Oregon Coast Fishing: Premium Offshore Charters

Oregon Coast Salmon & Bottom Fish Charter

Picture this: you're rolling out of Garibaldi Harbor before sunrise, watching the Oregon coastline wake up as we head into blue water where the big kings are waiting. Matt Halseth Guide Service has been putting anglers on fish along this stretch of coast for years, and this combo trip is hands down one of our most popular offerings. You'll start the morning chasing salmon in the deep water, then shift gears to bottom fishing where lingcod and black sea bass are stacked up on the rocky structure. It's the kind of day that reminds you why Oregon's offshore fishing scene is so special – diverse, productive, and absolutely addictive once you get hooked.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're back at the dock by noon wondering what to do next. We're talking about a full offshore experience that takes advantage of Oregon's incredible fishery. The day kicks off targeting salmon in 150 to 300 feet of water, depending on where the bait is holding and what the fish finder is showing us. Early morning is prime time for kings and coho – they're actively feeding and less boat-shy than they get later in the day. You'll feel that unmistakable weight when a mature chinook grabs your gear and makes its first run toward the bottom. After we've had our fill of salmon action, we'll transition to the nearshore reefs and rocky pinnacles where bottom fish congregate. The beauty of this combo approach is that you're never putting all your eggs in one basket – if the salmon bite is slow, the bottom fish are usually cooperative, and vice versa. Plus, you get to experience two completely different styles of fishing in one trip, which keeps things interesting and maximizes your chances of going home with a cooler full of fillets.

Techniques and Tackle Setup

For the salmon portion, we're primarily trolling with downriggers and diving planes to get our offerings down to where the fish are cruising. I'll have the boat rigged with quality gear – think Scotty downriggers, Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and a selection of proven lures like Blue Fox spinners, hoochies, and spoons in colors that have been producing. The key is covering water efficiently while maintaining the right speed and depth. When we make the switch to bottom fishing, it's a totally different game. We're talking about heavy jigs, rockfish rigs with multiple hooks, and sometimes live or cut bait depending on what's working best. The bottom structure along the Oregon coast is phenomenal – underwater mountains, ledges, and rocky reefs that hold incredible numbers of lingcod, sea bass, and other bottom dwellers. I've got the GPS marks dialed in from years of fishing these waters, so we're not wasting time looking for fish – we're going straight to where they live.

Top Catches This Season

The chinook salmon we target are the real deal – ocean-bright fish that average 15 to 25 pounds, with the occasional 30-plus pounder that'll test your drag system and make your arms burn. These kings are fresh from the deep Pacific, loaded with fight and flavor. Coho salmon are smaller but pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the ocean. They'll jump, run, and give you a workout on medium tackle. When we shift to bottom fishing, lingcod are the main attraction – ugly as sin but absolutely delicious, and they grow big in Oregon waters. A 20-pound ling is a solid fish, but 30 to 40-pounders are definitely possible, especially on the deeper reefs. Black sea bass are another favorite – they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. The variety is what keeps this trip exciting. You might catch six different species in one day, each with its own fighting characteristics and techniques required to land them consistently.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook salmon are the kings of the Pacific for good reason. These fish spend years in the ocean building up size and strength before heading back to spawn. The ones we target are typically 3 to 5 years old, bright silver with dark backs, and absolutely loaded with energy. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August being particularly productive. What makes them so exciting is their size and power – when a big king decides it doesn't want to come to the boat, you're in for a battle. They'll sound toward the bottom, make long runs, and test every knot in your system.

Coho salmon are smaller than their chinook cousins but make up for it with pure athleticism. These fish are acrobats – they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight, often throwing the hook in the process if you're not careful with your drag settings. Coho are typically 6 to 12 pounds, with bright silver sides and dark metallic backs. They're aggressive feeders and will often hit lures that kings ignore. The meat quality is outstanding – firm, red, and perfect for grilling or smoking.

Lingcod are the apex predators of the rocky reefs, and they look the part with massive heads, huge mouths full of teeth, and an attitude to match. These fish can live over 20 years and grow to impressive sizes – the Oregon record is over 60 pounds. They're ambush predators that lie motionless on the bottom until prey comes within striking distance. What's exciting about lingcod is their aggressive nature. They'll often follow a hooked fish right to the surface, sometimes grabbing it just as you're about to net it. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean.

Black sea bass are smaller than lingcod but equally scrappy. These fish are built like footballs with fins – short, stocky, and incredibly strong for their size. They live in schools around rocky structure and kelp beds, feeding on small fish, crabs, and squid. A 3 to 5-