4hr Shared Salmon & Bottom Fishing – Seattle
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour shared charter targeting salmon and bottom fish in Puget SoundSmall group fishing aboard 21foot Grady White with included gear and licensesClosetomarina trips maximize water time while allowing city exploration afterward
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip without the full-day commitment? This 4-hour shared charter out of Seattle hits the sweet spot for anglers who want to get their lines wet in Puget Sound's productive waters while still having time for other plans. You'll fish alongside a small group on our reliable 21' Grady White, targeting everything from hard-fighting salmon to bottom-dwelling rockfish in some of the region's most consistent fishing grounds.
This trip keeps things simple and effective – we stay close to the marina to maximize your actual fishing time, which means less travel and more action. Depending on what's biting and what's in season, you'll be using light tackle setups, working jigs near structure, or dropping lines to the bottom for lingcod and flounder. The captain adjusts tactics based on current conditions and regulations, so you're always fishing the most productive methods allowed. Since it's a shared charter, you'll meet fellow anglers and share in the excitement when someone hooks up. All your gear is provided, and if you don't have a Washington fishing license, no worries – you can grab one right on the boat before we head out.
We run light to medium tackle on this trip, perfectly matched to Puget Sound's diverse fishery. For salmon, you'll likely be jigging with metal spoons or working soft plastics near baitfish schools – these kings and coho love to ambush prey in the sound's deeper channels. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll rig up with heavier sinkers and circle hooks, targeting structure where lingcod and flounder hang out. The 21' Grady White gives us the stability to fish effectively while staying nimble enough to move spots quickly if the bite slows down. You'll learn to read your rod tip for subtle bottom fish bites and feel the aggressive strikes that salmon are famous for. The captain will walk you through each setup change, so even first-timers will feel confident working the gear.
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of these waters, and hooking into a mature king will test your drag system and fighting skills. These powerful fish run hard and deep, often making multiple runs before you can bring them boatside. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the largest fish typically showing up during summer months. What makes chinook so special here is their size – Puget Sound kings regularly hit 15-20 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 30 pounds or more.
Coho salmon bring a completely different fight to the table, known for their aerial displays and lightning-fast runs. These silver bullets are incredibly aggressive and will often jump multiple times during the fight, making for some fantastic photo opportunities. Coho are typically smaller than chinook, ranging from 6-12 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. They're most active during late summer and early fall, when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs.
Lingcod are the ambush predators of the bottom, and landing one feels like pulling up a piece of deadweight until they wake up near the surface. These toothy fish can grow massive – anything over 20 pounds is considered a real trophy, and 30+ pounders aren't unheard of in these waters. They're available year-round but fishing is typically best during winter and spring months when they're more aggressive. The fight isn't flashy, but the satisfaction of landing a big ling is hard to beat.
Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're fantastic table fare and surprisingly fun to catch on light tackle. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim overhead. They typically range from 12-18 inches, with larger specimens reaching 20+ inches. The bite is often subtle – just a gentle tapping or weight on your line – but once hooked, they put up a respectable fight for their size.
This 4-hour trip delivers exactly what it promises – quality fishing time on productive waters without eating up your entire day in Seattle. Whether you're a visiting angler wanting to sample local fishing or a resident looking for a quick fishing fix, this shared charter offers excellent value and consistent action. The combination of salmon and bottom fishing means you're always in the game, regardless of what species are most active. Book your spot now and get ready to experience some of the best urban fishing opportunities on the West Coast.
Step aboard our reliable 21' Grady-White center console and get ready to fish the productive waters of Puget Sound. This well-equipped boat features a smooth-running 200HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly, leaving more time with lines in the water. The spacious center console design gives everyone room to move around while fighting salmon or hauling up bottom fish like lingcod and flounder. Your captain has loaded the boat with everything needed for a successful day - GPS to navigate to the hottest spots, fishfinder to locate schools below, and a live bait well to keep your offerings fresh. The onboard icebox keeps your catch cold and drinks refreshing during the action. When nature calls, there's a convenient porta-potty so you don't miss prime fishing time. Whether you're jigging for salmon or dropping lines for bottom dwellers, this proven fishing platform handles Puget Sound's conditions with ease. All fishing gear and tackle are provided, and licenses are available right on the boat. Perfect for anglers wanting to sample Seattle's excellent fishing without committing to a full day on the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest fishing—the biggest, strongest salmon you'll encounter. These silver and blue-green giants typically run 15-30 pounds in our waters, with some reaching 40+. They prefer deeper water and are light-sensitive, so we often target them early morning or evening. Kings are famous for their bulldogging fights and that rich, red meat that's perfect for grilling. Summer through early fall offers the best action in Puget Sound. Since they stay deep and are spooky, we use heavier gear and keep noise to a minimum. The key is getting your bait down to them—they won't come up to you.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as locals call them, are pure acrobats that'll jump six feet out of the water when hooked. These beauties run 8-12 pounds typically, with that classic silver body and dark-spotted tail. In Puget Sound, we find them in the upper water column near baitfish schools, especially during summer and early fall runs. What makes cohos special is their aggressive strikes and aerial show—plus that bright orange meat tastes fantastic. They're less finicky than kings, making them great for beginners. Pro tip: when you see one jump, keep steady pressure but don't horse it—let them tire themselves out with those spectacular leaps and you'll boat more fish.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you—lingcod aren't actually cod, but they're some of the gnarliest-looking fish in Puget Sound with those massive teeth and bucket-sized heads. These ambush predators camp out in rocky structure 30-300 feet deep, waiting to grab anything that swims by. Females can hit 20+ pounds while males stay smaller. They're aggressive fighters that would rather scrap than run, making them fun on medium tackle. The meat is excellent—white and flaky. You can target them year-round, but they're most active in spring. Here's the key: once you hook one, get it up fast before it dives back into the rocks and cuts you off.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlatfish like flounder are masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These oval-shaped fish with both eyes on one side typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30. They're found in shallow bays and estuaries where they bury themselves in soft substrate. What's fun about flounder fishing is the sneaky bite—they'll often just hold your bait without much fight initially. The meat is excellent, white and mild. Fall and winter are prime time as they move into deeper water. My go-to trick: use a light sinker and let your bait drift naturally along the bottom—when you feel that subtle tap, wait a beat before setting the hook.
Seattle