Grab your fishing buddies and get ready for a day of non-stop action on the Oregon Coast! Our 6-hour private charter aboard the trusty 2nd Chance is all about putting you on the fish and making memories. We're talking salmon, rockfish, and lingcod - the heavy hitters of these waters. And if the crabbing's good? We'll drop some pots and see if we can't add some Dungeness to the cooler. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how to make it happen.
Picture this: You're cruising out of the harbor as the sun's coming up, salty air in your face and the promise of a great day ahead. Our experienced crew will get you set up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes (literally). We'll hit the honey holes where the fish are biting, using tried-and-true techniques to maximize your chances. And the best part? It's just your group on board, so we can tailor the trip to your preferences. Want to focus on salmon? You got it. Prefer to bottom fish for rockfish and lingcod? No problem. We're here to make sure everyone in your crew has a blast and hopefully goes home with some fresh fillets for dinner.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of fishing methods to target different species. For salmon, we might troll with herring or use downriggers to get our lures down deep where the big ones lurk. When we're after rockfish and lingcod, we'll likely drop jigs or bait to the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump of a strike. Our crew will walk you through each technique, from setting the hook to playing the fish. And if you're new to this, don't sweat it - we're patient teachers and love seeing the excitement on folks' faces when they reel in their first keeper. As for gear, we provide it all: rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Just bring your excitement and maybe a lucky hat!
The Oregon Coast is known for its fantastic fishing, and we've been having a banner year. Anglers have been pulling in limits of fat coho salmon, with some nice chinook mixed in. The bottom fishing has been red hot too, with plenty of colorful rockfish and some bruiser lingcod hitting the deck. We've even had a few halibut show up as a bonus catch. Remember, fishing can vary day to day, but we'll always put in the work to find where they're biting and get you on the action.
Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic fish are a blast to catch. They typically range from 6-12 pounds and are known for their hard fights and spectacular jumps. Coho start showing up in good numbers from July through September. Their flesh is a beautiful orange-red and makes for excellent eating, whether grilled, smoked, or baked.
Chinook Salmon: The king of salmon, chinooks are the heavyweights of the Pacific. They can grow over 30 pounds, though most we catch are in the 15-25 pound range. These fish are prized for their rich, fatty meat and put up an epic battle on the line. Peak season is usually August through September, but we can find them earlier and later too.
Lingcod: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't cod at all, but a fierce predator with a face only a mother could love. Lingcod have big mouths full of sharp teeth and can grow to over 40 pounds. They lurk near rocky structure and reefs, ambushing their prey. When you hook one, be ready for a powerful fight as they try to wrap you around the rocks. Their white, flaky meat is delicious and a local favorite.
Black Rockfish: These schooling fish are the backbone of our bottom fishing. They're abundant, eager biters, and make for great eating. Black rockfish typically run 2-5 pounds and often travel in large schools. When you find them, it's not uncommon to catch one on every drop. They're a perfect target for anglers of all skill levels and provide steady action throughout the trip.
Folks choose our private charters for a few key reasons. First, it's all about you and your group. No strangers to contend with, just your friends or family sharing the excitement. Second, our crew really knows these waters. We're out here day in and day out, tracking fish movements and dialing in the best spots. And let's be honest, there's something special about fishing the Oregon Coast. One minute you're battling a hard-fighting salmon, the next you're taking in views of rugged cliffs and maybe even spotting some wildlife. It's an experience that gets under your skin and keeps you coming back for more.
If you're itching to get out on the water and feel that rush of a big fish on the line, now's the time to lock in your date. Our private charters fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season. Whether you're planning a family outing, a trip with your fishing buddies, or even a corporate event, we've got you covered. Remember, we can accommodate up to 6 people, so gather your crew and let's make some fishing memories. Don't wait until the bite is on and everyone's scrambling for a boat - give us a call and we'll get you set up for a day of world-class fishing on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of hauling in your own catch with the Pacific stretching out around you, you'll be hooked for life!
Black rockfish are a staple of Oregon coast bottom fishing. These aggressive feeders typically run 2-5 pounds, with some pushing 10 pounds. You'll find them schooling near rocky reefs, kelp beds, and jetties in 30-300 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun for anglers of all skill levels. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak season. Blacks are known for their strong initial run when hooked, followed by a steady fight to the surface. Their white, flaky meat is excellent for fish tacos or fish and chips. To target them, I like to use medium tackle with shrimp flies, small jigs, or live bait. One tip: when you find a school, work it quickly. These fish often feed in a frenzy, but the bite can shut off suddenly. Keep an eye out for working birds, which often signal feeding black rockfish below.
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, though most we catch run 15-30 pounds. They're prized for both their fighting ability and rich, flavorful meat. Look for chinook in deeper offshore waters in summer, moving closer to shore and into rivers by fall. They prefer cooler water, so we often find them hanging out near the thermocline. Trolling with downriggers is a go-to method - herring, anchovies, or large plugs all work well. Kings are known for their powerful runs, so make sure your drag is set right. The best time to target them is usually early morning or evening when they're most active. One local trick: if you're mooching bait, a slow, erratic retrieve often triggers more strikes than a steady one. There's nothing like the thrill of a big chinook peeling line off your reel!
Coho salmon, also known as silvers, are a blast to catch on the Oregon coast. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds, though some monsters push 30 inches and 20+ pounds. Look for them in coastal rivers and nearshore ocean waters from July through November. Cohos have a reputation for explosive strikes and aerial displays when hooked. Their bright orange flesh makes for excellent eating too. To target cohos, I like using bright-colored spinners or plugs in faster-moving water. In slower pools, try drifting roe or sand shrimp under a float. Keep your drag set light - these fish love to make sudden runs and jumps. The fall season is prime time, as adult cohos return to their home rivers to spawn. There's nothing quite like the rush of a chrome-bright coho crushing your lure on a crisp autumn morning.
Lingcod are the ultimate ambush predators of the Oregon coast. These gnarly-looking fish hang out near rocky structures on the ocean floor, using their mottled coloring as camouflage. Despite the name, they're not actually cod - they're members of the greenling family. Lings can grow huge, with some topping 50 pounds, though most are in the 10-30 pound range. They've got a massive mouth full of teeth and will eat just about anything that fits in there. We usually find them in 30-300 feet of water near reefs and kelp beds. Spring and summer are prime seasons. Anglers love targeting lings for their aggressive strikes and delicious white meat. To land one, use heavy gear and drop large jigs or live bait near the bottom. My top tip: when you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and start reeling - lings love to wrap you in the rocks if you give them a chance.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150