Oregon Coast Rockfish Charter | Josh Sutch Guide

Reel in Rockfish & Lingcod: Oregon Coast Action

Get ready to drop lines and feel the tug of some serious bottom-dwellers on this 8-hour private fishing trip off the Oregon coast. Whether you're launching from Winchester Bay or Coos Bay, you're in for a day of non-stop action targeting rockfish and lingcod. These waters are teeming with fish, and our crew knows exactly where to find the hotspots. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, this trip promises bent rods and full fish boxes. So grab your gear and let's hit the Pacific!

What to Expect on the Water

As we motor out of the bay, you'll feel the anticipation building. The Oregon coast is known for its rugged beauty, and you'll get a front-row seat to some breathtaking scenery. Once we reach our fishing grounds, it's all hands on deck. We'll be dropping lines in anywhere from 50 to 300 feet of water, depending on where the fish are biting. Expect to use heavy-duty bottom fishing gear - we're talking stout rods, braid line, and beefy hooks. You'll be jigging and dropping bait, feeling for that telltale thump that means a fish is on. And trust me, when a big lingcod hits, you'll know it!

Top Catches This Season

The waters off Oregon are absolutely loaded with a variety of rockfish species. You might hook into black rockfish, blue rockfish, yellowtail, or even the prized yelloweye (though these are catch-and-release only). But the real trophies out here are the lingcod. These toothy predators can grow over 40 pounds, and they put up one heck of a fight. We've been seeing some real bruisers lately, with several fish in the 20-30 pound range coming over the rails. Don't be surprised if you hook into a few colorful rockfish along the way too - the variety out here is incredible.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something addictive about bottomfishing off the Oregon coast. Maybe it's the consistent action - it's not uncommon to limit out on rockfish within a couple hours. Or perhaps it's the thrill of never knowing what might be on the end of your line. Will it be a chunky black rockfish or a monster lingcod? The anticipation is half the fun. Plus, our trips are limited to just two anglers, so you get plenty of personalized attention and space to fish. Whether you're a local looking for your weekend fish fix or a visitor wanting to experience some of Oregon's best fishing, this trip delivers the goods time and time again.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Rockfish: These colorful bottom-dwellers are the bread and butter of Oregon's offshore fishing. There are over 60 species of rockfish in the Northeast Pacific, with black rockfish being the most common catch off Oregon. These fish typically range from 2-5 pounds, but can get bigger. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Rockfish are known for their firm, white flesh and make excellent table fare.

Lingcod: The apex predator of the rocky reefs, lingcod are the prize catch on these trips. Despite their name, they're not actually cod at all, but a member of the greenling family. Lingcod are aggressive feeders with a mouth full of sharp teeth, and they'll hit both bait and jigs with gusto. They average 10-20 pounds but can grow much larger. The biggest lingcod tend to hang out in deeper water around rocky structure. Their white, flaky meat is prized by anglers and chefs alike.

Cabezon: While not as common as rockfish or lingcod, hooking into a cabezon is always a treat. These odd-looking fish have a large, flattened head (cabezon means "big head" in Spanish) and can reach weights of over 20 pounds. They're ambush predators that like to hide in rocky crevices, waiting to pounce on passing prey. Cabezon put up a strong fight and are considered excellent eating, though their blue-green flesh can be off-putting to some.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and fill your cooler with some of Oregon's finest eating fish, this is the trip for you. With our expert local knowledge and top-notch fishing grounds, you're in for a day of non-stop action and quality catches. Remember, we only take two anglers per trip, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance and room to fish. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best bottomfishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Book your trip now and get ready to make some lasting memories (and delicious fish dinners) on the beautiful Oregon coast. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check those calendars and get ready for an awesome day on the water!