Best Tourist Sites to Visit While Fishing in Newport, Oregon

Newport, Oregon has continued to attract visitors all around the world thanks to its fishing action, unique sights, and stunning coastal sceneries. Of course, you can expect a lot of lovely attractions and things to do to make your vacation in the area more worthwhile.

So, if you’re heading to Newport for the ultimate fishing trip, it’s also essential to take advantage of your vacation with a tour around the area’s many tourist attractions. Read on to know the best tourist sites to visit while fishing in Newport!

Best Tourist Sites to Visit While Fishing in Newport

Even after you’re done with your fishing trip, you won’t run out of things to do and places to visit in Newport. Make sure you and your family explore the area to learn about the exciting history and appreciate the sights Newport, Oregon offers.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Yaquina Head is the state’s tallest lighthouse, which towers about 93 feet above a basalt headland that used to be lava. The lighthouse has been around since 1873, where you can take guided tours to learn about the area and make your way up.

Besides learning about the lighthouse’s history, you can also go wildlife viewing at the top, where you can find migrating harbor seals and whales. You can even view tide pools and find sea stars and sea anemones!

After visiting the lighthouse, you can check the Interpretative Center, where you and the family can learn more about the landscape and lighthouse history from the exhibits.

Besides the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, you can also explore the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, a 32-acre park where you can find the restored Yaquina Bay Lighthouse from 1871! From here, you can go whale watching and experience free, self-guided tours.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is perfect for families, where everyone can learn more about marine life! We love the glass walkways as you explore the aquarium, which allows you to look up at the stingrays and sharks swimming overhead. You can also find sea otters, seals, and Pacific octopuses!

We recommend visiting during the daily feeding times and availing of the fun interactive experiences, like animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.

You can find other fun attractions in the Oregon Coast Aquarium, such as the Sea Lion Kiss Encounters, Secret of Shipwrecks, or the Sleep in the Deep program, where you can spend a night in underwater tunnels. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dive in the tanks with a professional guide to meet the underwater animals up close.

If you want to explore more, the Hatfield Marine Science Center is near the aquarium, boasting numerous tide pools and aquariums filled with marine creatures. Families can watch the octopus feedings, view aquatic research exhibits, and join different educational programs.

Newport Historic Bayfront

Newport Bayfront is located around Yaquina Bay and is protected from the Pacific rollers by its narrow harbor mouth. It’s the largest area landmark in Newport and a crucial connection to Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

You can find commercial fishing fleets taking shelter on the waterfront. Visitors can also go here to explore the art galleries, shops, and seafood restaurants on Newport Bay Boulevard. You can also avail tours from the Marine Discovery Tours to enjoy the waters and spot wildlife like seals, gray whales, or sea lions.

Nye Beach

If you’re more of a beach person, Newport is also home to fantastic breaches like Nye Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean. This historic area has been a popular vacation destination for years now. Catch the stunning sunset here and visit the cultural hubs, where you can feast in their famous restaurants, buy from local shops, and have fun under the sun!

You’ll also find the Newport Visual Arts Center and Newport Performing Arts Center nearby for creativity and entertainment. View the regional artworks and enjoy the community, music, and theater performances!

Victorian Burrows House Museum

The Victorian Burrows House Museum is one of the historic buildings owned and operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society. The other historic building is the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center near the museum. From the Burrows House, you can visit the Log Cabin Research Facility, where you can learn more about the region’s history through newspapers, maps, and pictures.

In the Burrows House, you get to visit the Victorian Mansion that dons period furniture and clothing. In the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, you can learn so much about marine life and enjoy the views of the Bayfront.

Devil’s Punch Bowl State Natural Area

Devil’s Punch Bowl is one of the most popular attractions along Newport’s coast, located a bit past the Beverly Beach State Park. Once the surf starts pounding Oregon Coast, you’ll see the breathtaking rock formation come high tide, making a roaring sound. Look down into the rock’s cut to see the white waters swirling.

We recommend heading over here for a picnic to enjoy the view and to go whale watching. It’s a picturesque spot that you’ll want to post online!

Head over here after the Beverly Beach State Park, one of the more popular beaches in Oregon. With five miles of beach and a large campground, it’s made for families who want to experience outdoor life.

Wrapping It Up

There’s a reason why people flock to Newport, and it isn’t only because of the many fishing opportunities! Hopefully, our list of the best tourist sites to visit while fishing in Newport gave you an idea of where to go after you’ve caught the big one.

If you haven’t finished planning your Newport trip yet, make sure to squeeze in a trip with a fishing charter to complete your vacation. Contact us now to learn about our services and what fish you can catch with us, whether you’re alone or with the entire family!

Why Choose Newport for Your Next Fishing Charter

There are so many memories to be made in fishing charter services, just as many as the benefits you can reap from joining one. You get valuable lessons, fun companions, a professional captain, and a crew to guide you to your targeted fish safely… What’s more to love?

That’s why you’re probably wondering why everyone’s suggesting Newport, Oregon, for your next trip with a professional fishing charter. If you’re still questioning it, read on as we answer the question, “why choose Newport for your next fishing charter?”

Why Choose Newport for Your Next Fishing Charter

Newport is a top fishing destination, and we aren’t just saying that out of bias! When hiring fishing charters in the area, you can have a chance to get a ton of species and learn more about the fishing scene from professionals. Check out these other reasons why Newport should be the next destination for your fishing charter.

So Many Fish to Catch

If there’s one thing we love about Newport, it’s the abundance of fish you can catch. You can find halibut, salmon, Dungeness crabs, and bottom fish. Many people flock to Newport because it’s where they can catch “the big one!”

There’s a reason why thousands of tourists would head to Newport, Oregon, and it isn’t just for the fantastic tourist attractions. It’s the wonderful beaches and waters that are abundant with different fish species. That’s a lot of fishing opportunities you can’t find in other areas, with some fish giving you the adventure and fight of a lifetime.

And when you hire a reputable fishing charter, you have more assurance of catching the fish you want, especially if you hire private services. The knowledgeable captain and crew will know where to go, so you stand a higher chance of catching more prized fish.

Newport is an Amazing Destination

Many people also head to Newport because Newport is a fantastic destination with a lot to do. After your fishing charter, you can explore the area and learn more about its history, visit their aquariums, delve into nature with their recreation sites, or have fun on their white beaches.

Better yet, you can try out their many restaurants where they cook and serve the live catch of the day. Some restaurants can even cook your catch, turning it into a tasty meal for you and your group to enjoy with pride. Even beyond fishing, you won’t run out of things to do when in Newport.

There are So Many Fishing Charters

Because Newport, Oregon, is a fishing hotspot, you can find many fishing charters selling their services online or by the waters. You won’t run out of choices or feel hassled finding available charters for the day. However, we still recommend booking in advance, especially during the peak season when most fishing charters would be fully booked.

Furthermore, you must conduct research on the chosen fishing charters you plan to hire. Search for online reviews, their expertise, prices, and even ask around when you’re already in Newport. That way, you’ll have a smooth transaction and enjoy your charter the entire time.

More Safety and Guidance

Compared to going fishing on your own, joining a fishing charter is safer and more cost-effective.

Think about it- You won’t have to spend on renting a private boat or missing out on the action when staying on land. Plus, you won’t need to deal with the responsibilities of maneuvering and caring for the boat, along with finding the ideal waters to fish in. It’s too much to juggle when you’d rather want to spend all your time focused on catching fish.

Fishing charters have a professional captain and crew to take care of you. They are aware of how to maneuver and care for a boat and will take you to the best fishing spots with safety in mind. They even offer other benefits, from fishing gear to free refreshments!

Besides that, you most likely won’t need a fishing license as the captain’s fishing license is adequate. You won’t need to spend more time and money applying for a license.

Learn More About Fishing in Newport

You get professional fishing guides who either grew up in Newport or had been fishing and working in the area for years. So, you can bet your ass that they know many things about Newport, particularly the fishing scene.

If you have any questions about where to find fish and how to spot them in Newport, fishing guides, the professional crew, or the captain himself can answer your queries. They’ll share the best fishing spots to go in the area, the best times to fish, and what techniques will work best for particular fish species.

If you’re a total beginner, choosing Newport and hiring fishing charters are sensible decisions you’ll make. Not only will you get to catch a lot of fish, but you’ve got professionals who will provide the appropriate gear and teach you how to catch your targeted species successfully.

Even veteran anglers can learn a new thing or two from fishing charters, even exchanging tips with fellow anglers. If you’re a veteran angler new to Newport, they’ll make sure you won’t break regulations implemented by the ODFW that can lead to hefty fines or the revoking of fishing licenses.

Wrapping It Up

Newport is home to historical lighthouses, spectacular views, seal watching activities, breathtaking beaches, and most importantly, fishing opportunities you can’t miss. Since you can find many fishing charters by the shore, you won’t have trouble throughout your Newport fishing escapade, whether you’re a beginner or veteran angler, alone or with a group, with children, or friends!

Are you interested in heading to Newport now and hiring fishing charters? Don’t hesitate to contact us now, and we’ll let you know what services we can offer based on your needs!

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!