Off Season Full Day Charter with Radar's Pro Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Off-season deep sea fishing targets smaller, flavorful feeder salmonFull day charter accommodates small groups of three guests maximumOctober through May season offers easier catches and fresh taste
If you think great salmon fishing shuts down when the crowds disappear, think again. Radar's Pro Fishing runs some of their best charters during the off-season from October through May, targeting what we call "feeder" salmon. These smaller fish are actively feeding and putting up fantastic fights while delivering some of the tastiest meat you'll ever pull from the deep. With just three anglers max on board, you'll get personalized attention and prime fishing spots without fighting for rail space. Pack your layers, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready for what many seasoned anglers consider the best-kept secret in salmon fishing.
This full-day charter kicks off early when the fish are most active and the ocean is typically calmer. You'll head offshore where the feeder salmon are schooling and feeding aggressively. The smaller group size means Captain Radar can focus on putting each angler on fish rather than managing a crowded boat. These off-season conditions often produce steadier action than peak summer months when larger fish can be more selective and harder to locate. The cooler weather keeps bait fish closer to the surface, which draws in hungry salmon looking for an easy meal. You'll spend the day working different depths and structures, adjusting tactics as conditions change. With no meals provided, you'll want to pack a hearty lunch and plenty of drinks - this full-day adventure runs long enough that you'll work up a serious appetite between fish.
Radar's Pro Fishing specializes in trolling techniques that work best during off-season conditions. You'll be running downriggers and divers to get your bait down to where these feeder salmon are cruising. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels suited for the smaller but scrappy fish you'll be targeting. Herring, anchovies, and various spoons work well during this season since the salmon are actively feeding rather than just striking out of aggression. The captain will adjust trolling speeds based on water temperature and fish behavior - sometimes a slow troll works best, other times you need to cover more water quickly. Don't worry if you're new to downrigger fishing; the crew will walk you through the setup and help you feel when fish are hitting. The key is staying alert and ready to grab the rod when that downrigger pops.
Pink Salmon show up in huge numbers during odd-numbered years, typically running from July through September, but stragglers often stick around into October. These smaller salmon, usually 3-5 pounds, make up for their size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Pink salmon have the mildest flavor of all Pacific salmon, making them great for anglers who prefer less "fishy" tasting fish. When the pinks are running, you can expect fast action with multiple hookups.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world, known for their aerial displays and hard runs. These silver bullets typically range from 8-12 pounds in these waters and provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. Cohos are active feeders throughout the fall and winter months, making them prime targets for off-season charters. Their firm, orange-red meat is considered among the best eating of all salmon species. These fish love structure and baitfish, so you'll often find them near underwater ledges and drop-offs where the captain knows to look.
Brown Rockfish are year-round residents that provide consistent action when salmon fishing slows down. These bottom dwellers can live over 100 years and grow quite large, with some specimens reaching 20+ pounds. They're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish and chips or grilling. Brown rockfish are curious and will often hit bait aggressively, providing solid hookups and steady pulls to the surface. They're also a great confidence builder for newer anglers since they're generally easier to catch than salmon.
Lingcod are the monsters of the rocky bottom, with large specimens reaching 40+ pounds and sporting impressive teeth. These ambush predators will hit large baits and lures with authority, providing arm-burning fights on the way up from deep water. Lingcod have a unique blue-green flesh that turns white when cooked, offering firm, mild-tasting fillets. They're active year-round but often easier to target during cooler months when they're less spooky. Landing a big lingcod is always a trip highlight and provides plenty of meat for the freezer.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Pacific, and even the smaller "feeder" chinooks you'll target during off-season pack more punch than other salmon species. These fish can range from 10-30+ pounds and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Chinook have the highest oil content of all salmon, producing rich, flavorful fillets that are perfect for grilling or smoking. During off-season months, you're targeting younger chinooks that are still actively feeding and growing, making them more aggressive and easier to hook than the mature spawning fish of summer.
Off-season fishing with Radar's Pro Fishing offers everything serious anglers want: fewer crowds, aggressive fish, and personalized service. The feeder salmon you'll target may be smaller than peak-season fish, but they're actively feeding and provide consistent action throughout the day. With only three spots available, these charters fill up fast among anglers who know that some of the best fishing happens when everyone else stays home. The cooler weather means dressing in layers, but it also means calmer seas and fish that are focused on feeding rather than spawning. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with quality salmon or just want to experience some of the most productive fishing of the year, this off-season charter delivers. Contact Radar's Pro Fishing now to secure your spot for what
Get ready to chase those tasty feeder Salmon aboard this reliable Grady-White Cuddy Cabin! Powered by a dependable Suzuki engine, this fishing machine cuts through offshore waters with ease while the spacious cabin keeps you comfortable during those cooler off-season months. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of feeding Salmon, while GPS and radar keep you safe when conditions get sketchy. When you need a break from fighting fish, duck into the cuddy cabin - complete with a bed for quick naps and a head for convenience. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on productive spots without spooking the fish. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and stay entertained with the multimedia system during longer runs to fishing grounds. Perfect for up to 3 anglers looking to target those smaller but incredibly flavorful Salmon that are still actively feeding in the off-season waters.
Sebastes AuriculatusBrown rockfish are perfect for anglers who want steady action without the major battle. These chocolate-colored bottom dwellers typically reach about 22 inches and live around rocky structure from 120 to 400 feet deep. They're night feeders, so daytime fishing finds them tucked into kelp beds and rocky crevices using their mottled brown coloring as camouflage. What's great about browns is they don't fight too hard once hooked, making them ideal for mixed groups or when you want to fill the cooler. They'll eat small baitfish, crab, and shrimp, so anchovies, sardines, or squid strips work well. The trick is getting your bait down to them - use a heavy enough jig to drop straight down in current, especially when drift fishing. Watch for that distinctive dark patch behind their gill cover to tell them apart from coppers.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, the kings of the Pacific, are what every angler dreams about. These massive fish average 15-20 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds, making them the largest salmon species. Kings prefer deeper, colder water and are light-sensitive, so they stay down during the day. Our off-season feeders might be smaller but they're actively eating, which means better hookups and amazing table fare with that rich, orange-red meat. They're strong fighters that will test your drag system. Early morning and evening are prime times, and since they hug the bottom, you'll need weighted baits or downriggers. Try trolling with plugs, spoons, or herring at varying depths. Pro tip: on bright days use chartreuse and blue combos, but switch to darker purple and black patterns when it's overcast. Patience pays off with these trophy fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers, are absolute acrobats when hooked - they'll jump clean out of the water and give you a real show. These fish typically run 8-12 pounds and have that classic silver body with dark blue-green backs. They love hanging around calm areas near debris and structure, moving between freshwater and saltwater throughout their lives. Our off-season trips catch them while they're still feeding heavily, making them more aggressive and better eating. Cohos are known for their bright orange-red meat and put up one hell of a fight. When targeting them, bright colored jigs work well - think chartreuse, pink, or fuchsia. Here's a tip: when trolling, try a single-hand rod with good lifting power because these fish will test your gear with their aerial displays.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters of the rocky bottom, and despite the name, they're actually greenlings with attitude. These toothy predators can reach massive sizes - females often hit 30+ pounds while males stay smaller around 15-20 pounds. They live in 30-300 foot depths around rocky reefs and kelp beds, using their mottled coloring to ambush anything that swims by. What makes lings special is they're aggressive fighters that won't back down, plus they're fantastic eating with firm white meat. They're active year-round, but our off-season trips work great since they're less pressured. Use heavy tackle - at least 30lb braid - because these fish live in snaggy bottom. Metal jigs work best, and here's the key: once you feel a bite, don't hesitate - set that hook hard and start pulling them away from their rocky home immediately.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, also called humpies, are the smallest Pacific salmon but pack serious flavor. These silver beauties average around 5 pounds and love cold water, making our off-season trips perfect timing. During October through May, they're actively feeding on plankton and small fish, which makes them easier to hook and incredibly tasty. You'll find them in nearshore waters, and they don't put up the longest fight, making them great for beginners or kids. The key is using bright pink jigs or hoochies - they seem drawn to anything that mimics the crustaceans they feed on. Try adding some herring oil to your lure for extra attraction. Their pink meat is loaded with omega-3s and tastes amazing smoked, grilled, or even raw if you're into sushi.
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