2023 Fishing Regulations in Oregon

There’s no doubt about it – Oregon offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country! With popular sportfish to monster species roaming around the pristine waters, it’s an angler’s dream to visit Oregon to get some of that action!

But with amazing fishing opportunities also comes great responsibility and planning. Not only will you need to plan your trip and book a charter, but you’ll also need to be aware of the rules behind the sport.

That’s right, there are 2023 fishing regulations in Oregon you must follow to help with the population of various species. If you’re a bit overwhelmed with what the rules are, we give you a simple breakdown of major regulations to remember. Read on!

2023 Fishing Regulations in Oregon

As mentioned, learning all about the 2023 fishing regulations in Oregon can be quite overwhelming. For instance, certain species have strict open and closed seasons, along with bag limitations, which is why it’s crucial to stay updated with the ODFW.

Here are the important things to note ohe next time you’re fishing:

2023 Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days are considered days wwhenyou can fish without needing a license. This is the perfect opportunity for beginner anglers to try fishing without having to commit to purchasing a license.

In Oregon, 2023’s fishing days are as follows:

• President’s Day Weekend on February 18-19, 2023
• FThe firstweekend of June on June 3-4, 2023
• Thanksgiving weekend on November 24-25, 2023

Note that these dates are only applicable ftoOregon and that there are different free fishing days per state.

Fishing License

All anglers over 12 years old will need to buy a valid fishing license before they can cast their lines. The state takes conservation seriously, and you can see it in titslicensing process.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to avail aof  fishing license and there are various types to choose from depending on what you’ll be fishing. Do note that you may need to purchase additional endorsements, depending on where and what you’re fishing.

You can purchase a fishing license and other requirements online or in local shops. If you plan on joining a fishing charter, chances are you won’t need to avail aof  license as the charter already has one that covers all participants. Check with the charter captain before you purchase a license.

Bag and Possession Limits

Bag and possession limits will apply to all waters and across zone boundaries. They will also apply to all fish and shellfish in one’s possession in the field no matter their condition.

Here are the annual bag limits applying to the following species:

• White sturgeon: 2
• Pacific halibut: 6
• Salmon and steelhead: 20 when recorded on your Combined Angling Tag
• Hatchery salmon and hatchery steelhead don’t count towards your salmon and steelhead limit provided it’s legally recorded on your Hatchery Harvest Tag.

As for the possession limit, this refers to the maximum number of fish you can lawfully possess in the field or when in transit to your place of permanent residence.

In Oregon, the possession limit is 3 daily bag limits for every species as well as jack salmon. Here are the following exceptions:

• Pacific Halibut: 1 daily bag limit on the vessel or 3 daily bag limits on la and
• All marine finfish, shellfish, and other marine invertebrates on the Marine Zone: 2 daily bag limits
• Fish from the Columbia River: 1 daily and annual bag limit
• There are no possession limits for adult steelhead and salmon

When fishing, there are also size limits you must take note of! Here are the size limits for the salmon and steelhead, two of the most popular targeted species in Oregon:

• Chinook Salmon: 14-24 inches for Jacks and over 24 inches for adults
• Coho Salmon: 15-20 inches for Jacks and over 20 inches for adults
• Sockeye Salmon: All are considered adults
• Steelhead: Longer than 16 inches in NW and SW zones and shorter than 20 inches in other zones
• Trout: Longer than 16 inches in NW and SW zones and shorter than 20 inches in other zones

Other General Restrictions

Here are other general restrictions and 2023 fishing regulations in Oregon you should know about. Mainly, these are unlawful activities you must not do:

• Use over one rod or line unless you have a two-rod validation, are younger than 12 years old, or angling outside three miles from shore
• Not attending to rods and tubes closely
• Use gurdies, winches, and reels affixed to boats to land fish unless when retrieving carb rings and pots
• Use drones, radio-controlled boats, and unmanned vehicles to aid in angling
• Snagging gamefish
• Angling through human-made ice holes over 12 inches long
• Attempting to take fish through chumming
• Angling for the same fish species even after reaching the bag limit
• Catching all or part of someone else’s bag limit unless it’s provided for through Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit
• Buying and selling fish or shellfish caught and taken for personal use,unless it is the skeletal remains of ocean food and eggs from ocean-caught salmon. If this is the case, you can sell them to licensed fish and bait dealers.
• Not releasing undersized, oversized, or unwanted fish species
• Wasting fish, shellfish, and other marine intertidal invertebrates
• Taking fish with radio tags
• Angling on private properties without permission
• Removing, altering, or stealing ODFW signs
• Taking fish from state and federal hatchery facilities

Wrapping It Up

We hope that you learned a lot about the 2023 fishing regulations in Oregon. Make sure you continue to stay updated with the new rules and changes that may come up before your trip

To help lessen your hassle about remembering all the regulations, you can book a fishing charter. The charter captain and crew are well-knowledgeable about the different 2023 fishing regulations in Oregon already, letting you know what is allowed and what isn’t. Contact us now for more details when booking a charter!

Avoid Booking Illegal Fishing Charters with These Tips!

If you’re planning to go fishing, one of the first things to do is to find a reputable charter captain. Fishing charters in Oregon are a great way to head out to the waters with a knowledgeable captain and crew who can increase your chances of catching fish. However, a quick Google search for fishing charters in the area will be overwhelming. There are dozens of charter services to choose from, making it challenging to narrow down your options.

Besides learning what you should look for in a fishing charter in Oregon, there are red flags you can also watch out for. Unfortunately, you can find a lot of illegal fishing charters operating, which can ruin your overall experience. Because of that, you need to ensure that you know what charters to avoid. Check out these red flags to stay away from!

Fishing Charters that Require You to Buy Your Own Fishing License

This is a big red flag to watch out for! All charter captains must possess a state-issued fishing charter license. That license will cover them and all passengers on board.

If you need to buy a fishing license before the trip, then you are likely boarding illegal fishing charters.

To avoid this from happening, ask the charter captain for their U.S. Coast Guard’s Captain license and state-issued fishing license before the trip. Besides that, you must also check that the licenses are valid and up-to-date. If the captain cannot send the license for any reason, then cross them out of your list.

Booking and joining illegal fishing charters may result in paying hefty fines, so the appropriate licenses are the first thing to look for.

You Need to Tell Officers You’re Friends with the Captain

When communicating with the captain, did they tell you to lie about being on a charter? When he requests that you tell law enforcement you are friends or joining a tour, then they are likely operating illegal fishing charters.

Sure, they may be less expensive than other charters, but you won’t want to risk expensive penalties and even jail time! You must book with a charter captain who is both licensed and insured to focus more on having fun rather than feeling anxious about getting caught.

The Charter Captain Says Licenses Aren’t Required

If the charter captain tells you that you both won’t need a fishing license, then they are likely illegal fishing charters. All fishing charters that head over nine miles offshore to catch reef fish like grouper and snappers require federal fishing permits. If not, then they face fines adding up to $30,000!

Don’t take your chances. Again, always ask for licenses before you book a trip. Moreover, you should research all the charters ahead of time to avoid booking illegal fishing charters. Check for both licenses and insurance, as well as a captain you feel comfortable communicating with.

The Charter Captain Allows More Than Six People

A common Coast Guard license is called the 6-pack, which will allow only up to six people on the vessel. If the charter captain possesses this type of license but says they can take over six people onboard, then they are either breaking the rules of their license or have none in the first place.

This is another unlawful act that can result in penalties or jail time for the crew and passengers. That’s why when you talk with the charter captain, ask about their licenses, insurance, and how many people they can handle per trip. There are no exceptions to this rule!

Check Reviews

Another important thing to do to check if you are dealing with illegal fishing charters is to check reviews and platforms that can verify a company’s legitimacy. This is easily done through a quick Google search on the charter company. Just make sure that the reviews you see aren’t from the company’s official website and that past client show proof that they availed of charter services in the past.

Past clients can share their experiences, indicating what you can expect from the fishing charter and crew members. Moreover, their reviews can even give you an idea of whether or not you are joining illegal fishing charters. The more positive reviews you see about a fishing charter, the more likely you’ll have a great experience with them.

What You Should Find in Reputable Fishing Charters

Now that you know about the red flags to avoid in illegal fishing charters, what should you ask the captain for?

Other than the appropriate licenses and insurance, request these from your captain:

• Merchant Mariner’s Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. If the captain requests that you provide fuel, money, and/or supplies before or after boarding, then the captain must possess these credentials.
• Inspection Certificate. This is required for charters carrying over six passengers on the vessels. The certificate means that the boat has met all S. Coast Guard safety standards. For Uninspected Passenger Vessels (UPVs) that carry less than six people, the captain may take a UPV exam, which isn’t required, but highly recommended for clients to be assured the vessel is safe to board.
• Certificate of completion from drug and alcohol testing programs. This is required for all charter captains and crew members. All commercial vessel operations, regardless of how big or small they are, must conduct drug and alcohol testing with a letter or enrollment card to be presented as proof.

Wrapping It Up

While there are a ton of great fishing charters and captains to work with, you’ll come across a few who don’t follow the rules. By sifting through illegal fishing charters, you’ll be able to find the one you will have fun with in the waters.

Here at Pastime Fishing Adventures, we can offer charter services that don’t only follow the appropriate fishing regulations. We also ensure the captains are well-trained and focus on their clients’ safety while having a fantastic time reeling in fish!

Why Book an Inshore Fishing Charter in Newport, Oregon

Are you planning to go inshore fishing around Newport? If you want to increase your chances of success in the waters, then you’ll want to consider booking an inshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon!

You might be a bit taken aback from the cost of a fishing charter, especially when you’re planning on booking a private one. But you’ll also be surprised with how many benefits a reputable charter and respected captain will offer. Read on as we share reasons you should consider booking an inshore charter in Newport!

Why Book an Inshore Fishing Charter in Newport, Oregon

Compared to outshore fishing, inshore fishing will take place in much calmer waters in connected estuaries. Expect to fish in areas like bays, sounds, inlets, harbors, and the like.

Some anglers say that these aren’t as exciting as going to the deep waters, but that’s not the case! The waters inshore are home to many kinds of fish, many of them putting up a fight. This makes inshore fishing a treat for beginners and advanced anglers alike.

We highly recommend joining or booking an inshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon if you are a beginner, family with children, or even a seasoned angler who hasn’t fished around Newport before. Here are some of the reasons why:

Save Money

That’s right, you actually get to save money when booking an inshore fishing charter in Newport, especially if you don’t plan on going fishing often!

When you own your own boat or rent one during your trip, you’ll soon learn that they will incur higher costs. Consider the price or rental of the boat, insurance, maintenance, slip fees, fuel, and storage, among other expenses. Those all add up quickly!

Not only that, but you will also need to spend a lot on fishing gear as well, especially if you plan on going with the family, who may need more than one set. What if you only plan to go fishing a few times a year? All those costs won’t be worth it in the long run.

But with a fishing charter, you already have a fully fueled boat, a captain and crew to navigate the waters with you, as well as fishing gear and the appropriate licenses. In the end, you actually get more than what you pay for with a charter as opposed to going the DIY route.

Focus on Having Fun

We mentioned maintenance woes associated with owning your own boat, and you don’t just have to think about the expenses. You also need to consider the amount of time and effort you will need to put into the boat, as well as any costly damages and repairs that may happen from poor weather or accidents.

And let’s not forget the fact that you will be the one navigating the waters during your fishing trip, so you have to tend to all associated tasks to maneuvering the boat. You might not have as much time to actually fish and relax!

That’s why anglers appreciate the services inshore fishing charters in Newport offer. They can focus more on having fun and catching fish instead of dealing with errands like preparing their boat and equipment. They also won’t have to think about navigation and performing any cleaning and maintenance tasks after the trip. Just show up and learn about how to get your next catch!

Flexibility

Charter fishing offers flexibility, especially if you plan on booking a private on for your group.

When you book a charter, you can choose from various kinds of boats, depending on the type of fishing you’ll be doing. Moreover, you can also communicate with the captain about the target species you’d like to catch, as well as any techniques you would like to brush up on.

Many captains will talk with their clients prior to the trip to ask about their expectations and skill level. That way, they can cater to your needs and create a plan that will be fun for you and your entire group! This is especially great for those with children, as the captain and crew can cater to their needs and even teach them a lot about the sport.

Have the Complete Fishing Experience

You won’t need to worry about having to prepare for anything, you just need to show up on time and start fishing once you’re in a great spot!

But what if you are a beginner? Don’t worry, the captain and crew will help you out. They’ll teach you how to use the fishing gear and the techniques you can use so you can land your first catch of the day. You can learn to set a rod and reel, and how to use it for a successful trip. These skills will be useful when you plan on fishing on your own in the future.

If you are a seasoned angler who prefers doing everything himself for the “complete experience,” the captain and crew will be more than happy to help you only as needed. Or, you can ask the crew to set up your line so you’re more focused on finding and reeling fish in.

Whatever the case may be, the captain and crew will meet your preferences and give you the ultimate fishing trip to match your expectations.

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, you learned all about inshore fishing and why it’s worth booking a charter for your upcoming trip to Newport. An inshore fishing charter in Newport is a great investment for beginners and families with children. However, even experienced anglers will enjoy joining charters with experienced captains and guides who may teach them many new things about catching fish!

So, what are you waiting for? Book an inshore fishing charter in Newport, Oregon now! Contact us for more details and learn more about our services.

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!