The secret has long been out that Sooke has some of the best fishing in the world, but what may be less known is that it's also home to some of the best fishing guides.
Every year since 2015, FishingBooker, the world's largest platform for connecting anglers with guides, has awarded the 2025 Angler's Choice Award.
“With this award, we wanted to honour our most committed captains and make it easier for anglers to identify the very best guides on our platform. We couldn't be more excited to highlight their hard work and dedication,” said FishingBooker CEO Vukan Simic.
This year, nine B.C. captains received the award among a total of 165 guides partnered with FishingBooker.
"That means 5.4 per cent of local guides are world-class captains, well above the national average," FishingBooker stated in a news release. "These captains have demonstrated exceptional customer service, reliability, and the highest quality fishing trips."
Sooke beat out every other B.C. community with three of B.C.'s nine awarded captains representing the district.
Those captains were Wayne Sarak and crew at Full Melt Charters, Chris Dusseault and crew at Rising Tide Coastal Adventures, and Eugene Baldwin of Tips Up Sport Fishing Charters.
Sarak said the award was "definitely unexpected," and it's inspired him to continue the work he does.
"I was honoured to receive this accolade as it speaks to my responsiveness, success on the water, and overwhelmingly positive reviews," said Sarak. A relatively new charter captain, he says he's brought a youthful energy, excitement and a modernized approach to fishing, which he is seeing pay off.
"My focus has always been to get new people into fishing, and to help facilitate an experience of a lifetime on the ocean, learning new facts, exploring new areas, engaging with wildlife, and bringing home a fresh, healthy dinner."
Sarak explained that he does have help, however, as he captains most of his trips with his girlfriend Victoria Salt at his side.
"She has helped immensely to grow the business, through increasing the quality and enjoyment of the trips themselves, along with advertising, marketing and creating a social media presence. We gain a lot of joy leading trips together," said Sarak.
But Sarak's passion is about much more than running a business or winning awards.
"I have a passion for Vancouver Island's natural beauty and wildlife, as well as fishing," he said.
"This job has enabled me to engage with and share those beauties with new people every day. It's been a dream come true."
