5.0(1 Reviews)Winchester Bay Long Leader Rockfish Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour shared charter targets rockfish using long leader techniqueGenerous 15 fish limit per person with expert guidance providedDeepwater fishing challenges anglers in Winchester Bay waters
Get ready to test your skills with one of the most rewarding fishing techniques the Oregon coast has to offer. This 5-hour shared charter out of Winchester Bay puts you right in the heart of prime rockfish territory, where long leader setups separate the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. You'll be working some of the most productive offshore waters along the central Oregon coast, where yellowtail and canary rockfish stack up in numbers that'll keep your arms burning and your fish box filling fast. Captain Tom knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to get you dialed in on this technique whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your deep-water game.
This isn't your typical bottom-bouncing trip. Long leader rockfish fishing requires finesse, timing, and a good feel for what's happening 200 feet below the boat. You'll start your day at Winchester Bay's launch, where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific, giving you quick access to some of the coast's most consistent rockfish grounds. The beauty of this fishery is the steady action - when you find the fish, they're usually hungry and willing to bite. Captain Tom runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to position the boat to put you over structure that holds fish. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to dial in the technique, work multiple spots, and build up toward that generous 15-fish limit per angler. Between the coaching, the scenery, and the steady bend in your rod, these hours fly by faster than you'd think.
Long leader fishing is all about presentation and feel. Instead of dropping your weight straight to the bottom like traditional rockfishing, you're running a longer leader - typically 6 to 10 feet - that lets your bait drift more naturally in the current. This setup triggers more bites from spookier fish that might shy away from heavy tackle crashed right on their heads. You'll be using medium to heavy action rods with enough backbone to pull fish up from depth, but sensitive enough to feel those subtle taps that signal a fish mouthing your bait. The key is keeping just enough tension to feel the bite while letting that long leader do its work in the current. Captain Tom will walk you through reading your rod tip, managing your drift, and knowing when to set the hook versus when to let a fish run with it. It's a technique that rewards patience and attention to detail, but once you get it figured out, you'll wonder why anyone fishes any other way.
"Super time with Tom a great guy and guide. We caught a lot of fish and 4 limits of crab. Would definitely recommend and will be booking again." - Shane
Yellowtail rockfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These golden beauties typically run 2 to 4 pounds and fight with surprising strength for their size. They school up in massive numbers over rocky structure and respond well to the long leader presentation. Yellowtails are most active during incoming tides when baitfish get pushed up against the reefs, making them aggressive feeders. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - firm white meat that holds up great whether you're grilling, frying, or making fish tacos. They're also one of the more abundant rockfish species in Oregon waters, which means consistent action throughout the season.
Canary rockfish bring the color and the fight that keeps anglers coming back. These bright orange and yellow fish are absolute bulldogs, using their deep bodies to pull hard against the current as you bring them up from depth. Canaries tend to be larger than yellowtails, often running 3 to 6 pounds, and they're notorious for making long, determined runs that'll test your drag system. They prefer slightly deeper water and more complex bottom structure, which is why the long leader technique works so well - it gets your bait down into the nooks and crannies where these fish hide. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action happening when water temperatures stabilize and baitfish concentrate over the reefs. The meat quality is outstanding, and their size makes them perfect for feeding the family after a successful day on the water.
Winchester Bay's rockfish grounds are some of the most consistent producers along the Oregon coast, and this long leader technique gives you a serious edge over traditional bottom fishing methods. With a 15-fish limit per person and Captain Tom's expertise guiding your trip, you're looking at a day that combines skill-building with serious fish-catching potential. The shared charter format keeps costs reasonable while still giving you personalized attention and coaching on the technique. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to your date before booking. Whether you're looking to step up your rockfish game or just want to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to secure your spot - word travels fast in the fishing community, and the top-rated trips fill up quick during peak season.
Hit the deep waters of Winchester Bay aboard this well-equipped 28ft Hewescraft motorboat, built to handle the Pacific's challenging conditions. Twin 150hp Yamaha engines push you out to the prime rockfish spots at a solid 37 knots, while the radar and GPS keep you on target even when the coastal fog rolls in. The long leader technique takes patience, but with the fish finder marking schools below and room for 6 anglers, you'll work those 15-fish limits with space to move around. Outriggers give you the spread you need for proper presentation, and the bait tank keeps your offerings fresh through the 5-hour trip. Between fish, grab something cold from the icebox or use the onboard facilities. The VHF radio keeps you connected to harbor traffic and other boats working the same grounds. This 2020 rig handles the offshore swells while you focus on reading the bottom structure and working those deep-water rockfish that make Winchester Bay fishing legendary.
Sebastes PinnigerCanary rockfish are the beauties of the rockfish world - bright orange and yellow with distinctive head stripes that make them easy to spot. These are bigger fish, averaging 20-23 inches and can hit 10 pounds. They school over rocky bottoms in deeper water, typically 150-400 feet offshore. What guests love is their aggressive bite and the fact they're great eating. They've made a strong comeback after being overfished, so the action has been solid the last few years. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavy. Here's the key: use a descending device if you're releasing any - they're deepwater fish and need help getting back down. Rubber-tail jigs work magic on suspended schools.
Sebastes FlavidusYellowtail rockfish are one of the most reliable targets out here, usually running 11-15 inches with some reaching over 20. You'll find them schooled up around rocky structure in 80-300 feet, though they'll cruise mid-water too. What makes them special is they don't get barotrauma like other rockfish - they can release gas from their swim bladders, so they handle the ride up just fine. The meat is excellent - mild, sweet, and flaky. They hit consistently year-round, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. My tip: when you're into a school, work that long leader setup vertically through the water column. They'll often suspend 20-30 feet off bottom, so don't just fish the rocks.
5.0 out of 5.0Super time with Tom a great guy and guide. We caught a lot of fish and 4 limits of crab. Would definitely recommend and will be bo...
Shane Gledhill, Thank you
Oregon