Lingcod, Rockfish & Crab Charter
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing targeting rockfish and lingcod speciesCrabbing opportunities included during the fishing tripPrivate charter experience with single guest capacity
Ready to get your lines wet and your crab traps full? SOA Charters has you covered with this half-day combo trip that's quickly become a customer favorite. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after species in Pacific waters – chunky lingcod, colorful rockfish, and sweet Dungeness crab. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip either. With just one guest capacity, you're getting the VIP treatment and all the personal attention you need to make every drop count. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler or someone who wants to learn the ropes without crowds, this trip delivers.
This half-day charter runs about 4-6 hours depending on conditions and how the bite is going. We'll be working offshore structure where these fish like to hang out – rocky reefs, ledges, and underwater pinnacles that hold baitfish and create the perfect ambush spots. The beauty of this combo trip is variety. One minute you're jigging for lingcod in 80 feet of water, the next you're pulling up a bright vermillion rockfish, and between fishing spots, we're checking crab pots that were set earlier. The single guest format means you're not waiting in line to get your bait back down or fighting for rail space. Every technique, every spot, every piece of advice is tailored to what you want to learn and catch. We'll start early to beat any afternoon wind that might kick up, and trust me, the early bite is usually the best bite anyway.
We'll be fishing with medium to heavy conventional gear spooled with 30-50 pound test – perfect for handling the drag-screaming runs of a big lingcod without getting spooled by the rocks. For rockfish, we're talking about multi-hook rigs with 4-6 ounce weights to get down quick and stay put in the current. Shrimp flies, small hoochies, and cut bait all produce well depending on what's biting. The lingcod setup is different – we're using larger jigs, live or cut bait, and sometimes even small rockfish as bait when they're being picky. For crabbing, we'll be running Dungeness crab rings or pots baited with salmon carcasses, chicken, or whatever's been working best that week. The key is timing – drop the crab gear first, go fish for a few hours, then come back to check the pots. Crabbing isn't just luck; it's about knowing the right depth, bottom type, and tidal movement. Rocky areas with sand patches nearby are gold mines for both fish and crab.
Canary rockfish are absolute fighters and one of the prettiest fish you'll pull up from the deep. These bright orange and yellow beauties typically run 2-4 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they'll bend your rod and put up a solid fight all the way to the boat. They're most active during slower tidal periods and love rocky structure in 60-120 feet of water. What makes canary rockfish special is their incredible table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a simple pan-fry with lemon and garlic. The best part about targeting them is they often school up, so when you find one, there's usually more below. They're curious fish too, often coming up to check out your jig even if they don't bite right away. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they move into shallower water to feed on anchovies and small squid.
Lingcod are the apex predators of the rocky reefs and easily the most exciting fish on this trip. These aggressive hunters can reach 20-30 pounds or more, with massive mouths full of sharp teeth that can crush almost anything that gets too close. They're ambush predators that sit motionless on the bottom waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by, then explode upward in a lightning-fast strike. When you hook a big lingcod, you'll know it immediately – they hit hard, run deep, and try to wrap you around every rock they can find. The fight is intense but usually short-lived since they're not built for long runs like salmon or tuna. What makes lingcod fishing so addictive is their aggressive nature – they'll attack jigs that are almost as big as smaller fish, and they're not shy about crushing a bait. Best fishing is typically during moving tides in 40-100 feet of water around rocky structure. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for fish and chips or grilling whole.
This top-rated combo trip with SOA Charters gives you the best of Pacific Northwest fishing and crabbing in one action-packed half-day. With personalized instruction, proven fishing spots, and the chance to take home a cooler full of fresh seafood, it's easy to see why this has become such a popular choice. The single guest capacity means every trip is customized to your skill level and interests – whether you want to learn new techniques, target specific species, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water pulling up dinner. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak season when the fishing is world-class and weather conditions are most reliable. Contact SOA Charters today and get ready for some serious rod-bending action and crab pot excitement that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
This 28-foot Hewescraft motorboat is built for serious fishing action. Twin 150hp Yamaha engines push you to the fishing grounds at a cruising 37 knots, while outriggers help you cover more water when targeting lingcod and rockfish. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive bottom structure, and the bait tank keeps your offerings fresh throughout the trip. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, while the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and shore. An icebox preserves your catch and keeps drinks cold during those long battles with big lingcod. The onboard toilet means more time fishing and less time heading back to port. Whether you're jigging for rockfish or pulling crab pots, this boat handles offshore waters with confidence and gives you the tools to make the most of your fishing time.
Sebastes PinnigerThese bright orange and yellow beauties average 20-23 inches and love rocky bottoms in deeper water. Adults school together offshore while juveniles hang around shallow kelp forests and reefs. They're solid fighters with excellent table fare - that sweet, flaky meat makes the trip worthwhile. Canaries can live up to 75 years, so you're catching some old-timers out there. They'll hit rubber-tail jigs and shrimp flies readily when you find a school. Best fishing happens when they're suspended off the bottom in loose groups. Pro tip: once you hook into a school, work it fast - these fish travel together and you can often limit out quickly if you keep your jigs moving through the zone.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese toothy predators are the bullies of the bottom, hanging out in rocky caves 30-300 feet down. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings - not cod at all. Females get massive, often over 2 feet, while males stay smaller. They're ambush hunters that'll eat anything fitting in their bucket-sized mouths, including other lingcod. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they fight hard and won't back down. The meat is fantastic, firm and white. You can target them year-round since they don't migrate far from home. Heavy jigs work best since they live in rocky structure. Here's the key: once hooked, keep steady pressure and get them up quickly before they wrap you around the rocks below.
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