Coos Bay Tuna Charter - $425 per Person
Looking for some serious offshore action? Captain Mark LaDuke's tuna charter out of Coos Bay is where you'll find it. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – we're talking about heading way out into blue water where the albacore tuna run hot and heavy. At $425 per person with a three-angler minimum, you're getting a full day of high-speed trolling aboard a fully rigged 2018 Hewescraft that's built for these conditions. The boat comes loaded with GPS and fish finder technology, plus all the rods and tackle you'll need to put fish in the box.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts at the main boat ramp in Coos Bay – you'll meet Captain Mark behind the marina office near Monkey Business restaurant where there's plenty of parking. Once we launch, it's a decent run to reach the warm water where tuna like to hang out, but that's where the magic happens. These fish are constantly on the move, following bait schools and temperature breaks, so we use the electronics to locate the best water and then start trolling. The 2018 Hewescraft handles the offshore swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform to fight fish from. Captain Mark knows these waters inside and out – he's got years of experience reading currents, watching for bird activity, and knowing exactly where to set up the spread. The energy level picks up fast once we hook into a school of tuna. These fish don't mess around, and you'll know immediately when one grabs your line.
Trolling Setup & Tactics
Tuna fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right speed. We run a spread of lures behind the boat, typically trolling at 6-8 knots to trigger strikes from aggressive fish. The captain provides all the gear, including heavy-duty rods and reels that can handle the initial runs these fish make. Albacore have a reputation for peeling line off reels, especially when they're fresh and full of fight. The key is maintaining steady pressure while letting the fish tire itself out – try to muscle them too hard and you'll either break them off or pull the hooks. Captain Mark will coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish properly and get it to the boat. The GPS and fish finder are crucial tools for staying on productive water and marking spots where we find fish, so we can return if the bite shuts down.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Albacore tuna are the main target on these offshore trips, and for good reason. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-40 pounds when conditions are right. They're built for speed and endurance, with torpedo-shaped bodies that slice through the water effortlessly. Albacore show up in Oregon waters typically from July through October when ocean temperatures warm up enough to draw them in from deeper offshore areas. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial run – when you hook a fresh albacore, it's going to take off like a freight train, often jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They're also fantastic eating, with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making into steaks. The best part about targeting albacore is that when you find them, you usually find them in numbers. It's not uncommon to hook multiple fish during a hot bite, keeping everyone on the boat busy fighting fish at the same time.
Time to Book Your Spot
This tuna charter represents some of the best offshore fishing you'll find along the Oregon coast. Captain Mark LaDuke brings the experience, equipment, and local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The $425 price point includes everything except your fishing license – and yes, you absolutely need a valid Oregon fishing license before we head out. The three-person minimum ensures the trip makes economic sense while keeping the boat from getting too crowded during the action. These trips book up fast during peak tuna season, especially when the fishing reports start heating up. If you're ready to experience what offshore tuna fishing is all about, this is your chance to get out there with a captain who knows how to find them and put you on fish.