Rockfish Crabbing Combo Charter
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Half-day trip targets rockfish limits through bottom fishingCrab pot pulling included closer to shore after fishingPrivate charter accommodates single guest with SOA Charters
Picture this: you're on the water pulling up chunky rockfish from the deep, then switching gears to haul in crab pots loaded with fresh Dungeness. That's exactly what you get with SOA Charters' top-rated rockfish crabbing combo trip. This half-day adventure gives you the best of both worlds – bottom fishing for your limit of rockfish in the morning, then moving inshore to check crab pots for a bonus haul. It's the kind of trip that keeps anglers coming back season after season, and for good reason. You'll work the bottom structure where big lingcod lurk, target prime rockfish habitat, and finish up pulling pots that have been soaking overnight. With space for just one angler, you get personalized attention from our experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early when we push off from the dock and head to proven rockfish grounds. We're talking about fishing 80 to 200 feet down where canary rockfish, brown rockfish, and lingcod call home. The captain will set you up over rocky structure and drop zones that consistently produce fish. You'll be using heavy tackle – think 20 to 40-pound test line with 8 to 12-ounce sinkers to get your bait down fast and keep it in the strike zone. The bite can be steady once we dial in the right depth and structure, so be ready to work. After we box your rockfish limit, we make the run closer to shore where our crab pots have been soaking. There's always that moment of anticipation when you're pulling the first pot – will it be loaded with keepers or just a few shorts? Either way, you're guaranteed to learn the ins and outs of both fisheries from a captain who's been working these waters for years.
Bottom fishing for rockfish is all about precision and patience. We'll rig you up with a typical rockfish setup: a sliding sinker rig with a 3-foot leader and size 2/0 to 4/0 hooks depending on what we're targeting. Fresh bait is key – we're talking about chunks of anchovy, sardine, or sometimes fresh squid. The technique is straightforward but takes practice: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale thump. Rockfish don't mess around – when they bite, you know it. The trick is distinguishing between a fish and just dragging bottom, especially when there's current. For the crabbing portion, we use standard rectangular pots baited with fish carcasses or chicken. The pots get dropped in 40 to 80 feet of water where Dungeness crabs feed along sandy and muddy bottoms. We'll show you how to measure crabs to make sure they're legal keepers – males only, and they need to measure at least 5¾ inches across the back of the shell.
Canary rockfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they're absolutely beautiful fish with their bright orange and yellow coloration. These fish typically run 12 to 18 inches and are found along rocky reefs and drop-offs. They're aggressive feeders and will hit fresh bait hard, making them a customer favorite for their fight and excellent table fare. Canaries are most active during slack tide periods when the current dies down, allowing them to venture off the rocks to feed. What makes them special is their willingness to bite – even novice anglers can hook into these colorful rockfish when conditions are right.
Brown rockfish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with their scrappy attitude and chunky build. These mottled brown fish blend perfectly with the rocky bottom they call home, often growing larger than canaries at 15 to 20 inches. Browns are notorious for hugging structure tight, so be ready for a tug-of-war when you hook one near the rocks. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from small baitfish to crabs and shrimp. The best part about browns is their consistency – they bite year-round and are always willing to cooperate when other species get finicky.
Lingcod are the apex predators of the rockfish world, and hooking into one is like wrestling with a submarine. These toothy monsters can reach 30 pounds or more, though most fish run 8 to 15 pounds. Lings are ambush predators that sit motionless among the rocks waiting for prey to swim by, then explode into action with lightning speed. They're most active during cooler months and are known for their incredible strength and determination to get back to their rocky hideouts. What makes lingcod special is their fight – they pull hard and steady, testing both your tackle and technique. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.
This world-class combo trip delivers everything you want in a fishing charter – variety, action, and the chance to take home a mixed bag of Pacific seafood. You're not just fishing; you're learning two different fisheries from an experienced captain who lives and breathes these waters. The personalized attention you get with single-angler capacity means you'll pick up techniques and local knowledge that group trips simply can't offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your rockfish game or someone new to bottom fishing who wants to learn the ropes, this trip delivers. The combination of targeting multiple rockfish species plus the bonus crab harvest makes it a renowned choice for anglers who want maximum value from their time on the water. Don't wait – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season when both the rockfish and crab fishing are at their best.
This 2020 Hewescraft 28-footer is built for serious fishing with twin 150hp Yamaha engines that'll get you out to the rockfish grounds fast, hitting 37 knots when needed. The boat comes rigged with everything you need for a productive day - outriggers for trolling, a live bait tank to keep your bait fresh, and a quality fish finder to locate those bottom-dwelling rockfish. When it's time to check the crab pots closer to shore, the GPS and radar keep you on track even when visibility drops. The VHF radio keeps you connected with other boats and harbor patrol. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold, plus a head onboard for convenience during those longer fishing sessions. With space for 6 anglers, this rig handles both the offshore rockfish bite and inshore crab pulling with ease.
Sebastes AuriculatusBrown rockfish are solid bottom dwellers that hang tight to structure during daylight hours. These chocolate-colored fish typically run up to 22 inches and can live over 30 years. You'll find them tucked among rocks and kelp beds from 120 feet down to 400 feet, often as loners rather than schools. They're nocturnal feeders, so dawn and dusk can be productive times. What makes them appealing is they're not picky eaters - they'll grab anchovies, sardines, or strips of squid without much fuss. They don't fight as hard as some rockfish, but they're reliable biters when you get your bait down to them. Pro tip: use a heavy enough jig to punch through current and get straight to the bottom where these guys hide during the day.
Sebastes PinnigerCanary rockfish are one of the prettier catches you'll encounter on our bottom trips. These bright yellow-orange beauties average 20-23 inches and can live up to 75 years, so you might be tangling with an old-timer. They school up over rocky bottoms in deeper water offshore, making them perfect targets when we're working the productive depths. What guests love about canaries is they readily take bait and put up a decent scrap when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key trick is using rubber-tail jigs or shrimp flies when you find floating schools - they'll often bite aggressively once you locate them. Just remember these fish need careful handling due to barotrauma, so we use descending devices to help released fish survive the trip back down.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the prehistoric-looking bruisers of our bottom fishing trips. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings with massive heads, wicked teeth, and can reach 60+ inches. These ambush predators lurk in rocky lairs from 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to blend in perfectly. What guests love is their aggressive nature - lingcod would rather fight than flee, making for memorable battles. Females grow much larger than males, often over two feet. They're cannibalistic and will eat anything that fits in their huge mouth. The meat is excellent eating with firm, white fillets. Best trick: drop metal jigs straight down to the bottom and work them slow near structure. Use heavy braid since you're fishing rocky terrain, and be ready - when a ling grabs on, it's game time.
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