Common Techniques to Catch Oregon Halibut

Oregon Halibut is one of the more popular targeted species to catch in the state. Because the recent salmon runs haven’t been bringing in as many fish compared to the past years, Halibut became a highly sought-out species.

Many Oregon fishermen presumed that you needed to head to Alaskan waters to catch trophy Halibut back then. While this might be true, you can also get your share of nice Halibut catches in Oregon.

If you’re planning to catch this specific fish species, you’ll need to prepare! Read on to learn all about the common techniques to catch Oregon Halibut.

Common Techniques to Catch Oregon Halibut

What’s so interesting about the Halibut is that their eyes are always on the right side of their bodies. These fish have a greenish-brown to dark brown or black eyed-side with light blotches. On the other hand, their blind side is colored white to milky-white.

Expect Halibut to have a large, stout, yet flat body, looking like an elongated diamond. On average, you’ll find Halibut in Oregon weighing about 35-40 pounds. While rare, you can discover Halibut monsters weighing over 100 pounds!

Whether you’re new to fishing or an expert at it, here are the tips and common techniques to catch Oregon Halibut successfully, whether on your own or with a fishing charter:

The Main Technique

Boat anglers would use heavy fishing rods for fishing near or directly on gravel bottoms in waters. Halibut are attracted by jigs, spoons, shrimp flies, or large herring deployed on heavy monofilament leaders or wire.

If Oregon Halibut are in shallow waters, they’ll hunt using their sight and hearing, though, in the deep, they hunt through their sense of smell. That said, expect these large flatfish to spend more time near the bottom of the waters, looking for food above and preferring colder waters.

Locating and Luring Oregon Halibut

Before anything else, you must find out where Halibut is, so you have a higher chance of catching one! As mentioned, Halibut prefer staying in or near the bottom of the ocean, about 40-80 feet deep. You won’t find Halibut below 120 feet, so stick with the 40-80 feet range.

Besides that, Oregon Halibut prefer staying around hydraulic relief zones, which are current-calming obstructions such as valleys, rock formations, or depressions, in the deep waters. We recommend using sonar or other types of electronic equipment to identify the contours and depths of the ocean. That way, you can discover excellent fishing spots!

Once you find a good spot, the next step is to prepare your bait. Make sure you select a bait that Halibut actually likes!

Other than the baits mentioned above, you can use live squid or octopus, as well as mackerel guts or heads. You can also use artificial bait like plastic fish colored like anchovies or sardines. Add attracting scents to your line and bait, chumming liberally and regularly to increase your chances of luring Halibut in.

You can draw Halibut in with luminescence and movement but avoid jerking motions. As for the fishing line, select one that’s strong yet lightweight, as you wouldn’t want Halibut snapping the line or experiencing a difficult time reeling your catch. We recommend a low-stretch and high-quality line with an 80-120 pound test strength.

Hook and Reel Your Halibut In

Drop your bait close to the bottom of the waters. If you hit bottom, reel a bit back, so you’re just a bit off the floor. Wait for half a minute for a bite before you move your bait by raising and lowering it a few feet. You can also move it side to side, attracting fish to the line.

If you haven’t gotten a bite after about 10-12 casts, then you may want to reposition. But when you do get a bite, don’t set the hook and pull! Halibut will most likely slip free if you do so.

Instead, let the fishing line lower into the water until it tightens. Then, set your hook, steadily pulling your line up with control. Wind and lower the rod, pulling again to bring the Halibut up close to the surface. Slow and steady is critical here, as Halibut would head to the surface without much resistance if you go gently.

Once the Halibut is right below the water’s surface, you may spook it! Don’t try fighting it or pulling it closer, as you risk losing your hook or breaking the line. Instead, give the Halibut some slack, allowing it to calm down. Then try again and slowly bring it up.

Claim Your Prize!

Now, you’re so close to catching an Oregon Halibut! You’ll have to weaken the Halibut before bringing it to your boat, as flailing fish can injure anglers. It’s best to ensure that the fish can’t put up resistance when it’s onboard.

Please do this by using a gaff or harpoon to wound the fish, aiming for the solid area behind its head. Drive your gaff or harpoon straight through and wait until the fish becomes tired, losing blood.

While some anglers use guns, this is NOT recommended and even illegal in many areas. Not only is it dangerous, but you also risk ruining the fish meat.

And there you have it! If the fishing season and regulations permit you to catch more than one Halibut, you can repeat the process. But if you’re good to go, you can enjoy your catch for your next homecooked meal. Congratulations!

Speaking of, make sure you have the appropriate fishing license and learn about Oregon’s Halibut and bottom fish seasons and regulations before you head out to the waters!

Wrapping It Up

Catching Halibut doesn’t need to be so complicated with the proper methods and preparation. Did you learn a lot about the common techniques to catch Oregon Halibut from our guide? We hope you did!

Now, if you’re planning to head to Oregon for your next fishing trip, don’t just prepare for the big Halibut. Prepare by contacting fishing charters like us to take you to your targeted fish species!

The Common Techniques to Catch Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon, also known as silver salmon or silvers, are popular fish located in western regions of the USA. We can catch silvers from California to Alaska, with the species being popular in Oregon.

If you want to target and catch Coho Salmon, you’re in the right place. We will show you the most common techniques to catch Coho Salmon, so read on!

The Common Techniques to Catch Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon are part of the pacific salmon family, known for their white gums and black tongues. Their bodies can be silver, red, or wine, depending on their age and gender, while their heads and back are usually dark blue-green.

Coho salmon would weigh between 5-15 pounds and measure about 17-24 inches long. However, there are more significant varieties of Coho Salmon that can weigh over 30 pounds, measuring up to 38 inches long.

So, how can you successfully capture this fish? Here are the common techniques to catch Coho Salmon:

Figure out where and when to fish

In Oregon, the best areas to go Coho Salmon fishing in are ocean waters with a surface temperature of 52-56 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the temperature before the sun begins warming the waters for the day. If the water temperatures are a bit higher, you can still catch Coho, though it may take a bit more time and effort.

You should also check for any trash lines and current edges at the water surface. The edges concentrate small fish and plankton, with bigger Coho feeding on them. Just make sure you don’t go too deep, running your gear in the prop wash.

Let out only enough line for the gear to drop below where you can see it, about 6-12 feet down. You can run gear deeper if you aren’t producing any bites; tough Coho feeds closer to the water surface.

What gear should you use?

You can’t catch Coho salmon successfully without the right gear! Here are our gear recommendations for better success:

• Rods – We recommend spinning gear setups or conventional rods. Anglers might even carry multiple rods made for different fishing techniques. Either way, opt for a medium to heavy rod with moderate to heavy action.
• Reels – If you use a spinning rod and reel, an 8’6 to 9’6 long rod is best, as long as it can handle 100 yards of a 10-15lb test line. If you’re targeting larger Coho salmon, we recommend a conventional rod and reel of the same length, though you can get a shorter one as needed.
• Fishing line – We recommend using an 8-15 lb test line for lighter spinning rods and reels. Opt for a 15-20 lb test line if you’re casting heavy. You can choose branded, monofilament, or fluorocarbon line, depending on your preference.
• Hooks – People commonly fish Coho salmon with treble and octopus hooks. Opt for a size smaller than you’d use for other salmon, such as size 4 to 2/0, depending on the bait size.
• Lures and baits – We recommend using plugs for waters with little to no current, spoons during the spawning season, or salmon eggs, which Coho salmon love. You can use spinners, which aren’t as popular when Coho salmon fishing, but they work if used properly. As for color, opt for a bright fluorescent chartreuse lure to attract Coho salmon.

Increase the casting distance

Coho salmon are easily spooked by boats, so if you go boat fishing, whether on your own or with charters, then you must be a bit sneaky! If you’re too loud, you end up spooking Coho, so you’re less likely to get a bite.

Avoid scaring fish by using a longer rod to increase the casting distance. Or, you can fish along the bank once you know where fish are holding.

Spot activity properly

When Coho makes their runs, you should watch out for any activity, preparing yourself to look for new locations.

Jumping Coho in the area is a good sign though you may find it difficult catching them. You should also lookout for any gull activity near the water surface, which means the fish are hunting something. That may mean you found the spot Coho salmon are holding!

If you’re totally new to fishing and spotting activity, we recommend joining a fishing charter. They have a professional crew to take you to the waters where your targeted fish species are, even teaching you how to catch Coho!

Bonus Tips

Here are other extra tips and techniques to follow for a better chance at catching Coho Salmon:

• Do NOT pick the rod up, lower the tip, then yank back. There’s no need to set a hook on Coho salmon. If you’re trolling, then the boat and fish are taking care of this part.
• Never raise the tip of your rod, which gets Coho jumping. Jumping Coho ends up becoming lost Coho.
• Keep tension on your line. Please don’t drop the rod tip for gaining line unless you feel it the entire time.
• If you feel you lost a potential catch, then reel as quickly as you can! Coho would usually run towards the boat, thinking you lost them. Maybe you lost, but perhaps not, so it’s worth trying.
• When you’re trolling for Coho Salmon, make sure you go fast! This is common mistake beginner anglers commit when targeting Coho Salmon using hoochies or spoons. Troll at about 3-6 mph, only slowing down if you’re using plug cut or whole bait to avoid tearing it.
• Nothing will work every single time. Don’t hesitate to switch techniques up if you don’t get any bites while other anglers are. You can change the trolling speed, the direction of trailing, depth, attractors, lures, or begin again.

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, this article on the common techniques to catch Coho Salmon gave insight on what to prepare and do once you’re in the waters. If you’re looking for a fishing charter to guide you to the areas with Coho salmon, feel free to contact us for more information!

Coolest Lighthouses Near Newport, Oregon

Oregon is filled with great history, romantic places, and tourist attractions, particularly the lighthouses that help captains navigate the vast waters. Out of the 11 original lighthouses around the Oregon Coast, seven are open to the public, with most of them still actively operating.

Because of that, a trip to Oregon isn’t complete without deep-sea fishing AND visiting the lighthouses! If you’re looking for the coolest lighthouses near Newport, Oregon, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list.

The Coolest Lighthouses Near Newport, Oregon

Lighthouses operated as navigation aids and beacons for mariners, from huge commercial cargo ships to small fishing boats. While you can drive by many of these lighthouses along the Oregon Coast Highway, take some time to go down and head in the structures, learning a bit of history about every lighthouse and how it’s helped across the years.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Back then, people called the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse the Terrible Tilly because of the challenges during construction and operations. It’s now abandoned, located in Ecola State Park, around a mile away from the coast.

This lighthouse operated from 1881-1957 and is now privately-owned, so the public cannot visit. However, you can view the lighthouse from Tillamook Head’s Oregon Coast Trail or Indian Beach.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Cape Meares Lighthouse stands at only 38 feet tall, making it the smallest Oregon Coast. It’s located in Cape Lookout State Park, about 10 miles west of Tillamook.

The lighthouse was built in 1890, then decommissioned in 1963. However, the original first-order Fresnel lens still lives in the Cape Meares. From here, you can view the sea lions, seabirds, and even go whale watching!

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

This is the tallest lighthouse tower on the Oregon Coast and continues to serve as a navigation aid. It’s only three miles north of Newport, making it a must-see for tourists in the area.

The lighthouse sits 162 above sea level and stands 93 feet tall, much taller than the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, which it replaced in 1873.

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

This lighthouse is the only one in the state where the light and living quarters are in the same structure. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse was built in 1871 but only operated for three years before the Yaquina Head Lighthouse replaced it.

After a few years of sitting empty, the US Lifesaving Service had a crew placed in the lighthouse, then constructed an observation tower. However, the lighthouse was abandoned again in the 30s. In 1966, it was re-lit and an official Coast Guard navigation aid.

Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse

The Cleft of the Rock isn’t open to the public but can be viewed from mile 166 on Highway 101.

The lighthouse was built in 1976 by James Gibbs, a former keeper of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Fun fact: If you’ve been to Vancouver Island, you probably think the Cleft of the Rock looks familiar. That’s because the lighthouse is the replica of the Fiddle Reef Lighthouse!

Heceta Head Lighthouse

We recommend visiting the Heceta Head Lighthouse for the amazing views of the Heceta Head. It was built in 1893, with the light, now automated beacon, seen about 21 miles from land.

You can head over there for a tour or check-in their bed and breakfast. But be wary because the lighthouse is considered one of the most haunted houses across the USA!

Umpqua River Lighthouse

This lighthouse is a personal favorite that you must visit twice – one during the daytime for touring, then again come night to watch the light show. The Umpqua River Lighthouse exudes flashes of red and white, circling the area.

The first and original lighthouse was built in 1857, the first one ever made in the state. However, it fell in the river in 1961 due to erosion. The second and current lighthouse was built in 1894, sitting 165 feet above sea level.

Cape Arago Lighthouse

The Cape Arago Lighthouse is situated 12 miles southwest of North Bend, though we can only view it from afar. It’s on an islet off Gregory Point, sitting 100 feet above sea level.

Did you know that there were two previous Cape Arago Lighthouses before this third and newest facility? Both older versions were built in 1866 and 1908, though they were destroyed from erosion and harsh elements.

In 2006, the latest facility was deactivated, with its Fresnel lens on display in the Coos History Museum.  You can visit the viewpoints around the Sunset Bay campground or Bastendorff Beach.

Coquille River Lighthouse

The Coquille River Lighthouse is situated in the Bullards State Park, built-in 1896 to guide mariners navigating into the Coquille River.

In 1939, the US Coast Guard took over the lighthouse, deciding it wasn’t needed anymore, hence the decommissioning. The river channel was improved, and there’s an automated light on the south jetty, operating as the new navigation aid. The lighthouse was abandoned for 24 years until Bullards State Park decided to restore the lighthouse.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

This beautiful lighthouse is 256 above sea level, so you can expect spectacular ocean views and a memorable whale watching experience when you time your visit right.

The Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built in 1870, known as the oldest standing lighthouse in Oregon!

Pelican Bay Lighthouse

This is also called the Port of Brooking Lighthouse, located in Brookings by Chetco River. It stood 141 feet above sea lighthouse and was first lit in 1999.

Wrapping It Up

When you’re heading towards Newport, Oregon, don’t forget to visit these lighthouses! Not only do they make such a memorable experience, but you get to learn a lot about the state as well.

Besides heading to the coolest lighthouses near Newport, Oregon, you should also head out to the waters with some fishing action! Like lighthouses, a trip to Newport isn’t complete without catching a fish or two. Contact us for fishing charter services if you’d like to try something new with family or friends on your next trip to Oregon!

Best Locations for Oregon Deep Sea Fishing

If you’re planning to go fishing near Lincoln City, Oregon, then one of the best things to do is to hire a fishing charter. There are numerous benefits a fishing charter offers, from convenience down to professional captain and crew to provide what you need for a fun fishing trip.

But with the many different fishing charters available to hire in the area, which one’s the best? We’ll be showing you helpful tips and things to consider when choosing a fishing charter near Lincoln City, so read on!

Choosing a Fishing Charter Near Lincoln City

Fishing charters are trips run by experienced captains and professional fishing guides on a private vessel, usually with additional crew members. The goal of fishing charters is to help make fishing trips more convenient for any angler, whether beginner or veteran.

Many fishing charters are tailored for novices and experienced anglers, taking clients to specific fisheries and the like. To help you find the best one, these are some things to think about when choosing a fishing charter near Lincoln City:

What experience do you want?

First off, ask yourself; what kind of experience do you want?

• Would you like a shared or private fishing charter?
• Do you want to do inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing?
• Do you plan to catch fish for food or sport?
• Any specific species you want to get?

This can have you narrow down your choices more effectively.

Ask the captain

The captain is making the trip, so it’s essential to learn more about him before booking.

Find out how long the captain and the fishing charter have been in business. If he’s new, ask how long he’s been fishing in Oregon and if he’s a local. Experienced captains and guides can make a huge difference, making your trip the best one yet.

You can research the fishing captain or guide through his fishing reports, a public journal consisting of what he’s caught and the charters he’s run.

The type of boat

This is a crucial factor to consider because the boat takes account of your experience and safety.

Do you prefer comfort or speed? Do you want something with cozy amenities or a fast fishing machine that can take you anywhere? There are different kinds of charter boats available, each having its own features and pros and cons.

Most fishing charters run center consoles or sportfishing boats.

Center consoles are faster and affordable to run. They usually have a basic toilet, and that’s pretty much it. That said, you have the freedom to move when fighting fish.

Sportfishing boats have good toilets below deck and a lot of space under and away from the sun. They are also stabler, so it prevents seasickness. However, they are slower, pricier, and you can’t fish in shallow waters.

All fishing charter boats usually hold 4-6 passengers, depending on the license. Some boats would legally hold four but are best for two people. Sportfishing boats can hold up to six people comfortably.

Ask about permits and licenses

The fishing charters you choose should always have the correct paperwork, so you know you’re in the right hands. The captain and crew should have the appropriate licenses and certifications that prove they are adequately trained to do the job.

Look for the captain’s license, permits to run fishing trips, fishing licenses, and insurance.

What’s included with the service?

Many fishing charters include everything you need, so you have to bring extra clothes and lots of fun!

For instance, you can expect fishing charters to include a good boat, captain, and crew, along with fishing equipment, safety equipment, refreshments, and even forms of entertainment. However, others may only include the private vessel and captain, coming at a more affordable price.

Choose a fishing charter based on what you need. If you are a novice who requires fishing equipment and a professional crew to help you out, choose one that includes them. But if you are a veteran angler with your own equipment, you can do without the standard inclusions some charters have.

How much is it?

You might be tempted to hire the fishing charter with the lowest price, but that doesn’t mean you’re ensured quality service.

The lowest prices most likely do not have liability insurance, proper training, and validation licenses. Furthermore, you may receive old equipment and boats that lack safety.

For your security, always find a balance between affordability and quality services when searching for the prices of fishing charters. You must conduct proper research and base your decision on what you need in a fishing charter, the equipment and services offered, and what previous customers have said about the charter.

Plus, some charters may have hidden fees behind such a low price, so be sure to ask about that as well.

Research websites and reviews

Just because you saw a fishing charter website doesn’t mean it’s reliable! You can find various online fishing platforms right now, but you must be aware of what you’re searching for. Stick to researching reliable platforms like TripAdvisor, Expedia, among others.

From there, you can find accurate online reviews from real people who aren’t earning commissions.

Once you’re on reliable platforms, begin checking online reviews of your chosen fishing charters. Check social media platforms of what previous clients have experienced in the charter, so you know what to expect. You might even want to ask any friends or family who has gone on fishing trips in Oregon!

Wrapping It Up

It can get quite confusing trying to figure out which fishing charter to hire. But once you know what makes a good fishing charter and know who to trust, it becomes smooth sailing from there! It all begins with knowing what factors you need to consider, along with proper research.

We hope that these tips on choosing a fishing charter near Lincoln City helped you out. If you’re still searching for a good fishing charter, contact us now and inquire about the services you need. We’ll be happy to give you quotations and information about our company and what we offer.

Best Locations for Oregon Deep Sea Fishing

The Oregon Coast is one of the best places to be with its spectacular views, plentiful beaches, and breathtaking sand dunes. Best of all, there are a ton of fishing opportunities, which is why many anglers all over the world flock to Oregon for some of that action!

One of the things many anglers look forward to is Oregon deep sea fishing, where a ton of adventure and memories begin. There is so much to see and catch, especially when hiring a reputable fishing charter. But have you ever wondered where the best locations for Oregon deep sea fishing are?

Read on to learn more about the best locations for Oregon deep sea fishing here!

Best Locations for Oregon Deep Sea Fishing

One of the best things about fishing offshore in Oregon is that there are so many places you can choose from and there will be fishing charters that accommodate that area. Or they can choose the fishing location for you, depending on the species you want to catch.

Whatever the case is, here are some of the best locations for Oregon deep sea fishing to learn about:

Astoria

This fishery is one of the most popular when in Oregon, and for good reason! You get easy access to Columbia River and the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, giving anglers a ton of variety. Here, you can find more halibut, tuna, and lingcod, and it’s now he default fishing location for those who want to try catching all of the different fish you can find in Oregon.

Coos Bay

Coos Bay is also located on the southern Oregon area, which we call the Tuna Central! Once Albacore tuna season begins during late summer, you’ll want to be around to see and catch the smorgasbord of halibut and lingcod. You can even find decent crabbing opportunities here!

It isn’t as reputable as Astoria but can compete with the location in terms of offshore fishing. You can take advantage of that fact because that means fewer anglers are around to fish in the area, so less competition!

Newport

Newport is one of the most popular areas not only for their fisheries but the vast history and fun activities to do for the entire family. It’s located at the center of Oregon Coast with many fishing opportunities all year long.

You’re assured to get Lingcod, and you also have chances of catching halibut, rockfish, and Albacore tuna here.

What You Can Catch

Of course, there’s more to learn besides knowing where to fish! Here are the fish you can catch when in the deep blue waters:

• Rockfish – There are up to 25 species of rockfish located in Oregon!
• Lingcod – People tend to overlook Lingcod, but these are great fish to catch, whether you’re a beginner or veteran angler. You can find Lingcod during most of the year, and it’s a common winter catch.
• Halibut – Many people consider this fish to be one of the most delicious when caught in Oregon. Because of how popular Halibut is in the state, there are strict fishing regulations for healthy fisheries and populations. To catch halibut, you need to go 20 miles out, once you hit waters over 800 feet deep!
• Albacore Tuna – You can find Albacore tuna about 20-50 miles offshore, particularly in the southern Oregon area. Expect huge schools and good fishing opportunities!

You’ll also need to learn when to target the specific fish you want to catch. Some fish only appear during certain seasons for spawning and feeding.

For instance, the Albacore Tuna would show up only from the end of July to October, then disappear until the next year. However, other fish like Lingcod are around Oregon all year-round, which is a good option for those who want to target something easy.

As for Halibut, it may be a bit restrictive as there are certain rules and regulations to follow, but their season opens in May to November. That’s why you should learn about the local fishing laws in Oregon, which a fishing charter will oblige and teach you.

What Deep Sea Fishing Techniques Can You Use?

There are different types of fishing techniques you can perform when deep sea fishing, such as:

• Trolling and Live Bait Fishing – We recommend trolling using diving plugs and tuna jigs in mid-July. Once the end of August rolls around, it’s best to move towards live bait fishing.
• Bottom Fishing – The big Lingcod are out there in the deep waters, which is why bottom fishing is a good option!

Hire Fishing Charters

If you’re ready to go to any of the best locations for Oregon deep sea fishing, it’s best to prepare ahead and go with a reputable fishing charter. Fishing charters will provide customers with the essentials, such as fishing gear, the boat, experienced captain and crew, and knowledge on where to go and how to use fishing gear.

This lessens the hassle on your end, as you have someone navigating the waters safely, with the knowledge of where to go around Oregon. Furthermore, the crew can accommodate your needs and queries about fishing, teaching you the ropes of the deep sea fishing techniques to catch a bite.

Wrapping It Up

Oregon is such a beautiful state filled with a lot of fishing activities, making it a must-do when in the area. From bass to sturgeon, tuna to lingcod, there’s always something you can catch and enjoy. Just make sure that you select the best location based on the fish you want to catch and the season you plan on going to Oregon.

If you want to have the entire fishing trip prepared for you, contact fishing charters and let them know what kind of fish you’d like to catch! We can help turn your fishing dreams into a reality as we take you to some of the best locations for Oregon deep sea fishing.