Puget Sound Shared Bottom Fishing Charter Seattle
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Lingcod and Flounder on 46 hour shared chartersProfessional 28foot Tollycraft with heated cabin and gear includedMorning and afternoon departures available April through June
Looking to get into some serious bottom fishing action without breaking the bank? This shared charter puts you right where the big Lingcod and Starry Flounder hang out in Puget Sound's productive waters. From April through June, when these bottom dwellers are most active, you'll fish the proven spots that consistently produce keeper-sized fish. Choose your adventure with a full 6-hour morning trip starting at 6:00 AM, or jump on the 4-hour afternoon session kicking off at 1:00 PM. At $285 per person, you're getting access to prime fishing grounds, professional gear, and a crew that knows exactly where to drop those lines.
You'll be fishing from a well-equipped 28-foot Tollycraft that's built for Pacific Northwest conditions. The heated and cooled cabin means you'll stay comfortable whether it's a chilly morning or the afternoon sun gets intense. Having a private bathroom on board is a game-changer for longer trips – no need to cut your fishing short. The boat comes loaded with all the bottom fishing tackle you'll need, from heavy jigs to the right sinkers for Puget Sound's currents. Your captain will handle the navigation to the best spots while you focus on feeling for those telltale taps and pulls that mean fish on the line. The crew provides all bait, so just show up ready to fish. Don't forget to grab your Washington fishing license on board if you don't already have one – they'll get you sorted before lines hit the water.
Bottom fishing in Puget Sound is all about reading the structure and working your bait in the strike zone. You'll be using medium to heavy action rods paired with conventional reels loaded with enough line to reach depths of 100-200 feet where the big fish live. The technique involves dropping weighted jigs or bait rigs straight down to the bottom, then working them just off the seafloor where Lingcod and Flounder feed. Lingcod are ambush predators that love rocky structure and ledges, so expect to fish around underwater pinnacles and drop-offs. Flounder prefer sandy or muddy bottoms where they can camouflage and wait for prey. Your captain will position the boat over proven productive areas using GPS and fish finder technology, then coach you on the right jigging action and how to detect strikes. The key is keeping good bottom contact while staying alert for the subtle bites that these species are known for.
Starry Flounder are one of Puget Sound's most reliable bottom fish, and they fight harder than most people expect. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes – keepers start at 12 inches, but you'll often find yourself battling fish in the 15-20 inch range during prime season. April through June is peak time as they move into shallower waters to feed aggressively before summer. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable fight – they'll dart and roll, using that flat body to create maximum resistance. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or pan-frying.
Lingcod are the real prize fish that keep bottom anglers coming back for more. These toothy predators can grow massive – the state record is over 60 pounds, and fish in the 20-30 pound range are caught regularly in these waters. They're most active during the April-June window when they're guarding nests in rocky areas. Lingcod have an attitude problem and will attack lures aggressively, making for heart-pounding strikes. Once hooked, they use every rock and crevice to try breaking your line. The meat is exceptional – firm, white fillets that are prized by restaurants and home cooks alike. Landing a trophy Lingcod is a bucket-list experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
This shared charter delivers serious value for anglers who want to target quality bottom fish without the expense of a private boat. The spring season from April to June offers the best action before summer crowds and warmer water changes fish behavior. Whether you're a seasoned bottom fisher or new to targeting these species, the professional crew will make sure you're in the right spots using the right techniques. With all gear and bait included, plus the convenience of on-board license sales, all you need to bring is your appetite for adventure and some snacks for the trip. Book early since prime spring dates fill up fast – there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of hauling up a keeper Lingcod or feeling that distinctive Flounder bite.
Step aboard our classic 1976 Tollycraft Sportfishing boat, completely rebuilt in 2024 and ready to tackle Puget Sound's best bottom fishing grounds. This 28-footer packs serious power with a 357HP Mercruiser that'll cruise you to the hot spots at 35 knots, getting you more time with lines in the water chasing Lingcod and Flounder. The heated cabin keeps you comfortable between bites, while the onboard refrigerator and icebox ensure your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure where the big Lings hang out, and the GPS keeps us locked onto productive ledges and drop-offs. When visibility drops, radar keeps us safe and on course. The wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly over skittish fish without spooking them. After hours of battling bottom dwellers, stretch out on the onboard bed or use the private head. The flybridge gives our captain a commanding view of the water and wildlife. Built for serious anglers who want both comfort and fish-catching capability on Puget Sound's productive waters.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the bullies of Puget Sound's rocky reefs, and they're a blast to target. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings with massive heads full of sharp teeth - we call them "bucketheads" for good reason. Males typically run under 24 inches while females can push 30+ pounds and several feet long. They hang out in rocky structure from 30-300 feet, using their mottled green and brown coloring to ambush anything that swims by. Spring is prime time when they're aggressive and feeding heavily after spawning. What guests love is the aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - these fish don't give up easily. The white, flaky meat is outstanding too. They'll eat almost anything, but here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them away from the rocks fast. They'll try to wrap you up in their rocky hideouts every time.
Platichthys StellatusThese flatfish are perfect for anglers wanting something different. Starry flounders get their name from the star-shaped scales that give them a rough texture, plus those distinctive black bars on their fins. Most run 2-4 pounds, though we've seen some push 15+ pounds in Puget Sound. They love muddy bottoms in 50-150 feet of water, especially around areas where fresh water mixes in. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters that swim sideways, and the meat is fantastic - sweet and flaky like sole. These fish can actually change colors to match the bottom, which is pretty cool to watch when you bring one up. Pro tip: use a slow retrieve with your bait right on the bottom, and give them time to fully take it before setting the hook.
Washington