I'm also a BC interior boy that grew up on freshwater. Headed into my second season of owning a saltwater boat (17' Arima Sea Ranger). Truth be told I spent the majority of last season working on the boat, and didn't really splash it until August or so. But I put as many days in as I could between August and September, and last September was especially nice from what I understand. The heavy rains held off and the fishing was good into late September up here in Nanaimo. I learned to launch and retrieve by myself, and went out solo a few times. The last time I managed to run two riggers and navigate the boat, and even landed a double header of wild coho (released) by myself. Course, I also whacked the prop good on floating debris on the way in, which put an end to my season - but was probably going to be the last day anyway.
I was intimidated of the salt for a long time, and I still am - but at some point you just have to get into it. I have been sticking to inshore stuff - off Nanaimo and one trip to Alberni Inlet. This season we have plans to tow up to Port McNeill and fish back side of Malcolm - maybe explore the Broughtons if the weather cooperates. In August we will be in Esperenza, mostly fishing the inside probably. And I may book some time at Pacific Playgrounds too. I have done a week in a rental boat at Nootka the last two seasons, and never felt the least bit unsafe.
I am naturally risk adverse, and won't be headed offshore anytime soon. I have aspirations to get to Winter Harbour - but don't think my seamanship is ready yet. Maybe next year. I've yet to get seasick, but I know my day is coming.
If you don't have your PCOC make sure you do that, and do all the online power squadron stuff to learn the rules and the basics of navigation, weather, and marine electronics. It costs a few bucks but worth it to get a good grounding. I am still looking for some reasonably priced on the water courses, and would gladly plunk down some cash to learn from someone experienced in the real world, as opposed to online or in a classroom.
I'm would be open to taking out somebody that is chill and respectful for the day in my boat out of Nanaimo this season, and also open to paying gas and crewing on someone else's boat to accelerate my own learning curve.
