Ben H.
Yelp
I went on a fishing charter with Bon Chovy for a bachelor party at the beginning of August 2017. Prior to the trip, I had requested someone from the company contact me, which they did very promptly. I was impressed! I specifically requested fishing for bottom feeders: Halibut and Ling Cod. The representative told me it would be no problem, but that I had to book a 10 hour trip (their biggest day trip package) as that was the only package that would allow for us to go to the gulf islands. I booked the 10 hour package based on this information.
On the day of our fishing trip, it wasn't until we were on the boat and outside of the harbour did our guide, Paul, tell us that we were going to stick close to the mainland (Howe Sound and surrounding area). I asked about the bottom feeders and going to the Gulf Islands and he said that he wouldn't be going there because of strong winds. I accepted his explanation and didn't say anything more. Paul was generally nice, but was not very enthusiastic about what he was doing. I asked him if this job was wearing down on him and he told me it was. We spent the next 10 hours trolling for fish and only had one bite from a Coho (which we had to release because it was wild). Paul didn't seem to care if we had a good time. It felt like he just wanted to get the trip over with.
At the end of the day, we spent 10 hours on a boat with one bite, no fish and a lot of disappointment. I couldn't help but feel deceived that I was originally told we would be bottom fishing and not informed of anything different until we were already out in the open waters. Perhaps it was unintentional, but it felt like a total bait and switch. At the very least, it was unprofessional. I can not recommend this company to anyone after this experience.