Rockfish & Lingcod Bottom Fishing - 8 Hour Trips
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day bottom fishing charter targeting rockfish speciesProfessional captain provides all rods, reels, and tackleOptional crabbing available for additional fishing experience
If you're looking for a proper day of bottom fishing on Oregon's rugged coast, Captain Will Merritt's got you covered. This full-day charter out of Charleston Marina puts you right in the thick of some of the best rockfish action the Pacific Northwest has to offer. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water aboard a 22-foot Navigator Sport, chasing lingcod and rockfish in proven spots that have been producing fish year after year. Whether you've been fishing these waters your whole life or you're just getting your feet wet, this trip is designed to put fish in the cooler and smiles on faces.
Your day starts early – we're talking 5:00 AM departure from Charleston Marina, which means you'll want to grab some coffee and be ready to fish by the time the sun starts painting the horizon. Captain Will knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not wasting time getting you to where the fish are holding. The 22-foot Navigator Sport is perfectly rigged for bottom fishing, with all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need provided. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. The boat's equipped with quality stuff that can handle everything from feisty rockfish to those bruiser lingcod that'll test your arms. If you want to make the most of your time out there, ask about adding crabbing to your trip – nothing beats fresh crab and rockfish for dinner. The waters off Charleston are productive year-round, but conditions can change fast on the Oregon coast, so dress in layers and be ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you.
Bottom fishing off Charleston is all about reading structure and getting your baits down to where the fish live. We're fishing over rocky reefs, ledges, and underwater pinnacles that hold massive schools of rockfish and provide ambush points for lingcod. Captain Will runs high-low rigs with circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get through the current and stay in contact with the bottom. You'll be using everything from whole anchovies to cut herring, and sometimes those lingcod want something bigger – like a whole rockfish for bait. The key is keeping your line tight and feeling for that telltale tap-tap-tap of a fish picking up your bait. Don't be surprised if you hook into multiple fish at once – these rockfish travel in schools, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. The Navigator Sport's setup allows everyone to fish comfortably without tangling lines, and Captain Will's there to help with everything from baiting hooks to netting fish. Depth finder technology helps locate the schools, but it's the captain's knowledge of seasonal patterns and local structure that really makes the difference between an okay day and a trip you'll be talking about for years.
The waters off Charleston are absolutely loaded with lingcod, those prehistoric-looking predators that can grow massive and fight like freight trains. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, often hiding in rocky crevices waiting to ambush anything that swims by. Lingcod season runs strong through most of the year, with fish ranging from legal-sized "teenagers" around 22 inches up to true monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. What makes lingcod so exciting isn't just their size – it's their aggressive nature and the way they hit baits. When a big ling grabs your offering, there's no mistaking it. They'll slam the bait and head straight for the rocks, testing your drag and your nerve. The meat is absolutely fantastic too – firm, white, and perfect for the grill or fish and chips.
Bocaccio rockfish are the other star of the show, and these beautiful orange and red fish are some of the best eating you'll find in the Pacific. Bocaccio are larger than most rockfish species, commonly hitting 5-10 pounds, with some real giants pushing 15 pounds or more. They're typically found in deeper water over rocky bottom, often suspended off the seafloor in loose schools. What's cool about bocaccio is they're aggressive feeders and will often hit baits on the way down, giving you that classic rockfish head-shake fight. Spring through fall tends to be prime time, but Charleston's productive waters mean you can find quality bocaccio year-round when conditions allow. These fish have excellent table fare – mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe, and they're abundant enough that you can usually count on bringing home a solid batch for the freezer.
Charleston's bottom fishing scene is world-class, and trips like this book up fast, especially during peak season. Captain Will's reputation for finding fish and putting guests on productive water means his calendar fills up with repeat customers and referrals. Whether you're a local angler looking to get away from the crowds at the popular spots or a visiting fisherman wanting to experience Oregon's legendary rockfish action, this full-day charter delivers the goods. The combination of professional guidance, quality gear, and access to proven fishing grounds makes this trip a customer favorite among serious bottom fishers. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days get claimed early, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best day on the water this year. Give Captain Will a call and get your spot locked in for some top-rated Charleston bottom fishing action.
Hit the productive waters off Charleston aboard our reliable 2017 22' Duckworth Navigator Sport. This well-equipped fishing boat gets you to the rockfish grounds quickly with its 115 HP Yamaha, cruising at 32 mph to maximize your fishing time. Perfect for bottom fishing adventures, she's loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS navigation to find the best spots, radar for those early morning fog runs, and a quality fish finder to locate where the rockfish are holding. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish below. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long 8-hour trips. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your gear and store "one more" keeper. Captain Will has this boat dialed in for Oregon's coastal waters, whether you're targeting lingcod in the deeper holes or working the reefs for various rockfish species. Built tough for ocean conditions but comfortable enough for all-day fishing.
Sebastes PaucispinisBocaccio are the big boys of the rockfish family, growing up to 3 feet and 20+ pounds. You'll find them in deeper water, typically 150-1000 feet, though juveniles hang shallow in kelp. They've got that classic rockfish look but with a longer jaw that extends past their eye. These fish live a long time - up to 45 years - and put up a solid fight on the way up. The meat is excellent, firm and flaky. They feed on anchovies, squid, and smaller rockfish, so they're always hungry. Best tip for bocaccio: fish the deeper structure during slack tide. A small strip of squid on your jig makes all the difference. They're regulated pretty tight, so we follow all size and bag limits to keep the population healthy.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually cod at all - they're greenlings with a nasty attitude and teeth to match. These ambush predators lurk in rocky structure from 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to blend in perfectly. Females can hit 30+ pounds while males stay smaller, usually under 20. They're lazy fighters once hooked but aggressive feeders that'll grab almost anything. Best fishing happens year-round in areas with strong current and rocky bottom. What makes them special is their firm, white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. Here's the trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quick. They'll try to wrap you around the rocks, so don't give them time to think about it.
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