Why Book an Offshore Fishing Charter in Newport, Oregon

When in Newport, Oregon, you must head to the waters for fishing! You can’t go wrong with a fun day out in the waters where you can catch a ton of species ranging from halibut to giant sturgeon.

For those looking for an adventure, offshore fishing is the way to go. And whether you’re a newbie or an advanced angler, it’s best to consider joining or booking an offshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon.

But why? Some anglers say that they can save a lot of time and money going out on their own. However, the contrary actually happens. Let’s take a look at why you should book an offshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon.

Why Book an Offshore Fishing Charter in Newport, Oregon

Fishing is one of the most relaxing activities you can do when on vacation. An offshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon can help make your trip more relaxing in so many ways, including:

Focus More on Relaxing

There is a ton of fun that comes with offshore fishing in Newport, with giant sturgeon and other monster species swimming around the deep waters. And even while you aren’t fishing, you’ll spend your time relaxing with the beautiful views of Newport waters and clear skies.

But what if you’ll be on your own, maneuvering your own boat? The more likely you’ll be spending your time tending to everything and everyone else than actually having time to yourself fishing or relaxing!

An offshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon will allow you to spend more of your time enjoying the waters and the act of fishing rather than have to work the entire time. You have a certified captain and crew maneuvering and tending to the boat, as well as to their clients. You won’t have to worry about anything but trying to get a catch, sitting, and relaxing as you wait for a bite.

Have More Adventure

Offshore fishing will come with a ton of challenges along the way. There are so many different fishing techniques to do and equipment to use. You’ll get dizzy thinking of the different ways to reel in fish or how you have to keep changing bait for a chance to get a bite!

And let’s not forget the fact that you will be miles and miles away from land, where you’re heading to the deep waters with the monster fish ready for a fight. Offshore fishing will give you the chance to catch new and different species, with the experience being way more unique and exciting compared to inshore fishing!

Gain a ton of new memories as you reel in the big one, which you can show off to all your friends and family once you’re back on land!

Gain Learning Experiences

Besides social skills and making connections with both the captain and fellow anglers onboard, you get to learn a lot when offshore fishing.

Remember, the captain and crew have been fishing and navigating Newport’s waters for years. Many of them are locals who grew up in the city, knowing the waters like the back of their hands! The captain and crew will share their knowledge and expertise with you, which is great as it increases your chance of catching monster fish.

For example, you’ll learn a lot about the local fish behavior, how water conditions affect the day of fishing, and how to do a certain fishing technique properly. Whether you’re a total beginner or an advanced angler, you will definitely learn more from an offshore fishing charter in Newport. That’s something you can’t say if you were to go fishing on your own!

Besides knowing about the fish species, Newport’s waters, and how to fish, the captain and crew are knowledgeable about the local rules and regulations. This prevents you from breaking any rules. They know which species are strictly catch-and-release, how many fish you can take home, and if the fish you catch are sizable enough to keep.

Save Money

That’s right, you can actually save more money in the long run if you were to join an offshore fishing charter in Newport as opposed to going out by yourself.

Think about it – You will need to rent a boat, likely get insurance, spend time maneuvering the boat and navigating the waters and do all the “dirty” work yourself just to find and settle down on a fishing spot. But before that, you will also need to prepare for purchasing and packing your fishing equipment made for your offshore excursion and the specific target species you have.

And let’s not forget your fishing license and other miscellaneous expenses like the cooler, food, drinks, and more. All the expenses rack up and for just a few days of fishing during your Newport vacation, it may just be better to join a charter instead.

An offshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon will have everything ready for you, including the captain and crew who will navigate the waters and teach you a lot of things about offshore fishing. They even carry the appropriate fishing equipment, licenses, and certification. All you need to do is to bring yourself and any other personal belongings to make your trip a fun and memorable one.

That’s why fishing charters are best for families and groups of friends, where everything is taken care of.

Just make sure that you choose legal and sustainable fishing charters that ensure your fun and safety.

Wrapping It Up

When it comes to offshore fishing, there are so many benefits to booking or joining a charter. The next time you head to Newport, don’t forget to book one so you may have a higher chance of reeling in the big one.

If you’re still looking for a quality offshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon, don’t hesitate to contact us now! We have a wide directory of charters and guides we can connect you with.

Best Techniques to Catch Giant White Sturgeon on the Columbia River

The white sturgeon is one of the largest and strongest freshwater fish in North America, with the Columbia River having the highest population of this species worldwide. As you can imagine, it’s one of the most popular species in the world!

This species is a prehistoric fish that can live for over 200 years! If you’re planning to attempt catching one of these giants in the Columbia River, you have to be extra prepared. Take a look at these best techniques to catch giant white sturgeon on the Columbia River!

How to Catch Giant White Sturgeon on the Columbia River

The Columbia River is broken into different sections, which can help anglers target certain fish species better in hopes to help find them, and in this case, it’s sturgeon.

You can find sturgeon in decent numbers along the river from Bonneville Dam through Portland and Vancouver, along with the estuaries around Astoria. When the river nears the Pacific Ocean, the more expansive it becomes. Sturgeon will head to this area for access not only to the wide estuaries but to the others throughout the coastal region. That’s all thanks to the different food available to them, including clams, crabs, sand shrimp, and fish.

Here are more helpful things to know as you attempt to catch giant white sturgeon on the Columbia River:

When to Go

The Columbia River estuary would hold sturgeon year-round. The most popular time to head to the estuary is during late spring to early summer, when the population is particularly high.

Note that this time frame is when fisheries in Oregon and Washington would be open on specific days to limited harvests of this fish, and when allowed to keep, they must be within a specific size range.

Sturgeon fishing may slow a bit during the mid-to-late summer when the Columbia River is warm. The bite will return when the waters begin to cool come fall. If you’re really keen and want to catch giant white sturgeon on the Columbia River, try fishing during winter!

Where to Go

Besides what was mentioned above (Portland-Vancouver area), make sure you head to deeper waters with a good current. There are also other places you can head to, including:

• Kelley Point Park, Portland
• Near pilings at the mouth of the Willamette River
• Above Portland, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge below Bonneville Dam. They are known to have oversized sturgeon. Note that these fish are strictly caught and released.
• Below Bonneville Dam holes largest sturgeon but you must read the regulations carefully as the area also holds closure areas to protect key spawning areas.

Rules and Regulations

Even if the sturgeon is a catch-and-release fish, they require a special permit, which is why it’s important to check the local regulations before you head to the river to fish. Many reservoirs upriver would have some harvest allowed on annual quotas, which are set at specific times of the year.

Sometimes, they open at the start of the year, and the fisheries close once the quotas are reached. The closures happen quicker with harvests becoming restricted in the lower river.

Lake Roosevelt is a growing sturgeon fishery in the Columbia River. It’s the uppermost reservoir located in northern Washington, stretching for about 150 miles.

Best Techniques to Catch Giant White Sturgeon on the Columbia River

When learning the technique to catch giant white sturgeon on the Columbia River, it’s important to know the fish’s behavior. Sturgeon would feed almost entirely on slow-moving and freshly-killed prey. They don’t find interest in chasing lures, only rarely grabbing lured fishes with bait and scent.

A common way to catch giant white sturgeon on the Columbia River is to rig up bait and cast out. Afterward, place the fishing rod in a holder, setting the reel to a free spool with the clicker set.

There will be times when the sturgeon would snatch up bait and then immediately take off. If you don’t set the reel to free spooling, say goodbye to your entire setup, from bait to rod!

As you wait, closely watch your rod tip as the bite is usually extremely light. That’s because sturgeon would be similar to a vacuum, sucking up the bait to chew and spit out if they don’t like it. The challenging part is how they will hold still the entire time, so you must be wary.

The rod tip will bounce a bit so if you sense a light bite, pick it up right away. When you feel a harder tug, set your hook as hard as possible and set it again. Sturgeon have thick rubbery mouths that won’t penetrate with a hook that easily, so set the hook hard and set it multiple times to avoid losing the sturgeon. Also, we recommend using sharp hooks and replacing your current hooks if they are dull.

Alright, so what happens once you hook a sturgeon and it’s now taking line?

Hold your rod tight and keep your line taught, never allow it to go slack as the fish can throw the hook or injure them. Set your drag as tight as possible and use the rod and drag to wear the sturgeon out as it tries making pulls and runs. Once the sturgeon is tired, prepare to bring it to the net, snap some photos, and release them to the waters again! Congratulations!

Wrapping It Up

When in the Columbia River, keep your eyes and senses peeled for a glimpse of the white sturgeon. You never know, it may be your lucky day and you can catch one with the help of the crew from your charter!

If you’re trying to catch giant white sturgeon on the Columbia River, make sure to prepare ahead and keep these techniques in mind. Also, why not consider joining a fishing charter to heighten your chances of success? Contact us now for more details!

Spring Walleye Fishing on the Columbia River

The Columbia River offers one of the best walleye fishing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. After all, it’s got the best walleye fishery in the area, with many anglers saying that the next world record of the walleye will likely come from the river!

Whatever the case will be, spring walleye fishing on the Columbia River will always be worth it because you can surely catch many of them with the right timing, equipment, technique, and a bit of luck.

But how can you go about it, exactly? Read on as we share our guide on spring walleye fishing on the Columbia River!

Spring Walleye Fishing on the Columbia River

The Columbia River is a huge body of water with tons of fishing spots. If you plan on catching walleye, then one of the best locations would likely be in the Dalles Pool. This is also called Lake Celilo, stretching from The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam.

Dalles Pool and the mid-Columbia River area offer some of the best fishing opportunities when targeting walleye. You also get some of the best walleye fishing here when looking for a place to fish near Portland.

Moreover, you can find excellent walleye fishing opportunities farther up the Columbia River and north into Washington state.

Let’s delve deeper into the other things you must know when it comes to spring walleye fishing on the Columbia River:

Fishing Regulations

The Columbia River is free for fishing all year round for warm water species, and this includes the walleye. As of writing, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife does not have specific bag limits for walleye. The same goes for smallmouth and largemouth bass.

That said, using live fish as bait isn’t allowed when targeting any species.

Moreover, the Columbia River is closed to boat fishing from the first 3,000 feet below the John Day Dam. Not to worry, as you can go bank-angling when you are over 600 feet below the fishway entrance.

Boat anglers must have a valid angling license. Their fishing license can come from Washington or Oregon when fishing in mainstream Columbia. Furthermore, you can launch from either state’s shores.

However, you must possess a license from the state you are fishing in, particularly when fishing in sloughs, tributaries, and other similar waters of the main Columbia River.

Continue to stay updated with the current OFDW rules and regulations.

When to Go Walleye Fishing

While you can go walleye fishing all year long, you will want to catch them during the dead of winter or late winter. That said, spring is also an excellent time to target this species!

Early walleye fishing begins in March, with April being a good pre-spawn fishing month. Avoid fishing in May, as walleye are less active during this main spawn season. Rather, you’ll want to target them again come June to July, which is their post-spawn period.

Where to Catch Walleye

If you are fishing in the Dalles Pool from March to April, it’s recommended to launch the boat at Rufus, fishing in the upper areas of the pool a bit below the John Day Dam. More specifically, you’ll want to target walleye in the following areas:

• Preacher’s Eddy
• The Willows
• Rufus Run

As for the specific spots to find walleye, it’s important to remember that this species is schooling fish always looking for structure to shield them from the main current while allowing them to ambush and prey passing by.

As such, you will surely find them against the bottom, usually behind rocks, stumps, ledges, or in places outside the current. You can begin looking for walleye between 18-38 feet deep. That said, it will also heavily depend on the shifts of currents, water temperatures, and food sources.

Walleye Fishing Techniques

When spring walleye fishing in the Columbia River, you will want to go jigging or trolling. You may also want to try crankbaits!

Trolling

When the wind picks up during the day, you will want to troll with bottom walkers and a worm harness. Troll rigs in a downstream direction, which is typically the way food sources drift down to walleye.

Depending on the depth and current, you can use rigs anywhere between 1.5 to 3 ounces. The weight must be enough to keep the line in the water at a 45-degree angle.

Jigging

Jigging is best used when the winds are calm or very light. We recommend the vertical jigging technique below the boat. When doing this, do NOT use a lot of action!

Rather, you should only move the jig within 8-18 inches of the zone. There are various kinds of jigs you can use here, like plain lead heads with nightcrawlers or curly-tail plastic worms.

Crankbaits

When the weather begins to warm, you’ll want to continue jigging and trolling. However, try adding crankbaits as well.

Compared to waters, you can troll your crankbaits upstream and give them proper action. Try slow trolls so you can provoke a strike from walleyes that protect their territory.

When using certain lures, try finding patterns with green shades, such as the fire tiger, blue-black, or chartreuse colors.

Just like any other presentation, your crankbait needs to be on the bottom. If ever the bill isn’t scratched after meeting rocks, you aren’t doing it properly. If this is the case, you can change it to a deeper-diving lure or head to shallower waters. Your lure should tap the bottom with the rocks and walleyes!

Wrapping It Up

We hope that our guide on spring walleye fishing on the Columbia River helped you out! Now that you know more about how to catch walleye, why not begin planning your trip to the Columbia River soon?

Contact us now for fishing charter services so you can increase your chances of catching more walleye while having the time of your life!

The History of the Great White Sturgeon

When you plan to fish along Oregon, you’ve probably heard about white sturgeon. This is one of the dream species an angler will ever reel in and for many great reasons.

The white sturgeon is the largest gamefish in Oregon and one of the largest freshwater fish around the world. There are reports of anglers catching and releasing sturgeon of over ten feet in the Columbia River. We’ve also heard of people catching white sturgeon up to a whopping 20 feet long!

Learn more about this monster fish and check out the history of the great white sturgeon here.

About White Sturgeon

Here are a few fun facts about this monster fish we know as the white sturgeon:

• White sturgeon are huge, with the biggest one on record caught in 1898. It weighed over 1,500 pounds! They can live to be over a century old, growing continuously throughout their lives.
• The white sturgeon’s skin is covered in bony plates rather than scales. These are called scutes and are very sharp on younger fish.
• Similar to sharks, sturgeon skeletons are made of cartilage rather than bone.
• Sturgeon has a suction cup-like mouth, eating mollusks and small invertebrate at a young age. As they grow into adults, they feed on fish.
• These fish are born in freshwater and while they can enter seawater, this isn’t necessary to complete the lifecycle. Their spawning season will depend on the water temperature, water currents, and day length. Females can release up to 3 million eggs, with fertilized eggs sticking to the river bottom once they come into contact with it.

History of the Great White Sturgeon

Sturgeons are one of the most ancient animals in oceans and rivers today, swimming in the bottom waters since the Early Cretaceous period. That was over 100 million years ago! Thanks to the fish’s shark-like cartilaginous skeletons, bony diamond-shaped plats, and scale-less skin, these fish swam around even way before the evolution of the T-Rex.

During the European Contact, sturgeon heavily populated North American waters. But just like lobster, early settlers ignored this species. This may be due to the species’ appearance and unfamiliarity with the sturgeon. Back then, they also didn’t know how good sturgeon’s eggs were when salt-cured.

Ross Cox, an Irishman who traded for furs in the Pacific Northwest, wrote about his experience with sturgeon in the early 1800s. He described it as a royal fish at the mouth of the Columbia. Back then, you would find plentiful prime sturgeon from August to September in great sizes. Some of them were 11 feet long and weighed a whipping 300-400 pounds! These weren’t even close to the biggest sturgeon recorded today, with the biggest one (as we know) being almost 14 feet long and over 1,500 pounds.

Despite sturgeon’s abundance back in the day, European and American traders didn’t consider the fish as a significant product. The first commercial fisheries focused more on salmon and even saw sturgeon as monstrous trash that got in the way of business!

It was only in the 1880s that the demand for sturgeon grew in Columbia, which was also when businessmen brought icing technology to the area. Fishermen started capturing sturgeon so aggressively that the species was almost rendered extinct along the river within two decades!

Fast forward to today, recreational and commercial fishermen are eager to land their hands on a huge, prehistoric fish. That said, they aren’t allowed to take them home, as they are now considered catch-and-release, no matter the size.

Tips on Catching Great White Sturgeon

Now that you learned more about the history of the great white sturgeon, you’re probably interested in trying to reel one in for the bragging rights! Here are a few tips you can follow to achieve that:

• If you’re looking at where to target white sturgeon, we recommend the Columbia River, Willamette River, Oregon Coast, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay, Yaquina Bay, Siuslaw Bay, Winchester Bay, and Coos Bay. The Columbia River and Oregon Coast are the most popular sturgeon fishing spots.
• A sturgeon’s diet consists of fish, eels, worms, clams, and other similar. When packing baits, bring and use smelt, shad, squid, and shrimp, among others. Go for the smellier ones. Live and cut bait is the best way to lure sturgeon.
• Sturgeon don’t usually move through fish ladders and over waterfalls as steelhead and salmon do. Rather, they would move between freshwater and salt water to search for food and spawning.
• Since white sturgeon are heavily regulated, it’s crucial to stay updated on ODFW’s state regulations, as this can change regularly. Fortunately, white sturgeon numbers are seeing modest improvements, with the ODFW opening sturgeon retention days recently along the lower Columbia River system.
• When casting a line for sturgeon, you will want to rig up your bait fish and cast out. This is because sturgeon would feast on slow-moving and freshly-killed pray, making the fishing technique fairly simple.
• When fishing for sturgeon, you can use the standard 6-9′ rod, provided it is lightly tipped. Even if sturgeon are huge and powerful, they are actually light biters. Your rod must also be able to hold at least 80 pounds and run enough line. Opt for 250 years of the line.
• Choose hooks carefully. Because they have leathery thick mouths, you’ll want to use something that can penetrate them, like circle and octopus hooks.
• Besides the appropriate fishing gear and equipment, you must have a Columbia River Basin endorsement when fishing for white sturgeon, steelhead, and salmon in the Columbia River. You will also need the appropriate fishing license and tags.

Wrapping It Up

We hope you learned a lot about the history of the great white sturgeon from our article! If you would like to target this unique, humongous species on your next fishing trip in Oregon, contact us now. We offer excellent charter services in various areas of Oregon for your fun and safety.

Coolest Sites to See Near Newport Oregon

Oregon is filled with so many exciting things to do and see for locals and tourists alike. There’s always something for everyone in this beautiful state, whether you’re up for an adventure, learning history, or hungry for food trips. But if you’re on a limited time for vacation, you’re probably trying to squeeze everything in, starting with the coolest sites to see near Newport Oregon.

Well, we’ve got the perfect list for you! Read on as we share the coolest sites to see near Newport Oregon to add to your itinerary.

Coolest Sites to See Near Newport Oregon

Newport sits in the middle of Oregon’s Pacific Coast, with humble beginnings as a fishing village. Today, it is home to many luxury beach resorts, historical attractions, delicious restaurants, and many more!

If you’re wondering what to expect, here are some of the coolest sites to see near Newport Oregon.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is about a ten-minute drive to the north of Newport. It’s a must-see with dramatic coastal scenery and many outdoor activities to do. Moreover, it’s topped by the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse that’s been around since 1873.

You can hike at the park’s trails and learn about the attraction’s nature and history. You may even get to go harbor seal and whale watching.

Newport Historic Bayfront

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Newport, having a ton of attractions, shops, and restaurants to try. From here, you can find everything you want and need, from fantastic seafood restaurants down to souvenir shops. This is also where Wax Works and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not are located. Besides that, you can check out the fish market, visit art galleries, or take a break in a cozy café.

Since the Newport Historic Bayfront harbors a fishing fleet, you can enjoy the view of boats bobbing about the bay, along with sea lions around the area now and then!

Nye Beach

Nye Beach is a must-see because of its historic neighborhood, thriving art scene, and of course, the golden sands. It is a charming location attracting artists to its shores for inspiration, thus being the city’s cultural center.

It lies alongside the Pacific Ocean, boasting a stunningly soft, sandy beach with striking sunrises and sunsets. From here, you can sunbathe, swim, surf, and even go tide pooling and beachcombing. Take a long walk and you can find quaint cottages and countless shops to buy souvenirs or food.

Devil’s Punch Bowl

The Devil’s Punch Bowl is about 15 minutes away from the coast of Newport, one of the most spectacular natural sites you’ll see in the state. It is now protected as part of the state’s natural area, offering a ton of photo opportunities.

This attraction was founded in 1929, centering around the large natural bowl. This isn’t a manmade bowl, but something magical created by the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean over the centuries and millennia. When you look down into Devil’s Punch Bowl, you’ll see the waters foaming, swirling, and roaring violently!

Besides appreciating the waters, you can also spot whales, check out more rock formations offshore, or even enjoy other activities like surfing, picnicking, and tide pooling in the park.

Seal Rock State Park

This is a picturesque spot that’s about 15 minutes from Newport. Besides the gorgeous rock formations, you may witness amazing wildlife, like sea birds, seals, and sea lions.

The Seal Rock State Park has been protected since 1929, known for its distinctive rock formations offshore. You can also walk around the area to explore the tidal pools and rest on the beach.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is ranked as one of the best aquariums in North America, and for many great reasons. You can find a ton of exhibits that show everything to learn about the state’s marine life, from seals, sea lions, and sea otters, to stingrays and starfish.

The aquarium has been open since 1992 and continues to entertain and teach children and adults alike. You can watch marine animals from the exhibits and aquariums, or head out to the open sea and coral reefs.

Eat a Lot!

Visiting all the coolest sites to see near Newport Oregon will surely have anyone build an appetite. Don’t forget to try some of the amazing restaurants in the city! Here are our recommendations when in Newport:

• Chowder Bowl – This is located at Nye Beach, where you can taste some of the best clam chowders. Their award-winning chowder uses local ingredients and has been around since the 1980s, so you’re sure you’re getting authentic and delicious dishes.
• Georgie’s Beachside Grill – This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Newport with a view. You can head over here with family or your partner, where you can expect stellar service, huge portions of food, and delicious Yaquina Bay oysters.
• Panini Bakery – Don’t forget dessert! This is a local favorite that sells sweet pastries and savory dishes like sandwiches and pizza. They also serve energizing house coffee!
• Rogue Nation Brewery & Spirits – For those hankering for a good drink, you can enjoy a pint here at this pub.

Wrapping It Up

We hope that our list of the coolest sites to see near Newport Oregon helped you out! Now that you know where to go, start planning your trip and enjoy the beauty Oregon has to offer.

And hey, don’t forget to do one of the most popular activities in the state: Fishing! Whether you are a beginner or seasoned angler, you can join fishing charters or hire a fishing guide so you have more chances of catching fish and learning new things about Oregon waters. Contact us now to learn more about what we have to offer.