A Day on the Water with Fishing Guide Brody Pigeau

From the docks to offshore, the beach and back again — Brody Pigeau lives on the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island, in the bustling little beach town of Tofino. Here, he depends on his XTRATUF boots for both work and play.

Brody has been fishing and running his charter business, Tofino Ocean Adventures, for the past decade. From late spring too early fall, his boots are on deck guiding clients into salmon, halibut, cod, and tuna. Starting his ocean-fishing career as green as they come, Brody learned the ropes under the guidance of seasoned mentors who helped shape him into the guide he is today. Since buying his own boat and launching his company, he’s become a staple name in Tofino’s sport-fishing community.

Most anglers dream of being on the water for a living, but running a charter business isn’t always calm seas and full coolers.

While clients love to fill their freezers with all kinds of fish, the real prize on everyone’s list is the Chinook salmon. The core salmon season off Tofino lasts just three to four months, and with so many variables — ocean conditions, fish closures, and the constant demands of clients — it’s not for the faint of heart. Brody stays booked solid throughout the season working everyday with some days of double charters, finding balance by soaking up the coastal beauty with his friends, his girlfriend, and his dog, Hudson.

So what does a day in the life look like?
An average charter runs about ten hours on the boat. Mornings start early — arriving at the marina in the dark with a coffee in hand, layering up in rain gear and boots, loading ice, tying lines, and casting off with clients before first light. Early in the season, salmon fishing happens around the outer islands of Clayoquot Sound, where Brody spends the day trolling near the rocks, helping clients check salmon off their licenses before heading offshore to drop anchor for halibut and lingcod. Tofino’s mid-island location is ideal — within an hour’s ride, Brody can reach prime spots for every species he targets.

After long days of chatting with clients, netting and cleaning fish, and managing bookings for the next morning, Brody makes sure to recharge in the outdoor playground that surrounds his home. Hudson, his energetic dog, needs a solid daily run — and with five incredible beaches within a ten-minute drive, there’s no shortage of space for fetch sessions in the sand. Hudson, Marvin’s, Arlo, and the local pack of dogs can often be found racing along the shoreline until sunset.

When the day’s work is done, Brody and his friends often head up the inlet for a swim and a cold drink. Clayoquot Sound is home to countless coves, rivers, and hidden beaches, but a sunset dip up the inlet — with no cell service, just a barbecue, some beers, and good company — can’t be beat.

Follow Brody and Tofino Ocean Adventures
https://www.instagram.com/brodypigeau/
https://www.instagram.com/tofinooceanadventures/