I'm wanting to take my dad on a trip next summer to fish for big kings and halibut. Halibut is less important but I'd like at least decent fishing. I'd really like good fishing for big kings. I've look at Queen Charlotte and that looks promising. We are good with self-guided, like available at Queen Charlotte Lodge, or guided. I'd prefer a mix of both if possible. Price is relevant but not a deal breaker for the right setup. We don't need luxury but, again, I am open to all suggestions. From what I've researched thus far, QCL looks like a great fit with good fishing prospects.

Due to health concerns, I may have less time to take these trips than I had always assumed. I want the trip to be great (don't we all). What advice do you all have regarding location, where to stay, when to go, and all the other details that go into planning a trip like this?

You might want to look at options available at the N end of Vancouver Island and then long the WCVI from Winter Harbour down to Esperanza Inlet and including Tahsis. Lots of lodges and options - self-guided and guided - that are within a days drive from Victoria after crossing over the MV Coho from Port Angeles and others have float plane fly-in package deals from the Seattle area.

Get a copy of the latest issue of Northwest Sportsman for a number of references.

Check out westcoast resorts they have 2 lodges in the Queen Charlottes and 1 in Milbanke Sound. Their base package is instructed. Which means the guide splits 1/2 day each between 2 boats and maintains radio contact when fishing with the other group. I fished their Hippa Island location and was really happy with the trip. It's around the same price or cheaper than QCL, but it's more isolated so there is considerably less fishing pressure than Langara or Naden Harbour areas. You also might check out Chads Coastwide sportfishing in Port Hardy. He seems to post photos of at least a handful if chinook in the 40's every year with the occasional 50+. If you're open to Alaska, Sitka and Craig offer what you're looking for as well.