Oceans of Fortune
Over the past 30 years, British Columbia’s salt-water sport-fishing industry has undergone substantial evolutionary change. All but gone are the days of rudimentary fishing camps with small aluminum boats and minimal creature comforts, thanks to a pair of ambitious business partners who arrived on the scene in 1988 with two Boston Whalers and a problem to solve. Download our Complete History PDF.
View History1981 Season
First visit to the Pacific Northwest.
Rick Grange ventures into the marine wilderness of British Columbia’s west coast. He experiences its raw beauty and superlative Salmon fishing for the first time.
1988 Season
Inaugural scouting of the area.
Brian Legge joins Rick Grange as a partner. They purchase two Boston Whalers, hire seasoned guides and take over a block of rooms at a lodge on Graham Island to host guests. Marine conservation is already at the forefront of their minds.
1988 Fall
A fishing club is born.
Rick and Brian realize there has to be a better way to accommodate their guests. They decide to construct a land-based lodge from which to offer the ultimate fishing experience.
1989 Season
Acquisition of North Island Lodge.
While the land-based lodge is being constructed, a five-year old barge is acquired and renovated into high quality, rustic yet elegant accommodations.
1989 Season
Work begins on The Clubhouse.
Ground is broken and within a year the rudimentary foundations of what is to become The Clubhouse is completed.
1990 Season
North Island Lodge opens.
In Beal Cove on the lee side of Langara Island, the northernmost point in the Queen Charlottes, North Island Lodge operates for its first season.
1991 Season
The Clubhouse opens.
The Clubhouse staff welcome their first guests. Posh accommodations and an array of superb food and wine complement the world’s best ocean fishing.
1998 Season
Helicopters enhance the experience.
The decision is made to charter guests from Vancouver to an airport in Masset, where helicopters await to take them to the lodge. Other lodge operators have no other option but to follow suit.
2000 Spring
Devastating news.
Fisheries & Oceans announces that a zero-possession limit for Chinook Salmon in the waters off Langara Island is being considered.
2001 Season
The Outpost opens.
Luckily the onerous possession ban doesn’t materialize and the new The Outpost welcomes guests to enjoy its exclusive luxurious environment and incredible fishing on the wild west coast of Graham Island.
2001 Season
New headquarters.
An office is secured just steps away from Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal. Now staff can see guests off and provide assistance upon their return.
2006 Season
Inaugural Fishing for Kids Tournament.
An annual fishing tournament to raise money for BC children’s charities and enhance the company’s efforts toward corporate responsibility is started.
2007 Season
David Hawksworth & Friends Culinary Adventure
On our quest to develop some new initiatives, we come up with our most popular - and most delicious - event. It becomes an annual tradition at The Clubhouse.
2010 Spring
Renamed, but still remarkable.
The name of The Queen Charlotte Islands officially changes to Haida Gwaii. It means “islands of the people” in the language of the original habitants.
2013 Season
A banner year.
June through to the end of September 2013 was a season to remember. Guests enjoy a record number of calm sunny days along with consistently explosive Salmon fishing.
2015 Season
Friends of The Yakoun River Society
Haida Gwaii Salmon Unlimited donates $100,000 to save the Yakoun Hatchery.
2016 Season
Far Beyond Culinary Series Begins
A partnership with Canada's 100 Best spawns a new culinary series, bringing the most talented chefs to Haida Gwaii on specifically themed fishing trips.
2017 Season
FFK Reaches $8.5 Million Milestone.
The Fishing For Kids Tournament announces a total over $8.5 million has been raised in its 12-year history in support of B.C. children's charities.
2018 Season
30 Year Anniversary
The West Coast Fishing Club celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special season of events.
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