Garibaldi Halibut & Tuna Combo | 10 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target halibut and tuna on 10-hour Oregon coast adventureExpert guides provide equipment and instruction for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per trip
If you're looking for a fishing adventure that'll test your skills and fill your cooler, this 10-hour halibut and tuna combo trip out of Garibaldi is exactly what you need. We're talking about targeting two of the Oregon coast's most prized species in one epic day on the water. With Big Bite Charters, you'll get the chance to battle Pacific halibut that can tip the scales at 50+ pounds and scrappy albacore tuna that'll put your drag system to work. Our intimate 4-angler max setup means you'll get the personal attention you deserve, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs. Pack your lunch, bring your A-game, and get ready for some serious bend-the-rod action off one of Oregon's top fishing ports.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 10-hour commitment that gives us the time to chase both species properly. We'll start early, heading out from Garibaldi Bay when the coffee's still hot and the ocean's glassy. The first part of our day typically focuses on halibut, working the deeper structure and sandy bottoms where these flatfish love to hang out. You'll be fishing with heavy tackle, dropping baits down to depths that can reach 200+ feet. Once we've got some barn doors in the fish box, we'll transition to tuna fishing, which means switching up our tactics completely. We'll be trolling spreads of lures and working schools of baitfish where the albacore are feeding. The beauty of this combo trip is the variety – you're not doing the same thing all day, and both species require different skills and techniques to master.
For halibut, we're talking about serious bottom fishing with conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test. We'll be using circle hooks with whole herring, salmon bellies, or big chunks of rockfish for bait. The key is getting your offering right on the bottom and feeling for that distinctive halibut bite – they don't slam it like a lingcod, they just load up on your rod tip. When we switch to tuna mode, it's all about trolling with feathers, cedar plugs, and hoochies behind dodgers. We'll run multiple lines at different depths, typically between 6-12 knots, watching the sonar for schools and temperature breaks where the albacore congregate. The tuna gear is lighter but still substantial – 30-40 pound class tackle that can handle their long, powerful runs. All equipment is provided, but if you've got your own favorite tuna setup, feel free to bring it along. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish using proven local techniques.
The halibut fishing off Garibaldi has been consistently solid, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 22-inchers up to genuine door-mats pushing 60+ pounds. Most of our halibut action happens in 150-250 feet of water over mixed bottom – think sand channels between rocky reefs where these ambush predators set up to feed. The tuna fishing has been world-class when conditions align, with schools of 15-25 pound albacore moving through our local waters during their peak migration. We've had days where every angler limits out on tuna, and other trips where we've had to work for every fish – that's just the nature of pelagic fishing. The combo format gives us the best of both worlds, with the halibut providing consistent action while the tuna add that high-speed excitement that gets your heart pumping. Recent trips have seen coolers filled with quality eating fish, and many anglers walk away with their personal best in one or both species.
Pacific halibut are the true kings of Oregon bottom fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can live over 50 years and grow to massive proportions, with the Oregon record sitting at 342 pounds. During summer months from June through September, halibut move into our coastal waters to feed heavily on rockfish, sand dabs, and other bottom dwellers. What makes halibut so exciting isn't just their size – it's their fight. When you hook a big halibut, it's like being connected to a submarine. They use their broad, flat body to create maximum resistance, bulldogging toward the bottom with stubborn determination. The real excitement comes at the boat when you see that distinctive white belly flash up from the depths. Halibut are also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from fish and chips to grilled steaks.
Albacore tuna represent the other end of the fishing spectrum – pure speed and endurance packed into a torpedo-shaped package. These highly migratory fish follow warm water currents and baitfish schools along the Pacific coast, typically arriving in Oregon waters from July through October when ocean temperatures hit the sweet spot around 60-62 degrees. Albacore are built for speed, capable of reaching 50+ mph in short bursts, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. They make long, blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming, then come back toward the boat before making another blazing sprint in the opposite direction. Most Oregon albacore run 15-30 pounds, though larger fish over 40 pounds show up each season. Beyond the fight, albacore are prized for their rich, red meat that's perfect for searing, grilling, or making into sashimi-grade preparations.
This halibut and tuna combo trip represents one of the best values in Oregon fishing – two premier species, expert guidance, and a full day on some of the most productive waters on the West Coast. With only 4 spots available per
Get ready to target halibut and tuna aboard our rock-solid 30-ft Thunder Jet aluminum skiff. This 2021 powerhouse runs triple Suzuki 175HP engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 35 knots when conditions call for it. Built tough for Oregon's coastal waters, she's loaded with everything serious anglers need: fish finder to mark your targets, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for those stealthy approaches. Keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox while the multimedia system keeps spirits high during longer runs. With comfortable seating for up to 6 and even an onboard head, you'll stay focused on what matters most - landing those trophy fish. Whether you're after hard-fighting halibut or blazing-fast tuna, this aluminum fishing machine delivers the stability and power to make it happen on Garibaldi's productive waters.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the speed demons of our Oregon waters, running 18-25 inches and averaging 20-45 pounds of pure muscle. These bullet-shaped fish never stop moving through deep ocean waters, traveling in massive schools that can stretch for miles. Peak season runs late summer when warm currents bring them close enough to reach on day trips. What gets anglers hooked is the blistering runs and aerial shows - plus albacore is the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat" tuna. The meat stays firm with a mild flavor that beats anything from a can. When we find a school, the action gets wild fast since they feed aggressively during daylight hours. Pro tip: if the first fish gets away, that whole school will likely scatter, so keep steady pressure and don't rush the fight.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are massive flatfish that'll test your arms and patience. These bottom-dwellers typically run 20-40 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't rare off our coast. They live in 150-500 feet of water on sandy or muddy bottoms, camouflaged with their diamond-shaped brown bodies. Summer brings them into shallower feeding areas where they ambush prey like crabs, cod, and salmon. What makes halibut special is the fight - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll peel line fast. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table than fresh halibut steaks. Here's a tip: once you feel bottom, bounce your bait every few minutes. These fish hunt by sight and vibration, so that movement often triggers strikes when just sitting still won't.
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