Half Day Offshore Charter in Astoria Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting rockfish and lingcod speciesCaptain Jason provides all equipment and expert fishing instructionEarly morning departure with flexible scheduling options available
Captain Jason knows these Astoria waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour offshore charter launches at 6:00 AM sharp from one of the Pacific Northwest's premier fishing ports, targeting rockfish, lingcod, and whatever else is biting in the productive waters off the Oregon coast. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your morning starts early at the Astoria marina, where Captain Jason will have the boat prepped and ready to roll. The Columbia River Bar can be tricky, but Jason navigates these waters daily and knows exactly when and where to run for the best fishing conditions. Once you clear the bar and hit the offshore grounds, you'll be fishing structure and rocky reefs that hold some of the coast's most sought-after bottom fish. The boat carries quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging lines. Just bring your Oregon fishing license, some snacks, and layers for the changing offshore conditions. With only two anglers max, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and coaching from one of Astoria's top-rated captains.
Bottom fishing off Astoria means working rocky structure in 60 to 200 feet of water, depending on conditions and what's biting. Captain Jason rigs heavy jigs and fresh bait to get down through the current and stay in the strike zone where lingcod and rockfish hang out. You'll be using conventional reels spooled with heavy braid, paired with stout rods that can handle big fish and the inevitable snags that come with fishing rocky bottom. The technique is straightforward but effective - drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and work it slowly while feeling for bites. Jason reads the fish finder and positions the boat over productive structure, then coaches you through proper jigging technique and bite detection. When something grabs your bait 150 feet down, you'll know it immediately.
Black rockfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, schooling up over rocky reefs and providing steady action throughout the season. These dark-bodied fighters typically run 2 to 5 pounds and hit jigs aggressively, making them perfect for anglers still learning to feel bottom bites. They're excellent table fare and one of the most reliable species you'll encounter on this charter. Lingcod are the trophy fish everyone hopes to hook - these aggressive predators can exceed 20 pounds and fight like freight trains once they realize they're hooked. They lurk in rocky crevices and ambush baitfish, often grabbing jigs with bone-jarring strikes that'll test your drag and your nerves. Peak lingcod action runs from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish often caught in deeper water.
Black sea bass add another dimension to the fishing, with these spunky fighters providing excellent sport on lighter tackle. They're curious fish that often follow hooked rockfish up from the depths, giving you multiple hookup opportunities on a single drift. Shortnose sturgeon occasionally show up as bonus fish, these prehistoric fighters can reach impressive sizes and provide a completely different fishing experience with their powerful, bulldogging runs. Shad run seasonally and when they're around, they hit small jigs in massive schools, creating some of the fastest action you'll find in Pacific Northwest waters.
This world-class offshore fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and weather windows are prime. Captain Jason's reputation for putting clients on fish has made this one of Astoria's customer favorite charters, with many anglers booking their next trip before they even get back to the dock. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different spots and species without committing to a full-day trip, making it perfect for visitors with limited time or anglers wanting to sample Astoria's offshore fishing scene. Don't wait until the last minute - secure your dates with the required non-refundable deposit and get ready for some of the best bottom fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Fish Food Guide Service's 2019 Alumaweld cuts through Columbia River waters with confidence, powered by a reliable 250HP Mercury that gets you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. This 26-footer handles offshore conditions beautifully while keeping your group of up to six comfortable during long fishing sessions. Captain Jason's setup includes everything serious anglers need - advanced fish finder to locate rockfish and lingcod, GPS navigation for precise positioning, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility drops. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. With multimedia system for downtime between bites, this well-equipped charter boat turns a half-day on the water into productive fishing time targeting Oregon's abundant offshore species.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are Oregon coastal staples, running 12-18 inches typically but can hit 24+ inches. These dark gray to nearly black fish hang around rocky reefs, jetties, and kelp beds from shallow water down to 200+ feet. They're aggressive feeders that'll hammer jigs, bait, whatever you put down there. Peak season runs spring through fall when they school up in good numbers. What guests love is they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. They're not picky - anchovies, sardines, or metal jigs all work. Pro tip: use enough weight to get down fast and keep tight to structure. Watch for the venomous spines on the dorsal fin, and expect bulging eyes when you bring them up from depth - that's normal pressure change.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass aren't common in our Oregon waters - they're primarily an East Coast species found from Maine to Florida. These plump grouper relatives typically run 1-4 pounds with some reaching 8+ pounds. They're structure fish, hanging around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet during summer months. What makes them unique is they start life as females then change to males around 9-13 inches. They put up a solid scrap until they break the surface. Best fishing is late spring through summer when they move shallow to feed on crabs, squid, and small fish. If you're traveling east, try bottom rigs with squid strips near rocky structure - they're not picky eaters and make excellent table fare.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually cod but greenlings with serious attitude. These toothy predators reach 30+ inches regularly, with monsters hitting 60+ inches possible. They lurk in rocky structure 30-300 feet down, ambushing anything that fits in their massive mouth - including other lingcod. Despite the gnarly appearance, they're lazy fighters once hooked but taste fantastic. Best fishing is year-round over rocky reefs and kelp beds with strong current. They won't run far from home, preferring to duke it out right where you hook them. Key tip: use heavy jigs and don't be gentle - they respect aggression. Metal jigs work great since they'll grab almost any bait. Just watch those teeth when landing one!
Alosa SapidissimaAmerican Shad are the Columbia River's spring silver bullets, typically running 20-24 inches and 3-5 pounds. These anadromous fish push upriver from the ocean to spawn April through June, schooling in massive numbers. They're plankton feeders, so you won't catch them on bait - it's all about small jigs and flies. What makes shad special is the incredible fight they put up, jumping and making long runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're considered some of the best eating fish around. Best action happens during their spawning run when they stack up in deeper holes and along current breaks. Try small white or chartreuse jigs bounced off bottom in 15-40 feet. Key tip: fish early morning when they're most active.
Acipenser BrevirostrumImportant note: Shortnose Sturgeon are federally protected and cannot be legally harvested. They've been endangered since 1967, so any caught must be immediately released. These ancient fish, dating back 70+ million years, reach up to 54 inches and 60 pounds. They're bottom feeders with vacuum-like mouths and barbels for sensing food in muddy river bottoms. While we target other sturgeon species legally, shortnose occasionally show up as bycatch. If you hook one, stay calm - we'll help you release it quickly and safely. Their armor-like appearance with five rows of bony plates makes them easy to identify. These living fossils are crucial to preserve for future generations.
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