How to Choose the Best Columbia River Fishing Charters

If you’re looking to catch the ‘Big One’, then Columbia River is one of the top places to visit! It’s known for the best angling action in the Pacific Northwest, with a variety of fish to catch. And what better way to make your trip memorable than to hire the right Columbia River fishing charters so you and your loved ones can focus on the waters and fishing?

What’s great about Oregon is that there are so many fishing charters for you to choose from when you need them. There are a lot of Columbia River fishing charters to hire to navigate the waters, too! However, it can get a bit confusing as to which fishing charter you should choose.

With that in mind, read on as I show you how to choose the best Columbia River fishing charters to help you out.

How to Choose the Best Columbia River Fishing Charters

Fishing charters are trips run on private vessels conducted by experienced fishing guides and/or captains, usually with additional crew members. These are great for beginner fishermen or those who want to target specific species. You can have your fishing charter tailored to suit your level of expertise, from novices to experienced anglers.

You’ll be surprised to know that there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting Columbia River fishing charters suitable for you. To narrow down your options, here are a couple of factors you need to consider:

The Fishing Experience

Before you begin browsing for boats and talking to captains, you need to know what kind of charter you want. There are various charter services to choose from, with many of them specializing in specific fishing styles.

Shared or Private?

Would you like a private boat all to yourself, or are you fine with sharing the boat with others?

Shared charters are a great choice for those who are more experienced. This is because the crew would be busy helping everyone else who is on the boat, so beginners might feel lost. Also, you won’t have much of a say about how or where to fish.

As for private charters, they will provide a tailored experience. You get to fish at your own pace and target the specific species you’d like to catch.

If you’re not familiar with fishing and just began the sport, then the crew will teach you the basics and more fishing techniques to help you catch the specific fish species. Plus, you’ll have a personal guide that can teach you more about the area!

Private charters are more expensive, though they’ll give you even more than what you pay for.

Where to Fish

Your day out in the waters will be based on where you’ll be fishing. While we’re focusing on Columbia River, let’s talk about the different areas to fish in, which are:

• Inshore trips would stay in the sheltered waters that are near land, just a few miles away from the shore. Inshore trips are also made in brackish rivers, mangroves, or shallow bays. The fish are smaller with calmer seas, you can begin fishing right away, and it’s great for first-timer anglers and younger children.
• Nearshore trips are farther away, usually around the local reefs and wrecks, so expect the fish to get bigger. You’re about 2-9 miles from the shore, so expect wavy waters. These are great for beginners and older kids, and for those with more experience can practice new techniques.
• Offshore trips will take you very far out to the point you’re losing sight of the land! These trips would take the entire day, made for the serious anglers with the rough waters. The trips are more than 9 miles from the shore and would reach depths of a few hundred feet!
• Deep-sea fishing is also known as big game fishing, where you are taken to areas over 100 feet deep. You’re usually on a bigger boat and with heavier tackle, making it best for the experienced and expert anglers out there.

For Food or Sports?

Will you want to catch fish for food, or are you more of the ‘catch-and-release type of angler and just want the thrill?

If you book private charters, then you can adjust the day to better suit your group’s priorities. Be clear on what factors are most important.

For instance, do you want to get a trophy fish or a full cooler? Or do you want to focus more on having fun with family and/or friends? This will help you identify what kind of trip to get and so you’ll be able to communicate your wants to the captain clearly.

The Captain

The captain would usually make the trip, which is why it’s important to communicate with them before booking. When talking to the captain, ask them how long they have been fishing in Columbia River and if they are local, knowing the different fishing seasons of Columbia River. Having experienced guides will help you get a great trip out in the waters for a sure catch!

You can learn more about the captain through the fishing reports. This is what will help you know what fish they catch, the types of charters they run, and everything else related to their fishing charters. Make sure they are licensed and have the appropriate permits to run a fishing charter as well.

Furthermore, look into reviews! These are what will help you learn more about the captain, their boats, services, communication styles, and more.

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, this article helped you learn what to consider so you can choose the right Columbia River Fishing Charters for you. You can start your search with us here at Pastime Fishing Adventures and contact us for a quotation today!

If you believe we’re the right for your fishing needs, don’t hesitate to hire us and reap the advantages and facilities we offer all our clients. Happy fishing!