Tillamook Family Combo Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour family combo trip targets Lingcod and Rockfish with crabbingAccommodates up to 6 guests with all rods and tackle includedEarly 6 AM departure ensures calm waters and steady morning action
Looking for a fishing trip that keeps the whole crew happy? This 8-hour family combo adventure out of Tillamook hits the sweet spot for groups wanting both bottom fishing action and hands-on crabbing fun. Your Pro Fish Guide captain knows exactly how to keep kids engaged while adults get their fish on, making it one of our top-rated family experiences on the Oregon coast. The 6 AM departure might sound early, but trust me—you'll thank yourself when you're pulling up keeper Lingcod in glass-calm conditions while other boats are still dealing with afternoon chop.
This isn't your typical "fish or crab" day—we're doing both, and doing them right. Your captain starts with proven bottom fishing techniques that work for everyone from first-time anglers to seasoned locals. We're talking simple, effective methods that let kids feel the fish hit without getting overwhelmed by complicated gear. The boat accommodates up to six guests comfortably, so there's plenty of room to spread out and help each other land fish. After working the bottom structure for Lingcod and Rockfish, we shift gears to crabbing, which becomes the kids' favorite part fast. Nothing beats watching a 10-year-old pull up a crab pot and start sorting through the day's haul like a seasoned deckhand. All rods, tackle, and crabbing gear come included, so families can focus on the fun instead of worrying about what to bring.
We keep the fishing straightforward but effective on these family trips. Bottom fishing means dropping your bait down to where the fish live—rocky structure and ledges that hold Lingcod and various Rockfish species. Your captain rigs everyone up with appropriate weights and hooks, then positions the boat over productive spots he's been working for years. The key is patience and feeling for that telltale tap-tap of a fish picking up your bait. Kids learn fast when they can actually feel what's happening down there. For crabbing, we use traditional pots baited with fish carcasses from the morning's catch. The real magic happens when those pots come up—sorting legal-size crabs from throwbacks teaches everyone about sustainable fishing practices while keeping hands busy. Your captain handles the technical boat positioning and timing, while guests get to do the fun part of hauling gear and handling the catch.
Lingcod are the main attraction for bottom fishing around Tillamook, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking fish grow big, fight hard, and make excellent table fare. They hang around rocky bottom structure in 60-120 feet of water, ambushing bait fish and anything else that looks tasty. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, and a good-sized Ling in the 15-20 pound range will give kids a workout they won't forget. What makes them special is their aggressive strike—when a Lingcod hits your bait, you know it immediately. The meat is firm, white, and mild, making it perfect for families who want to take their catch home.
Chinook Salmon show up seasonally and represent the holy grail of Pacific Northwest fishing. These kings can range from feisty 15-pounders to massive 40+ pound fish that test your endurance and equipment. Spring through early summer offers the best shots at fresh Chinook moving through Tillamook waters. When you hook one, expect a fight that combines powerful runs with aerial displays. The rich, red meat is world-class eating, and landing your first Chinook becomes a fishing milestone families talk about for years.
Black Sea Bass might not get the same press as Salmon or Lingcod, but they're customer favorites for good reason. These scrappy fighters punch above their weight class, and they're abundant enough that kids stay busy throughout the trip. They school up around structure and readily take bait, making them perfect confidence-builders for younger anglers. The meat is excellent—firm, white, and versatile for cooking. Many families discover that Black Sea Bass becomes their new favorite fish to target.
Black Rockfish round out the bottom fishing action and provide steady action when other species are being finicky. They're abundant, willing biters that help ensure everyone goes home with fish. While they might not reach the size of Lingcod, Rockfish offer consistent fun and good eating. Kids love the variety—Black Rockfish often show up alongside other Rockfish species, creating a mixed bag that keeps everyone guessing what's coming up next.
Family fishing trips like this fill up fast, especially during peak season when weather conditions are most reliable. The combination of kid-friendly techniques, experienced captains, and Tillamook's renowned fishing grounds creates an experience that works for everyone in the group. Remember to bring your fishing licenses, layer up for changing conditions, and pack snacks and drinks for the 8-hour adventure. The early start time means calm water and active fish, while the combo format keeps everyone engaged throughout the day. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking for a trip that keeps multiple generations happy, this family combo delivers the goods. Don't wait—these spots book up quickly, and the best fishing windows don't last forever.
This 32' Defiance sportfisher brings families together for comfortable bottom fishing and crabbing along the Tillamook coast. Built to handle six anglers with plenty of open deck space, she's equipped with GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate prime Lingcod and Rockfish spots. The onboard toilet keeps everyone comfortable during your 8-hour adventure, while the icebox stores your snacks and drinks. Kids love helping pull crab pots while adults work the rods for bottom fish. With all tackle provided and early morning departures for calm waters, this boat makes family fishing trips easy and enjoyable. Quality gear and steady handling give younger anglers confidence as they learn the ropes alongside experienced family members.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are perfect for family trips - they're abundant, eager to bite, and great eating. These dark gray fish average 2-5 pounds and live around rocky reefs, jetties, and structure from shallow water down to 200 feet. What makes them ideal for beginners is their aggressive feeding habit - they'll hit jigs, bait, pretty much anything you drop down. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for fish and chips. Spring through fall offers the best action when they school up to feed. They don't fight super hard but their spiny fins pack a mild venom, so handle carefully. Here's my go-to technique: use a medium-weight jig tipped with bait and work it near the bottom around rocky areas. They'll often hit on the way down, so stay alert from the start.
Centropristis StriataWhile not native to our Pacific waters, understanding these Atlantic favorites helps anglers recognize quality bottom fish. Sea bass are chunky fighters that live around structure - wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. They average 1-4 pounds but put up a solid scrap until they break the surface. What's interesting is they start life as females then change to males as they grow larger. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Best fishing happens late spring through summer when they move into shallower water to feed on crabs and squid. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom near structure where they hide. Use a two-hook rig with squid or cut bait - they're aggressive feeders that'll usually hit hard and fast.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the ultimate Pacific salmon - silver-sided giants that can reach 20-30 pounds in our waters. These fish spend years in the ocean feeding on herring and squid before returning to spawn, building incredible strength and stamina. You'll find them in deeper water during summer months, typically 60-200 feet, following baitfish along the continental shelf. What makes them special is their powerful runs and premium table fare - rich, firm meat that's perfect for grilling. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. The fight is something else - long screaming runs that'll test your drag system. My tip: when trolling, keep your offerings 10-15 feet off the bottom where they cruise hunting for food. Patience pays off with these fish.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese toothy predators are what bottom fishing is all about. Lingcod aren't actually cod but greenlings with massive heads and razor-sharp teeth that'll grab anything fitting in their mouth. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we see 20+ pounders regularly around Tillamook's rocky reefs in 30-150 feet of water. They sit motionless on the bottom waiting to ambush prey, making them perfect targets for families since they don't run hard once hooked. What makes them special is their gnarly appearance and excellent eating - firm white meat that's hard to beat. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they're feeding heavily. Here's the key: drop your jig or bait right to the bottom and work it slow near rocky structure. They'll usually hit hard and hold tight.
Tillamook, OR