5.0(1 Reviews)Oregon Coast Halibut Charter - 8 Hour Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday halibut fishing with two fish limit per personEarly morning departure accommodates up to six guests maximumProfessional filleting service available for five dollars per fish
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action? This full-day halibut charter off the Oregon Coast is what you've been waiting for. We're talking about an 8-hour adventure that puts you right where the big flatfish hang out, with SOA Charters leading the way. You'll be heading out before sunrise - usually wheels up before 7:00 a.m. - to make the most of prime fishing conditions. With just six anglers max per trip, there's plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into your neighbor when that barn door decides to make a run for it.
This isn't your typical half-day run to the rocks. We're talking about a legitimate offshore haul that gets you into the deeper waters where Pacific halibut love to cruise. The early departure time isn't just for show - it's timed around tidal movements that can make or break your day. You'll have a two-fish daily limit per person, which might sound conservative until you realize these aren't your average pan fish. Oregon's waters produce some serious doormat halibut, and when you're wrestling with a 40-50 pounder on the other end of your line, you'll understand why the limit exists. The boat heads to proven GPS numbers where the bottom structure holds baitfish, and that's where the halibut set up shop. If you're feeling adventurous and want to mix things up, there's also an option to target sharks during the trip - nothing like a little variety to keep your adrenaline pumping.
Halibut fishing is all about reading the bottom and presenting your bait where these ambush predators are lying in wait. We'll be using heavy tackle - think 50-80 pound class rods with circle hooks and enough weight to get down to where the fish live. The typical rig involves a sliding sinker setup with fresh bait like herring, anchovy, or whatever's running best that day. You'll be fishing in anywhere from 100 to 300 feet of water, so expect some serious arm workouts when you're cranking up your catch. The key is keeping your bait right on the deck - halibut don't chase food up in the water column like salmon or rockfish. They're bottom huggers that wait for an easy meal to drift by. When you feel that telltale thump-thump on your rod tip, resist the urge to jerk back hard. Let the circle hook do its job and start reeling steady. The boat provides all the tackle you need, but if you've got your own heavy gear and want to bring it, most guides appreciate anglers who know their equipment.
Pacific halibut are the crown jewel of West Coast bottom fishing, and Oregon's waters consistently produce quality fish. These prehistoric-looking flatfish can live over 50 years and grow massive - the state record sits at 350 pounds, though most anglers consider anything over 30 pounds a trophy. Halibut are fascinating predators that start life swimming upright like regular fish, but as juveniles, one eye migrates to the other side of their head and they become bottom dwellers. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their flat profile to plane against the current, making every hookup feel like you're pulling up a truck tire. The best fishing typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening during summer months when baitfish populations are thick. What makes halibut so popular isn't just the fight - they're arguably the best eating fish in the Pacific. White, flaky meat with zero fishy taste that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to blackened fillets. The $5 filleting fee per fish is worth every penny when you see how much meat comes off a good-sized halibut.
With only six spots available per trip and halibut fishing being as popular as it is on the Oregon Coast, these charters fill up fast during prime season. The shared trip format keeps costs reasonable while still giving you a world-class fishing experience. If the calendar shows your preferred date as unavailable, don't give up - call 541-430-1013 to check for last-minute openings or cancellations. SOA Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish, and their local knowledge of productive halibut grounds is worth its weight in gold. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your schedule is locked before committing. Pack layers for the early morning departure, bring sunglasses and sunscreen for the full day on the water, and get ready for some of the best bottom fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. This is the kind of trip that creates fish stories you'll be telling for years.
This 2020 Hewescraft motorboat gets you to the halibut grounds fast and comfortable. At 28 feet with twin 150hp Yamaha engines pushing 37 knots, she cuts through Oregon's coastal waters like a champ. Built for serious fishing with outriggers ready for action, plus a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. The fish finder helps locate those bottom-hugging halibut while GPS and radar keep you on track when the marine layer rolls in. VHF radio keeps you connected to the fleet and harbor. An icebox handles your catch and cold drinks, and there's a head onboard for those long days targeting trophy fish. With space for six anglers, everyone gets room to work their rods without crowding. Perfect setup for chasing those prized Pacific halibut that call these productive offshore waters home.
5.0 out of 5.0Josh Jolicoeur, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. Tom is a heck ...
Oregon