About Us

Richard is friendly, knowledgeable, experienced and professional. Clients can rest assured that they will have a fun, safe and authentically west coast day - regardless of how many fish are in the well. Hoek Setter Fishing Charters are accessible to all levels of fishing experience. From seasoned pros to brand new anglers. The rugged and timeless beauty of Vancouver Island is something to be shared, admired and enjoyed. A day on the boat with Richard and his team is always time well spent.

Hoek Setter Fishing Charters is a company owned and operated by Richard Hoek. Richard is a family-man with his values set strongly in sharing his love of the outdoors with his children, wife, friends and family. This cherished passion for the wild naturally extends outside of his home and finds a comfortable and natural place on the charter boat! When you book an adventure with Hoek Setter, you are among friends!

Child in a hooded jacket holding a fishing rod and a large speckled fish outdoors near water and tall grass.

Two adults and two children on a boat holding freshly caught fish with water and distant land in the background.

Gibbs Pro Team

Richard and his wife Holly are both Gibbs Pro Team. The Gibbs Fishing brand has been a pinnacle of quality fishing gear and the outdoor lifestyle since 1908, and has helped many guides and outdoorsman uphold the highest standard in fishing through decades of innovation and top tier products. The Hoek Setter team proudly fishes the whole family and variety of Gibbs gear, allowing them to focus on the catch of the day, and provide you with lasting memories on the water! To learn all about the Gibbs Pro Team, visit gibbsfishing.ca

The Vessel

The "Hoek Setter" is a 23' Seaswirl Striper (2301) powered by a Yamaha 250, with a 9.9 Yamaha kicker motor for easy-trolling. Decked out with Garmin electronics, it's nothing but smooth sailing and high-tech fish-finding. We also have an onboard flushable "head" for those human-related leaks…

Two people smiling and standing on a white fishing boat named Striper Seaswirl, with fishing rods mounted on the roof and a Yamaha outboard motor, on a calm body of water with distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

Colorful fishing lures lined up on the back of a boat with water and wake in the background.

Man and child wearing sunglasses on a boat holding two large fish, with a Rottweiler puppy sitting on a boat seat nearby.

Two people fishing on a boat; one is reeling in a fish, and the other is holding a net to catch it against a backdrop of forest and water.

Safety & Certifications

SVOP

Training certificate lets you operate a small non-pleasure vessel in near coastal, class 2 and sheltered waters under normal operating conditions, including darkness and restricted visibility.

First Aid - Level 1

Responding to an emergency, recognizing a mental health emergency, CPR & AED for adults, children, and Infants, Bleeding and burn management, and Medical emergencies.

MED A3/SDV-BS

Training in safety and emergency protocols, firefighting and vessel and passenger safety relevant to small passenger vessels with no more than 12 passengers, Fishing vessels and small commercial work boats not more than 15 gross tons.

ROC-M

A radio-licence/certificate required for anyone using a marine VHF radio (or other marine radios) onboard a vessel.

Fully Insured

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance for the angling guide business, and Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance that meets the specific passenger liability requirements set by Transport Canada.

Transport Canada Compliant

Safety equipment, including life-saving devices like lifejackets, navigation lights, a sound signalling device, and visual distress signals. The vessel must also be registered as a commercial vessel and carry appropriate insurance.

Our Goals

Our goal is to provide fishing charters, marine eco-tours, and crabbing/prawning adventures to small groups and families. Sharing our passion for fishing & the outdoors is our way of life, and has been truly rewarding in so many ways. To us, fishing is about more than getting a fish in the well, or having a full bucket of prawns - it's about the lasting memories, and the pure joy from something so simple. Something that people have done for thousands of years!

We strive to deliver the best local charter experience, and for us that starts with comfort. We want our guests to feel welcome, excited and curious! because after all fishing is fun. There is no thrill like reeling in a big slab for the very first time - and we absolutely love to be part of that.