Scenic ocean footage near Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island. Barnacle Bob Charters offers fishing and sightseeing tours. Experience salmon and halibut fishing in pristine waters.
Barnacle Bob Charters
Telegraph Cove Fishing
& Sightseeing Charters
Experience world-class salmon, halibut, and lingcod fishing, or a sightseeing charter to the Broughton Archipelago and Alert Bay along Vancouver Island's rugged coast.
Captured Moments
Experience the beauty of Telegraph Cove through our guests' adventures
What You'll Experience
Exciting lingcod, rock cod, and halibut fishing alongside sightseeing trips to the Broughton Archipelago and Alert Bay — discover the marine life and coastal scenery that make Telegraph Cove unforgettable.
Explore All Fish Species
View our complete guide to the fish you can catch on a charter, including seasonal information and target species for every trip.
View Complete Charter GuideMake the Most of Your Trip to Telegraph Cove
See what else Telegraph Cove has to offer. Explore our partner whale watching and grizzly bear tours, plus kayaking, hiking, art galleries, and more local attractions.
Explore Telegraph Cove ActivitiesYear-Round Adventures
Telegraph Cove offers unique experiences throughout the year. Discover what fish are running and what coastal scenery awaits you in each season.
March - May
Early season chinook and deep water fishing.
Fish Available
Sightseeing & Scenery
June - August
Peak salmon season with calm seas and long daylight hours.
Fish Available
Sightseeing & Scenery
September - November
Fall salmon runs and quieter waters.
Fish Available
Sightseeing & Scenery
December - February
Peaceful waters and abundant eagles.
Fish Available
Sightseeing & Scenery
Important Information
Retaining certain species of fish is subject to the Department of Fisheries regulations at the time. Please contact us for more up-to-date details.
Barnacle Bob's is a fishing and sightseeing charter, not a whale watching or bear viewing tour. For a dedicated wildlife experience we wholeheartedly recommend our partners: book with Tide Rip Grizzly Adventures (May 1 – Sept 30) for grizzly bear viewing, and Prince of Whales for whale watching tours. Tell them Barnacle Bob sent you!
Barnacle Bob's Charters offers tours year-round, subject to weather conditions for your safety.
What to Bring on Your Charter
A few essentials make the day on the water smoother. Here's what to pack before you head down to the dock.
Tidal Water Fishing License + Salmon Stamp
If you plan to fish, a paper copy of your valid Tidal Water fishing license with a salmon stamp is required on board. The DFO site can be unreliable, phone batteries die, and reception is spotty on the water — and you need to be able to record any Chinook Salmon, Lingcod, or Halibut you catch. Don't wait until the day of: get your license early and please email us a copy in advance so we can verify it before your charter.
Without a valid Tidal Water license, DFO regulations don't even allow you to hold a fishing rod.
Get Your License at DFOThe cabin is heated, but the back deck can be cool when fishing. Layers let you adjust on the fly, and a rain coat is a good call if there's rain in the forecast. Non-slip boots are recommended for the docks and a wet deck (we wash it down after each fish).
Bottled water and packaged snacks are on board, plus a fridge and an indoor dining table. Feel free to pack a lunch to enjoy in the heated cabin while taking in the coastal scenery.
This is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Bring a camera to capture moments you'll treasure for the rest of your life.
If you take regular medications, pack them in advance so they're with you for the day on the water.
Our 28' Kingfisher is extra wide and stable, and we've never had anyone get seasick. Still, if you're prone to motion sickness, take Gravol or your preferred remedy before boarding, per your pharmacist's recommendation.
What Our Guests Say
Hear from families, couples, and anglers who've experienced the magic of Telegraph Cove's pristine waters and world-class fishing adventures.
12 out of 10 Rating!
12 out of 10 rating! Barnacle Bob exceeded every expectation. The fishing was absolutely incredible and Bob's knowledge of these waters is unmatched. This was hands down the best charter experience we've ever had.
Best Fishing Ever
Best fishing ever! Barnacle Bob knows exactly where to find the fish and how to catch them. The day exceeded all our expectations and we caught more fish than we could have imagined.
Best in 20 Years
Best fishing in 20 years, and the best time I've had in 20 years! Bob's expertise and the quality of the charter boat made this an unforgettable experience. Can't wait to come back next season.
Amazing Wildlife & Fishing
Absolutely amazing charter with Barnacle Bob, we got to see whales, dolphins, sea lions and the best fishing spots in the area. Everyone was envious back at the dock of all the fish we caught. Bob knows all the secret spots!
Excellent Guide & Teacher
Awesome fishing trip today. Bob taught us all we needed to know to catch our limit. Great day. Bob was an excellent guide, knows all the little tricks. Our corporate group had an amazing time learning from the best.
Master Fisherman & Guide
Bob Edwards is undoubtedly the finest and most knowledgeable fisherman I have ever met. I have learned more from Bob about fishing on Northern Vancouver island than I could have figured out in one hundred years on my own. He is also a wonderful and kind person who is selfless and will go out of his way to help anyone. Bob is also a master boat operator. Anyone going on fishing trip with Bob will be in good hands and have a fantastic adventure.
Record-Breaking Halibut
Thanks for taking us out Barnacle Bob…my arms are getting tired holding this huge halibut! 50 plus years of fishing together. Our largest was 85 lbs. Bob's knowledge of the best halibut spots is incredible.
Best Two Days of My Life
We probably had the best two days of my life! The fishing was good, the boat was excellent, the sightseeing was good. We caught our first ocean salmon. Bob made sure we had the perfect introduction to ocean fishing.
First Charter Experience
We caught our first salmon like this, almost 20 lbs. Never been on a charter like this before. Bob made sure our first charter experience was perfect and we learned so much about ocean fishing.
Best Day of My Life
The best day of my life. We experienced excellent fishing and whale shows. Coming all the way from France, this exceeded every expectation. Bob showed us the true beauty of Canadian waters.
Big Fish, Big Fun!
Best fishing trip of my life! Big fish, Big fun, lots of whales! Barnacle Bob knows how to deliver an incredible experience. The combination of fishing and wildlife viewing was perfect.
Kingfisher Crew Loved It
Bob thank you for such an awesome day, our Kingfisher Crew loved our afternoon out on the water on your beautiful Kingfisher. Professional operation and incredible fishing made this a perfect corporate outing.
Barnacle Bob is #1
Can't recommend Barnacle Bob enough. We saw incredible scenery, had a great time and caught lots of fish! Barnacle Bob is #1. The combination of fishing, scenery and Bob's expertise made this unforgettable.
Third Time's the Charm
Just had our third day out with Barnacle Bob. Might I say the best days of my life! Each trip with Bob gets better and better. He's become not just our guide but a trusted friend.
Ready to Create Your Own Telegraph Cove Story?
Join hundreds of satisfied guests who've experienced the adventure of a lifetime
Telegraph Cove Traditions
From Historic Boardwalk to Premier Destination
Telegraph Cove began as a remote telegraph station in 1912, connecting Vancouver Island to the outside world. This historic boardwalk community, with its weathered buildings perched on wooden pilings, has evolved into one of British Columbia's most sought-after eco-tourism destinations.
Our fishing charter operation honors this rich maritime heritage while providing guests with unparalleled access to some of the Pacific Northwest's most productive fishing grounds and pristine wilderness experiences.
Did You Know?
Telegraph Cove is one of the last remaining boardwalk communities on Vancouver Island, and serves as a gateway to the Broughton Archipelago, Alert Bay, and the protected waters of Johnstone Strait.
Captain Bob Edwards
Fishing & Sight Seeing Guide
"For over four decades, I've been privileged to share Telegraph Cove's incredible marine ecosystem with guests from around the world. Every trip is an opportunity to connect people with the pristine wilderness that makes this region truly special."
Born and raised in Chilliwack BC, Captain Bob started coming to Telegraph Cove as a child and has spent his entire life on these waters. His intimate knowledge of local currents, fish behavior, and the coastline, combined with an unwavering commitment to safety and conservation, ensures every charter is both successful and educational.
Licensed, Certified & Committed to Excellence
MED Certified
Marine Emergency Duties
SVOP Certified
54+ years navigating BC's coastal waters
First Aid & Safety Certified
Wilderness first aid and marine emergency duty certifications
Conservation Advocate
Committed to sustainable fishing and marine protection
Our Conservation Commitment
Telegraph Cove Charters is deeply committed to protecting the marine ecosystem that provides our livelihood. We practice catch-and-release when appropriate, follow all conservation regulations, and educate guests about marine stewardship.
Charter Rates
Rates include the Captain, boat, and all fishing gear. Choose an exciting fishing charter or a sightseeing tour to the Broughton Archipelago or Alert Bay.
Perfect for serious fishing or a sightseeing tour to the Broughton Archipelago or Alert Bay
Great for families or those wanting a shorter adventure on the water
All rates are plus 5% GST
What's Included in Every Charter
Ready to Book Your Charter?
Contact us to check availability and reserve your spot on the water. We'll customize your experience based on your preferences and current conditions.
Book Your Adventure
Ready to experience the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Contact us today to check availability and customize your Telegraph Cove charter experience.
Contact Information
Call or Text
(604) 309-7693
Available 7 days a week, 7am - 9pm
Email Us
barnaclebobcharters@gmail.com
Response within 2 hours during season
Marina Location
Telegraph Cove Marina, BC
Historic boardwalk community
Response Times
Emergency or Last-Minute Bookings
For same-day availability or urgent inquiries, call or text us directly