5.0(2 Reviews)Rockfish and Lingcod Charter – Coos Bay & Winchester Bay
5.0(2 reviews)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8hour offshore charter targeting rockfish and lingcodAccommodates all skill levels with gear and guidance includedAccess to productive fishing spots along Oregon coast
When you're looking for consistent bottom fishing action along the Oregon coast, Josh Sutch Guide Service delivers exactly what serious anglers want. This 8-hour private offshore charter targets two of the Pacific Northwest's most reliable and rewarding species – rockfish and lingcod. Whether you're launching from Coos Bay or Winchester Bay, you'll be fishing some of the most productive rocky structure and underwater terrain the Oregon coast has to offer. With all gear provided and expert local knowledge guiding every drop, this trip is built for anglers who want to get their lines wet without the guesswork.
Your day starts early at either Coos Bay or Winchester Bay, depending on where the fish are biting best. Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over the rocky reefs and underwater structure where rockfish and lingcod love to hang out. This isn't a cattle boat situation – with just four anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and personal attention from the crew. The boat is rigged specifically for bottom fishing, with quality rods, reels, and tackle that can handle the pull of a big lingcod or the steady bite of rockfish. You'll spend the full eight hours working different spots, moving when the action slows, and staying put when the fish are cooperative. The crew keeps everything organized, from baiting hooks to netting fish, so you can focus on what you came for – catching fish.
Rockfish and lingcod fishing is all about getting your bait down to the structure where these fish live and feed. You'll be using medium to heavy action rods paired with conventional reels loaded with enough line to reach the bottom in 100-200 feet of water. The typical setup includes a sliding sinker rig with circle hooks and fresh bait – think herring, anchovy, or squid. Josh provides all the tackle, but if you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that works too. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom where the fish are, and being ready for that telltale tap-tap-pull that means a rockfish is checking out your offering. Lingcod tend to hit harder and more aggressively, often grabbing your bait and swimming straight up off the bottom. The crew will coach you through the techniques, help with hook sets, and make sure you're fishing effectively throughout the day.
Anglers who fish with Josh Sutch Guide Service keep coming back for good reason. Jonathan summed it up perfectly: "We plan to fish again with him!" That's the kind of response you get when a guide knows his stuff and puts you on fish consistently. The personalized attention and local expertise make all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Rockfish are the bread and butter of Oregon offshore fishing, and for good reason. These colorful, hard-fighting fish come in dozens of varieties along the coast, from bright red vermillion rockfish to the mottled patterns of copper rockfish. They typically range from 2-8 pounds, though larger specimens are always possible. Rockfish are structure-oriented, meaning they live around rocky reefs, underwater pinnacles, and ledges where they feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They're active year-round but tend to bite best during spring through fall when weather allows for consistent offshore trips. What makes rockfish so appealing to anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – these fish are absolutely delicious and perfect for fish tacos, fish and chips, or simply grilled with lemon and herbs.
Lingcod are the trophy fish of this trip, and landing a big "ling" is what keeps anglers coming back. These prehistoric-looking predators can grow massive – 20, 30, even 40+ pound fish are caught regularly in Oregon waters. Lingcod are ambush predators that lurk around rocky structure waiting to engulf anything that looks like an easy meal. They have huge mouths full of sharp teeth and an attitude to match. When a lingcod grabs your bait, you'll know it – they typically hook themselves and make powerful runs toward the structure. The fight is different from rockfish; lingcod pull hard and steady, testing your drag and your arms. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round. Beyond the fight, lingcod are prized for their firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling, baking, or frying. Just remember that lingcod have a minimum size limit and seasonal closures, so Josh will make sure you're fishing legally and ethically.
This world-class bottom fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when weather windows are most reliable. With only four spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and plenty of fishing time. Josh Sutch Guide Service has built a reputation as one of the top-rated charter operations on the Oregon coast by consistently putting anglers on fish and providing the kind of local expertise that makes the difference between hoping for fish and actually catching them. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to book, you're committing to a day of serious fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone who wants to experience offshore fishing with expert guidance, this rockfish and lingcod charter delivers the goods. The combination of productive fishing grounds, quality equipment, and local knowledge makes this a customer favorite that keeps anglers planning their next trip before the first one is even over.
This restored 22-foot Willie Boats jet boat cuts through Oregon's coastal waters with authority, powered by a 240HP Mercury engine that'll push you to the fishing grounds at 38 knots. Fresh from a 2023 restoration, she's built tough for the demanding waters off Coos Bay and Winchester Bay where rockfish and lingcod lurk in the deeper structures. The shallow-draft jet drive gets you into spots other boats can't reach, while the GPS navigation and fish finder help locate those productive bottom structures where the big lingcod hang out. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your gear without crowding your fishing partners. The stable platform handles Oregon's coastal swells well, giving you a solid base for battling those heavy lingcod that don't come up easy. Built for serious offshore fishing, this rig will get you out to the productive waters and back safely.
5.0 out of 5.0We plan to fish again with him!
Coos Bay