Half Day Rockfish and Lingcod Guided Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target rockfish and lingcod on productive Southern Oregon reefsEighthour afternoon charter aboard stable 25foot Alumaweld vesselAll tackle and equipment provided for anglers of every skill level
Captain Jacob Frye's got something special brewing for the 2026 season on Oregon's legendary Rogue River coast. This half-day bottom fishing charter puts you right on top of the most productive rockfish reefs off Gold Beach, where the Southern Oregon coast delivers some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere. Starting at 3:00 PM, you'll have eight solid hours to fill the cooler with premium rockfish and lingcod fillets that'll make your neighbors jealous. The afternoon departure gives you plenty of time to grab lunch in town and still be back for a late dinner with your fresh catch. Jacob's running a tight ship with just two anglers max, so you're getting that personalized guide experience without fighting for rod space or the captain's attention.
You'll be fishing from Jacob's 25-foot Alumaweld – a rock-solid platform that handles the coastal swells like a champ and gives you plenty of room to work fish up from the depths. This isn't some cramped party boat situation where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Jacob keeps it intimate with just two spots available, which means more fish per angler and way more personalized coaching if you need it. The boat's setup is dialed specifically for bottom fishing, with downriggers, quality fish finders, and all the gear you need to put fish in the box. You'll be targeting the underwater structure and rocky reefs where these fish love to hang out, usually in 60 to 200 feet of water depending on conditions and what's biting best that day. The Southern Oregon coast has some gnarly rock piles and underwater canyons that hold incredible numbers of fish, and Jacob knows exactly where to find them.
Jacob's approach focuses on light tackle bottom fishing techniques that make the fight more fun and put higher-quality fish in the boat. Instead of heavy sinkers and boat rods that turn every fish into dead weight, you'll be using lighter gear that lets you actually feel what's happening down there. We're talking about 15-30 pound tackle matched with the right sinker weight to stay connected to bottom without over-gunning the fish. Jacob provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, plus he's got the local knowledge about which jigs and baits are working best on any given day. Rockfish can be picky about presentation, and lingcod are ambush predators that need the right approach to trigger a strike. You'll learn how to read your rod tip, feel the bottom structure, and detect those subtle bites that separate successful bottom fishermen from guys who just drop gear and hope. The specialized techniques Jacob uses have been refined over years of fishing these exact reefs, and he's always tweaking his approach based on seasonal patterns and recent success.
Vermilion Rockfish are the crown jewels of the Oregon coast bottom fishing scene, and these reefs off Gold Beach produce some absolute beauties. These bright red fish typically run 3-8 pounds and are hands-down the best eating rockfish you'll find in Pacific waters. Vermilions are structure-oriented fish that love rocky outcroppings and underwater ledges between 80-150 feet deep. They're most active during slack tide periods and can be incredibly aggressive when you find a school. What makes them so exciting is their willingness to bite consistently once you locate them, and their firm white meat is perfect for everything from fish tacos to beer batter. The Southern Oregon populations are healthy and robust, making this one of the most reliable fisheries on the West Coast.
Black Rockfish offer non-stop action and are perfect for anglers who want to stay busy all day. These schooling fish typically range from 2-5 pounds and can be found from 40 feet all the way down to 200 feet depending on the season. What's cool about blacks is they'll often suspend in the water column rather than hugging bottom, so Jacob adjusts techniques to target them at different depths. They're aggressive biters that hit jigs, bait, and pretty much anything that looks like food. While they might not have the prestige of vermilions, black rockfish are excellent table fare and provide steady action when other species are being finicky. Late summer and early fall tend to be peak times, when massive schools move through the area during their seasonal migrations.
Lingcod are the apex predators of these rocky reefs and absolutely the most exciting fish you'll tangle with on this trip. These toothy monsters can exceed 20 pounds and fight like they're twice their size, making long runs and trying to wrap you up in the rocks. Lingcod are ambush feeders that lurk in caves and crevices, waiting to demolish anything that gets too close. They're incredibly territorial and aggressive, which makes them perfect targets for jig fishing. The meat is some of the finest you'll find in the ocean – firm, white, and incredibly versatile. What really gets anglers fired up is the visual aspect of lingcod fishing. These fish often follow hooked rockfish right up to the boat, and Jacob knows how to capitalize on those opportunities with a quick bait drop. Spring through fall provides the best lingcod action, with the biggest fish typically caught during the summer months when they're most active.
This is Jacob's newest offering for 2026, which means you're getting in on the ground floor of what's shaping up to be a top-rated charter service. With only two spots available per trip, these dates are going to fill up fast once word gets out about the quality of fishing and the personalized experience Jacob provides. The afternoon departure time is perfect for visitors who want to explore Gold Beach in the morning or locals who need to handle business before hitting the water. Remember to grab your Oregon fishing license before you show up at the dock – Jacob provides everything else you need for a successful day of bottom fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your bottom
This 25-foot Alumaweld jet boat cuts through Oregon's coastal waters with serious fishing power. The 225HP Honda 4-stroke pushes you to the rockfish reefs at 30 knots, getting you on the fish fast during your half-day trip. Built tough for these waters, she's rock-steady when you're working jigs over structure or fighting lingcod up from the bottom. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking fish. GPS keeps you on the numbers while the fish finder shows what's below. Captain Jacob runs a tight ship - rods, reels, and tackle are all dialed in for bottom fishing. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work the gear. Perfect setup for targeting those Southern Oregon reefs where the big lings live.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are workhorses of our local reefs - reliable, aggressive, and excellent eating. They start dark gray to black when young, lightening with age, and typically run 2-5 pounds with occasional fish pushing 8+ pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure, jetties, and rough current areas from shallow water down to 200+ feet. They're not finicky - they'll hammer jigs, hit squid strips, and chase live bait. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and that clean, mild white meat perfect for fish tacos. They school with other rockfish species, so when we find blacks, we usually find variety. Watch those dorsal spines - they pack a venomous punch. Pro tip: blacks often suspend mid-water near structure, so don't always fish right on bottom. Try working different depths on the same spot.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - these aren't cod at all, but they're one of the most exciting fish we target. With their massive heads, wicked teeth, and mottled green-brown coloring, lingcod look prehistoric. Males average under 2 feet, but females can reach 30+ inches and 20+ pounds. They ambush prey from rocky lairs in 30-300 feet, often lying motionless on the bottom until something swims by. What guests love most is the aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - plus the incredible white, flaky fillets. These fish are available year-round and aren't picky eaters. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure coming up. They'll try to wrap you around rocks, but once clear of structure, they fight more in the open water where you can control them better.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black-mottled backs are some of the prettiest rockfish you'll encounter on our Southern Oregon reefs. They typically run 14-22 inches and can hit 15 pounds, though we see plenty of nice eating-sized fish in the 3-5 pound range. Vermilions love rocky structure between 100-500 feet, where they hang tight to boulders and ledges. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit small jigs and squid strips hard. What makes them special is that sweet, flaky white meat - some of the best table fare out there. These fish can live decades in the same spot, so once we find productive structure, we often return. My tip: when you feel that first tap, count to two before setting the hook. They like to mouth the bait before committing.
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