6hr Shared Salmon & Light Tackle Fishing – Seattle
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour shared charter targeting Chinook and Coho salmonActive fishing with jigging, trolling, and drift techniquesEarly 6AM departure maximizes prime morning fishing hours
Picture this: you're out on Puget Sound at first light, lines in the water while the Seattle skyline slowly wakes up behind you. Captain Justin's 6-hour shared charter isn't your typical "sit and wait" fishing trip – this is active, hands-on angling where you'll learn real techniques that work in these waters. Whether you're visiting Seattle or you're a local looking to up your game, this trip delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers talking long after they're back on dry land. With departure at 6 AM, you'll hit the morning bite when salmon are most active, and still have your afternoon free to explore the city.
Captain Justin runs a tight ship focused on keeping everyone engaged from the moment you clear the marina. This isn't one of those charters where half the group sits around watching – every angler gets their own setup and stays active throughout the trip. You'll rotate between jigging, trolling, and drift fishing techniques depending on what the fish are telling you that day. The shared charter format works perfectly here because Justin's boat is rigged for simultaneous fishing, meaning no downtime and no fighting over the best spots. If you're lucky enough to book when only two guests sign up, you automatically get bumped to a private 4-hour charter at the same price – talk about a win-win situation. All tackle and gear come included, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Puget Sound salmon fishing requires a different approach than lake fishing or even ocean fishing, and Captain Justin knows these waters inside and out. You'll start with trolling techniques using downriggers to get your lures down to where the salmon are holding – typically 60 to 120 feet deep depending on the season and bait schools. When fish are marked on the finder but not hitting trolled gear, you'll switch to jigging with heavy jigs that mimic the herring and anchovies these salmon feed on. The drift fishing comes into play when working structure for bottom fish like lingcod, letting natural current carry your bait into the strike zone. Justin emphasizes reading your rod tip and feeling the bite – skills that translate to better fishing no matter where you wet a line. The light tackle approach means you'll feel every headshake and run, making even smaller coho feel like monsters on the end of your line.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Puget Sound fishing, and for good reason. These king salmon can push 30 pounds or more, with their broad shoulders and incredible stamina making them the ultimate light tackle adversary. They're most active during the early morning hours when this charter departs, often holding in 80-100 feet of water near underwater structure. What makes chinook special here is their year-round presence, though late summer through fall offers the best action as mature fish stage for their spawning runs. The fight is legendary – long, powerful runs that test your drag and technique, followed by bulldogging battles near the boat that keep your heart racing.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These silver rockets are acrobatic fighters that love to jump, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. They're more aggressive than chinook, readily hitting both trolled spoons and vertical jigs, making them perfect targets for the active fishing techniques Captain Justin employs. Coho typically run 8-15 pounds in these waters and show up in good numbers from late summer into early fall. Their willingness to bite and spectacular aerial displays make them favorites among anglers who want consistent action and photo-worthy fights.
Lingcod add variety to the trip and represent some of the best eating you'll find in Puget Sound. These bottom-dwelling predators can reach impressive sizes – 20-pound fish are common, with some pushing 30 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that lurk around rocky structure and kelp beds, making the drift fishing portion of your trip particularly productive. Lingcod have a unique appearance with their mottled coloration and massive mouths full of sharp teeth, and they're surprisingly strong fighters that use their weight and the current to their advantage. They're available year-round but peak during winter months when salmon fishing slows down.
This 6-hour shared charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want a real fishing experience without committing their entire day. Captain Justin's hands-on approach means you'll learn techniques that work in Puget Sound while targeting some of the Pacific Northwest's most prized species. The early departure time puts you on the water when fish are most active, and the shared format keeps costs reasonable while maintaining quality. With all gear included and the possibility of scoring a private charter if booking is light, this trip offers exceptional value for both visiting anglers and locals looking to improve their game. Seattle's salmon fishing is world-class, and this charter gives you the best shot at experiencing it firsthand.
Set out on Seattle's productive waters aboard this well-equipped 21' Grady-White center console, powered by a reliable 200HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish fast. Built for serious salmon fishing on Puget Sound, this boat handles the choppy waters with ease while keeping you comfortable during the full 6-hour shared charter. The onboard fish finder helps Captain Justin locate schools of Chinook and Coho salmon, while the GPS ensures you hit all the hotspots. With a live bait well keeping your bait fresh and an icebox for your catch, you're set up for success. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines simultaneously - no crowding or waiting your turn. Whether you're jigging for bottom fish or trolling for salmon, this boat's stable platform makes landing fish easier. Plus, there's a porta-potty onboard for those long days on the water. Perfect for anglers who want to experience Seattle's legendary salmon fishing without the full cost of a private charter.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of salmon fishing here in Puget Sound—the biggest and strongest of all Pacific salmon. These silver-sided beauties with black-spotted backs typically run 12-20 pounds, but 30+ pounders show up regularly. They're deep swimmers, staying in 60-200 feet of water during the day, which is why we start early to catch them closer to the surface. The fight is what hooks people—long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. Plus, that rich orange meat makes for some of the best eating you'll find. Since they're light-sensitive, focus your effort in low-light conditions. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Kings love a lure that changes pace and often hit right after a speed change.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world—these silver rockets will jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. Running 8-12 pounds on average, they're smaller than Chinook but make up for it with pure energy and aerial displays. You'll find them in the top 50 feet of water, often feeding near baitfish schools. They're aggressive feeders and will hit lures hard, making them perfect for our light tackle setup. The bright orange meat is fantastic on the table too. What really sets them apart is their willingness to chase lures, so they're great for beginners. Local trick: if you see diving birds or jumping bait, get your lure in there fast—coho are probably feeding underneath.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are some of the ugliest fish in Puget Sound, but that's what makes them fun to catch. Despite the name, they're actually giant greenlings with massive heads, razor-sharp teeth, and mottled green-brown coloring. These ambush predators hang out in rocky areas from 30-300 feet deep, waiting to grab anything that swims by. Females can reach 30+ pounds while males stay smaller. They fight hard once hooked but aren't fast swimmers—they'd rather stand their ground than run. The meat is excellent eating with firm white flesh. Best tip: use heavy jigs and work them slow near the bottom around rocky structure. Once you get them off the rocks, they come up pretty easy.
Seattle