5.0(1 Reviews)Coos Bay Rockfish Charter with Captain Mark
5.0(1 reviews)
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Mark LaDuke guides rockfish trips aboard 2018 Hewescraft.Shared charter costs $225 per person with 2person minimum.All gear provided, meeting at main boat ramp near marina.
Looking for a solid day of bottom fishing on the Oregon coast? Captain Mark LaDuke's rockfish charter out of Coos Bay puts you right where the fish are biting. At $225 per person with a 2-person minimum, this shared charter gets you aboard a fully rigged 2018 Hewescraft that's built for these waters. Mark knows these rocky ledges and underwater structure like the back of his hand, and he's got the GPS marks and fish finder skills to prove it. You'll meet right at the main boat ramp – parking's easy behind the marina office near Monkey Business restaurant. Just grab your fishing license beforehand, and Mark handles the rest.
This isn't your typical party boat scene. Mark runs a tight ship with small groups, which means more room at the rail and personalized attention when you need it. The 2018 Hewescraft is perfectly sized for Coos Bay's inshore rockfish grounds – stable enough to handle the Oregon swells but nimble enough to work the structure where these fish hang out. You'll head out from the boat ramp and cruise to Mark's proven spots, where underwater pinnacles and rocky drop-offs hold schools of rockfish. The onboard fish finder lights up these areas, and Mark's got years of local knowledge to put you on the most productive water. Expect to spend your day working depths anywhere from 60 to 200 feet, depending on conditions and where the bite is hottest.
Mark provides all the tackle you'll need, which takes the guesswork out of rigging for Oregon rockfish. You'll be using traditional bottom rigs with circle hooks – usually double or triple hook setups that let you target multiple fish at once. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your bait to the bottom, reel up a few cranks to get off the rocks, and hold on. These rockfish don't mess around when they hit. Mark uses fresh bait and knows exactly how much weight you need to stay in the strike zone without getting hung up in the rocks. The GPS keeps him positioned over the best structure, while the fish finder shows you exactly what's down there – both the bottom contour and the fish themselves. When you hook up, it's all about steady pressure and keeping the fish away from the rocks where they love to hide.
"Phenomenal fishing with Captain Mark. He made it super easy--just show up to the dock, where he is already waiting and ready to go. He put us on the fish, and they just wouldn't stop! Limits of high quality rockfish and lingcod after lingcod. Couldn't recommend Mark enough and hope to be back soon!" - Robert
Yelloweye rockfish are the crown jewel of Oregon's bottom fishing scene, and Coos Bay waters hold some beauties. These fish can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes – the bigger ones often called "red snapper" by locals, though they're actually a rockfish species. Yelloweye are known for their bright orange-red coloration and those distinctive yellow eyes that give them their name. They're structure-oriented fish, hugging rocky ledges and pinnacles where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. The best fishing for yelloweye typically runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active in the feeding areas Mark targets. What makes them special to catch isn't just their size – they're incredibly strong fighters that use every rock and crevice to their advantage. When you hook a big yelloweye, expect a battle as it tries to wrap your line around underwater structure. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or grilled preparations.
Captain Mark's rockfish charters fill up fast, especially during prime season when the yelloweye are most cooperative. The combination of his local expertise, quality boat, and proven fishing spots makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers visiting Coos Bay. At $225 per person, you're getting professional guide service, all tackle, and access to some of the best rockfish water on the Oregon coast. Remember to bring your fishing license and dress in layers – ocean conditions can change quickly out here. The meeting point at the main boat ramp makes it easy to find, and Mark's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself. Whether you're a local angler or visiting from out of state, this charter delivers the kind of consistent action that keeps people coming back season after season.
5.0 out of 5.0Phenomenal fishing with Captain Mark. He made it super easy--just show up to the dock, where he is already waiting and ready to g...
Robert F., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Winchester Bay