Get ready to hit the water for some of the best salmon fishing and crabbing Oregon has to offer! Our 5-hour shared charter out of Winchester Bay puts you right where the action is, whether that's trolling the Umpqua River or heading out into the Pacific. We've got room for up to 6 anglers on our 28' Hewescraft, so bring your buddies or make some new fishing friends. With limits of 2 salmon and 12 crab per person, you'll have plenty of chances to fill the cooler and create some awesome fishing memories.
As soon as you step aboard our Hewescraft, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're all about putting you on the fish. We'll start the day by checking conditions and deciding whether to hit the river or head out to sea – wherever the bite is hottest. You'll be using top-notch gear, so all you need to focus on is setting the hook when that rod starts bouncing. And don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are patient teachers who love showing folks the ropes.
We'll be using a mix of tried-and-true salmon fishing techniques to maximize our chances. Trolling is the name of the game most days, where we'll drag lures or bait behind the boat at just the right speed to entice those big Chinook and Coho. Keep an eye on your rod tip – when it starts pulsing, it's time to grab it and get ready for the fight of your life! For crabbing, we'll drop some pots loaded with tasty bait. While we fish, those pots will be doing the work, hopefully filling up with meaty Dungeness crab that we'll pull up later. It's like a two-for-one deal: fish in one hand, crab in the other!
"Travis and Tom were awesome. Took extra time with our son on his first ocean fishing adventure and made sure everyone had a great time. Our son thought he had a "fish on" about every 30-45 seconds and Tom and Travis never got tired of letting him know what was and wasn't a fish on the line. They answered all of his (and my questions since I hadn't been ocean fishing in over 20 years) and were gracious, funny, and kind. Great trip with great people." - Justin
Chinook Salmon: Known as "Kings" for good reason, these are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. Chinooks in our area can push 30 pounds or more, and they put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. These bruisers are most active in the summer and early fall, with peak season usually hitting in August and September. When you hook into a big Chinook, you'll know it – they make blistering runs that'll have your reel singing!
Coho Salmon: Also called "Silvers," these are the acrobats of the salmon family. They're a bit smaller than Chinooks, typically in the 6-12 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in feistiness. Cohos are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often leaping clear out of the water multiple times. We usually see the best Coho action from July through September. These fish are not only a blast to catch but also make for some fantastic eating – their orange-red flesh is prized for its rich flavor.
Dungeness Crab: While not a fish, these tasty crustaceans are a huge bonus on our trips. Dungeness are the kings of Pacific crab, known for their sweet, tender meat. They're active year-round, but we often see the best hauls in the winter months. A fully grown Dungeness can have a shell width of up to 10 inches, and trust me, there's nothing quite like cracking into a fresh-caught crab after a day of fishing. It's the perfect way to cap off your Oregon fishing adventure!
Alright, folks, let's get down to brass tacks. This 5-hour charter is your ticket to some world-class Oregon fishing action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our crew will make sure you have a day to remember. With the chance to land both salmon and crab, you're getting the best of both worlds. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there feeling that first big hit on your line, you'll know it was worth every penny. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot, bring your game face, and let's go show those fish who's boss!
August 14, 2024
Chinook, or King salmon, are the giants of the Pacific Northwest. These bruisers typically run 15-30 pounds, with some topping 50. You'll find them in deeper river channels and along the coast, often hanging near underwater structure. Late summer to early fall is prime time, as they start their spawning runs. Anglers love Chinooks for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. When hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your gear and skills. To up your odds, try trolling with cut-plug herring near river mouths during incoming tides. Just remember, these fish can be finicky - sometimes changing up your bait size or color can make all the difference. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with nature's best, Chinook salmon deliver an experience you won't forget.
Coho, or silver salmon, are the acrobats of our local waters. Typically weighing 8-12 pounds, these fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them in coastal waters and rivers, often in calmer areas near cover. Late summer and fall are the best times to target coho, as they make their way back to spawning grounds. Anglers prize these fish for their fight and their excellent table fare - that bright orange meat is hard to beat. When fishing for coho, try using bright lures or flies. They're attracted to flashy colors like hot pink or chartreuse. A local trick: twitching a jig with a long tail can be deadly in holding water. Keep your gear light for more fun, but be ready for those sudden bursts of energy. Coho might not be the biggest salmon out there, but pound for pound, they're some of the most exciting to catch.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 37
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Travis and Tom were awesome. Took extra time with our son on his first ocean fishing adventure and made sure everyone had a great time. Our son thought he had a “fish on” about every 30-45 seconds and Tom and Travis never got tired of letting him know what was and wasn’t a fish on the line. They answered all of his (and my questions since I hadn’t been ocean fishing in over 20 years) and were gracious, funny, and kind. Great trip with great people.