Private Full Day Trip – 10 Hours (5:00 AM Start)
Captain Mark's private 10-hour offshore charter is built for serious anglers who want to get after the big ones. Starting at 5:00 AM, you'll head up to 30 miles out into prime Pacific waters where the Halibut, Chinook, Coho, Lingcod, and Rockfish are waiting. This isn't your typical half-day trip – with a full 10 hours on the water, you've got real time to work different depths, cover serious ground, and dial in what's working. Plus, it's just your group of up to 4 people, so no sharing the rail with strangers or waiting for someone else's fish. Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while showing off some of the most beautiful west coast scenery you'll see anywhere.
What to Expect on the Water
Mark runs a top-rated operation that's all about maximizing your time where it counts. The early start gets you out there before the crowds and puts you on the productive morning bite. You'll be working everything from shallow rock piles for Lingcod to deeper offshore structure where the big Halibut hang out. The boat's equipped with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. Mark's got the electronics to mark fish and the local knowledge to put you in the right spots at the right times. Between the serious fishing, you'll get those postcard views of the coast that make this such a world-class fishery. On the way back, there's a photo stop that's become a customer favorite – one of those spots that'll make your friends back home jealous. Pack your own cooler with food and drinks since you'll be out there all day.
Techniques and Tackle
This offshore game is all about reading the water and adjusting your approach. You'll be dropping jigs and bait down to the Lingcod on the rocky bottom, then moving to deeper water to work the flats where Halibut cruise. For the salmon, expect to troll with downriggers, covering water until you find the schools. Mark's got the tackle dialed in – heavy enough for big Halibut but sensitive enough to feel those Rockfish picking at your bait. The depth finder and GPS are your best friends out here, marking productive structure and getting you back to the hot spots. When the salmon are running, you might switch between different lure colors and sizes until something clicks. The Lingcod fishing is more about precise drops to rocky structure, while Halibut require patience as you work the sand and mud bottoms where they ambush prey.
Top Catches This Season
Pacific Halibut are the crown jewel of this fishery and the reason many anglers book these long offshore trips. These flatfish can grow massive – we're talking 100+ pound barn doors that'll test your tackle and your back. They're ambush predators that sit on sandy bottoms waiting for bait fish, so you'll be working heavy jigs and large baits near the bottom. Peak season runs from June through August when they're most active, though you can find them throughout the May to September window. The fight is pure power – they don't jump like salmon, but they'll use that broad body to bulldoze toward the bottom. Landing a trophy Halibut is a bucket list experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Chinook Salmon are the kings for good reason – they're the largest Pacific salmon and put up legendary fights. These fish can push 30-40 pounds in prime years, with broad shoulders and silver sides that flash as they run. They're most reliable from May through July, with some great fall runs depending on the year. Chinooks love structure and current breaks, so Mark will position you where the food gets concentrated. When one hits, you'll know it – they make long, powerful runs and have the size to really load up your rod. The meat quality is outstanding, with that rich, fatty texture that makes them the prize of the salmon family.
Coho Salmon bring the acrobatics to your fishing day. Pound for pound, these silver rockets might be the best fighting fish in the Pacific. They typically run 8-15 pounds but make up for size with pure athleticism – jumping, tail-walking, and stripping line like fish twice their weight. Peak Coho action hits from July through September, with some of the hottest fishing in late summer. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Mark knows the temperature breaks and bait concentrations where they stack up. The table quality is excellent too – bright, firm flesh that's perfect for the grill.
Lingcod are the bullies of the rocky bottom and one of the most fun fish to target on light tackle. These toothy predators can reach 40+ pounds and have attitudes to match. They're year-round residents, but fishing is strongest from May through October when they're most aggressive. Lingcod hit hard and fight dirty, using the rocky structure to try to break you off. They've got those prehistoric looks with massive mouths full of teeth, making every catch a photo opportunity. The meat is some of the best eating in the ocean – white, flaky, and mild. Mark knows the rock piles and ledges where the big ones set up territories.
Rockfish round out your mixed bag and provide consistent action throughout the day. These colorful bottom dwellers come in dozens of species, from Vermillion and Canary Rockfish to massive Bocaccio. They're structure-oriented fish that school up on reefs and rocky areas. Most run 2-8 pounds, but some species get much larger. They're excellent eating and fun on lighter tackle. Rockfish provide the steady action between the trophy fish, keeping your rod bent and your cooler filling up. They're available throughout the season and make great backup targets when the larger species are being finicky.
Time to Book Your Spot