Garibaldi Halibut Fishing - 7 Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
7hour halibut fishing adventure off Oregon coastExpert guides provide topnotch gear and local knowledgeSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action on the Oregon coast? Big Bite Charters' 7-hour halibut trip out of Garibaldi is where you want to be. We're talking about targeting one of the Pacific's most prized flatfish in waters that consistently produce quality fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip – seven hours gives us the time to really work the productive halibut grounds and put you on fish that'll make your arms ache in the best way possible. With just three anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference when you're after these bottom-hugging bruisers.
Your day starts early at Garibaldi's marina, where we'll get you set up with everything you need before heading out into the Pacific. The Oregon coast serves up some of the most consistent halibut fishing on the west coast, and our local knowledge puts us on the productive structure where these fish hang out. Expect to fish in 80 to 200 feet of water over rocky bottom, kelp edges, and sandy flats where halibut cruise looking for their next meal. The boat ride out takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on conditions and where the fish are biting. Once we're on the grounds, it's all about patience and persistence. Halibut fishing is a waiting game – you might sit for an hour without a bite, then suddenly your rod doubles over with a fish that could go anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. The smaller keeper-sized fish around 22 to 30 inches fight surprisingly hard, while the bigger barn doors over 30 pounds will test your stamina and our tackle. With seven hours on the water, we've got time to move around and find active fish, hitting multiple spots until we locate where they're feeding.
We fish halibut with heavy conventional gear – think 6 to 7 foot rods with plenty of backbone paired with reels that can handle 40 to 60 pound test line. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse. We're dropping heavy sinkers (usually 12 to 20 ounces depending on current) with two-hook spreader bars or chicken rigs baited with fresh herring, anchovies, or sometimes chunks of salmon belly. The key is getting your bait down to the bottom where halibut feed, then working it just off the deck. You'll feel the weight tick bottom, then lift it up a foot or two and hold it there. When a halibut hits, you'll know it – they don't nibble like rockfish. They grab the bait and run, peeling line off your reel. The fight is all about steady pressure and pumping the fish up from depth. These fish are pure muscle and they use the current and their flat profile to their advantage, making long runs and bulldogging toward bottom. We provide all the tackle, bait, and know-how, but if you've got your own heavy gear, feel free to bring it along. Just make sure your reel has a solid drag system because halibut will test it.
Pacific halibut are the main event on this trip, and for good reason. These flatfish are absolute fighters that can live over 40 years and grow massive – the Oregon record stands at over 400 pounds, though most of what we catch runs between 15 and 50 pounds. Halibut are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud with just their eyes showing, waiting for bait fish, crabs, or squid to swim by. What makes them so exciting to catch is their explosive initial run when hooked, followed by a stubborn, dogged fight as you work them up from depth. The best halibut fishing off Garibaldi runs from May through September, with peak action typically in July and August when water temperatures warm up and baitfish are abundant. During your trip, you might also hook into lingcod, which share similar habitat and put up a spectacular fight with their big mouths and aggressive strikes. Rockfish like yelloweye, canary, and black rockfish are common bonus catches that add variety to your fish box. The beauty of halibut fishing is that you never know what size fish might grab your bait next – it could be a keeper around 25 inches or a legitimate trophy that has you fighting for 20 minutes straight.
This 7-hour halibut trip with Big Bite Charters gives you the best shot at landing quality Pacific halibut off the Oregon coast. With just three spots available, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of room to fight your fish without crowded conditions. The combination of Garibaldi's prime location, our local expertise, and a full day on productive halibut grounds makes this a top-rated fishing experience. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target a new species or someone wanting to step up from typical salmon or rockfish trips, halibut fishing delivers the kind of arm-burning action that keeps people coming back. Don't wait to secure your spot – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak summer months when halibut fishing is at its finest. Book your 7-hour halibut adventure today and get ready to battle one of the Pacific's most sought-after game fish.
Get ready to chase halibut aboard our 30-foot 2021 Thunder Jet aluminum skiff, purpose-built for serious Oregon coast fishing. Three Suzuki 175HP engines deliver the punch you need to reach prime halibut waters quickly, hitting 35 knots when conditions allow. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything for a productive day: fish finder to locate structure, GPS navigation, radar for those coastal fog banks, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, with an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 7-hour adventure. Whether you're targeting barn door halibut or mixed bag fishing, this versatile platform handles Oregon's coastal waters with confidence. The onboard multimedia system keeps spirits high between bites, while the enclosed head ensures comfort during long days on the water.
Portland