Premium 10 Hour Halibut & Tuna Adventure Off Oregon Coast
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
10hour combo trip targets halibut and tuna offshoreExpert guides provide equipment and instruction for all levelsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a solid fishing vessel, rod in hand, watching the Oregon coastline fade into the distance as you head out to some of the most productive fishing waters on the West Coast. That's exactly what you get with Big Bite Charters' Garibaldi Fishing Halibaldi & Tuna Combo – a full-day adventure that puts you right where the big fish live. This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip. We're talking about a serious 10-hour commitment to chasing two of the ocean's most prized catches: Pacific halibut and albacore tuna. With our experienced crew guiding every step and room for just four anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between coming home with fish stories and coming home with actual fish.
When you step aboard our charter boat in Garibaldi, you're signing up for the real deal. This 10-hour fishing adventure takes you well beyond the typical nearshore spots most boats hit. We're heading out to where the continental shelf drops off and the big predators cruise – that sweet spot where halibut patrol the bottom and tuna schools move through the blue water above. The Oregon coast offers some of the best mixed-bag fishing on the Pacific, and our crew knows exactly where to find the action. You'll spend your day moving between different fishing zones, switching up techniques as we target these completely different species. One minute you're dropping heavy tackle to the depths for monster halibut, the next you're scanning the surface for bird activity that signals feeding tuna. The small group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time, and our guides work with each angler to dial in their technique. Whether you've been fishing for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, we'll make sure you're set up for success.
This combo trip demands versatility, and we've got the gear dialed in for both species. For halibut, we're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle the weight of large sinkers and even larger fish. The bottom fishing game is all about getting your bait down to where these flatfish are feeding – sometimes in 200+ feet of water. We'll rig you up with circle hooks, heavy weights, and fresh bait that halibut can't resist. When it's time to switch gears for tuna, the setup changes completely. We break out the trolling gear – medium-heavy rods matched with reels that can handle long, screaming runs. Tuna fishing means covering water, so we'll be pulling lures at various speeds and depths until we find the schools. The crew handles all the rigging and re-rigging throughout the day, so you can focus on what matters: fighting fish. We provide all the tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels you want to bring, we're happy to work with your gear too. Just remember to pack layers – Oregon weather can change quickly out there, and you'll want to stay comfortable during those long battles with big fish.
Pacific halibut are the undisputed kings of West Coast bottom fishing, and the waters off Garibaldi hold some true giants. These prehistoric-looking flatfish can live over 50 years and grow to massive proportions – we're talking fish that can weigh 100+ pounds and measure over six feet long. Halibut are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud on the ocean floor, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by. The best time to target them is during the summer months when they move into shallower waters to feed, typically from May through September. What makes halibut so exciting to catch isn't just their size – it's the fight. When you hook into a big halibut, it feels like you've snagged the bottom until suddenly that "bottom" starts moving. They use their massive, flat bodies like a sail, creating incredible resistance that will test your arms, back, and patience. Landing a keeper halibut is one of those fishing experiences that stays with you, partly because the meat is absolutely outstanding on the dinner table.
Albacore tuna represent the complete opposite end of the fishing spectrum from halibut, but they're equally addictive to target. These silver bullets of the Pacific are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful tail fins that can propel them at speeds over 40 mph. Unlike the bottom-dwelling halibut, albacore are pelagic fish that roam the open ocean in schools, following temperature breaks and food sources. They typically show up off the Oregon coast from July through October, when warmer ocean conditions push them into our fishing grounds. The excitement of tuna fishing starts before you even hook up – watching the sonar for marks, spotting bird activity, and seeing those distinctive splashes as schools feed on the surface gets your heart pumping. When you do connect with a tuna, be ready for a fight unlike anything in freshwater. These fish don't give up, making multiple long runs that will have your reel screaming and your drag system working overtime. Albacore also happen to be some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for grilling or making into steaks.
Here's the thing about this halibut and tuna combo trip – it's not something you can do just anywhere or anytime. The Oregon coast's unique geography, with deep water close to shore and nutrient-rich upwelling, creates the perfect conditions for both species to thrive in the same area. Add in Big Bite Charters' local knowledge and top-notch equipment, and you've got a fishing opportunity that's tough to beat. With only four spots available per trip, this isn't a cattle-boat operation where you're fighting for space at the rail. You'll have room to work,
Step aboard our 30-foot Thunder Jet aluminum skiff, your ticket to Oregon's best halibut and tuna fishing grounds. This 2021 beauty packs triple Suzuki 175HP engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 35 knots. Built tough for serious anglers, she handles the coastal waters like a champ while keeping you comfortable during those long fishing days. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when the marine layer rolls in. Between battles with big fish, kick back with the multimedia system or grab a cold one from the icebox. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on wary fish without spooking them, and when nature calls, there's a proper head aboard. With room for 4 anglers plus crew, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. Perfect setup for targeting those prized Oregon halibut and tuna that'll have your arms aching and your cooler full.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are sleek, bullet-shaped tuna running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds in our waters. They travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in the deeper blue water beyond the continental shelf. Best fishing happens mid-summer through early fall when warm currents bring them close. What sets albacore apart is their non-stop energy - they never rest, which means when you hook one, you're in for a screaming fight with long runs. They're also the only "white meat" tuna, making them prime table fare. Here's a local trick: when you hook your first fish, work fast to get it in the boat. The lead fish often guides the school, so if it gets away, the whole group usually follows and you'll lose your shot at multiple hookups.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are massive flatfish that can reach 8 feet and 500+ pounds, though most we catch run 20-100 pounds. These "barn doors" live on muddy bottoms in 150-500 feet of water off our coast. Summer's your best bet when they move shallower to feed. What makes halibut special? That initial hit feels like you've snagged bottom, then suddenly your rod doubles over as this giant wakes up. The fight is all brute strength - no fancy jumps, just pure power. Plus, you can't beat the eating - firm white fillets that taste amazing. My tip: when you think you've hit bottom, lift your rod. If it "walks away," you've got a halibut. Keep steady pressure and be patient - these fish don't give up easy.
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