Salmon & Crab Combo | Josh Sutch Guide Service

Salmon & Crab: Double the Fun in Coos Bay

Ready for a day on the water that'll have you reeling in salmon and hauling up crab pots? Josh Sutch Guide Service has you covered with our combo fishing charter that gives you the best of both worlds right here in Coos Bay. We're talking eight full hours of non-stop action, targeting prized Chinook and Coho salmon before switching gears to pull up some tasty Dungeness crab. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll make sure you're dialed in on the hottest spots and using the right techniques to maximize your catch.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're out on the pristine waters of Coos Bay as the sun's coming up, with the smell of salt in the air and the gentle hum of the boat's motor. We'll start by hitting some prime salmon runs, where I'll show you the ins and outs of trolling for these hard-fighting fish. Once we've put some chrome in the box, we'll switch it up and drop some crab pots. It's the perfect mix of active fishing and the laid-back fun of checking pots. By the end of the day, you'll have stories to tell and, if luck's on our side, a cooler full of fresh salmon fillets and sweet crab meat to take home.

Rigging Up for Success

For our salmon hunt, we'll be using top-notch gear tailored to these waters. We're talking downriggers, cut-plug herring, and some flashy hoochies that these fish can't resist. I'll walk you through setting up your gear and show you how to work those rods when a big Chinook decides to slam your bait. For crabbing, we use heavy-duty pots baited with fresh fish carcasses – it's like ringing the dinner bell for those tasty crustaceans. Don't worry about bringing anything; I've got all the gear covered, from rods and reels to crab pots and bait. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.

The Payoff: Salmon & Crab

Let's talk about what you're really here for – the fish and shellfish. Chinook salmon, also known as Kings, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. These brutes can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and they fight like their lives depend on it (which, well, they do). Coho, or silvers, might be a bit smaller, but what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. Watching a fresh Coho tail-walk across the water is something you won't soon forget. As for the crab, Dungeness are the gold standard of the Pacific Northwest. Sweet, tender meat that's perfect for cracking open right on the boat or taking home for a feast. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling up a pot full of these tasty critters.

When to Hit the Water

Timing is everything in fishing, and here in Coos Bay, we've got some prime windows for both salmon and crab. For Chinook, the fall run starting in September is hard to beat. These fish are fresh from the ocean and at their fighting best. Coho tend to show up a bit earlier, with good fishing from July through September. As for crabbing, we can do that year-round, but the meat tends to be fullest and sweetest in the winter months, say December through March. But don't let that stop you – there's hardly a bad time to drop a pot in these parts.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

I've been running these combo trips for years, and let me tell you, once folks get a taste of this two-for-one action, they're hooked. It's not just about the fish in the box (though that certainly helps). It's about spending a day on the water, learning new skills, and experiencing the kind of variety that keeps you on your toes. One minute you're locked in battle with a chrome-bright Chinook, the next you're hauling up a pot full of scrambling crabs. It's the kind of day that flies by and leaves you with stories to tell for years to come.

Lock In Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and try your hand at this salmon and crab combo, don't wait to book. These trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, it's just you and one other person on the boat, so you're getting my full attention and access to all my local knowledge. The deposit's non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there feeling that first tug on the line or seeing that first full crab pot come up, you'll know it was worth every penny. So what do you say? Ready to experience the best of what Coos Bay has to offer? Give me a shout, and let's get you on the books for a day of fishing you won't forget.