Halibut Charter – $400 Winchester Bay
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Deepwater Pacific Halibut fishing aboard modern Hewescraft vesselCaptain Mark LaDuke provides equipment and expert guidanceDeparts Salmon Harbor Marina with 3guest minimum requirement
Winchester Bay's halibut fishing is the kind of deep-water challenge that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers. Captain Mark LaDuke runs one of the top-rated halibut charters on the Oregon coast, targeting Pacific halibut in their preferred deep-water haunts just offshore from this renowned fishing hub. This isn't your typical inshore rockfish trip – we're talking about pursuing genuine barn doors in 200+ feet of water, where every hookup could be the fish of a lifetime. The $400 per person rate reflects the specialized nature of this fishery, and with a minimum of three guests required, you'll be sharing the adventure with fellow anglers who understand what it takes to land these bottom-dwelling giants.
Your day starts early at Salmon Harbor Marina's T Dock, where you'll meet Captain Mark and step aboard his 2018 Hewescraft – a boat built specifically for Oregon's challenging coastal conditions. This isn't some converted pleasure craft; it's a serious fishing machine equipped with GPS and fish finder technology that'll put you right on top of the halibut grounds. The trip launches from the main ramp on Tuesdays, giving you a mid-week opportunity to avoid weekend crowds and target fish that haven't been pressured by a parade of boats. From Roseburg and surrounding areas, Winchester Bay represents your best shot at world-class halibut fishing without the drive to Newport or Brookings. The Umpqua River mouth provides excellent protection for launching, but once we clear the jetties, we're heading to depths where the real Pacific halibut live and feed.
Halibut fishing is all about precision and patience. Captain Mark's fish finder will locate the structure and baitfish that attract these flatfish, but putting your bait in the right spot at the right depth requires skill and proper gear. We're talking heavy sinkers – often 16 to 24 ounces – to get your bait down through the current and keep it in the strike zone. The standard rig involves a spreader bar setup with circle hooks and fresh bait, typically salmon bellies or large herring. All equipment is provided, from the sturdy rods capable of handling 40-pound halibut to the net and gaff needed to boat your catch. The key technique is keeping your bait just off the bottom where halibut cruise looking for an easy meal. You'll feel the weight ticking along the seafloor, and when a halibut picks up your bait, there's no mistaking that distinctive tap-tap-pull that signals it's time to set the hook and start the fight of your life.
Pacific halibut are the ultimate flatfish prize along the Oregon coast, and Winchester Bay's offshore grounds hold some genuine trophies. These fish can live over 50 years and reach massive proportions – we're talking potential catches ranging from keeper-sized 22-inchers all the way up to 100+ pound barn doors that'll test your tackle and your stamina. Halibut are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, using their excellent eyesight to spot prey swimming overhead. What makes them so exciting to catch isn't just their size potential, but their fighting ability once hooked. A big halibut will use its broad, flat body like a rudder, creating incredible resistance as it tries to stay glued to the bottom. The seasonal nature of this fishery – typically best from late spring through early fall – means you're targeting fish that have moved into shallower waters to feed after spending winter in the deep. Captain Mark knows the specific depths, bottom types, and current breaks where these fish concentrate, giving you the best shot at connecting with a Pacific halibut that'll provide enough fresh fillets to fill your freezer and stories to last a lifetime.
This customer favorite halibut charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active and the weather's most reliable. With departures limited to Tuesdays and a three-person minimum, your scheduling flexibility will determine your chances of securing a spot. Don't forget that Oregon fishing licenses are required – you can grab yours online or at local tackle shops before your trip. The $400 investment covers your spot on a world-class halibut charter with an experienced captain who knows Winchester Bay's waters like his backyard. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add Pacific halibut to your species list or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing to serious deep-water action, this charter delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Contact Mark LaDuke Guide Service to check availability and secure your spot for what could be the best fishing trip of your year.
This 23.8' 2018 Hewescraft cuts through Oregon waters with authority, powered by a reliable 150 HP Yamaha main engine plus a 9.9 kicker for trolling those productive halibut grounds. Built tough for the demanding Pacific conditions off Winchester Bay, she's equipped with GPS navigation and fish finder technology to put you right on top of where the big flatfish are holding. The Hewescraft's deep-V hull handles the swells while you work the bottom in 200+ feet of water where trophy halibut lurk. Captain Mark LaDuke runs a tight ship with all the tackle and gear you need to hook into barn door-sized halibut that make these Oregon waters famous. Launching from Salmon Harbor's T Dock, this boat gets you to the productive offshore ledges and rocky structure that halibut call home. With room to fight fish and space to work the deck, this setup is purpose-built for serious halibut fishing where technique and patience pay off with coolers full of premium table fare.
Winchester Bay