Tillamook Bay Crabbing & Rockfish Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fourhour combo trip targeting Dungeness crab and rockfishSmall group charter accommodates up to four anglers maximumTillamook Bay location offers diverse fishing opportunities
Picture this: you're pulling up crab pots loaded with feisty Dungeness while rockfish are hitting your line every few minutes. That's exactly what you'll get on this 4-hour combo charter in Tillamook Bay. We're talking about one of Oregon's most productive estuaries, where the Tillamook River system dumps nutrient-rich water into the Pacific, creating a perfect storm for both crabbing and bottom fishing. This isn't your typical day on the water - it's a double-header that keeps you busy from the moment we leave the dock.
Your morning starts at the Garibaldi boat basin, where Captain will have the boat rigged and ready for both crabbing and rockfish action. We'll head out into the bay's deeper channels where the crab pots get dropped first - giving those Dungeness time to crawl in while we work the rockfish spots. The beauty of Tillamook Bay is its variety of structure: rocky ledges, kelp beds, and underwater humps that hold fish year-round. You'll be fishing in 20-60 feet of water, which means short drops and fast action. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the crabbing gear you'll need. We keep it simple with proven bottom rigs that put bait right where the rockfish are feeding. Between checking crab pots and working new fishing spots, there's never a dull moment on this charter.
We fish with medium-heavy rods spooled with 20-30 pound test - perfect for handling the rocky bottom and strong fish that call Tillamook Bay home. The go-to setup is a simple bottom rig with a 4-6 ounce sinker, depending on current and depth. Fresh bait works best here: herring, anchovy, and squid are the top producers for rockfish. For crabbing, we use wire pots baited with chicken, fish carcasses, or whatever fresh bait we've got that day. The key is timing your pot soaks - usually 30-45 minutes gives the crabs enough time to find the bait without letting them get too comfortable. We'll work different areas of the bay throughout the trip, moving between crabbing spots and productive rockfish ledges. The captain knows exactly where to find the bite based on tide, season, and recent reports from other local boats.
Lingcod are the kings of Tillamook Bay's rockfish scene, and for good reason. These aggressive predators can reach 20-30 pounds in these waters, with their massive mouths and prehistoric look making them a favorite photo opportunity. Lingcod are structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom and kelp edges. They hit hard and fight dirty, often wrapping around rocks or diving into crevices. The best lingcod fishing happens during slack tide when they're actively feeding, and they'll take almost any bait that gets in front of them.
Black rockfish school up in huge numbers around Tillamook Bay's underwater structure, making them perfect targets for consistent action. These fish run 1-3 pounds on average but make up for their size with sheer numbers. They're curious fish that will often follow hooked fish up from the bottom, giving you multiple hookups on the same drop. Black rockfish are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or grilling.
Tiger rockfish are the most colorful catch you'll find in these waters, with their distinctive orange and black stripes making them stand out in any cooler. They prefer deeper water and rocky habitat, often mixing with other rockfish species around the bay's ledges. Tigers fight harder than their size suggests and are prized by anglers who appreciate their unique appearance and excellent eating quality.
Black sea bass are recent additions to Oregon's fishing scene, expanding their range north as ocean temperatures change. These hard-fighting fish love structure and can reach impressive sizes in Tillamook Bay's rich waters. They're aggressive feeders that will take both bait and lures, providing exciting battles on medium tackle. Sea bass have become increasingly popular with local anglers due to their strong fight and excellent table quality.
Dungeness crab are the real stars of this combo trip, with Tillamook Bay producing some of the coast's best crabbing. These crabs prefer sandy and muddy bottom areas where they can burrow and feed on clams, worms, and small fish. Male crabs must measure at least 5.75 inches across the shell to keep, and the meat quality in Tillamook Bay is consistently excellent due to the bay's clean water and abundant food sources. Crabbing is best during slower tidal movement when crabs are actively moving and feeding.
This combo charter gives you the best of both worlds in one action-packed trip. While other boats are focusing on just one species, you'll be filling your cooler with both fresh crab and quality rockfish. The 4-angler limit means plenty of room to move around and individual attention from the captain. Tillamook Bay's protected waters make this trip fishable in conditions that would shut down ocean charters, giving you more opportunities to get out on the water. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer or just want a fun day of varied fishing action, this charter delivers consistently good results. Book early, especially during peak crabbing season from December through September when both the crab and rockfish bite are at their best.
Fish the productive waters of Tillamook Bay aboard our brand-new 2023 River Wild Elite, a 26-footer that's built to handle Oregon's coastal conditions with ease. This ocean-capable vessel packs serious power with its Yamaha 250 VMAX engine, cruising at 50 knots to get you to the crab beds and rockfish spots quickly. The boat's designed for serious angling, equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin electronics that'll help us locate schools of rockfish and mark the best crabbing grounds. A wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're positioning over productive structure, while the GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of finding where the fish are holding. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your gear without getting tangled up with your fishing partners. The VHF radio keeps us connected for safety and fish reports from other boats working the bay. Whether you're pulling crab pots or dropping jigs for rockfish, this rig has everything needed for a productive day on Tillamook's waters.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are easily recognized by their white lateral lines and distinctive chin barbel. These bottom-dwellers prefer rocky and sandy areas in cool waters, typically 30-200 feet deep though they'll roam to find food. Most run 2-4 feet long, feeding on herring, crabs, and smaller fish. Their delicate, flaky white meat makes them a prized table fish. Best action comes during spawning season from January through April when females can produce up to 5 million eggs. They're moderate fighters but their real appeal is the eating quality - some of the best-tasting fish you'll catch. Since populations are rebuilding, there are size and bag limits in place. My advice: use natural baits like squid strips or clams on the bottom, and bring a good net since they can be tricky to land.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are solid fighters that live around rocky reefs and jetties from shallow water down to 1,200 feet. Most average 4-5 pounds but can reach over 10. Despite their name, they actually lighten with age - some old-timers turn almost white. These bass-shaped fish have venomous spines, so handle carefully. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything, making them great for beginners. You'll often find them schooling with other rockfish species in areas with strong currents. They can live 50 years and give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Spring through fall offers consistent action. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and decent table fare. Watch for barotrauma when bringing them up from depth - their eyes can bulge out. My tip: use medium tackle with jigs or live anchovies, and fish near bottom structure.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are stocky members of the grouper family with distinctive white-spotted dorsal fins. Most run under 4 pounds, though they can hit 8-10 pounds. These fish have a fascinating life cycle - they're all born female and change to male around 9-13 inches. You'll find them around rocky structure, wrecks, and pilings in depths under 120 feet during summer months. They migrate south and offshore come winter. Late spring through summer offers the best fishing when they gather near shore. Anglers love their scrappy fight until they break the surface, plus they're excellent eating. The bigger males hang in deeper water over rocky bottom. Here's a local tip: they're mostly bottom feeders but will hit jigs and lures, so try bouncing a squid strip on a two-hook rig near structure.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite the name, lingcod aren't actually cod but belong to the greenling family. These gnarly-looking fish have massive heads and razor-sharp teeth that earn them the nickname "buckethead." Females can grow over 2 feet while males stay smaller. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas from 30-300 feet deep, using their mottled coloring to ambush prey. They're surprisingly lazy fighters - more aggressive than athletic - and won't flee when hooked. Best fishing happens year-round, but spawning season (December-April) brings them shallower. Guests love them for their unique prehistoric look and excellent table fare. Pro tip: use heavy braided line since they live in rocky structure, and don't be surprised when they just sit there after you hook them - that's normal lingcod behavior.
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger rockfish are deep-bodied, meaty catches with distinctive pink coloring and dark vertical stripes that give them their name. They typically run 11-19 inches and up to 5 pounds, with razor-sharp dorsal spines that look like blades - handle with care. These solitary fish hide in rocky crevices and cracks from 32-820 feet deep, emerging mainly at dusk. They're territorial and aggressive when disturbed, which makes for interesting fights. Their large mouths let them inhale crabs, shrimp, and small fish whole. Some can live over 100 years in the wild. They're considered an uncommon catch since they prefer deep structure, but that makes landing one special. The meat quality is excellent. Best technique is deep jigging near rocky reefs - the vertical motion mimics shrimp and crabs they love. Patient anglers do better since they're not abundant.
Portland, OR