Private Offshore Fishing Charter – Oregon Coast
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter targets salmon, rockfish, and lingcod offshoreAll gear, tackle, and bait included with experienced crew supportDungeness crab pot option available when ocean conditions permit
There's nothing quite like heading out into the Pacific's productive offshore waters for a full day of salmon, rockfish, and lingcod action. This 6-hour private charter aboard the Susan K gives you and up to five friends exclusive access to some of the Oregon Coast's best fishing grounds. Captain and crew from Pacific Odyssey Dory Charters know these waters inside and out, and they'll put you on fish while making sure everyone – from first-timers to seasoned anglers – has a blast on the water. Plus, when conditions are right, you might even pull some fresh Dungeness crab pots on the way back to the dock.
Your day starts early at the marina where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions and the game plan. The Susan K is set up specifically for offshore fishing, with plenty of rod holders, fish boxes, and deck space for up to six anglers to fish comfortably. Since this is a private charter, you're not stuck with strangers or rushing to accommodate other groups – the pace is entirely yours. The crew provides all the gear, tackle, and bait you'll need, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Expect to head out 5-15 miles offshore depending on where the fish are holding and what the weather's doing. The captain monitors fish finder and GPS marks while keeping an eye on current and tide conditions that make all the difference between a good day and a great day. When ocean conditions allow, the crew will check crab pots they've set earlier, giving you a shot at taking home some fresh Dungeness crab alongside your fish.
Oregon offshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. For salmon, you'll primarily be trolling with downriggers, running flashers and hoochies or cut plug herring at various depths until you dial in where the fish are feeding. The crew will set lines at different levels – sometimes shallow at 20-30 feet, other times deep at 80-100 feet or more. Rockfish and lingcod require a different game entirely. You'll be bottom fishing with heavy sinkers, usually 8-16 ounces depending on depth and current, using everything from whole anchovies to large swimbaits. The captain will position the boat over rocky structure, underwater pinnacles, and drop-offs where these bottom dwellers like to hang out. Expect to fish in 100-300 feet of water, and don't be surprised when you hook into something that feels like you've snagged the bottom – until it starts swimming away. The crew will handle all the technical stuff like adjusting downrigger depths, reading sonar, and finding productive structure, but they'll also teach you the techniques so you can improve your own fishing game.
Coho salmon are the bread and butter of Oregon offshore fishing, especially during summer and early fall runs. These silver bullets typically range from 8-15 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs and jumping clear out of the water. Coho are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures, from traditional hoochies in pink and white to cut plug herring. They school up in the top 60 feet of water and follow baitfish concentrations, which is why your captain spends time looking for bird activity and bait balls on the sonar. What makes coho special is their acrobatic fight – they'll jump repeatedly and make long, powerful runs that test your drag settings and patience.
Chinook salmon are the true kings of the Pacific, and Oregon waters produce some absolute slabs that can push 30 pounds or more. These fish are built for power rather than acrobatics, preferring deep, bulldogging fights that will make your arms burn. Chinook often hold deeper than coho, sometimes 80-150 feet down, and they're pickier about presentation. Fresh cut plug herring is hard to beat for big kings, though large spoons and hoochies in blue and silver can be deadly on the right day. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the largest fish typically showing up during midsummer. Landing a 20-pound chinook on the Oregon Coast is a bucket list experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Lingcod are the wolves of the rocky bottom, ambush predators that can reach massive sizes in Oregon waters. Fish in the 15-25 pound range are common, with true monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. These prehistoric-looking fish have massive mouths full of sharp teeth and will inhale large baits without hesitation. They're year-round residents but fishing is best during summer months when weather allows consistent offshore access. Lingcod hang tight to rocky structure and underwater pinnacles, so expect to lose some tackle to the rocks. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the Pacific, making them a favorite target for both sport and the dinner table.
Black rockfish round out the slam and provide consistent action when salmon fishing slows down. These schooling fish range from 2-8 pounds and are aggressive feeders that will hit everything from small jigs to cut bait. Black rockfish are excellent table fare and fun to catch on lighter tackle. They typically hold in schools over rocky bottom in 150-400 feet of water, and when you find them, you can often catch limits quickly. Peak fishing is during summer months, and they're a great species for kids or beginning anglers since they bite readily and don't require specialized techniques. Many anglers specifically target black rockfish for their sweet, mild meat that's perfect for fish tacos or fish and chips.
This private charter offers everything you need for a top-rated Oregon Coast fishing experience – knowledgeable crew, proven fishing grounds, and the flexibility that comes with having the boat to yourselves. Whether you're planning a family fishing trip, celebrating with friends, or just want
Meet the *Susan K*, our newest fishing vessel ready to get you into Oregon's productive offshore waters. This motorboat comes equipped with everything serious anglers need: a fish finder to locate salmon, rockfish, and lingcod, plus GPS and radar to navigate safely through coastal conditions. The VHF radio keeps us connected, while the onboard icebox handles your catch and keeps drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. Built for up to 6 anglers, she's perfect for families or small groups wanting dedicated access to the best fishing grounds. The experienced crew knows these waters and will put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. When conditions allow, we'll pull crab pots for fresh Dungeness crab too. All gear, tackle, and bait included – just bring your fishing license and get ready to fill the fish box.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are the reliable workhorses of Oregon bottom fishing. Running 2-5 pounds on average, they're found around rocky reefs, jetties, and structure from shallow water down to 300 feet. These dark, bass-shaped fish are aggressive feeders that'll hit almost anything you drop down - jigs, cut bait, or live anchovies all work well. They're available year-round and make great eating with firm white meat. What guests love is their willingness to bite and the steady action they provide. Watch for barotrauma when bringing them up from deeper water - their eyes may bulge from pressure change. Quick tip: use a sensitive rod tip to feel the initial bite, then set the hook hard and reel steady to keep them off the rocks.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their name - these are the giants of the salmon world, regularly hitting 20-30 pounds off our coast. They cruise deeper than coho, often 60-120 feet down, following bait schools along drop-offs and ledges. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak times in late summer. What sets kings apart is their power - they make long, bulldogging runs that test your gear and skills. The meat is rich and buttery, prized by chefs everywhere. Since they're light-sensitive, early morning and evening bites are most productive. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a slight zigzag pattern rather than straight lines. It triggers more strikes from curious kings.
Oncorhynchus KisutchAlso called silver salmon, coho are the acrobats of the salmon world. These fighters typically run 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked, jumping up to 6 feet out of the water. You'll find them in the upper water column during summer and fall runs, feeding on herring and anchovies. Their bright silver sides with dark backs make them easy to identify, and the meat is outstanding - bright orange-red flesh that's perfect for the grill. We target them from late spring through fall when they're most active. One tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Coho love that erratic action and will often hit right after a speed change.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite the name, lingcod aren't actually cod - they're aggressive greenlings with nasty teeth and attitudes to match. These bottom dwellers can get massive, with females hitting 20+ pounds regularly. They lurk in rocky structure from 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to ambush anything that swims by. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters that don't give up easily, plus they're available year-round. The meat is firm and white, perfect for fish and chips. They're not picky eaters - jigs, rockfish, even other lingcod work as bait. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They'll try to wrap you around the rocks if you give them slack.
Oregon Coast