5.0(4 Reviews)Puget Sound Bottom Fishing Charter Seattle
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Lingcod and Flounder in productive Puget Sound watersPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests with flexible schedulingClimatecontrolled cabin with bathroom plus all tackle and bait included
There's nothing quite like dropping a line in the productive waters of Puget Sound, where the bottom structure holds some of the Northwest's most sought-after groundfish. Big King Salmon Charters' private bottom fishing trips put you right where the action is, targeting Lingcod and Starry Flounder in their prime habitat. From April through June, these waters come alive with feeding fish, making it the perfect season to get your lines down deep. You'll fish aboard a comfortable 28-foot Tollycraft with a heated cabin and private head – no crowded party boats here, just you and up to three other anglers having the water to yourselves.
Captain Chris runs a tight ship with flexible scheduling that works around your plans. Whether you want to get out early with a 5:00 AM departure for a 4-hour trip or settle in for a full 6-hour adventure starting at 6:00 AM, you're covered. The 1:00 PM afternoon option is perfect if you're not an early riser but still want to get in on the action. Everything's provided – professional-grade bottom rigs, fresh bait, and all the tackle you'll need to get hooked up. Just bring your snacks, drinks, and layers for the weather. The climate-controlled cabin means you can warm up between drops, and having a private bathroom on board makes the whole day more comfortable. Washington State fishing licenses are available for purchase right on the boat, so don't worry if you forgot to grab one beforehand.
Bottom fishing in Puget Sound is all about reading the structure and getting your bait down to where the fish are holding. We'll be using heavy sinkers to punch through the current and keep your hooks right in the strike zone. The captain knows every productive ledge, rocky outcrop, and underwater feature where Lingcod like to ambush prey and Flounder cruise the sandy flats. You'll fish with circle hooks and fresh herring or other natural baits that these species can't resist. The key is keeping good contact with the bottom while staying alert for those subtle taps and tugs that signal a fish is investigating your offering. Don't be surprised when a Lingcod grabs hold – they hit hard and fight dirty, using their powerful jaws and the underwater structure to try to break you off.
"It was my first time in Seattle, and I wanted to catch salmon—Chris made it happen! We had a gorgeous day and experienced an incredible catch-and-release with wild salmon. Chris is not only extremely knowledgeable but also prioritizes safety and follows regulations to the letter. On top of that, he's kind, funny, and makes the whole trip a blast. A day on the water with him is truly unbeatable. I'll definitely be booking again soon for more salmon adventures. The area and the salmon lifecycle are fascinating—an absolute must for anyone who loves fishing!" - Lincoln
"We had an amazing day with Captain Chris and all of us caught our salmon limits! The weather was perfect, the waters calm, and Chris kept the conversation interesting and fun throughout. We took our fresh fillets back to the hotel freezer and are now gearing up for a delicious salmon dinner tonight. Nothing beats a day like this compared to getting skunked or going out to eat! We'll definitely be back—thanks, Chris!" - Todd
"My kids, ages 14 and 24, said Chris was patient, understanding, and incredibly supportive. They hadn't done much fishing before, but loved learning from him—and they even caught their limit!" - Kim
Lingcod are the ultimate bottom predator in these waters, and they're what most anglers dream about when they think Puget Sound fishing. These aggressive fish can reach impressive sizes – we're talking 20 to 30 pounds for a really nice one, though smaller fish in the 5 to 15-pound range are more common. April through June is prime time because they're coming off their winter spawning period and feeding heavily to build their strength back up. Lingcod are ambush predators that hide among rocky structure, waiting to explode out and grab anything that looks like an easy meal. When you hook into one, expect a serious fight – they'll use every bit of cover available to try to wrap your line around rocks or kelp. The meat is absolutely fantastic, with firm white fillets that are perfect for the grill or frying pan.
Starry Flounder might not have the aggressive reputation of Lingcod, but they're incredibly fun to catch and make excellent table fare. These flatfish cruise the sandy and muddy bottoms of Puget Sound, using their perfectly camouflaged bodies to blend in while hunting for worms, crabs, and small fish. Spring brings them into shallower water where they're easier to target, and a good-sized Starry Flounder can easily reach 2 to 3 pounds. What makes them special is how they fight – instead of the head-shaking power of a Lingcod, Flounder use their flat profile to plane through the water, creating a unique pulling sensation that keeps you guessing about what's on the end of your line until you see them come up to the surface.
Bottom fishing in Puget Sound during the spring season is some of the most productive angling you'll find in the Pacific Northwest. With professional gear, local expertise, and a comfortable boat that keeps you fishing in conditions that would send smaller vessels back to the dock, this charter delivers the kind of day that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The combination of challenging fish, beautiful scenery, and the satisfaction of bringing home fresh fillets makes for a fishing experience that's hard to beat. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his track record speaks for itself. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to
Step aboard our fully restored 1976 Tollycraft Sportfishing boat – a classic 28-footer that's been completely rebuilt in 2024 and ready to take you after Puget Sound's bottom dwellers. With a powerful 357HP Mercruiser engine pushing us up to 35 knots, we'll get you to the productive fishing grounds quickly and comfortably. This isn't just any fishing boat – it's built for serious anglers who want both performance and comfort. The climate-controlled cabin keeps you warm between bites, while the onboard refrigerator and icebox ensure your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. When nature calls, you've got a private bathroom right on board. Our wireless trolling motor lets us position silently over structure where the lingcod and flounder hang out, while our fish finder shows exactly what's below. GPS and radar keep us on the most productive spots regardless of weather conditions. The flybridge gives us excellent visibility to spot diving birds and other signs of fish activity. Whether you're targeting winter lingcod in the deep channels or going after seasonal flatfish on the sandy bottoms, this boat handles Puget Sound's variable conditions with ease. The stable platform makes it perfect for dropping heavy jigs to the bottom or working bait along underwater ledges where the big fish feed.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite the name, these aren't actually cod but aggressive predators with massive mouths full of sharp teeth. They average 5-15 pounds, but the females can hit 20+ pounds easily. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas and kelp beds from 30-200 feet, usually sitting tight on structure waiting to ambush anything that swims by. They bite year-round, but spring and fall fishing is typically best. What guests love is their attitude - lingcod don't give up without a fight, and they'll grab just about any bait or jig you drop down. The white, firm meat is outstanding eating too. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quick. They love to dive back into the rocks and wrap you up, so don't give them slack to think about it.
Platichthys StellatusThese distinctive flatfish are easy to spot with their star-shaped scales and colorful bars on the fins. Most run 2-5 pounds, though we've seen some push 15+ pounds in Puget Sound's muddy bottoms. They love hanging out in 50-150 feet of water where sand meets structure. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move shallow after spawning. What makes them fun is their curious nature - they'll often follow your bait before committing. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a few seconds - starry flounder like to mouth the bait before really grabbing it. Their rough, sandpaper-like skin is unmistakable when you land one.
5.0 out of 5.0It was my first time in Seattle, and I wanted to catch salmon—Chris made it happen! We had a gorgeous day and experienced an incre...
We had an amazing day with Captain Chris and all of us caught our salmon limits! The weather was perfect, the waters calm, and Chr...
Chris provided a smooth and professional fishing experience. He knew the local waters inside and out and shared valuable tips alon...
My kids, ages 14 and 24, said Chris was patient, understanding, and incredibly supportive. They hadn’t done much fishing before, b...
Washington