8-Hour Crabbing & Bottom Fish Private Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8hour bottom fishing for Rockfish and Lingcod near Depoe Bay.Crab trapping adds variety with sea creatures and fresh catches.Customizable trips accommodate different skill levels and seasickness concerns.
Looking for a private fishing adventure that combines the best of Oregon's coastal waters? This 8-hour charter from Depoe Bay puts you right where the action is – bottom fishing for quality rockfish and lingcod while running crab traps for the bonus catch. Captain and crew at Reel Deal Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll customize your day based on what's biting and what you're hoping to land. Whether you're after trophy lingcod or just want a solid day of bottom fishing with some dungeness crab to take home, this trip delivers the goods when ocean conditions cooperate.
Your day starts early at Depoe Bay harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions and game plan. First order of business is dropping crab traps in productive spots – your captain knows where the dungeness hang out and will set you up for success. While those traps soak, it's time to hit the rockpiles and structure where lingcod and black rockfish live. The bottom fishing here is solid when weather allows, with plenty of structure and kelp beds holding fish. Your captain will position the boat over productive bottom, and you'll drop heavy jigs and bait rigs down to where the fish are hiding. Between checking crab traps and working different fishing spots, the 8 hours fly by. Don't be surprised if you spot whales during the trip – they're common in these waters and always a bonus when they show up. Keep in mind that ocean conditions rule everything out here, so flexibility is key.
Bottom fishing for rockfish and lingcod requires the right tackle to get down deep and handle strong fish around structure. Your captain provides heavy conventional rods spooled with braided line – usually 65-80 pound test to handle the rocky bottom and strong currents. The terminal tackle consists of heavy sinkers (often 16-32 ounces depending on conditions) with dropper loops or spreader bars holding large hooks baited with fresh squid, anchovies, or other local baitfish. For lingcod specifically, large swimbaits and heavy jigs work well when fish are aggressive. The crabbing setup is straightforward – wire or vinyl-coated traps baited with fish carcasses, chicken, or other attractants. Traps get dropped in sandy areas near structure where dungeness crabs patrol for food. GPS marks and careful attention to tides help your captain maximize both the fishing and crabbing success throughout the day.
Lingcod are the premier target for bottom anglers around Depoe Bay, and for good reason. These aggressive predators grow large – fish over 20 pounds are common, with monsters pushing 40+ pounds possible. Lingcod have massive mouths full of sharp teeth and will crush big baits and lures with authority. They're ambush hunters that sit tight to structure, so you need to get your bait right in their face. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're shallow for spawning, but quality fish are available year-round in deeper water. The fight is fierce but short – lingcod bulldoze toward structure and you have to turn them quick or risk getting cut off on the rocks.
Black rockfish make up the bread and butter of the bottom fishing action here. These schooling fish range from 2-8 pounds typically, with larger specimens always possible. They're excellent table fare and fight well for their size, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Black rockfish school around structure and kelp beds, often in large numbers when you find them. They're not as seasonal as lingcod – you can find good fishing most of the year when weather allows access to their preferred habitat. The key is locating schools with the fish finder and getting your baits into the zone quickly before they move on.
This 8-hour private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace and target what interests you most. The combination of bottom fishing and crabbing makes it a well-rounded day on the water, perfect for families or groups who want variety. Remember that ocean conditions can change plans or cancel trips entirely – that's just part of fishing the Oregon coast. Your captain at Reel Deal Sportfishing will work with you to reschedule if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. The private charter format means you're not stuck with strangers or forced into someone else's agenda. Book early for peak season dates, and be ready for some world-class bottom fishing when conditions line up right.
Our 24-foot ocean sled cuts through Depoe Bay's coastal waters with confidence, built specifically for the demanding conditions you'll face while bottom fishing for rockfish and lingcod. This sturdy motorboat seats up to six anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work the lines when the fish are biting. The boat comes fully rigged with essential safety gear including EPIRB, VHF radio, flares, and lifejackets – crucial equipment when you're miles offshore chasing those deep-dwelling lingcod. GPS navigation and radar keep us on the productive fishing spots even when coastal fog rolls in, while the marine radio ensures constant communication with other vessels and shore. Whether you're dropping crab traps in the morning or working the rocky bottom structure for big lingcod, this boat handles the Pacific swells with ease. The open deck layout makes it simple to manage multiple fishing rods, haul in crab pots, and move around safely while fighting fish. Perfect for serious anglers who want to reach those offshore honey holes where the biggest rockfish live.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing trips - reliable, tasty, and fun for the whole family. These dark gray fish average 2-5 pounds and live around rocky reefs, jetties, and kelp beds from shallow water down to 200+ feet. They're not picky eaters and will hit jigs, bait, or lures aggressively. What makes them great is their steady bite and excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or baked. They bite year-round, but summer and fall are prime time. One thing to watch: they get barotrauma when brought up from deep water, so their eyes might bulge. Use a descending device if you're releasing them from deeper spots.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters of our local rocky reefs - these gnarly-looking predators can grow over 30 pounds with huge mouths full of razor teeth. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not cod. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas 30-300 feet deep, using their mottled coloring to ambush prey. They're aggressive fighters that would rather battle than run, making them a favorite target. The meat is excellent - firm white fillets perfect for the dinner table. Best fishing is year-round, but spring and fall produce the biggest fish. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them away from the rocks fast. They'll try to wrap your line around anything they can find to break free.
Oregon Coast