Spring LOC Derby Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-hour spring derby targeting brown trout and chinook salmonCompetition fishing with cash prizes for biggest catchesEarly morning departure with up to 4 guests maximum
There's nothing quite like the rush of the Spring LOC Derby – and Captain's got you covered with this world-class 6-hour fishing adventure that kicks off bright and early at 5:40 AM. Running for just 10 days each May (2nd through 11th), this top-rated charter puts you right in the thick of one of the region's most competitive fishing tournaments. For $600, your crew of up to 4 anglers gets the chance to chase prize money while targeting some of the biggest brown trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, and walleye of the season. The best part? You can book with confidence knowing there's free cancellation up to 7 days out – because Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate, and we get it.
This isn't your typical leisurely fishing trip – the Spring LOC Derby brings out the competitive spirit in everyone aboard. You'll be fishing alongside some serious anglers all gunning for tournament glory, which means the energy is electric from the moment we fire up the engines. The early start time isn't just for show – it gets us to the prime fishing grounds when the fish are most active and before the weekend warriors crowd the hot spots. Derby fishing means we're playing for keeps, so expect to cover water efficiently and fish with purpose. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and has been running derby trips for years, so you're in experienced hands. The 6-hour window gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots and adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got all the gear you need, from downriggers to planer boards, plus a cooler full of ice to keep your potential prize fish fresh.
Spring derby fishing is all about covering water and finding active schools of fish, which means we'll be trolling most of the day with a spread of lures and bait. We run a full complement of downriggers to get our offerings down to where the big trout and salmon are cruising – typically anywhere from 15 to 80 feet deep depending on water temperature and baitfish location. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle the fight these fish put up, plus we carry an arsenal of proven derby lures like spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs. Temperature breaks and structure are key during derby season, so we use electronics to locate thermoclines and mark fish before setting our spread. Planer boards help us cover more water and keep lines away from the boat's wake, which is crucial when fish are finicky. The captain will handle all the technical stuff – setting depths, choosing lures, and reading the fish finder – while you focus on fighting fish and enjoying the competition atmosphere that makes derby fishing so addictive.
Brown trout are the crown jewel of spring derby fishing, and for good reason – these golden beauties can push 20+ pounds and fight like fish twice their size. Browns become incredibly aggressive during the spring months as they feed heavily after the spawn, making them prime targets for trolled spoons and cut bait. What makes browns special is their unpredictability – they'll cruise shallow one day and hug bottom structure the next, keeping anglers on their toes. The bigger fish tend to be loners, so when you hook into a trophy brown, you know you've got something special on the other end of the line.
Chinook salmon, or "kings" as we call them, are the heavyweight champions of the derby circuit. These silver bullets can exceed 30 pounds and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll ever experience. Spring chinooks are typically found in 40-100 feet of water, following baitfish schools and relating to temperature breaks. They're suckers for cut bait and large spoons, and when they hit, there's no mistaking it – the rod tip bounces violently before the fish makes its first screaming run. Kings are what derby dreams are made of, and landing one during tournament season often means a trip to the weigh-in station.
Coho salmon bring athleticism to the table with their acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast runs. These smaller cousins to the chinook rarely exceed 15 pounds but make up for it with pure fight and spectacular aerial displays. Cohos love flashy presentations and will often hit lures in the top 30 feet of water, especially early in the morning. They school more than chinooks, so finding one often means finding several – perfect for filling the cooler during derby competition.
Walleye might seem out of place in offshore waters, but spring brings these golden gamefish to deeper structures where they're surprisingly fun to catch on salmon gear. Derby walleye typically run 3-8 pounds and provide steady action between salmon runs. They're excellent table fare and often overlooked by anglers focused solely on trout and salmon, but smart derby fishermen know that consistent walleye catches can add up to tournament points and cash prizes.
The Spring LOC Derby only runs for 10 days each May, making this one of the most exclusive fishing opportunities of the season. With tournament entry and boat access for up to 4 anglers at just $600, you're getting incredible value for a customer favorite experience that books up fast every year. The early morning start means you'll be back at the dock by early afternoon with plenty of time to hit the weigh-in station if you're lucky enough to boat a tournament fish. Free cancellation up to 7 days out takes the pressure off booking early, so don't wait – derby spots fill up months in advance. Whether you're a tournament veteran or just want to experience the excitement of competitive fishing, this renowned charter puts you in the best position to succeed. Check availability now and secure your chance at derby glory with Ah Shore Thing Fishing Charters.
This 2004 Maycraft 25-footer is built for serious spring fishing when the big trout and salmon are running. The enclosed pilothouse keeps you comfortable during those chilly 5:40 AM starts, while the 225HP Yamaha 4-stroke gets you to the fishing grounds fast and reliable. With seating for four anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The fish finder helps locate schools, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when morning fog rolls in. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 6-hour derby sessions. VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and harbor updates. This boat handles offshore conditions well, cutting through chop to reach where the browns and chinooks are holding. Perfect setup for tournament fishing when every minute on the water counts toward landing that prize fish.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in the lake, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. These European natives typically run 15-24 inches but can reach impressive sizes in deeper waters. Unlike other trout, browns are most active during low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime time. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky drop-offs, submerged logs, and weed edges in 15-35 feet of water. Spring brings excellent fishing as they feed heavily after the cold months. What makes browns special is their wariness - they've seen every lure and earned their reputation as educated fish. The golden-brown coloring with black spots makes them gorgeous, and the firm, mild meat is outstanding table fare. They fight with surprising strength and use every trick to break off. Local secret: browns love crawfish patterns, so try a brown or orange jig bounced slowly along rocky bottom. Stay quiet and keep your shadow off the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of the water for a reason - these bruisers can exceed 20-30 pounds and will test every piece of your tackle. Most fish we catch run 12-20 pounds, but the possibility of a true giant keeps everyone on edge. Kings are light-sensitive, so they hang deep during bright days, often 40-80+ feet down. We target them with downriggers and heavy tackle since they make powerful runs and fight dirty near structure. Spring fishing puts them in feeding mode as they follow bait schools. The reddish-pink meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. What guests love most is the raw power - a big king will peel line and make your arms burn. They're also surprisingly smart, often following lures before deciding to hit. My go-to tip: use a fish-shaped plug in natural colors and don't be afraid to go deep. Patience pays off with these fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure dynamite on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+ in the right waters. What sets coho apart is their aerial show - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. Spring brings them into shallower waters where we target them with downriggers and planer boards. They cruise the thermocline looking for baitfish, usually 15-40 feet deep depending on water temps. Their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs make them beautiful fish, and the orange-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Coho are aggressive feeders that'll hit spoons, plugs, and flies with authority. Here's a local trick: when they're finicky, try a small spoon behind a dodger in chartreuse or pink. The flash and vibration often triggers strikes when nothing else works.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after freshwater fish, and for good reason. These golden-colored predators typically run 12-20 inches, but we regularly see specimens pushing 25+ inches during prime conditions. Their distinctive silver eyes help them hunt in low light, which is why early morning and evening bites are usually best. You'll find them holding near rocky structure, drop-offs, and weed lines in 10-25 feet of water. Spring fishing during the derby period is prime time as they move shallow to feed after ice-out. What makes walleye special is their incredible table quality - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also smart fighters that test your skills. Pro tip: slow your presentation way down and use live minnows on a jig. Walleye often bite so lightly you'll think it's bottom, so watch your line closely for any subtle movement.
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