collins Memorial Award for Best Guide in Tahsis was a fitting recognition of the reputation he has earned.Ray believes a good charter should never feel like a one-size-fits-all experience. He pays attention to the people in the boat, adapts to what they want from the day and lets the conditions shape the plan. His gear is meticulously maintained, and he knows when to change course, when to stay with a bite and when to make the most of what's in front of him. Ray also knows that while the fishing matters, so does everything else. He cares about making the trip a good one from start to finish, on and off the water.As he enters his second decade of guiding, Ray is slowing the pace of his season, taking on fewer trips while continuing to hold himself to the standard he has always set. It gives him more room to enjoy the work and bring that same care to every charter, while keeping the experience personal and unhurried.Ray still loves what he does, and after a day in the boat, that tends to be what guests remember: a great day of fishing with someone who genuinely enjoys sharing it.

*New for 2027 - Nate, Deckhand

Ray's grandson Nate joins the team in 2027 as a deckhand, when his schedule allows. With six years of experience already under his belt, he's well on his way to carrying the family legacy forward.He will be providing a helping hand prepping lines, minding the kicker and keeping the gear clean. That frees Ray up to focus more of his attention on you and your catch.

Our Boat & Equipment

28' Kingfisher Coastal Express

Our 2017 Kingfisher Coastal Express is set up for exactly this water. She has been recently upgraded with twin 200hp Yamahas and a 25hp kicker for trolling, with plenty of deck space and room for four guests to fish comfortably.On board you will find Lowrance sounders, VHF radio, Scotty downriggers, and Islander MR3 and Avet reels. Inside there is a heated cabin, a head, and bench and suspension seating, making even the stormier commutes comfortable, warm and dry.Your safety is top priority. The boat is fully loaded with high-end safety equipment and Ray holds all required safety certifications including SVOP, MED3, ROC and first aid certification. We also pride ourselves on taking exceptional care of the boat and gear. Expect a clean, well-run vessel every time.

$1825 / Day*

Includes guide and gear. Up to four guests.

* Priced for 2026 season and inclusive of $25 fuel surcharge. Subject to GST and other policies. See below.

Details

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$300 / Night*

2 bedrooms, 4 beds

* Priced for 2026 Season. Subject to GST and other policies. See below.

Details

Getting Here

Tahsis sits at the end of the road on the west side of Vancouver Island. The drive runs past Campbell River, across the island and through Strathcona Provincial Park to Gold River, and then onto mostly gravel for the last 63.5 km stretch over the mountains.Most guests access the island via the ferry terminals in Nanaimo (reservations typically required) or the Courtney airport, and then drive. It is also possible to arrange a seaplane directly to Tahsis.Contact us for support coordinating your transportation.

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Price & Payment

Guest Guidelines

Where we fish

Nootka Sound & Esperanza Inlet

Nootka Sound separates the southern side of Nootka Island from Vancouver Island while Esperanza Inlet wraps around the northern side. We are located in a unique location to have essentially equal access to both, unlike other resorts and lodges located further south.That flexibility is worth a lot on the water. When it is rough offshore there is protected fishing close to home, and when the weather cooperates the offshore grounds are within reach. Inshore, your first stop can be forty-five minutes from the dock.The stretch is often referred to as a "fish highway" due to the mass number of Chinook (King), coho, chum, sockeye and pink salmon that pass through on their migratory routes, peaking June through September. All that traffic helps sustain high populations of other marine life, creating an abundance of large halibut, lingcod, rockfish, prawns, and crab. The variety means we can stay productive putting fish in the boat, even when conditions change. There is no shortage of other wildlife either; orca and humpback whales, sea lions, otters, bears and eagles all work the same water we do.These are DFO Areas 25 and 125. Regulations change season to season, and we will make sure you know what is current before you are on the water.

Where we dock

Tahsis, Vancouver Island

Tahsis sits at the head of a protected inlet, surrounded by rugged mountains and tucked away at the end of a long, scenic gravel road. Here in a tight-knit community of less than 500 annual residents, you'll find world-class fishing and room to breathe. Remote enough to feel like a hidden secret for those in the know, yet straightforward enough to reach for those with a little grit and a full tank of gas.History runs deep here. For thousands of years, this land served as a thriving trade route for the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations. In the 1700s, Nootka Sound was the site of first European contact on the northwest coast and would go on to play a key role in shaping the future of BC. Centuries later, Tahsis became a bustling logging hub of 2,500 people. While the sawmill is gone today, what remains is a resilient community with plenty of character and everything you’ll need to spend a couple days.In the summer, the marina becomes the heartbeat of the village. The docks are where the day starts and ends and there’s a good chance the day’s catch will be the main topic of conversation.

Fish Processing

We are proud to work with Tahsis Fish Processing. They will collect your catch at the dock, then fillet, package and freeze it so it is ready to travel when you leave. They can also arrange air shipping within Canada or to the U.S. and will make sure everything meets all fisheries regulations. If you prefer to process your fish yourself, our guest accommodation is equipped with a deep freezer.

Shopping + Supplies

Tahsis has what you need, though some things are easier to find than others. Westview Marina has a restaurant, pub, and dockhands who can set you up with a fishing licence. The Tahsis Supermarket has essential groceries and alcohol, plus a gas station and restaurant.Even so, we recommend you stock up on anything you need in Campbell River or Courtenay on the way in.

When You're not fishing

Swim in the Leiner River, hike in the rainforest, or walk the coastline. Learn more about the local trails.In town there is bowling at the Rec Centre and the marina for a drink (or several). On most Friday nights, Rock the Dock brings live music to Westview Marina.

Contact Us

Ready to plan your trip? Get in touch through the form below. You can also email Ray at [email protected] or send him a text at (403) 391-2316.Spaces are extremely limited and responses may be delayed. Please include your preferred dates, how many are in your group, and whether you need accommodation.