About this tour
When Lily from our team headed out from Quidi Vidi Marina, she found herself on a proper Atlantic fishing expedition—two hours chasing cod in waters that have shaped Newfoundland for half a millennium. You're not just along for the ride; you're actually fishing, armed with rods and kit, and you'll fillet and take home whatever you catch. The North Atlantic doesn't mess about, and neither does this tour. It's raw, physical, and genuinely local—the kind of thing you either love or realise isn't for you pretty quickly.
Highlights
- You're actually fishing, not spectating—rods in hand the whole way
- Take home your own cod catch; bring a cooler and plan dinner
- Option to have your catch pan-fried on the boat mid-tour
- Authentic Newfoundland experience rooted in real fishing heritage
- Small group vibe on working boats, not tourist cruisers
- Shark fishing charters available for the genuinely keen
- Life jackets and rods provided; no gear faff needed
What to expect
Lily climbed down a ladder onto the working boat—that's your first hint this isn't a polished experience. Once out on the water, the crew handed over fishing rods and showed her the basics; even non-anglers got hooked (pun intended). The two hours move quickly between casts, waits, and the odd genuine bite. The Atlantic can be choppy, and the boat feels it; there's no shelter, so wind and spray are part of the deal. When fish came in, crew cleaned and filleted on the spot. The optional pan-fry setup is genuine—you sit back with a drink (bring your own alcohol) and eat what you've caught while bobbing offshore. It's not a sightseeing tour dressed up as fishing; it's fishing dressed up as a tour.
What travellers say
- Real fishing, real catch—you leave with something tangible
- Intimate groups on proper working boats, not tour vessels
- Optional on-boat meal option adds genuine local flavour
- Rods and safety kit included; no extra hire fees
- Deeply rooted in Newfoundland's actual fishing culture
- Ladder boarding and open deck rule out many travellers
- High sea sickness risk; choppy Atlantic waters unforgiving
- No onboard amenities or shelter from wind and spray
- Two hours can feel rushed if catches are slow
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is proper fishing, not theatre. If you're after authenticity and don't mind getting wet, you'll respect the rawness of it. Families with older kids who can handle a ladder and a moving deck will remember it. The take-home catch makes it tangible—you've actually done something. The pan-fry option bridges fishing and foodie vibes well.
Sea sickness is real out here; if you're prone to motion, sit this out. The ladder entry is genuinely steep and requires decent mobility—pregnant travellers, anyone with spinal issues, or poor cardiovascular fitness should skip it. Infants must sit on a lap the whole time. You'll get wet and cold; bring waterproof layers and gloves even in warmer months. Early starts are standard for fishing tours. Group size varies, but it's intimate enough that a grumpy fellow angler could sour the mood. Alcohol must be your own; none provided. Two hours goes fast if fish aren't biting.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.