Winchester Bay Rock Fishing & Crab Combo
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 5-hour charter targets rockfish and Dungeness crabAccommodates up to six guests with experienced guide assistanceCombines rock fishing with crab pot pulling adventures
There's something special about Winchester Bay that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the morning fog lifts off the water just as you're baiting your first hook, or how the rockfish bite picks up right when you think you've found the perfect spot. This private 5-hour charter combines two of Oregon's best fishing experiences – targeting rockfish on productive bottom structure and pulling up crab pots loaded with fresh Dungeness. Whether you're flying solo or bringing up to five friends, our local guides know exactly where the fish are holding and how to make your day on the water count.
Your day starts early at the Winchester Bay marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the plan. We'll head out through the jetties and make our way to proven rockfish grounds, usually within 15-20 minutes of leaving the dock. The beauty of Winchester Bay is that you don't need to travel far offshore to find productive water – the rocky structure and ledges close to shore hold plenty of fish. We'll start by checking and refreshing crab pots that were set earlier, giving those Dungeness time to find their way into the traps. Then it's time to drop lines and start working the bottom for rockfish. The action can be steady once you dial in the right depth and presentation, and our guides will make sure you're using the right tackle and techniques. Between fishing spots, we'll check crab pots and hopefully start building a nice haul of fresh crab to take home. The combination keeps things interesting – when the fish bite slows down, there's always the excitement of pulling up a crab pot to see what's inside.
Rockfish are bottom dwellers, so we'll be using heavy sinkers and sturdy rods to get your bait down to where the fish are hanging out. Most of our setups use 2-4 ounce weights depending on current and depth, paired with circle hooks and fresh bait like sardines, anchovies, or squid. The key is keeping your bait tight to the bottom structure where rockfish feed, but not so tight that you're constantly snagging up. Our guides will show you how to work the bottom effectively – lifting and dropping your rod tip to keep the bait moving and enticing. For crab, we use standard commercial-style pots baited with fish carcasses or chicken. The pots soak while we fish, and checking them becomes part of the rhythm of the day. We provide all the gear you need, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and crabbing equipment. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some layers for changing weather, and maybe some snacks and drinks for the trip.
Yellowtail Rockfish are one of the most reliable catches in Winchester Bay waters, and for good reason – they're aggressive feeders that school up around rocky bottom structure. These fish typically run 12-18 inches and have beautiful yellow fins and tails that make them easy to identify. What makes yellowtail rockfish so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They hit a variety of baits and fight hard for their size, often making multiple runs before coming to the boat. The best fishing is usually in 60-120 feet of water around rocky pinnacles and ledges. Spring through early fall offers the most consistent action, though they can be caught year-round when conditions allow. Once you find a school of yellowtail, you can often catch several before they move on or go off the bite.
Canary Rockfish are the bigger, more colorful cousins in the rockfish family, and they're a real prize when you hook into one. These fish can reach 20+ inches and have vibrant orange and red coloration that makes them stand out in the fish box. Canaries tend to hang in slightly deeper water than yellowtail and are often more selective about bait presentation. When you do connect with a canary rockfish, you'll know it – they're strong fighters that use their broad body to pull hard against the rod. The meat is excellent, with firm white fillets that work well for almost any cooking method. Peak season runs from late spring through summer when they move into shallower water to feed. Finding canary rockfish often means locating specific pieces of structure they prefer, and our guides know the productive spots that consistently hold these beautiful fish.
Winchester Bay offers some of the most consistent rockfish and crab action on the Oregon coast, and this combo trip lets you experience both fisheries in a single outing. There's something satisfying about pulling up your own crab and catching your own fish – it's a connection to the ocean and your food that's hard to beat. Our guides have years of experience fishing these waters and know how to adapt to changing conditions to keep you on the fish. The private charter format means the trip moves at your pace, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler or someone who's never dropped a line in saltwater. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. The combination of rockfish action and fresh Dungeness crab makes this one of our most popular trips, and spots fill up quickly during peak season. Book now and get ready for a day on the water that delivers both action and great eating.
This 2020 Hewescraft is built for serious fishing action off Winchester Bay. At 28 feet with twin 150hp Yamaha engines pushing her to 37 knots, she'll get you to the rockfish grounds and crab spots fast. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably and comes loaded with everything you need - outriggers for trolling, fish finder to mark the bottom structure, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus VHF radio. There's a live bait tank to keep your bait fresh, an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, and even a head onboard. Whether you're targeting lingcod on the reefs or checking crab pots for Dungeness, this rig has the power and gear to make it happen. Perfect setup for anyone wanting to fill the cooler with fresh rockfish and crab.
Sebastes PinnigerCanary rockfish are the bright orange and yellow showstoppers that make every trip memorable. These colorful fish average 20-23 inches and can live over 40 years, so the bigger ones have serious wisdom. Adults school over deep rocky bottoms offshore, while smaller ones hang closer to kelp forests and structure. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding in the water column. What guests love most is their willingness to bite - they'll hit jigs, shrimp flies, and cut bait with enthusiasm. The meat is excellent eating too. Here's the key: when you hook into a school, work fast with rubber-tail jigs. They'll suspend mid-water and once spooked, they scatter quick. Keep your bait moving and you'll fill the cooler.
Sebastes FlavidusYellowtail rockfish are one of our most reliable catches here at Winchester Bay. These greenish-brown beauties with bright yellow tails typically run 11-15 inches, though we see some pushing 20+ inches on good days. They school up over rocky structure and reefs anywhere from 30 to 300 feet deep. What makes them special is they don't suffer barotrauma like other rockfish - they can release gas from their swim bladders, so catch-and-release works great. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. They're active feeders during daylight hours, hitting everything from jigs to bait. Pro tip: when you find one yellowtail, work that area hard - they travel in schools and where there's one, there's usually a dozen more waiting below.
Oregon