Full Day Rockfish, Lingcod, and King Salmon Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targets lingcod, rockfish, and king salmonCaptain provides 25' Alumaweld boat with all tackle includedTrip covers ocean reefs and Rogue River estuary
Captain Jacob Frye's got something special brewing for 2026 – a top-rated 8-hour charter that hits the best of both worlds along Gold Beach's legendary coastline. Starting at 8 AM sharp, you'll kick off your day targeting bottom fish on the nearshore reefs before switching gears to chase trophy King Salmon at the Rogue River mouth. This dual-species approach gives you the chance to fill your cooler with rockfish and lingcod while still getting quality time with some of Oregon's most prized salmon. With his 25-foot Alumaweld handling both the open ocean swells and estuary currents, Jacob's dialed in the perfect formula for a world-class fishing experience that keeps anglers talking long after they head home.
Your adventure kicks off in the pre-dawn hours as you meet Jacob at the Gold Beach harbor, where the smell of salt air and diesel fuel signals the start of another epic day. The first half focuses on working the rocky structure just offshore, where lingcod and various rockfish species hang out in 60 to 120 feet of water. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and bait rigs down to the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump of a big ling grabbing your offering. The transition happens mid-day when Jacob fires up the kicker motor and repositions to the Rogue River estuary, switching from bottom fishing to trolling gear. Here's where the real magic happens – pulling plugs and spinners through the tidal zones where mature Chinook stage before their upstream journey. The boat's setup handles both fishing styles perfectly, with downriggers for salmon work and plenty of deck space for managing multiple bottom rigs when you're doubled up on rockfish.
Jacob's got you covered with all the professional-grade equipment, but understanding the approach makes the day way more enjoyable. For the bottom fishing portion, you'll be using stout rods paired with conventional reels loaded with 50-pound braid – enough backbone to winch big lingcod off the rocks before they can wrap you up. The terminal tackle varies from heavy jigs tipped with cut bait to multi-hook rockfish rigs depending on what's biting. When it's time to switch to salmon mode, the gear changes completely. You'll be working lighter spinning setups with diving plugs, spinners, and sometimes fresh anchovies behind flashers. The key is reading the sonar to find bait balls and working the right depth in the water column. Jacob's experience really shines here – he knows exactly which tidal stages produce, where the fish hold based on river conditions, and how to adjust presentations when the bite gets tough. The Alumaweld's stable platform makes it easy to manage gear changes and fight fish safely, whether you're cranking up a 15-pound lingcod or battling a chrome-bright Chinook in the current.
Coho Salmon bring serious excitement to this fishery, especially during their peak runs from late summer through early fall. These silver bullets average 8 to 12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs and launching themselves clear out of the water. What makes Gold Beach coho special is their ocean-fresh condition – they're still feeding aggressively and haven't started the physical changes that come with spawning preparation. Guests love coho because they're scrappy fighters that hit lures hard and provide excellent table fare when properly handled.
Vermilion Rockfish are the crown jewels of the bottom fishing portion, with their brilliant orange-red coloration making them a customer favorite for both the cooler and the camera. These fish typically run 3 to 8 pounds in local waters and prefer the deeper rocky structure where lingcod also hang out. They're most active during slack tide periods when the current isn't ripping, making them perfect targets between the stronger tidal flows. What anglers appreciate about vermillion rockfish is their predictability – when you find good structure in 80 to 120 feet of water, they're usually home.
Lingcod represent the heavyweight division of this trip, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 24-inchers up to genuine monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. These ambush predators lurk in rocky caves and ledges, waiting to inhale anything that ventures too close. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active and aggressive. What makes lingcod so exciting is their sheer power – they'll try to wrap your line around every piece of structure on the bottom, and landing a big one requires serious technique and tackle. Plus, their mild, flaky white meat makes them a renowned choice for fish and chips or grilling.
Chinook Salmon are the main event during the estuary portion, with Gold Beach producing some of Oregon's most consistent trophy fishing. These kings typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, though larger fish show up regularly during peak runs. The best action happens during incoming tides when salmon move from the ocean into the river mouth to stage before spawning. What sets Chinook apart is their combination of size, fighting ability, and table quality – they're the ultimate prize for Pacific Northwest anglers. The Rogue River system produces particularly strong fish due to the excellent ocean feeding conditions off the Oregon coast.
Black Rockfish round out the mixed bag, often showing up in schools when you're working mid-depth structure. These fish average 2 to 5 pounds and are incredibly aggressive biters, often providing steady action when other species are being finicky. They're most active during moving water and tend to suspend off the bottom more than other rockfish species. Guests appreciate black rockfish because they're easy to catch, great eating, and often save the day when the larger fish aren't cooperating. They're also perfect for less experienced anglers to build confidence while learning proper bottom fishing techniques.
This 25' Alumaweld jet boat cuts through Gold Beach waters with serious purpose. The 225HP Honda 4-stroke gets you to productive rockfish reefs and lingcod structure fast, then handles the transition to Rogue River salmon grounds without missing a beat. Built tough for Oregon's coastal conditions, this stable platform keeps you fishing comfortably whether you're dropping jigs in 80 feet or trolling the river mouth for kings. The fish finder helps locate schools of rockfish hugging the bottom structure, while GPS marks your hotspots for future trips. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Jacob position quietly over salmon without spooking fish. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple rods and fight fish without getting tangled. This jet drive setup means shallow water access other boats can't reach, opening up prime fishing spots where the big ones hide.
Sebastes MelanopsThese dark gray to black rockfish are among the most reliable biters on our nearshore reefs. They average 4-5 pounds but can reach over 10, and they're built like a spiny bass with a big mouth for inhaling prey. Black rockfish live around rocky structure, jetties, and rough current areas from shallow water down to 400 feet. We catch them consistently spring through fall when they're actively feeding on herring, anchovies, and small crabs. Guests appreciate their aggressive nature and decent table fare. They're not picky - jigs, cut bait, and live anchovies all work well. Watch those venomous spines when handling them. My trick: when you feel that first tap, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook - they like to mouth it first before committing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the ultimate prize - the largest Pacific salmon reaching 20-30 pounds regularly around Gold Beach. These silver-sided giants with black spots pack serious power and fight like freight trains. We target them at the Rogue River mouth where they gather before heading upstream. Early morning and evening fishing works best since kings are light-sensitive and tend to stay deeper during bright days. The reddish-pink meat is legendary for both flavor and fighting ability. What sets kings apart is their size and strength - a big one will test your gear and skills. Spring through fall offers our best shots, especially during their peak runs. Here's the key: troll your offerings deep with downriggers or heavy weights, and use herring or quality plugs that mimic their preferred baitfish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as locals call them, are pure dynamite on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and love to jump up to 6 feet when hooked. Around Gold Beach, we find them near the Rogue River mouth where they stage before their spawning run. Best fishing happens during their fall migration when they're feeding heavily on herring and anchovies. What makes cohos special is their bright orange-red meat and willingness to hit lures aggressively. They'll take spinners, spoons, and plugs with equal enthusiasm. My tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with their aerial displays, then reel them in during the calmer moments between jumps.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't cod at all, but they're some of the most aggressive predators on our reefs. With their massive heads, sharp teeth, and mottled green-brown coloring, lingcod look prehistoric. Females can reach 30+ pounds while males stay smaller around 10-15 pounds. They ambush prey from rocky lairs in 30-300 feet, rarely straying far from home. We catch them year-round, but spring through summer is prime time. What makes lingcod fishing exciting is their attitude - they'll attack almost anything and fight hard once hooked. The meat is excellent, firm and white. They're surprisingly easy to catch once you find them since they're not afraid of a scrap. My advice: use heavy jigs and bounce them right on the bottom near structure - lingcod can't resist something invading their territory.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are some of the most colorful fish you'll pull up from our rocky reefs. Vermilions typically run 14-22 inches and can live over 100 years, making each one a real trophy. We find them around rocky structure in 100-500 feet of water, though some hold deeper. They're territorial fish that often stick to the same home for years. Spring through fall gives us the most consistent action when they're actively feeding on small fish and squid. Guests love their brilliant color and excellent table fare. Since they're not picky eaters, they'll hit jigs and cut bait readily. Pro tip: use a strip of squid on your hook - the scent and movement draws them in when they're being finicky around the rocks.
Northern California