Full-Day Tillamook Bay Crabbing & Rockfish Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday charter combines Dungeness crabbing with rockfish fishingEighthour trip accommodates up to six guests maximumTillamook Bay offers productive Northwest coastal fishing grounds
This 8-hour combination trip on Tillamook Bay delivers exactly what Oregon coast fishing is all about – variety, action, and a cooler full of fresh seafood. You'll spend the day working both crab pots and fishing lines in one of the Northwest's most consistent producing waters. Perfect for families or groups who want to maximize their time on the water, this charter combines the steady action of Dungeness crabbing with the rod-bending excitement of targeting rockfish species. With space for up to 6 anglers, you get personal attention from experienced guides who know these waters like the back of their hand.
Your day starts early on Tillamook Bay, where the captain will have crab pots ready to deploy in prime spots known for holding keeper-sized Dungeness. While the crabs do their thing in the pots, you'll transition to rockfish territory where the real rod action begins. The beauty of this trip lies in the constant activity – when you're not pulling in lingcod or black rockfish, you're checking crab pots and hopefully hauling in some beautiful Dungeness. The bay's protected waters mean comfortable fishing conditions most of the year, making this a solid choice even when ocean conditions get rough. Groups love the variety since there's always something happening, whether it's a screaming drag from a big lingcod or the satisfying weight of a pot full of legal crabs.
The crabbing side runs on tried-and-true methods – heavy pots baited with fresh fish heads or chicken, dropped in 20 to 60 feet of water where Dungeness like to forage. For the rockfish action, you'll be using medium-heavy rods with sliding sinker rigs and circle hooks, typically tipped with cut bait or jigs depending on what the fish are hitting. The guides provide all tackle, bait, and crabbing gear, so you just need to bring your fishing license and crab license. Rockfish fishing here involves working structure and drop-offs where these species ambush prey, so expect to be moving between spots throughout the day. The captain will adjust techniques based on tides, weather, and what's biting, but count on a mix of bottom fishing and some jigging action.
Lingcod are the marquee catch on this trip, and Tillamook Bay grows some impressive specimens. These aggressive predators can reach 30-plus pounds and hit with the subtlety of a freight train. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, when lingcod move into shallower waters to spawn and feed heavily. What makes them exciting is their willingness to absolutely crush baits and their impressive size – landing a 20-pound lingcod is a legitimate trophy that'll feed the whole family. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or grilling.
Black rockfish provide consistent action throughout the trip and are perfect for anglers who want steady bites. These schooling fish typically run 12 to 18 inches and are found around rocky structure and kelp beds. They bite year-round but peak during summer and early fall when they're most active in the upper water column. Black rockfish are scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. They're also a great confidence builder for kids or novice anglers since they're willing biters once you locate a school.
Tiger rockfish add variety to the catch with their distinctive striped pattern and solid fight. These bottom-dwellers prefer deeper rocky areas and can grow quite large, with specimens over 20 inches fairly common in Tillamook Bay. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round when targeting structure. Tiger rockfish are prized by local anglers for their excellent eating quality and the challenge of getting them up from deep water without losing them to the rocks.
This combination trip gives you the best of both worlds – the anticipation of checking crab pots mixed with active fishing for some of Oregon's top eating fish. With only 6 spots available, these charters fill up quickly, especially during peak crabbing season from December through August. You'll head home with a diverse cooler of fresh seafood and stories about the variety of action Tillamook Bay serves up. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, this full-day adventure delivers the kind of productive fishing that keeps people coming back to the Oregon coast year after year.
Step aboard this 26' River Wild Elite and get ready for serious fishing action on Tillamook Bay. This 2023 beauty packs a Yamaha 250 VMAX that'll cruise at 50 knots, getting you to the prime crabbing and rockfish spots fast. Built ocean-capable but perfect for bay work, she handles whatever Tillamook throws at you. The boat's loaded with state-of-the-art Garmin electronics to pinpoint where the rockfish are holding, plus a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's down there. When you need to position quietly over crab pots or sneak up on structure, the wireless trolling motor keeps things stealthy. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots, while VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work crab pots and fight rockfish without bumping elbows. The wide deck gives everyone room to move around when pulling gear or landing fish. This isn't just a ride to the fishing grounds – it's your floating command center for a full day of bay fishing.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are the bread and butter of our Oregon coast trips - reliable, tasty, and fun to catch. These dark-colored fish average 2-5 pounds and have that classic bass-like shape with spiny fins. They're aggressive feeders that hang around rocky reefs and jetties from shallow water down to 200 feet, often schooling with other rockfish species. Best fishing happens during calmer weather when you can work the structure properly. Guests love them because they bite readily, fight decent for their size, and make excellent table fare. Their large mouths mean they'll hit most baits or jigs. One thing to watch for - they're prone to barotrauma when brought up from depth, so their eyes might bulge out. My tip: use a sensitive rod tip to feel those subtle bites, and don't be surprised if you get multiples.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese toothy predators are what makes Oregon coast fishing memorable. Despite the name, lingcod aren't actually cod - they're aggressive bottom dwellers with massive heads and razor-sharp teeth that earn them the nickname "buckethead." Most run 2-3 feet and fight hard when hooked. You'll find them lurking in rocky structure from 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to ambush anything that fits in their giant mouths. They're catchable year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best action. What guests love is their nasty attitude - they'd rather fight than flee, making for exciting battles. The meat's excellent too, firm and white. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them away from the rocks quickly, or they'll wrap you up and break off.
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger rockfish are the prize catch that makes your day special - these pink and black-striped beauties are uncommon but worth targeting. They're deep-bodied and meaty, typically running 11-18 inches with those distinctive dark vertical bands that give them their name. These solitary fish prefer deeper rocky structure, usually 50-300 feet, hiding in crevices and ledges where they ambush crabs and small fish. Spring through early fall offers the best chances when they're more active. What makes them special is their rarity and excellent eating quality - they're considered some of the best rockfish on the table. They can be territorial and aggressive when disturbed, which helps with hookups. My advice: work your jigs slow and close to the bottom structure. When you feel that subtle tap, set the hook quick - they'll retreat to their rocky hideouts if given the chance.
Portland, OR