Fish Cleaning & Processing
From boat to table — professional fish cleaning included with your charter, plus local processors for vacuum packing, smoking, and shipping.
What's Included with Your Charter
Professional Cleaning
We clean, gut, and prepare your catch
Quality Bagging
Fish packed in bags, ready to transport
No Extra Charge
Always included with your charter
Our Fish Cleaning Process
At the end of your charter, we prepare your fish for you to take home or to a local processor.
Cleaning
We clean and gut your fish immediately after return to dock, ensuring maximum freshness.
Preparing Fillets
Fillets are prepared and left attached at the tail (BC regulation for species ID) so you can easily portion at home.
Bagging
Fish placed in quality bags to keep them fresh during transport home or to processor.
Storage Advice
We provide tips on keeping fish cold and fresh on your journey home.
Local Fish Processors
Take your cleaned fish to one of these trusted Campbell River processors for professional vacuum packing, smoking, canning, or shipping services.
Campbell River Seafoods
Services Offered:
- Vacuum packing
- Flash freezing
- Hot smoking
- Candying
- Shipping services
Well-established local business with excellent reputation for quality processing.
High Tide Seafoods
Services Offered:
- Filleting service
- Vacuum sealing
- Cold smoking
- Packaging options
Known for quick turnaround and competitive pricing on vacuum packing services.
Brown's Bay Packing
Services Offered:
- Full fish processing
- Vacuum packing
- Freezing services
- Storage options
Convenient location for anglers fishing in the northern areas around Brown's Bay.
Note: Call ahead to confirm hours and pricing. Processing fees vary by service. Most processors require advance notice for smoking or candying services.
Shipping Your Catch Home
Traveling from out of town? Local processors offer shipping services to get your fish home safely.
Shipping Options
- Overnight Express
Fish arrives frozen solid, ready for your freezer
- Insulated Packaging
Styrofoam coolers with gel packs maintain cold temps
- Tracking Included
Follow your shipment from Campbell River to your door
- US & Canada
Shipping available to most destinations
Transporting Fish Yourself
- Bring a Cooler
Large cooler with plenty of ice for the drive
- Keep It Cold
Maintain below 4°C (40°F) during transport
- Drain Water
Don't let fish sit in melted ice water
- Freeze Immediately
When you get home, freeze fish right away
How to Store Your Catch
Proper storage keeps your salmon fresh and delicious for months.
Refrigerator (Short-Term)
- 1-2 days maximum
Fresh salmon stays good in fridge for 1-2 days
- Keep below 4°C (40°F)
Coldest part of your refrigerator
- Cover well
Air-tight container or wrap tightly
Freezer (Long-Term)
- 6-9 months frozen
Vacuum-sealed lasts longest
- Prevent freezer burn
Remove all air from packaging
- Label & date
Write species and freeze date on package
Local Restaurants That Cook Your Catch
Some Campbell River restaurants will prepare your fresh-caught salmon for you. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Popular options include oceanside restaurants and seafood specialists who offer "cook your catch" services. This is a great option if you're staying locally and want to enjoy your salmon the same day.
We're happy to recommend specific restaurants when you book your charter.
Catch, Clean, Enjoy
We handle the fish cleaning so you can focus on the fun. Book your charter today and take home fresh Campbell River salmon.
