Rockfish Charter – $225 a person Winchester Bay
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Rockfish charter targeting Oregon coast species aboard modern Hewescraft.Captain Mark LaDuke provides all gear and local fishing expertise.Convenient Salmon Harbor Marina departure with GPS and fish finder.
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action off the Oregon coast? Captain Mark LaDuke's got you covered with his top-rated rockfish charter departing from Winchester Bay. This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – we're talking small groups, personal attention, and prime fishing spots that produce consistent results. At $225 per person with a 2-person minimum, you're getting world-class access to some of the Pacific Northwest's best rockfish grounds without breaking the bank.
You'll be fishing aboard a 2018 Hewescraft that's built for Oregon's coastal conditions – stable, spacious, and equipped with all the electronics you need to find fish. The GPS and fish finder aren't just for show; Captain Mark uses them to locate structure and schools that other boats miss. We meet at Salmon Harbor Marina's T Dock, though Tuesdays we'll launch from the main boat ramp. The setup is convenient whether you're driving down from Roseburg or staying local in the Winchester Bay area. All your tackle and gear comes with the trip, so you just need to bring your valid Oregon fishing license and be ready to catch some fish. The boat handles beautifully in the swells, and the captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – he'll put you on productive bottom where the rockfish are holding.
Rockfish fishing is all about reading the bottom structure and dropping your bait right where these fish like to hang out. We're targeting rocky reefs, ledges, and drop-offs where yelloweye rockfish cruise looking for an easy meal. You'll be using heavy sinkers – usually 16 to 32 ounces depending on current and depth – to get your bait down fast and keep it in the strike zone. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and hold on. When a rockfish hits, you'll know it – they grab hard and head straight for the rocks. The key is getting them up and away from structure quickly before they can wrap you up. Captain Mark provides quality rods and reels that can handle the fight, plus fresh bait that these fish can't resist. The fish finder helps us stay right on top of productive bottom, so you're not wasting time fishing dead water.
Yelloweye rockfish are the crown jewel of Oregon's bottom fishing scene, and Winchester Bay puts you in prime territory to tangle with these beauties. These fish are absolute bruisers – they can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes, with 20 to 30-pound fish being caught regularly in these waters. What makes yelloweye so special is their fight and their table fare. When you hook one, they make powerful runs toward the rocks, testing your drag and your nerves. The best action typically happens from late spring through fall when these fish are most active and feeding aggressively. Yelloweye have incredible eyesight and can be picky about bait presentation, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Their bright yellow eyes and mottled coloration make them easy to identify, and their firm, white meat is considered some of the finest eating in the Pacific. The size and strength of these fish, combined with their relatively deep habitat, creates an exciting challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back season after season.
This rockfish charter offers everything serious anglers want – experienced guidance, quality equipment, prime fishing locations, and a boat that's built for success. Captain Mark's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this one of Winchester Bay's customer favorite trips. The small group size means you get personalized instruction and plenty of room to fish comfortably. At $225 per person, you're getting exceptional value for a full day of guided fishing in some of Oregon's most productive waters. Whether you're an experienced bottom fisherman or looking to try something new, this charter delivers the kind of hands-on fishing experience that creates lasting memories. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the yelloweye are most active.
Captain Mark LaDuke's 2018 Hewescraft is your ticket to some serious rockfish action off Winchester Bay. This 23.8-footer packs a reliable 150 HP Yamaha main engine plus a 9.9 kicker for those precise drift presentations that rockfish love. The GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Built tough for Oregon's coastal waters, this Hewescraft handles the swells with ease so you can focus on dropping jigs and pulling up limits. All your tackle is provided – just bring your fishing license and get ready to fill the coolers. Departing from Salmon Harbor Marina's T Dock, you'll be fishing the rocky structure where lingcod, black rockfish, and canary rockfish call home. At $225 per person with a 2-person minimum, it's perfect for couples or small groups wanting quality fishing without the crowded party boat scene.
Winchester Bay