A Guide to Deep Sea Fishing in Oregon

Almost every angler knows that the Oregon Coast offers some of the most beautiful sights and attractions along the West Coast. From fantastic beaches to a vast history, every city in the state offers something amazing for everyone. And let’s not forget the many fishing opportunities, especially when deep sea fishing in Oregon. 

Some anglers question the worthiness of heading to Oregon for some fishing action. The short answer is – The trip to the Beaver State is definitely worth your time and money!

But before preparing to go deep. sea fishing in Oregon, take a look at our quick guide.

A Guide to Deep Sea Fishing in Oregon

Many of us are aware of the amazing experiences when deep sea fishing in Oregon. But before you book a charter and jump at the chance to travel, take a look at what you must know first:

What to Catch When Deep Sea Fishing in Oregon

The great thing about the state’s Pacific Coast is that you will always know what you’re looking for and how high your chances are. As you take more trips to Oregon’s fine waters, you’ll soon have your favorite targeted species, too. Take a look at the four most popular species you can expect to reel in:

Rockfish

Did you know that there are almost 30 different species of Rockfish in Oregon’s waters? It may be tough to tell them apart, but you can learn from a charter captain and crew. Expect to catch species like Canary, Widow, or Yellowtail Rockfish.

Lingcod

Many anglers tend to overlook the Lingcod, but they are a fun catch, especially come wintertime. You can catch them all year long without many restrictions, some of them going over 350 feet deep.

Halibut

Halibut is one of the most delicious fish in the country, making them a popular catch! But because of that, they have strict fishing regulations to ensure a healthy fishery. If you plan to catch one, you’ll have to target them in waters over 800 feet deep.

Albacore Tuna

While the state’s tuna fishing is on the shorter end, you can still expect a ton of fun once the species are close enough for you to target (about 20-50 miles offshore). You can head to the southern part of Oregon to get the best access to tuna, particularly Albacore tuna, coming in big schools!

Where to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Oregon

Another great thing about deep sea fishing in Oregon is the abundance of places you can fish in! Just choose a place on the coastline and you’ll find a charter captain starting their trips from there. We recommend heading towards the northern or southern edges for the coastline, where the best fisheries are at.

These are the top three places to head to when deep sea fishing in Oregon:

Astoria

This is one of the most popular fisheries in the state for many amazing reasons. You get easier access to the Columbia River and the Pacific, with a ton of variety when it comes to fish and anglers. It’s a default fishing spot for many anglers who want to explore the fun of Oregon fishing.

Coos Bay

Coos Bay is known as Oregon’s tuna central, located on the far south of the Oregon Coast. Once Albacore tuna season begins, you’ll want to be here. You’ll also get a lot of halibut, lingcod, and crabs, though it’s Albacore tuna that makes Coos Bay so popular.

Newport

Newport is located in the center of the Oregon Coast, with amazing fishing opportunities all year long. It’s a must for those who are targeting lingcod, though you can also catch halibut, rockfish, and many more species.

Popular Deep Sea Fishing Techniques

Local anglers stick with techniques that are proven effective, so you can expect to use classic techniques like trolling and bottom fishing.

Trolling or Live Baiting

Once the fishing season starts in mid-July, we recommend trolling using tuna jigs and diving plugs. Come to the end of August, you’ll want to switch things up, as traditional trolling with jigs won’t be as effective. As such, anglers will start fishing live bait.

If you’re targeting Albacore tuna or chum bait and you’ll witness the chaos that follows in a school of tuna. It’s quite a sight!

Bottom Fishing

Targeting large Lingcod? You’ll need to head over to the deep! Remember, the deeper the water, the bigger the fish. For Lingcod, expect the big ones to be about 400 feet deep, while halibut can go twice as deep.

If you plan to go bottom fishing at great depths, make sure you prepare heavy-duty tackle and gear.

When to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Oregon

For those wondering when to go deep sea fishing in Oregon, it will depend on your target species.

For instance, Albacore tuna has the tightest schedule, showing up from the end of July until October. Halibut season is open from May to October, while you can reel in Lingcod all year long! 

That’s why it’s important to make sure you are aware of the fishing restrictions of Oregon and stay updated with open seasons and catch limits. Moreover, you must purchase a fishing license to legally fish in the state.

But either way, you can expect a lot of fishing action all year long. To get the best of what offshore fishing in Oregon has to offer, you’ll want to schedule your trip in the fall. If you plan to book a charter, make sure you do so in advance to avoid being left without a slot!

Wrapping It Up

We hope this quick guide on deep sea fishing in Oregon helped you out! Now that you know more about what to expect in Oregon, the next step is preparing for your trip. 

If you haven’t booked a fishing charter yet, now’s the time to do so. Contact us now!

The Best Activities to Do in Oregon for Vacation

When you’re thinking of your next vacation destination, you can never go wrong with Oregon. This amazing state is home to many beautiful and unique landscapes across the country. From rugged coastlines to towering mountain peaks, there are so many things to see here.

Better yet, there are so many things to do here! There’s always something for everyone in Oregon, especially adventure seekers. Whether you’re with family, friends, a lover, or going solo, there are hundreds of activities and places to visit that will fulfill your thirst for travel.

However, we know you can’t squeeze everything into one vacation! So, we listed down the best activities to do in Oregon for a vacation to narrow down your options.

The Best Activities to Do in Oregon for Vacation

There’s so much to love about Oregon, whether you’re a mountain junkie, professional skier, beginner angler, or whatnot. All types of travelers will find something fun to do here!

If you’re not sure where to begin, try any of these best activities to do in Oregon for vacation:

Visit the Oregon Coast

Expect about 363 miles of unmatched beauty as you head to Oregon’s coastline. The best part is that many of the beaches are public and free. Oregon has such a diverse coastline that you can’t just choose one place to stay in. 

Here are a few recommendations:

• Astoria is filled with art, history, and craft beverages!
• Seaside Oregon is an extremely popular town, where you can walk down Broadway Street with mom-and-pop shops.
• Newport is one of the most popular areas where you can learn more about marine life and visit the tallest lighthouse in the state.
• Florence is known as the coastline’s playground, where you can explore miles of uncrowded beach land. It’s perfect for ATV or dune buggy riding, among other fun beach activities.

Go Fishing in Newport

While we mentioned visiting Newport for its aquarium and Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, did you know that the city is also extremely popular for its fishing opportunities?

That’s why you can find a ton of charters by the coastline, ready to be booked for a full day of fishing! No trip to Oregon is complete without trying your hand at fishing, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler. That’s why it’s worth trying this sport, whether you’re inshore or heading deep into the waters.

Have a Food Trip

This is a must no matter where you go! Every city, state, or country has its different cuisine, and it’s always worth exploring. Oregon is no different, with the state known for its delicious seafood dishes. 

It’s difficult to pinpoint just a few restaurants to visit around the state, but we can try to give a few recommendations of what dishes to try.

Oregon is known for its Dungeness crabs, hazelnuts, Tillamook cheese, and abundance of berries. Make sure you try dishes that feature Dungeness crabs, as well as their many seafood dishes made from the freshest catches. Try heading to Portland City for a food trip, as they were just named the best food city in America!

Take a Lovely Stroll at Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a small coastal city located in Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site. Here, you can find Haystack Rock, one of Oregon’s most photographed landmarks. Interestingly, Haystack Rock was formed 15 million years ago by lava flows, which is why you can find many nature lovers flocking to the area. 

Besides the picturesque view of Haystack Rock, you can also enjoy its colorful tide pools, where you can even walk to the formation to find sea stars and more tide pool creatures.

Go Windsurfing on Hood River

Other than the beaches, you can also have an adventure in Hood River! In fact, this is dubbed as the Windsurfing Capital of the World thanks to the warm westerly winds.

You’ll find kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts heading to Hood River from different parts of the world because of the area’s unique and optimal conditions.

Have a Wine Tasting Trip in Willamette Valley

If you’re a wine lover, it’s time to head to Willamette Valley. Even if you aren’t a fan of booze, the Willamette Valley is a must-visit!

This area has about 700 wineries and is the top grape producer in the USA. It’s even one of the premier Pinot Noir-producing towns worldwide!

If you plan on going wine tasting, head to Brooks Winery, Yamhill Valley Vineyards, or Youngberg Hill. Other than Pinot, you can taste a lot of other wine varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and more.

Again, if you aren’t a wine lover, the Willamette Valley is still worth visiting. You can go hiking and biking, visit art galleries, or even take a hot air balloon adventure!

Hike in the Silver Falls State Park

Oregon isn’t only known for its many fun water activities. There are a ton of land-based adventures you can do, such as hiking. Oregon is home to many trails, famous for waterfall hikes.

One of the best waterfall hikes you can take in the state is the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park. As the name suggests, the trail is famous for its ten picturesque waterfalls, with five of them measuring over 100 feet tall. Don’t miss the South Falls, which is a whopping 177 feet long.

If you want a bit more of a challenge, try the Winter Falls Loop where you’ll pass seven water features, which includes the Double Falls!

Wrapping It Up

With so many things to do and places to see in Oregon, you wouldn’t want to stay here just once. Make sure that you remember all these best activities to do in Oregon for vacation the next time you go here.

If fishing is one of your must-dos in Oregon, make sure you hire a reputable fishing charter to have an even more memorable time. Contact us now to learn more about our services!

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.