Best places to fish for a day (deep sea) (Portland: roughest, shops)

[georgiainwyo]

It has been several years since I've been on a deep sea fishing trip off the Oregon coast. The times I was there we went to Newport. If I remember right, once we took a half day trip with the Trade Winds. My DH has never been there so I'd like to take him on a half day fishing trip. If you can give me your ideas on the best outfit to use and which town to go from I'd appreciate it. Any other suggestions for places to visit in the area would be great. I have gone to Lincoln City, which is interesting, as well as down the coast to the Portland area, but don't remember a lot. This will be a short trip during the middle of the summer. We want to visit friends in Washington then work our way down the coast, possibly as far as Medford to visit a friend there, so will only stay for about a day in any given place. Thanks for any info you can share!

[hamellr]

Much of the Fishing industry off the Oregon and North California coast has been devastated due to the Dead Zone in the past couple of years. As such, I haven't been in quite a while, but we used to go out of Depot Bay or Charleston.

Unfortunately you'll have to either research what companies might be still operating via Google, or just drive down and see who's open.

Newport is probably the best touristy city on the Coast due to the number of things you can do and see, with Cannon Beach and Seaside both at second place. Depot Bay is about seven miles north of Newport, and south of Lincoln City. It has a couple of good saltwater taffy places, several small shops, and a few well established dining places like Gracie's.

The other option is to come further north and go out of Illwaco Washington. There are several charter companies there and they have been unaffected by the Dead Zone as they're far enough north.

[Jennifer67044]

I would recommend Charleston Harbor for fishing. It is the most tranquil waters on the Oregon Coast. And generally considered the best fishing overall. Otherwise, I would suggest Astoria, near Portland. The Columbia River flows into waters there. And that also makes great fishing as it is a food source for fish as well as migratory route for fish such as Salmon.

[Nell Plotts]

Keep in mind that the Columbia River Bar is among the roughest in the world although my husband water skied it in his youth on rare calm water. Always check weather predictions for the bar.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

Tradewinds is a top notch, extremely reputable charter business with excellent Captains and crews.
I have gone out fishing with them many times through the years.
I can't say enough good about them.

Tradewinds Fishing and Whale Watching Charters, Depoe Bay, Oregon

Figure on it taking pretty much all day and costing a minimum of a hundred bucks.
Winter time is very iffy, but summertime should be a blast!
Here is a link to their 2011 fishing reports.
You can see which months are most productive and for what species:
http://www.tradewindscharters.com/report2011.html


If you want some good insider advice, go to Ifish-dot-net (which is a longstanding and reputable local fishing website), find the "Salty Dogs" forum and do a search for offshore charters.
But do a search first.
I know that subject has been discussed many, many times.
You could even join up and ask.
If they know you have done your homework, and ask some specific questions, you will more than likely be flooded with advice.
If you give a specfic local, time of year, etc., they will steer you right.

[Larry Caldwell]

Tradewinds is still in business. If you fished deep sea from Newport they probably ran you out to the Rock Pile, a reef 15 miles offshore full of bottom fish. Trips are typically all day, about 10-12 hours. For half day trips, there is bottom fishing closer to shore, plus crabbing and salmon trolling in season. In rough seas, it's hard to keep a hook on the bottom for bottom fish.

[georgiainwyo]

Thank you all for your advice and ideas! I will definitely look into all options mentioned. Yes, we did go with Tradewinds for a half day bottom fishing trip a couple of times. Once the fishing was really good. The other time the weather was awful (both in summer) and the seas were so rough we couldn't stay on top of the fish. That wasn't so much fun. Any other suggestions are surely appreciated!

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by hamellr

Much of the Fishing industry off the Oregon and North California coast has been devastated due to the Dead Zone in the past couple of years. As such, I haven't been in quite a while, but we used to go out of Depot Bay or Charleston.

Unfortunately you'll have to either research what companies might be still operating via Google, or just drive down and see who's open.

Newport is probably the best touristy city on the Coast due to the number of things you can do and see, with Cannon Beach and Seaside both at second place. Depot Bay is about seven miles north of Newport, and south of Lincoln City. It has a couple of good saltwater taffy places, several small shops, and a few well established dining places like Gracie's.

The other option is to come further north and go out of Illwaco Washington. There are several charter companies there and they have been unaffected by the Dead Zone as they're far enough north.

What is the Dead Zone?

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by whirnot

What is the Dead Zone?

Oregon's Mysterious Dead Zone Confounds Scientists : Discovery News

[georgiainwyo]

Thanks for the info about the Dead Zone. I had never heard of it before. Thinking maybe we should check out the Washington coast. Any other advice is appreciated!