Ready for a real Oregon fishing adventure? Hop aboard with Matt Halseth Guide Service for a day that'll have you reeling in the best of the Pacific. We're talking about chasing down mighty Chinook and lightning-fast Coho salmon, then switching gears to load up on tasty bottom fish. It's the kind of trip that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and your arms aching in the best way possible.
We'll kick things off at the crack of dawn, heading out to where the big salmon play. As the sun climbs, we'll be trolling for those silver bullets, using all the local tricks to entice a strike. Once we've put some salmon in the box (or the bite slows down), we'll make the switch to bottom fishing. That's when the rods really start bending! Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. Just remember to bring your A-game and maybe a couple of sandwiches – the fishing's so good, you might forget to eat!
For salmon, we'll be using a mix of downriggers and divers to get our gear down where the fish are cruising. We might throw some cut-plug herring or run flashers with hoochies – whatever's getting them to bite. When we switch to bottom fishing, it's all about finding the structure and using heavy jigs or bait rigs. We'll show you how to work the bottom and feel for that telltale thump of a big lingcod or the machine-gun taps of a hungry sea bass. Don't worry if you're new to this; we'll walk you through every step, from baiting up to landing your catch.
The Oregon Coast has been on fire lately! Anglers have been loading up on fat Chinooks, with some boats limiting out before noon. The coho action has been just as hot, with silver streaks lighting up the surface and putting on aerial shows. Down deep, the lingcod have been absolute monsters, and the black sea bass fishing has been nothing short of ridiculous. It's the kind of fishing that makes you want to quit your day job and move to the coast!
Chinook Salmon: The king of the Pacific, these bruisers can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. They're known for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. Spring and fall are prime times to target these beauties, but summer can produce some giants too. There's nothing quite like the scream of a reel when a big Chinook decides to run – it's the stuff fishing dreams are made of.
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fish are a blast to catch. They're typically smaller than Chinooks, averaging 6-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Cohos are famous for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. Late summer and early fall are the best times to target these chrome rockets. When a school of cohos moves through, the action can be non-stop!
Lingcod: These toothy predators are the bullies of the reef. With their mottled green and brown coloration, they're masters of camouflage, ambushing their prey from rocky hideouts. Lingcod can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 40 pounds. They're aggressive feeders and put up a dogged fight, especially when you're trying to pull them out of their rocky lairs. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious – perfect for fish tacos!
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their name fool you; these fish are actually members of the rockfish family. They're abundant along the Oregon Coast and are a staple of the bottom fishing scene. Sea bass are relatively easy to catch, making them great for beginners, but they're no pushovers on light tackle. They tend to school up, so when you find them, it's often fish-after-fish action. Their white, mild-flavored meat is versatile in the kitchen and a favorite among seafood lovers.
Folks who fish with us tend to make it an annual tradition, and it's easy to see why. The variety of species, the stunning coastal scenery, and the chance to land a real trophy keep our regulars coming back year after year. Plus, there's something special about being out on the open ocean, feeling that salt spray on your face, and never knowing what might grab your line next. It's fishing at its purest, and it's right here on the Oregon Coast.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date. Our Oregon Coast Fishing Charters fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season. Whether you're looking to fill your freezer, chase that personal best, or just spend a day making memories on the water, we've got you covered. Give us a call, and let's get you hooked up with some Oregon Coast magic. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock!
Black sea bass might not be the biggest catch, but they're a fun, tasty target. Most run 1-4 pounds, though they can reach 8 pounds in our waters. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, sunken wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time, as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers enjoy their strong, bulldog-like fight and excellent table quality. These fish put up a good scrap until they hit the surface, then often come up easily. For the best action, drop down squid strips or fish chunks on a two-hook bottom rig. Here's a tip: if you find a good spot, stay put. These fish often hang out in schools, so where there's one, there's likely more. Just remember, the biggest males tend to be in the deepest water, so don't be afraid to explore a bit deeper for trophy-sized bass.
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. These bruisers average 10-50 pounds but can top 100 in rare cases. Look for them in deeper, colder water - they're not fans of bright light. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they stage for their river runs. Kings are prized for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, oily meat. When you hook one, be ready for long, powerful runs that'll test your gear and skills. They're often found near underwater structures or drop-offs. To up your odds, try trolling with whole herring at first light or dusk. And here's a local secret: on sunny days, use a downrigger to get your bait deep where those big kings are hiding. The fight of a lifetime could be just a bite away!
Coho salmon, also known as silvers, are a crowd-pleaser on our trips. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though some can hit 30 inches and over 20 pounds. We find them in calm areas near river mouths and estuaries as they prepare to migrate upstream. Late summer and early fall are prime time, when their silvery sides start showing hints of red. Cohos are known for explosive strikes and airborne leaps - be ready for some reel-screaming action! Their rich, orange flesh makes excellent table fare too. To boost your chances, try bright-colored lures like chartreuse or pink spinners in faster water. In deeper spots, a cut-plug herring works wonders. Remember, these fish can jump 6 feet vertically, so keep that rod tip up when they're close!
Lingcod aren't actually cod, but these gnarly-looking bottom dwellers are a blast to catch. Females can grow over 3 feet long, with males a bit smaller. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas 30 to 300 feet deep, often in strong currents. They're ambush predators, so look for structure they can hide around. Lingcod fishing is good year-round, but winter and early spring are best as they move shallower to spawn. Anglers love their fight and tasty white meat. These lazy fish won't run far, but they'll use their powerful jaws and huge teeth to battle all the way up. Here's a pro tip: use a heavy jig and bounce it right off the bottom. Lingcod are territorial and will often strike out of aggression, even if they're not hungry.
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