Frequently Asked Questions

​How long are the trips?

Most trips last around 8-12 hours. If we “plug” the boat (fill the boxes with fish) early, they can be shorter. The maximum allowed by the coast guard is 12 hours.

• Salmon, Ling Cod and Bottom Fish is 8 hrs

• Tuna and Halibut are 8-12 hrs

What time do we leave the dock?

We usually leave somewhere between 6-7 AM, depending on the tides. A big ebb tide can keep us from crossing the bar for a few hours.  

Where do we meet you?

We depart from Winchester Bay, OR.

• The Boat is Moored on Dock #4 of the West basin located off Oak Rock Rd

• Meeting location will be the “T-Dock” located just below the Salmon Harbor Marina Office

• GPS Location: 43.67615° N, 124.18046° W

How long is the run out to the fishing grounds?

Around 1 to 1.5 hours. We have fast boat with a 32 knot cruise, so you spend more time fishing and less time running.

Do you cancel many trips due to weather?

No, but it does happen. If it is not safe, we don’t go. If we cancel due to weather you get a full refund.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. You need an OR saltwater fishing license.  You can buy an OR license online and print it up here.

Where do we get our fish cleaned?

Fish will be processed by fish fillet service upon return to port for $5-$10 per fish depending on species.  Paid directly to fillet service - we will coordinate them on our run in for you.

How far offshore will we go?

It depends. Sometimes they are as close as 20 miles offshore, other days we run as far as 70 miles offshore.

• Tuna: 40-70 miles

• Halibut: 40 miles

• Ling Cod and Salmon: 1-10 miles

What safety equipment do you have?

We have all of the safety equipment needed for an offshore run. We have an 8 man SOLAS A life raft, an EPIRB, life jackets, satellite phone, AIS and top of the line electronics and communications equipment. 

How do we split up the fish?

We split our fish up six ways, so everyone gets an equal share.

How many fish does the boat hold?

It all depends on the size of the fish. Our refrigerated (5 degree salt water brine) fish boxes can hold around 1000 pounds of fish. That is somewhere between 35-70 fish, depending on how big they are. 

Will my cell phone work offshore?

You will have service 10-20 miles offshore, if needed the boat also has marine Starlink and can be provided as needed.

Can I bring my own tackle?

Yes.  It is your trip and your boat for the day.  If you have that special rod and reel that you really, really love, bring it along and we will rig it up for you and see how it does.

What do I need to bring?

1. An OR fishing license

2. Comfortable clothes. Many folks like to wear rain gear and rubber boots. Offshore fishing can be messy and bloody. There is a saying that “offshore fishing clothes are forever”, meaning that you will likely never wear them anywhere but fishing again.  

3. Your lunch. We will provide snacks (chips, jerky, nuts, cliff bars), beverages, water and, soda.

4. Bring some big coolers, but leave them in your vehicle. No coolers are allowed on the boat.

5. Sunglasses 

What shouldn't I bring on the boat?

NO GLASS BOTTLES. NO COOLERS (we have a refrigerator). Too much stuff. You are only on the boat for 10-12 hours. There is no need to bring a bunch of stuff. We try to keep the boat free of clutter, as it gets in the way of fishing. You don't need to bring anything that won't fit in a small soft sided bag or backpack. DO NOT wear dark soled shoes, as they will mar the deck.

Can we drink on the boat?

Yes. Keep it in moderation. If you think getting drunk is part of fishing, we are not the charter for you. Fishing is a fast paced sport with lots of sharp hooks and gaffs flying around, so you need to be on top of your game.

Should I take seasickness medicine?

Yes. Unless you are 100% sure you do not get seasick, ask your doctor to prescribe you something or take an over the counter seasickness medication. Take it at least a couple hours BEFORE you get on the boat. If you wait until you are seasick, it is too late.

Is there anything I can do to avoid seasickness?

Yes. Do not drink alcohol the night before. Hangovers and boats do not mix. You will have a miserable time and probably get seasick if you drink too much the night before.

Will you teach me how to catch fish on my own boat?

Yes. If your goal is to learn how to catch on your own, we will do our best to show you how to find and catch fish. We will show you how to read a SST chart (Sea Surface Temperature), chlorophyl chart, and general tips for finding fish. We want everyone to leave the boat a better fisherman.

I am a first timer, can I get extra help?

Yes. We have helped hundreds of people catch their first fish. We consider teaching the art of offshore fishing to be part of our job. 

How do you care for the fish?

We have two giant refrigerated fish boxes. The boxes are filled with a saltwater brine that is kept well below freezing. This brine cools your fish down much faster than using ice. This allows us to get your fish cool fast, so you have a top quality product. All fish are quickly bled and dispatched into the brine.

Can I get out of the elements?

Yes. Our boat has a very large bridge deck with comfortable seating for 8 along with a mezzanine with seating for 2. It is enclosed and has heat and AC. We also have a spacious, modern head (bathroom), cockpit sink, and a large refrigerated drink box. 

What comes with the trip?

We provide all of the bait and tackle. We also provide snacks (chips, jerky, nuts, cliff bars), soda, Gatorade, and water.