Off Season Full Day Charter (October-May)
Looking for some of the best salmon fishing without the summer crowds? Radar's Pro Fishing has you covered with their off-season full day charter that runs from October 1st through May 1st. This isn't your typical peak season trip – it's something special. You'll be targeting what we call "feeders," smaller salmon that are still actively feeding and pack way more flavor than their bigger summer cousins. With only three spots available per trip, you get a personalized experience that's hard to find during busy season. Pack some layers, bring your own grub and drinks, and get ready for what might be the tastiest salmon you've ever pulled from the water.
What to Expect on the Water
This off-season charter is all about quality over quantity. When the weather cooperates and the feeders are biting, you'll understand why local anglers guard these trips like secrets. The boat heads out early to prime feeding zones where these smaller salmon are actively hunting baitfish. Don't let the "smaller" part fool you – these fish fight hard and taste amazing because they're still in feeding mode rather than spawning. The intimate three-person capacity means you get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain, personalized instruction, and more chances at landing fish. Weather can be unpredictable during off-season months, so flexibility is key. Some days you'll have glass-calm seas, other days you might be dealing with swells and wind. That's part of the adventure, and experienced captains know how to find fish even when conditions get challenging.
Gear and Techniques
Radar's Pro Fishing sets you up with everything needed to hook into these feeder salmon and bottom fish. Expect to troll with downriggers at various depths, following the bait schools and temperature breaks where salmon concentrate. The crew will have you running flashers and spoons, herring strips, or anchovies depending on what's working that day. For the rockfish and lingcod, you'll switch to bottom rigs with heavy jigs and bait. The captain reads the fish finder constantly, adjusting depths and speeds based on what the sonar shows. During off-season, salmon often hold deeper than summer months, so don't be surprised if you're fishing 80-150 feet down. The boat carries quality rods and reels that can handle both the light tackle salmon fishing and the heavier bottom fishing for lingcod. Make sure to dress in layers – morning fog and afternoon sun can create a 20-degree temperature swing, and you want to stay comfortable during the full day on the water.
Top Catches This Season
The species mix during off-season creates some of the most diverse fishing you'll find all year. Pink salmon show up in huge numbers during odd-numbered years, especially in late summer and fall. These smaller salmon, usually 3-5 pounds, are perfect table fare and fight surprisingly hard for their size. They're silver-bright when fresh from the ocean and make excellent eating. Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon family. These feeders typically run 6-12 pounds during off-season and are known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. They're aggressive biters and often hit lures with authority that'll wake you up fast. Brown rockfish become more active during cooler months, moving into shallower water to feed. These bottom dwellers provide steady action between salmon runs and make excellent fish and chips. Lingcod are the real bruisers of the bunch. These prehistoric-looking predators can reach 20-30 pounds and provide arm-burning fights. They're ambush predators that grab bait hard and try to dive straight back to the rocks. Chinook salmon, though less common during off-season, still show up as feeders. These king salmon might be smaller than their summer counterparts but they're still the strongest fighters in the salmon family, often taking long runs and testing your drag system.
Time to Book Your Spot
Off-season charters fill up faster than most people realize, especially when weather windows look good. With only three spots per trip, these intimate fishing experiences book solid with repeat customers who know what they're getting. The combination of smaller crowds, hungry fish, and personal attention from the crew makes these October through May trips some of the most rewarding of the year. You'll come back to the dock with a cooler full of premium eating fish and stories that'll last until next season. Don't sleep on off-season fishing – book your spot with Radar's Pro Fishing and discover why serious anglers prefer these months over the busy summer season. Bring your appetite for adventure and leave room in the freezer for some of the best-tasting salmon you'll ever catch.