Top-Rated Rockfish & Crab Charter | Winchester Bay

Winchester Bay's Epic Rockfish & Crab Combo

Ready for a true Oregon coast adventure? SOA Charters has you covered with our 5-hour private trip out of Winchester Bay. We're talking non-stop action as we target rockfish and pull up pots loaded with Dungeness crab. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our local pros will make sure you have a blast and go home with plenty of tasty seafood. With room for up to six people, it's the perfect way to spend a day on the water with family or friends.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the jetties, you'll feel that salty breeze and see why Winchester Bay is a top spot for Oregon fishing. We'll cruise out to some prime fishing grounds where the rockfish are biting. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll put you right on the fish. You'll be using light tackle and jigs, feeling those distinctive taps as the rockfish hit your bait. It's addictive stuff - once you hook into a feisty black rockfish or chunky lingcod, you'll be hooked yourself. After we fill the fish box, we'll swing by our crab pots. There's nothing like the excitement of hauling up a pot full of big Dungeness crab. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll have plenty of fresh seafood and memories to last until your next trip.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

For rockfish, we use a mix of light tackle jigging and bait fishing. You'll be working jigs or soft plastics near the bottom, or dropping down squid or shrimp to entice those bottom-dwellers. It's active fishing - you'll feel every bump and strike. We provide all the gear, from rods and reels to bait, so you just need to show up ready to fish. For the crabbing portion, we use circular pots baited with fresh fish carcasses. We'll show you how to check for legal-sized keepers and properly handle the crab. Don't worry if you're new to this - our guides will walk you through every step, from baiting hooks to pulling pots.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Rockfish: These are the bread and butter of our nearshore fishery. Averaging 2-4 pounds, they school up and hit lures aggressively. They're perfect eating fish with firm white meat. Look for them around kelp beds and rocky structure.

Lingcod: The bullies of the reef, lingcod are ambush predators with a face only a mother could love. But man, are they fun to catch! They can grow over 20 pounds, and when they latch onto your jig, you're in for a fight. Their white, flaky meat is prized for fish and chips.

Cabezon: These oddball fish look like something out of a sci-fi movie with their bulbous heads and spiny fins. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with rocky bottoms. While not as common as other rockfish, hooking into a big cabezon is always a treat.

Dungeness Crab: The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Dungeness are known for their sweet, tender meat. We target them in 30-120 feet of water over sandy or muddy bottoms. The best part? You get to take them home and enjoy a true ocean-to-table experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Winchester Bay that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a big lingcod in the kelp or the satisfaction of pulling up a pot full of keeper crabs. Or maybe it's just being out on the water, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of creating lasting memories and stories you'll be telling for years to come. Plus, let's be honest - there's nothing quite like sitting down to a meal of fish you caught yourself just hours earlier. It's the kind of experience that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing and crabbing the Oregon coast has to offer, don't wait to book your trip with SOA Charters. Our 5-hour private charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor wanting to experience authentic Oregon coastal fishing, this trip delivers. Bring your family, round up some friends, or come solo - we'll make sure you have a day to remember. So grab your spot now, and get ready for a day of non-stop action, breathtaking scenery, and enough fresh seafood to keep you satisfied until your next adventure. The fish are biting, the crabs are waiting, and the ocean's calling - what are you waiting for?