
Astoria Bottom Fishing Charter

A bottom fishing charter puts you at the center of the action! You control the drop, the action of the lure, and the hook set. Toothy Lingcod and aggressive swarms of Rockfish can strike at any moment. You even have the choice of selecting your own lure from my large collection. If you’re looking for a more hands on experience, a bottom fishing charter is the right choice.
Peak Season:
April-July
Pricing:
Full Day: $275/Seat, $1,200 Private Boat (max 5)
Trip Includes:
✓ All Fishing Gear
✓ Bait and Lures
✓ Fish Filleting and Cleaning
✓ Ice and Bags for Fish
Fish Freezing and Shipping Available
Bottom Fishing Charter Frequently Asked Questions
West Basin Marina (June through mid-October)
Hammond Boat Basin (April-May, October through December)
Annual Option
Oregon Fishing License with Ocean Endorsement
Daily Option
Oregon Daily Fishing License with Ocean Endorsement
The most common species we catch are Lingcod, Black Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, Cabezon, and Kelp Greenling
Yes. All fishing gear and bait is provided.
You will be given the choice of a different trip that’s available that day, rescheduling, or receiving a full refund.
Weather appropriate clothing
Drinks
Snacks and lunch
I supply ice and plastic bags if you’re driving home that day.
Vacuum sealing, freezing, and shipping is available through Gezellig Seafoods and European Groceries in Downtown Astoria if you are traveling.

What to Expect During a Bottom Fishing Charter
I will let you know the exact meeting time and location a day or so ahead of time. Weather and tides decide the schedule for a safe bar crossing and biting fish. Once loaded up and the safety briefing is done we will head downriver to the ocean. Plan to enjoy seeing some wildlife, including seals, sea lions, birds, porpoises, and possibly some whales.
During the early season, our destination will be the sunken jetty at the mouth of the Columbia. This lets us get on the fish quickly. Later on I usually fish further south at Tillamook head lighthouse.
The Bottom Fishing Charter Main Event
Depending on weather and time of year we will either fish near Tillamook Head Lighthouse or the South Jetty. Once we’ve arrived on site, we’ll use heavy rods with whole bait, plastic grubs, shrimp flies, or metal jigs. You can choose what you put on the end of your line, or follow my recommendation. I usually bring a large choice of plastic grubs and plenty of bait.
After a quick demonstration on how to jig for lingcod and rockfish it will be time for the first drift. I’ll set the boat up so that the current and the wind cause it to drift past likely spots. You’ll drop your gear down until you feel it touch the bottom and start working it. When you feel the fish bite, set the hook and start reeling. This type of fishing gives me plenty of time to coach beginners. Experienced anglers can get as much or as little help as they want.



