4hr Private Afternoon Salmon Charter – Seattle
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour private afternoon salmon charter on Puget SoundActive handson fishing for Coho and Chinook salmon speciesAll gear and licenses provided for groups up to four
Looking for a solid half-day salmon trip that won't eat up your entire day? This 4-hour private afternoon charter with Cut Plug Charters is exactly what you need. Captain Justin runs a tight ship but keeps things fun and relaxed – perfect for families who want to sleep in or couples looking to cap off a Seattle morning with some serious fishing action. Running from 12:30 PM to around 4:30 PM, you'll hit Puget Sound during prime afternoon bite times when the salmon are actively feeding. This isn't one of those crowded party boats where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. It's just you and up to 3 friends or family members on a private boat, which means more fish per person and way more fun.
Captain Justin runs this charter with an all-hands-on-deck approach that gets everyone involved from the start. No sitting around waiting for your turn – every angler gets their own rod and real estate on the boat. The trip runs seasonally from May 2nd through September 15th, hitting the sweet spot of Seattle's salmon runs when both Coho and Chinook are moving through local waters. You'll be fishing light tackle, which makes every hookup feel like a real battle and gives smaller anglers a fair shot at landing their own fish. The boat comes loaded with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Don't have a fishing license? No problem – Captain Justin can sort that out right on the boat. This setup works great for mixed groups where some people fish regularly and others are just getting started.
This charter focuses on light tackle salmon fishing, which means you'll be using gear that's perfectly matched to the size and fight of Pacific salmon without being overkill. Captain Justin typically runs a combination of trolling with downriggers and mooching depending on conditions and where the fish are holding. Trolling lets you cover more water and find active schools, while mooching puts you right in the strike zone when you locate feeding fish. The tackle setup includes medium-action rods paired with quality reels loaded with 20-30 pound test line – strong enough to handle a big Chinook but light enough to feel every head shake and run. Lures vary by season but expect to see spoons, plugs, and hoochies in colors that match local baitfish. The captain reads the water conditions, tide, and current fish reports to dial in the right depth and presentation for the day. Puget Sound fishing means working with tides, structure, and current breaks where salmon ambush prey.
Chinook Salmon, also called King salmon, are the heavyweight champions of the Pacific and the prize catch on any Seattle charter. These fish can run anywhere from 15 pounds up to massive 40+ pound specimens that will test your drag and your patience. Chinook are typically most active during the early season from May through July, though good numbers stick around into August. What makes Chinook so special is their incredible strength and endurance – they'll make long, powerful runs that strip line off your reel and jump clear out of the water. The meat is rich, oily, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Landing a big King is a bucket list experience that'll have you talking about it for years.
Coho Salmon, or Silver salmon, are the acrobats of the salmon world and pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in Puget Sound. Running typically 8-15 pounds, they make up for size with pure attitude and aerial displays that'll leave you slack-jawed. Coho fishing really heats up from July through September, making them perfect targets for this afternoon charter window. These fish are aggressive feeders and will often hit lures hard and fast, leading to heart-stopping hookups. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that's milder than Chinook. Coho tend to school up and stay active during the day, which means when you find them, you can often catch several in quick succession.
This 4-hour private afternoon salmon charter delivers everything you want in a Seattle fishing trip without the early morning wake-up call or full-day commitment. You get private boat access, expert local knowledge, all the gear and licenses you need, and prime fishing time when salmon are actively feeding. Captain Justin's hands-on approach means everyone fishes at the same time and gets individual attention to improve their technique. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, introducing kids to salmon fishing, or just want a solid afternoon on Puget Sound, this charter hits the mark. The seasonal timing from May through September puts you right in the heart of salmon season when your chances of multiple hookups are at their peak. Don't wait – these private afternoon slots book up fast, especially during peak summer months.
Hit the waters of Puget Sound aboard this well-equipped 21' Grady-White center console that's built for serious salmon fishing. With a reliable 200HP Yamaha pushing you to the hotspots, this boat handles Seattle's choppy waters with ease while giving all 4 anglers plenty of room to work their lines simultaneously. The onboard fish finder helps locate those productive salmon schools, while the GPS keeps you on the productive bottom structure where the big Chinook like to hang out. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox and your drinks cold during those long battles with feisty Coho. The live bait well ensures your herring stays lively, and the porta-potty means you won't miss prime fishing time. Captain Justin runs an active boat where everyone fishes at once – no rotating turns or waiting around while others have all the fun. Perfect setup for families or small groups who want to experience Seattle's legendary salmon fishing without the crowds.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Puget Sound, running 12-30+ pounds with some real monsters pushing 40. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer deeper water, usually 60-150 feet down where it's cooler. They're strongest during our early summer runs when they're fresh from the ocean and packed with muscle. What makes targeting Kings special is the sustained, powerful fight - they'll peel drag and test your tackle like no other salmon. The rich, orange-red meat is top-shelf eating too. Here's the local secret: when trolling for Kings, run your gear slower than you think - around 2-3 mph. They're not as aggressive as Coho, so give them time to commit to the bite.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Running 8-15 pounds in our waters, these acrobatic fighters will jump clear out of the Sound multiple times during a fight. Coho cruise the mid-water column, typically 20-80 feet down, and love structure like kelp beds and drop-offs. Peak action runs July through September when they're staging before their spawning runs. What guests love most is their aggressive nature and aerial show - no other salmon fights like a hot Coho. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them jump and tire themselves out, then you can work them to the boat without breaking them off.
Seattle