Private Salmon and Crab Fishing Charter – Coos Bay
Ready for a full day of productive fishing on Oregon's coast? Captain Josh Sutch knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on both salmon and crab during this combo charter. We're talking about an 8-hour private trip that covers all the bases – from trolling for hard-fighting salmon to pulling crab pots loaded with Dungeness. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, Josh provides all the gear and local knowledge you need to make this trip count. Coos Bay and the surrounding waters offer some of the best salmon fishing on the Oregon coast, and adding crab to the mix means you're heading home with a cooler full of fresh seafood.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – we're dedicating a full 8 hours to maximizing your time on productive water. The day starts with targeting Chinook and Coho salmon using proven techniques that work in these coastal waters. Josh knows exactly where the fish are holding based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. After working the salmon grounds, we'll shift gears to check crab pots that were set earlier, giving you a completely different but equally rewarding fishing experience. The boat is set up to handle both activities comfortably, with plenty of space for two anglers to fish without getting in each other's way. Don't worry about bringing anything – all rods, reels, tackle, and crabbing gear are provided. The only thing you need to focus on is enjoying the fight when that rod tip goes down.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
We'll be primarily trolling for salmon using downriggers and divers to get your bait and lures down to where the fish are feeding. Josh runs quality gear – think sturdy salmon rods paired with smooth reels that can handle the pull of a big Chinook. For bait, we'll be using fresh herring, anchovies, and proven lures that produce results in these waters. The crabbing portion involves checking pots that have been soaking in prime Dungeness habitat. These pots are baited with fish carcasses and positioned in areas where crabs naturally congregate. Josh handles all the technical aspects – setting depths, reading the fish finder, and knowing when to move spots if the action slows down. The beauty of this combo trip is the variety – one minute you're battling a salmon on rod and reel, the next you're hauling up a pot full of keeper-sized crab.
Customer Stories
"Josh was amazing! We went out with 2 adults and 4 kids and he went above and beyond to make the experience wonderful for everyone from start to finish. We will definitely book with Josh again." - Jason
"Josh is a great captain and a great fisherman. I will book this trip again in the future if he is available. also take Dramamine before you go out on the Oregon coast . the rolling swells are ruff but i alway felt safe." - Ian
"Our family of dive travelled with captain Josh to catch Salmon. Best fishing times are afternoon and morning, but we only had some time for mid day. He went beyond the traditional expectation guiding fishing and crabbing by the end of the day and allowed our family to have some great memories to take home with us." - Luke
Top Catches This Season
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of Pacific salmon, and Coos Bay waters produce some beauties. These fish typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 40 pounds or more. Chinooks are available year-round in these waters, but late spring through early fall offers the most consistent action. What makes them so sought-after isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. When a big king hits your gear, you'll know it immediately. They make long, powerful runs that test both your equipment and your skills. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. Josh knows the specific depths and locations where these fish cruise, adjusting tactics based on water temperature and bait presence.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These silver rockets are known for their aerial displays and aggressive strikes. Typically weighing 8 to 12 pounds, Cohos make up for their smaller size with pure athleticism. They're often found in shallower water than Chinooks and will readily take both bait and lures. Peak Coho season runs from late summer into fall, when they're staging near river mouths before their spawning runs. The meat is excellent table fare with a milder flavor than Chinook, and they're perfect for anglers who want fast action and plenty of bent rods. Don't let their size fool you – a hot Coho will give you a workout and provide plenty of photo opportunities when they go airborne.
Time to Book Your Spot
This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the adrenaline rush of fighting salmon and the satisfaction of pulling up crab pots loaded with fresh Dungeness. With only two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of fishing time. Josh's local knowledge and quality equipment stack the odds in your favor, whether you're after your first salmon or looking to add to your tally. The 8-hour format means we can adapt to conditions and move between salmon and crab fishing to maximize your success. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. If you want to experience world-class salmon fishing combined with productive crabbing in some of Oregon's most beautiful coastal waters, this is your trip. The cooler space is there – now it's time to fill it up.