Epic Albacore Tuna Fishing | SOA Charters Oregon

Tuna Fishing Adventure in Winchester Bay

Trip Overview

Get ready for a full day of non-stop action as we head offshore from Winchester Bay in search of hard-fighting albacore tuna. This shared charter trip is perfect for anglers looking to test their skills against one of the ocean's most exciting gamefish. We'll cruise out to the productive tuna grounds where these torpedo-shaped speedsters hunt, giving you the chance to experience the thrill of battling a 'longfin' on both rod and reel and hand line. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you right on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned tuna chaser or it's your first time targeting albacore, this trip promises an adrenaline-packed day on the big blue you won't soon forget.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we clear the bar at Winchester Bay, we'll make a beeline for the offshore tuna grounds. The run can take a few hours, so settle in and enjoy the ride – you might even spot some whales or dolphins along the way. When we hit the tuna zone, things get real exciting real quick. We'll be on the lookout for birds working the water, temperature breaks, and other signs that indicate tuna are in the area. When we find a school, it's all hands on deck! We'll deploy a spread of lures and start trolling. When a fish hits, it's your time to shine. Be ready for screaming reels and blistering runs as these powerful fish put your angling skills to the test. Throughout the day, we'll switch between trolling and live bait fishing to maximize our chances. Don't be surprised if we end up in a wide-open bite with multiple hookups at once – that's when the real fun begins!

Techniques and Gear

We use a variety of techniques to target albacore tuna off Winchester Bay. Trolling is our go-to method, dragging a spread of cedar plugs, feathers, and jet heads behind the boat. When the fish are really fired up, we'll switch to live bait fishing or chunk baiting to keep them close to the boat. You'll have the chance to use both conventional reels and hand lines – there's nothing quite like the direct connection you feel when an albacore hits a hand line! We provide all the specialized gear you'll need, including high-quality rods and reels spooled with heavy mono or braid. Just bring your own food, drinks, and sun protection. Oh, and don't forget a cooler for your catch – with any luck, you'll be heading home with some of the best-eating fish in the ocean!

Customer Stories

"Very informative, patient and professional!" - Mark

Target Species

Albacore Tuna: These streamlined speedsters are the smallest of the commercially fished tunas, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in fight and flavor. Albacore typically range from 15 to 30 pounds off the Oregon coast, with larger specimens pushing 40 pounds or more. They're nicknamed 'longfin' due to their distinctively long pectoral fins, which help them maintain their incredible speed – albacore can swim up to 50 mph in short bursts! These fish are seasonal visitors to our waters, usually showing up in July and sticking around through September or October. What makes albacore so exciting to catch is their explosive strikes and blistering first run. When an albacore hits your lure, hang on tight because that initial run can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. And once you get them to the boat, you're in for some of the best sushi-grade tuna you've ever tasted. Whether you're grilling steaks, making poke, or canning for later, albacore is hard to beat.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about offshore tuna fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the anticipation as you scan the horizon for signs of life. Or the sudden burst of activity when a school is located and lines go tight. Perhaps it's the raw power you feel as a tuna tests your gear and your resolve. Or it could be the satisfaction of filling the fish box with premium-grade tuna that'll feed you and your family for months to come. Whatever it is, once you've experienced the thrill of battling albacore in the open ocean, you'll be hooked for life. And Winchester Bay offers some of the best access to these incredible fish anywhere on the West Coast. Our trips are designed to maximize your time on the water and put you right in the thick of the action.

Top Catches This Season

While every day on the water is different, we've been having a stellar albacore season so far. Anglers on our charters have been consistently landing fish in the 20-30 pound range, with a few monsters pushing 40 pounds hitting the deck. One of our most memorable trips this year saw a group of four anglers land over 30 albacore in a single day of fishing – talk about sore arms! We've also been seeing some nice yellowtail and bluefin tuna mixing in with the albacore schools, adding an extra element of excitement to our trips. Remember, the albacore bite typically peaks in August and September, so now's the perfect time to get out there and get in on the action.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready for an offshore adventure you'll never forget, it's time to lock in your spot on one of our shared albacore charters out of Winchester Bay. With our experienced crew, top-notch gear, and intimate knowledge of the local waters, we'll put you in the best position to experience the thrill of battling these oceanic speedsters. Whether you're a seasoned tuna veteran or it's your first time venturing offshore, our team will ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and productive day on the water. Just remember to bring your A-game – these fish don't give up easily! Spaces fill up fast during peak season, so don't wait. Book your trip today and get ready to feel the raw power of an albacore tuna on the end of your line. Trust us, once you've felt that first blistering run, you'll be counting down the days until your next offshore adventure!