Garibaldi Wrecks: Deep Water Bottom Fishing
Shared Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
8hour bottom fishing and deep reef fishing adventureCaptain Craig Izzi guides small groups of 2 guestsOctober through November season in Oregon Pacific waters
When the October winds start shifting and the tourist crowds thin out, that's when Captain Craig Izzi fires up the engines for some of Oregon's best wreck fishing. Running out of Garibaldi from October through November, this 8-hour shared charter targets the deep structure where the big fish live. With just 2 spots available, you're getting a personalized experience on productive wreck sites that most weekend warriors never see. This isn't your typical nearshore rockfish trip – we're talking serious bottom fishing in 200+ feet of water where lingcod the size of small logs and hefty black sea bass call home.
Captain Craig knows these Oregon wrecks like the back of his hand, and he's been putting anglers on fish here for years. The boat leaves early – think 6 AM departure – because the best fishing happens when the structure comes alive at first light. You'll be running 10-15 miles offshore to hit productive wrecks and deep reef systems that hold serious fish. The beauty of wreck fishing is the variety – one drop might produce a 30-pound lingcod, the next could be a stubborn sea bass that tests your tackle. Craig's boat is rigged specifically for this type of fishing with downriggers, quality fish finders, and all the heavy tackle you need. The ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee and get your head in the game, because once we hit the first structure, it's go time.
Wreck fishing demands respect – both for the structure below and the fish that live there. We're dropping heavy jigs and cut bait down to 200-300 feet, so this isn't light tackle country. Captain Craig provides all the rods and reels, typically heavy conventional setups spooled with 50-80 pound test. The technique is straightforward but requires patience: find the fish on the sonar, get your bait to the bottom, and be ready for anything. These wrecks hold everything from massive lingcod to hefty rockfish, and when something big grabs your bait, you'll know it. The key is keeping your bait in the strike zone – too high and you'll miss the big boys, too low and you're picking up bottom constantly. Craig will coach you through reading your rod tip and feeling the bite, especially important when you're fishing that deep.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of Oregon wreck fishing, and these aren't the little guys you catch off the jetties. We're talking 15-25 pound fish with shoulders that'll test your drag. They hang tight to structure and fight dirty, using every piece of wreckage to try and cut you off. Lingcod are the prize catch – these prehistoric-looking predators can push 40+ pounds and have mouths big enough to swallow a football. October and November are prime time for big lings because they're feeding heavy before winter. The occasional Atlantic halibut shows up too, though they're less common this far north. When you hook into a barn door halibut on wreck structure, that's a fish story you'll be telling for years. Chinook salmon cruise these deeper waters during fall migration, and while they're not the primary target, a 20-pound king mixed into your rockfish bag makes for a perfect day.
Black sea bass are the most reliable catch on these wreck trips, and for good reason. These chunky fish love the nooks and crannies that wrecks provide, ambushing bait fish and crustaceans. They're not flashy fighters, but they're bulldogs that use their broad sides and the structure to their advantage. Most fish run 3-8 pounds, but the wrecks hold some real trophies pushing 20+ pounds. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips.
Lingcod are what most anglers really want to see come over the rail. These apex predators can live 20+ years and grow massive – the current Oregon record is over 50 pounds. Fall is prime time because they're feeding aggressively before their winter spawn. A big lingcod hit feels like you snagged the bottom, then the bottom starts swimming away. They're ambush predators with no fear, often following hooked rockfish right up to the boat. The meat is firm and mild, though the raw flesh has an unusual blue-green color that cooks up white.
Rainbow trout might seem out of place on a deep-sea charter, but Oregon's coastal rainbows often spend time in saltwater, growing fat on marine forage. These sea-run fish are chrome bright and fight harder than their freshwater cousins. They're not common on every trip, but when conditions are right, they provide some of the most exciting light-tackle action you'll find.
Atlantic halibut are the wild card species – not native to Oregon waters but established enough that one might grab your jig. These flatfish are the ultimate prize, capable of reaching enormous size. Even a small halibut of 50-60 pounds is a fish of a lifetime for most anglers. They're ambush feeders that lie flat on sandy areas near structure, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Chinook salmon cruise these offshore waters during their fall migration, and while they're not sitting on structure like the other species, they'll sometimes grab a jig on the way down or up. Fall chinook are thick and silver, often in the 15-25 pound range. They're built for speed and endurance, making long runs that'll test your tackle and your nerves.
This is specialized fishing that most guides don't offer – deep wreck trips require local knowledge, proper equipment, and weather windows that don't always cooperate. Captain Craig's been working these Oregon wrec
Captain Craig's 29-foot D Tech aluminum fishing vessel cuts through Garibaldi's waters with authority, powered by a reliable 250 HP engine that gets you to the deep reef and wreck sites efficiently. This sturdy boat comfortably handles up to six anglers, though your shared trip accommodates just two guests for a more personalized bottom fishing experience. The advanced electronics package includes GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate productive spots along Oregon's rocky bottom structure. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the full 8-hour fishing day. The wireless trolling motor allows for quiet positioning over sensitive fish habitat without spooking your targets. Captain Craig has designed this vessel with wheelchair accessibility, ensuring every angler can enjoy Oregon's productive offshore waters. From the spacious fishing deck, you'll have plenty of room to work rockfish, lingcod, and other bottom dwellers that call these Pacific reefs home.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the world's largest flatfish and absolute bruisers that can stretch over 8 feet and top 700 pounds, though most we see run 30-50 pounds. These diamond-shaped giants live on deep bottoms from 150-500 feet, preferring cold water around 37-41°F over sandy or muddy flats where they ambush prey like cod, squid, and crustaceans. They're voracious feeders - we've found everything from seabirds to pieces of metal in their stomachs. Spring through summer gives you the best shot when they move into shallower water after spawning. What makes them special is the epic battle - these fish are incredibly strong swimmers that'll test every ounce of your tackle and stamina. The meat is prized by chefs worldwide for good reason. My tip: use the drift method with heavy jigs and let the current do the work. Don't try to horse them up too quick - tire them out first or they'll snap your gear.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are part of the grouper family and make solid targets on our deep reef trips. Most run 2-4 pounds, though we see some pushing 8+ pounds around rockier bottom in 60-120 feet of water. They're plump-bodied fish with distinctive white spots along their dorsal fins. What makes them interesting is they actually start life as females, then switch to males as they grow - the bigger ones are always the boys. They put up a decent scrap until they break the surface, then settle down quick. Fall and early winter work great since they're still active before their southern migration. The meat is excellent - firm, white, flaky stuff that's hard to beat. Pro tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips and keep it moving slightly. They're curious fish and that little motion often triggers strikes when they're being picky.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, or "Kings," are the largest salmon species and what every angler dreams about hooking. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but the real trophies push 20-30+ pounds. They're light-sensitive fish that hug deeper water during the day, making them perfect targets for our deep fishing techniques. Fall brings some of the best action as they stage before spawning runs. What makes Kings special is their incredible fighting power combined with that rich, orange-pink meat that's absolute gold on the dinner table. They're anadromous, meaning they live in saltwater but return to freshwater to spawn - a remarkable life cycle that adds to their mystique. Since they stay deep and avoid bright light, early morning and evening bites are prime time. Pro tip: use weighted baits and keep them moving slowly through the water column. Kings are less about the exact lure and more about being in the right depth at the right time.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually cod but aggressive greenlings that look downright prehistoric with their massive heads, wicked sharp teeth, and mottled coloring. Females grow over 2 feet while males stay smaller, and they're ambush predators that lurk in rocky lairs from 30-300 feet deep. Despite their gnarly appearance, they're surprisingly lazy - they'll just lie on the bottom waiting for prey rather than chase it down. The cool thing about lingcod is they're almost too aggressive for their own good. Instead of running when hooked, they'll fight you head-on, which makes for exciting battles but easier landings. Year-round fishing works here, but fall and winter can be prime when they're more active. The firm white meat is fantastic eating, and one fish feeds the whole family. Here's what I tell folks: use heavy jigs and don't be afraid to bounce them right off the rocks. These fish will grab almost anything, but metal jigs work best in our rocky terrain.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout average 8-24 inches and typically weigh 2-8 pounds, though we've seen some real monsters push into the teens. They love cool, clean water between 55-64°F with good current flow over gravel bottoms and plenty of cover like rocks or vegetation. The best action happens during their feeding times at dusk or early evening when they're actively working the surface for insects. What guests really enjoy is their famous fighting spirit - these fish are acrobatic jumpers that'll test your drag and put on quite a show. The pink flesh is top-notch eating with a mild, slightly nutty flavor that takes seasoning well. Fall through early spring gives you the most consistent fishing as water temps drop into their comfort zone. Here's a local trick: when they're being finicky, try keeping your bait just off the bottom rather than right on it - they often prefer that presentation.
Garibaldi, OR, United States