Explore the Best in Outdoor Recreation & Fishing Gear
Discover Coastal Drift Outfitters, Nanaimo's trusted destination for high-quality fishing rods, reels, and tackle, premium outdoor apparel, and expert guiding services. Located minutes from BC's best waters, we help all skill levels maximize their adventure—supported by authentic expertise, exclusive products, and real-time local fishing reports.
Prime Nanaimo Location
Minutes from BC's best fishing waters
Expert Team
Decades of local fishing expertise
Premium Quality
Curated gear from top brands
Fishing Gear & Marine Electronics
Outfit your next angling trip with our curated selection of fishing rods, reels, lures, bait, and dependable marine electronics. Our team provides personalized recommendations for local species and conditions, ensuring peak performance and safe navigation.
Premium Fishing Rods
Professional-grade rods for salmon, trout, and saltwater species. From ultralight to heavy-duty, we stock the perfect rod for every BC fishing adventure.
- Graphite & Carbon Fiber Construction
- Saltwater & Freshwater Options
- Local Species Optimized
Marine Electronics & Navigation
Upgrade your boat with cutting-edge depth finders, GPS systems, and sonar technology from industry leaders like Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance.
- GPS & Chartplotters
- Fish Finders & Sonar
- Professional Installation
Lures, Bait & Tackle
Extensive selection of proven lures, fresh bait, and terminal tackle specifically chosen for Nanaimo's waters and target species.
- Local Pattern Lures
- Fresh & Live Bait Daily
- Expert Rigging Advice
Personalized Gear Recommendations
Our experienced team understands Nanaimo's unique fishing conditions and target species. Whether you're pursuing chinook salmon in the Strait of Georgia or trout in local lakes, we'll match you with the perfect gear combination for success.
- Species-specific setups
- Seasonal recommendations
- Local hotspot intel
Boat Accessories & Safety
Complete your vessel with essential boat accessories, safety equipment, and performance upgrades. From rod holders to marine batteries, we stock everything needed for a successful day on the water.
- Safety equipment & PFDs
- Marine batteries & charging
- Anchors & mooring gear
Outdoor Camping Equipment & Adventure Essentials
We stock leading-edge tents, camp stoves, water filtration systems, and weatherproof apparel—catering to both weekend campers and seasoned overlanders. Find gear that enhances safety, comfort, and sustainability in the field.
Shelter Systems
Four-season tents, tarps, and shelter solutions designed for BC's varied weather conditions and terrain.
Cooking Gear
Reliable camp stoves, cookware, and fuel systems for backcountry cooking and base camp meals.
Water Systems
Water filtration, purification tablets, and hydration systems for safe drinking water anywhere.
Technical Apparel
Weatherproof jackets, base layers, and outdoor clothing built for Pacific Northwest conditions.
BC-Specific Outdoor Expertise
Our expert staff understands the unique challenges of camping and adventuring in British Columbia. From coastal rain to mountain snow, we'll outfit you with gear that performs in our demanding environment.
Weekend Warriors
- Car camping essentials
- Family-friendly gear
- Easy setup equipment
Serious Overlanders
- Expedition-grade gear
- Extended trip supplies
- Professional outfitting
Gear Testing Program
Try before you buy with our field testing program for major purchases.
Book a Local Fishing Guide Experience
Reserve a spot with Nanaimo's top-rated guides through our convenient booking platform. Our handpicked partners bring deep local knowledge of prime tides, hidden hot spots, and techniques for salmon, trout, and more.
Half-Day Adventures
- 4-hour guided trip
- All gear included
- Bait & tackle provided
- Perfect for beginners
- Local species focus
Full-Day Expeditions
- 8-hour guided adventure
- Premium gear & lunch
- Multiple fishing spots
- Advanced techniques
- Trophy opportunities
Custom Group Trips
- Tailored experiences
- Corporate outings
- Family adventures
- Multi-day packages
- Special occasions
Meet Our Guide Partners
Our carefully selected guides are licensed professionals with decades of experience fishing Nanaimo waters. They know the seasonal patterns, tidal influences, and secret spots that make the difference between a good day and an unforgettable adventure.
What's Included
- Professional gear
- Bait & tackle
- Boat & fuel
- Expert instruction
- Safety equipment
- Photo opportunities
- Fish cleaning service
- Licensed guides
Real-Time Nanaimo Fishing Reports & Insights
Stay ahead of changing conditions with curated, up-to-date local fishing reports, tide tables, and seasonal tips prepared by Coastal Drift and our licensed guides. Our digital dashboard empowers anglers with actionable intelligence.
This Week's Fishing Report
Updated: December 28, 2024Saltwater Conditions
- Chinook Salmon: Excellent
- Coho Salmon: Good
- Lingcod: Excellent
- Rockfish: Excellent
Hot Spots: Entrance Island, Snake Island, Gabriola Passage
Best Times: Early morning slack tide, evening flood
Freshwater Conditions
- Rainbow Trout: Excellent
- Steelhead: Good
- Cutthroat: Excellent
- Bass: Fair
Hot Lakes: Dougan Lake, Brannen Lake, Westwood Lake
Techniques: Trolling spoons, fly fishing chironomids
Tide & Weather Information
Next High Tide
Next Low Tide
Weather
Pro Tip of the Week
Winter chinook are holding deep near structure. Try trolling spoons at 80-120 feet around the mid-channel reefs. Silver and blue patterns are producing best results.
Recent Catches
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
| Species | Jan-Mar | Apr-Jun | Jul-Sep | Oct-Dec | Best Techniques |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook Salmon | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Trolling, downrigging |
| Coho Salmon | Fair | Good | Peak | Good | Surface trolling, casting |
| Rainbow Trout | Good | Peak | Good | Peak | Fly fishing, trolling |
| Lingcod | Peak | Good | Fair | Peak | Jigging, bottom fishing |
Sustainably Sourced & Eco-Friendly Product Range
Browse our dedicated section of biodegradable lures, recycled-fiber apparel, and minimal-impact camping goods. Coastal Drift champions sustainability—offering green alternatives without compromise and partnering with conservation organizations supporting BC's waterways.
Biodegradable Lures & Tackle
Revolutionary biodegradable lures that break down safely if lost, protecting marine life while maintaining peak fishing performance.
- 100% biodegradable materials
- Proven fish-catching action
- Reduces ocean plastic
Recycled-Fiber Apparel
High-performance outdoor clothing made from recycled ocean plastic and sustainable materials, offering superior protection and comfort.
- Recycled ocean plastic fibers
- Weather protection
- Certified sustainable
Ocean Conservation
Partnering with Pacific Wild and Ocean Wise to protect BC's marine ecosystems through product sales donations.
Carbon Neutral Shipping
All online orders ship carbon neutral with biodegradable packaging materials and optimized routing.
Gear Recycling Program
Bring in old fishing gear and camping equipment for responsible recycling and receive store credit toward new purchases.
Conservation Impact
Through our eco-friendly product sales and conservation partnerships, we've helped fund:
Accessible & Adaptive Fishing Solutions
Pioneering inclusion in outdoor recreation, we supply adaptive rods, ergonomic reels, and accessibility-focused accessories for anglers with mobility, vision, or dexterity challenges. Our team provides guidance and fittings to ensure every family or group enjoys barrier-free adventures.
Specialized Equipment
Custom adaptive fishing rods with one-handed operation, ergonomic grips, and specialized reels designed for various mobility and dexterity needs.
- One-handed rod systems
- Electric reels available
- Wheelchair-accessible setups
- Audio bite indicators
Accessible Boat Solutions
Partner with accessible charter operators and can outfit personal boats with adaptive equipment for comfortable fishing from wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
- Accessible charter partnerships
- Boat modification consulting
- Specialized safety equipment
- Stabilization systems
Personal Consultations
One-on-one equipment fittings and technique training with our certified adaptive fishing specialists.
Family Support
Helping families fish together with equipment solutions that accommodate everyone's abilities and needs.
Training Programs
Specialized instruction and technique workshops designed for adaptive fishing methods and equipment use.
Inclusive Fishing Community
We believe fishing should be accessible to everyone. Our adaptive fishing program has helped dozens of individuals and families discover the joy of angling, regardless of physical challenges. From custom rod holders to electronic bite indicators, we find solutions that work.
"Coastal Drift helped my son get back on the water after his accident. The adaptive equipment they recommended lets him fish independently again. It's given him back his confidence and passion."
Smart Fishing Tech: Connected Gear & Apps
Stay ahead with the latest Bluetooth-enabled fish finders, weatherproof action cameras, and angler apps for tracking catches, mapping routes, and sharing results. We demo the latest connected accessories in-store and provide setup support to keep your focus on the fish.
Smart Fish Finders
Bluetooth-enabled sonar that connects to your smartphone, providing detailed underwater mapping and fish tracking with cloud data backup.
- Wireless connectivity
- GPS mapping integration
- Cloud data sync
- All-day battery life
Action Cameras & Recording
Waterproof action cameras with stabilization and auto-editing features to capture and share your best fishing moments effortlessly.
- 4K video recording
- Fully waterproof
- Auto highlight reels
- Instant sharing
Angler Apps & Tracking
Comprehensive fishing apps for logging catches, weather tracking, tide predictions, and connecting with the local angling community.
- Catch logging
- Weather integration
- Community features
- Analytics & trends
In-Store Technology Demos
Not sure which tech solution is right for you? Visit our interactive tech demo station where you can try out the latest connected fishing gear, learn about app features, and see real-time data demonstrations.
🎯 Demo Station Features
• App walkthroughs
• Camera testing
• Compatibility checks
• Data transfer help
Tech Setup & Support
Purchase any smart fishing technology from us and receive complimentary setup assistance. Our tech-savvy staff will ensure your new gear is properly configured and integrated with your existing equipment.
Community Stories & Adventurer Testimonials
Read success stories, gear reviews, and trip recaps from our customers, local guides, and visiting pros. Trusted community voices share authentic experiences and highlight why Coastal Drift is a must-visit hub for BC adventurers.
Mike R.
Local AnglerThe staff at Coastal Drift really know their stuff. They set me up with the perfect rod and reel combo for targeting chinook off Entrance Island. Landed my personal best 38-pounder on their recommendation!
Sarah L.
Camping EnthusiastAs a solo female camper, I appreciate their focus on safety and quality gear. The tent they recommended kept me dry through a three-day rain storm on the West Coast Trail. Outstanding service and expertise.
James K.
Fishing GuideI've been guiding in these waters for 20 years and Coastal Drift is my go-to for both personal and client gear. Their marine electronics selection is unmatched and their technical support is phenomenal.
David M.
Family AdventureTook my kids on their first camping trip with gear from Coastal Drift. Everything worked perfectly and their staff gave us great advice on kid-friendly camping spots around Nanaimo. The whole family is now hooked on outdoor adventures!
Lisa T.
Eco-Conscious AnglerLove their commitment to sustainability! The biodegradable lures work just as well as traditional ones, and knowing I'm not leaving plastic in the water makes every fishing trip more enjoyable. Plus, their conservation partnerships are genuine.
Share Your Adventure Story
We love hearing about your fishing successes and outdoor adventures. Share your story and photos with us for a chance to be featured and receive store credit!
Submit Your StoryMeet Our Team & Our Story
Get to know the passionate anglers and outdoor pros behind Coastal Drift Outfitters. Our local team is dedicated to supporting sustainable fishing, inclusive participation, and the Nanaimo community, combining decades of outdoor expertise with a focus on exceptional service.
Our Nanaimo Story
Founded in 2018 by a group of passionate local anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, Coastal Drift Outfitters emerged from a simple mission: provide Nanaimo's outdoor community with premium gear, expert advice, and unwavering support for conservation efforts.
Located on historic Wharf Road, we're perfectly positioned to serve both local adventurers and visitors exploring Vancouver Island's incredible fishing and outdoor opportunities. Our team combines over 150 years of collective experience in fishing, camping, and marine pursuits.
Alex Chen
Store Manager & Marine Electronics Specialist
25 years experience, certified marine electronics installer
Maria Rodriguez
Fishing Guide Coordinator & Local Waters Expert
Licensed guide, 18 years local fishing experience
Tom Wilson
Camping & Outdoor Gear Specialist
Wilderness first aid certified, backcountry expert
Jenny Park
Adaptive Fishing & Accessibility Coordinator
Certified adaptive recreation specialist
Our Community Commitments
Environmental Stewardship
Supporting local conservation through partnerships and sustainable product choices
Inclusive Recreation
Making outdoor adventures accessible to all abilities and backgrounds
Education & Mentorship
Teaching sustainable fishing practices and outdoor safety to the next generation
Contact & Plan Your Visit
Ready to upgrade your adventure? Visit us on Wharf Road for expert advice and local insights, call or email for remote orders, or use our contact form for custom requests and group outfitting inquiries. We're here to equip your next journey.
Visit Our Store
2847 Wharf Road, Unit 1B
Nanaimo, BC V9R 4B9
Located in Nanaimo's historic harbour district, minutes from the ferry terminal and downtown core.
Store Hours
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Call or Email
Phone: (250) 753-9182
Email: info@
Our knowledgeable staff is available during store hours to help with gear questions, special orders, and trip planning.
Services Available
- • Gear consultations
- • Custom equipment orders
- • Group outfitting quotes
- • Guide booking assistance
Send a Message
Find Us in Historic Nanaimo
Why Visit Us?
- Hands-on gear testing before purchase
- Personal consultations with local experts
- In-store tech demo station
- Latest local fishing reports and conditions
- Custom equipment fittings
- Free parking and easy waterfront access
Planning a Group Trip?
Contact us for special group rates and custom outfitting packages.
Call for Group Rates