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World-Class Fishing in St. Margaret's Bay | ISR

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Halifax, NS
  • $100 - $2,200 price range
  • Updated Date: September 29, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action in Halifax? Join us for a half-day trip in St. Margaret's Bay, where we'll be going after cod, mackerel, and salmon. Our expert guides know all the best spots and techniques to help you land a great catch. We'll use a mix of deep sea fishing and trolling methods, depending on what's biting. The bay offers stunning views of Nova Scotia's coastline, so you'll enjoy the scenery while waiting for that big bite. Our boat can take up to 8 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, we'll make sure you have a great time out on the water. Don't forget your camera – you'll want to show off your catch and the beautiful surroundings. Grab your gear and let's head out for a day of fishing you won't soon forget!
World-Class Fishing in St. Margaret's Bay | ISR

Reeling Them In

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Stunning view of Halifax harbor

Moments like this in Canada

Halifax water sports adventure

Atlantic mackerel fishing

Group of 8 people enjoying a fishing tour in Halifax

Halifax fishing in Canada

Scenic view of the water in NS, featuring fishing, tours, and water sports activities

One of beautiful smaller yacth for rent 🛥️

Three people enjoying fishing, tours, and water sports activities in NS

Atlantic Cod Reeled In! Canada

Person fishing in the water in Halifax

Young Angler successfully reeled in her first fish for today.

A group of six people enjoying a fishing and water sports tour in NS

Family Successful with Cod Catches.

Scenic view of a coastal location in NS, with fishing, tours, and water sports activities

Creating moments here in Halifax!

Halifax fishing, tours, and water sports adventure

Grouper!

Person enjoying water sports activities in NS

afternoon Fishing in Halifax, Canada

Stunning view of Halifax harbor

Moments like this in Canada

Halifax water sports adventure

Atlantic mackerel fishing

Group of 8 people enjoying a fishing tour in Halifax

Halifax fishing in Canada

Scenic view of the water in NS, featuring fishing, tours, and water sports activities

One of beautiful smaller yacth for rent 🛥️

Three people enjoying fishing, tours, and water sports activities in NS

Atlantic Cod Reeled In! Canada

Person fishing in the water in Halifax

Young Angler successfully reeled in her first fish for today.

A group of six people enjoying a fishing and water sports tour in NS

Family Successful with Cod Catches.

Scenic view of a coastal location in NS, with fishing, tours, and water sports activities

Creating moments here in Halifax!

Halifax fishing, tours, and water sports adventure

Grouper!

Person enjoying water sports activities in NS

afternoon Fishing in Halifax, Canada

Stunning view of Halifax harbor

Moments like this in Canada

Halifax water sports adventure

Atlantic mackerel fishing

Group of 8 people enjoying a fishing tour in Halifax

Halifax fishing in Canada

Scenic view of the water in NS, featuring fishing, tours, and water sports activities

One of beautiful smaller yacth for rent 🛥️

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Reel in the Big Ones: Halifax Half-Day Fishing

Ready for some serious rod-bending action in Nova Scotia's coastal waters? Our half-day guided fishing trip out of Halifax is your ticket to hauling in cod, mackerel, and salmon just off the stunning shores of St. Margaret's Bay. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got the know-how and the hotspots to get you on the fish. Grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to make some memories on the water!

Trip Overview

Picture this: you're cruising out of the harbor, the salty breeze in your face, as our expert guides share local lore and point out landmarks. Before you know it, we're dropping lines in prime fishing grounds where the action is hot. We're talking about deep sea fishing that'll have you battling everything from scrappy mackerel to hefty cod. Our crew's got years of experience under their belts, so you'll be in good hands as you learn the ropes of offshore and reef fishing. We use a mix of techniques, from deep dropping to trolling, to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish. And with room for up to 8 guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.

Techniques on the Water

Listen up, folks – here's where the rubber meets the road... or in our case, where the bait meets the fish! We'll show you the ins and outs of deep sea fishing, Nova Scotia style. We're talking about dropping lines way down where the big boys hang out. For those mackerel and salmon, we might do some trolling – that's where we drag lures behind the boat to mimic baitfish. It's a deadly technique when the fish are scattered. And for the cod? We'll hit some rocky reefs where these bottom-dwellers love to hide out. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding tech. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack or two – the fish'll provide the main course!

Customer Stories

"Eric and Cody did an excellent job of getting us on some fish. We didn't catch anything huge but we sure had a good time. Their knowledge of the area was great and showed us a lot of neat things on our way to and from the fishing spots!" - Charlie

"Went out on 9/10 with my family of 5 and had an amazing day. The boat was very comfortable and we caught a lot of fish. Eric and Cody we very capable and great guides. Highly recommend this charter." - Rick

"Everything about our trip was handled professionally, with prompt communication, clear instructions and needless to say - WE CAUGHT FISH. 3 generations of avid fishermen enjoyed the brief ride out of the harbor, with excellent narration by the Captain. We fished a few miles, but within sight, offshore, and we quickly were pulling in pollock, mackerel and ultimately scores of COD. Some of the poles were rigged with three hooks and we often had 2 or 3 fish on at the same time. I can recommend this crew / boat for anyone looking to enjoy a day out at sea, and looking for non-stop action !" - JJ

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Mackerel: These speedsters are the pocket rockets of the sea. Averaging 1-2 pounds, what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Mackerel are schooling fish, so when you find 'em, it's often fish-on for everyone! They're most active in the warmer months, typically from May to October. Anglers love 'em because they're not only fun to catch but also make excellent bait for bigger game. Plus, they're delicious on the grill – nothing beats fresh mackerel tacos after a day on the water!

Atlantic Cod: Ah, the mighty cod – a Nova Scotia classic! These bottom-dwelling brutes can grow up to 100 pounds, though most catches are in the 5-20 pound range. Cod fishing is good year-round, but it really heats up in the cooler months. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they've got some serious pulling power. When you hook into a big one, you'll know it! Cod are prized for their flaky white meat, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home a few fillets for a traditional fish and chips dinner.

Atlantic Salmon: Known as the "king of fish," Atlantic salmon are the crown jewel for many anglers. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their leaps and runs that'll test your skills and your gear. In Nova Scotia, we typically target them from spring to fall, with peak season in June and July. Salmon can range from 8 to over 30 pounds, and trust me, even an average-sized one will give you a story to tell. The thrill of battling a chrome-bright Atlantic salmon in the coastal waters is something every angler should experience at least once.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase – this half-day trip is the real deal. You've got the chance to tangle with three of Nova Scotia's most sought-after species, all within a stone's throw of Halifax. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the freezer, or just soak in the beauty of St. Margaret's Bay, we've got you covered. Don't let this chance slip away like a big one off the hook. Grab your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are calling – are you ready to answer?

Customer Reviews

Fish Tales and Fun

quotes

Eric and Cody did an excellent job of getting us on some fish. We didn’t catch anything huge but we sure had a good time. Their knowledge of the area was great and showed us a lot of neat things on our way to and from the fishing spots!

Read More
CH
Charlie H

September 9, 2024

Family Fish Fest

quotes

Went out on 9/10 with my family of 5 and had an amazing day. The boat was very comfortable and we caught a lot of fish. Eric and Cody we very capable and great guides. Highly recommend this charter.

RM
Rick M

September 10, 2024

Cod Crazy Adventure

quotes

Everything about our trip was handled professionally, with prompt communication, clear instructions and needless to say - WE CAUGHT FISH. 3 generations of avid fishermen enjoyed the brief ride out of the harbor, with excellent narration by the Captain. We fished a few miles, but within sight, offshore, and we quickly were pulling in pollock, mackerel and ultimately scores of COD. Some of the poles were rigged with three hooks and we often had 2 or 3 fish on at the same time. I can recommend this crew / boat for anyone looking to enjoy a day out at sea, and looking for non-stop action !

Read More
JL
JJ L

September 4, 2024

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Cod

Atlantic Cod are the bread and butter of our deep sea trips. These bottom-dwellers usually run 2-4 feet long and prefer cool, rocky areas offshore. We target them year-round, but fall and winter can be prime. Cod put up a stubborn fight, especially the bigger ones. They're prized for their mild, flaky white meat – perfect for fish and chips. To land cod, we'll drop heavy jigs or bait to the bottom in 100-600 feet of water. A good sonar helps locate schools. Once you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard. Cod have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure as you reel. A local tip: try jigging a bucktail tipped with clam – cod can't resist it. Just mind the size limits and seasons, as we're working to keep this fishery sustainable for years to come.

Atlantic Cod

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel are a blast to catch around Halifax. These sleek, silver fish with blue-green backs and wavy stripes typically run about a foot long. You'll find them schooling near the surface in coastal waters, especially during summer when they move inshore. Mackerel are fast swimmers and put up a good fight on light tackle. They're also tasty eating, packed with healthy omega-3s. To catch 'em, try trolling small lures that mimic baitfish or casting metal jigs into feeding schools. A local trick is to watch for diving seabirds – they'll lead you right to the mackerel. Just be ready for some action once you find a school, as these fish often feed in a frenzy. It's common to hook multiple mackerel on a single cast when they're really biting.

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Nova Scotia fishing. These "leapers" average 8-12 pounds but can top 30. They're born in our rivers, migrate to sea, then return to spawn – usually May through October. Salmon fishing here is strictly catch-and-release to protect the population. The thrill is in the chase and the explosive fight when hooked. We target them in rivers using fly fishing techniques. The classic method is swinging flies across current seams and pools where salmon rest. Reading the water is key. Stealth and patience pay off – you might cast hundreds of times for one take. But when a big salmon hits and goes airborne, it's pure magic. A local secret: black flies often outfish gaudy patterns when the water's low and clear. Remember, handle salmon gently and keep them in the water for a quick release.

Atlantic Salmon

About the Island Kids

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 70

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Our trusty fishing boat is ready to take you out on the waters of St. Margaret's Bay for some proper deep sea action. She's a sturdy vessel built to handle Nova Scotia's coastal conditions, with plenty of deck space for up to 8 anglers to cast their lines. The cabin offers shelter from the elements and a spot to take a break between catches. We've kitted her out with all the gear you'll need for offshore and reef fishing - rods, reels, bait, and our crew's expertise. As we head out past the harbor, you'll have great views of the rugged coastline. Once we reach the prime fishing grounds, it's time to drop lines and see what's biting. Our boat provides a stable platform as you reel in cod, mackerel, salmon and other local species. With an experienced captain at the helm, you're in for a proper Nova Scotian fishing adventure on this half-day trip.
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