Coos Bay Salmon Charter with Captain Mark
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Guided salmon fishing with Captain Mark LaDuke aboard 2018 HewescraftTarget Chinook and Coho during seasonal runs with provided gear$250 per person with GPS, fish finder, and expert guidance included
Looking for a solid salmon charter on the Oregon coast? Captain Mark LaDuke knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his 2018 Hewescraft is rigged and ready for serious salmon fishing. At $250 per person with a two-angler minimum, this Coos Bay charter puts you right in the heart of Oregon's world-class salmon fishery. Whether you're after chrome-bright Chinook or feisty Coho, Mark's got the local knowledge and top-rated equipment to put you on fish. Don't forget your fishing license – it's required for everyone aboard.
You'll meet Captain Mark at the main boat ramp behind the marina office, right near Monkey Business restaurant – easy to spot with plenty of parking. His 2018 Hewescraft comes loaded with GPS and fish finder technology, so you're not just hoping for the best out there. Mark provides all the tackle and gear you'll need, from the rods and reels to the terminal tackle that's proven to work in these waters. The boat's setup is clean and functional, designed for fishing rather than showing off. You'll have room to move around when fighting fish, and Mark keeps everything organized so you can focus on what matters – getting salmon in the boat. The captain knows the seasonal patterns of both Chinook and Coho runs, positioning you where the fish are actually moving rather than just fishing the same old spots everyone else hits.
Salmon fishing here is all about trolling with the right setup at the right depth. Captain Mark runs a mix of downriggers and wire line setups depending on conditions and where the fish are holding. You'll be pulling flashers and hoochies, spoons, and cut-plug herring – whatever's been producing lately. The fish finder is constantly scanning for bait balls and temperature breaks where salmon like to hunt. Mark adjusts trolling speed based on water temperature and current – usually between 2.5 and 4 knots, but he reads the conditions and the sonar to dial it in. The GPS tracks productive water so you can return to spots that have been holding fish. Lines go out at different depths, typically anywhere from 20 to 80 feet down, depending on where the thermocline is sitting and what the fish finder is showing. You'll learn to watch the rod tips for that distinctive salmon bite – sometimes a hard slam, other times just a steady pull that builds as the fish realizes it's hooked.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish average 15 to 25 pounds in Coos Bay waters, with the occasional bruiser pushing 30-plus pounds during peak season. Spring Chinook start showing up in late March and April, but the best action typically runs from May through September. These fish are fresh from the ocean, chrome-bright and full of fight. They'll make long runs and jump when hooked, testing your drag and your nerves. What makes Chinook special here is their size and the fact they're feeding heavily before heading upriver to spawn. They're hitting baitfish aggressively, which means they'll slam your offerings when presented right. The meat quality is outstanding – firm, rich, and perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These silver rockets typically run 8 to 15 pounds, but what they lack in size compared to Chinook, they make up for in pure athleticism. Coho are jumpers – they'll come completely out of the water multiple times during the fight, shaking their heads and trying to throw the hook. Peak Coho season runs from July through October, with September often being the sweet spot when numbers are high and the fish are aggressive. They school up more than Chinook, so when you find them, you can often get multiple hookups. Coho have excellent table fare with slightly milder flavor than Chinook, and they're perfect for smoking or grilling. Local anglers love them because they fight hard relative to their size and they're numerous enough that you've got a real shot at limiting out on a good day.
Captain Mark's salmon charters book up fast during peak season, especially weekends and when the fishing reports are hot. The $250 per person rate includes everything except your fishing license – all tackle, gear, and Mark's years of local knowledge working these waters. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation; it's a seasoned captain who lives and breathes salmon fishing putting you on his best spots. The two-angler minimum ensures you're getting personalized attention rather than being packed onto a crowded boat. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to dial in local techniques or a newcomer wanting to experience Oregon's renowned salmon runs, this charter delivers the goods. Book early, bring your license, and get ready to hook into some of the Pacific Northwest's finest salmon fishing.
Captain Mark LaDuke's 2018 Hewescraft is a serious fishing machine built for Oregon's productive salmon waters. This 23.8-footer runs on a reliable 150 HP Yamaha with a 9.9 kicker for precise trolling speed control when working the salmon grounds. The GPS keeps you on productive fishing zones while the fish finder helps locate baitfish and structure where Chinook and Coho like to feed. With solid construction designed for Pacific Northwest conditions, this boat handles Coos Bay's waters with confidence whether you're targeting seasonal salmon runs or exploring rocky bottom areas for other species. All fishing gear is provided along with Captain Mark's local knowledge of where fish are biting. The $250 per person rate requires a 2-angler minimum, and don't forget your Oregon fishing license before heading to the main boat ramp behind the marina office.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of our local runs, typically running 15-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing even bigger. These silver-sided fish with black-spotted backs prefer deeper water and tend to hug the bottom, especially during bright conditions. Early morning and evening are prime time when they're more active in the water column. What makes kings special is their incredible fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is rich and oily with that deep orange-red color that's perfect for the grill or smoker. Here's a local trick: when trolling, don't be afraid to get your gear down 40-60 feet. Kings often sit deeper than folks expect, and that extra depth can make all the difference between going home empty-handed or with a true trophy fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them locally, are pure athletes averaging 8-12 pounds with bright silver sides and dark backs. These fish are famous for their acrobatics - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight, sometimes clearing 6 feet vertically. You'll find them in the upper water column more than kings, often chasing baitfish near the surface. The meat is firm with that classic salmon flavor and beautiful orange color. What sets coho apart is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit lures, making them great for newer anglers. They're also fantastic table fare. Local tip: when you see birds working the surface or bait jumping, get your lines in that area quickly. Coho will often school up and feed aggressively, and you can have multiple hookups in a short window if you're in the right spot at the right time.
Winchester Bay