Charter Boat Fishing

by Roger Urbaniak

Charter Boat Fishing Basics - A Great Way to Learn How to Fish

Why Charter Boat Fishing?

Rather than spending countless hours learning to efficiently fish for desirable fish such as salmon, walleye, steelhead or sturgeon, hire someone to show you how. They will furnish the boat, fishing rod, and bait as part of their fee saving you the expense. Charters and fishing guides make their living knowing where the fish are, what they feed on, and how to attract them, allowing them to apply their wisdom in assisting you to catch fish. Once you have learned good techniques to catch fish from a guide, have decided that you enjoy the sport a lot and wish to fish frequently, you may decide to go fishing on your own.

When & Where

Decide what type of fish you wish to catch and how far you are willing to travel to catch them. Salmon can be caught in the Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound, and in the fall in various streams and rivers as the salmon return to spawn. There are various seasons throughout the year for various species of fish to catch. Check WDFW regulations or call a guide specializing in the species you desire, and they will suggest dates and places to fish during the season.

Equipment

Fishing license for the species of fish you target. Ice chest to bring your fish home.

Cost

This will vary with type of guide chosen, length of trip, number of people on the boat, etc. Suggest a Bottomfish trip out of Westport on a boat with 16 people where you rate to catch 7 bottom fish (generally black cod) + 2 ling cod for $237 plus ($20-tip?). Charter will filet clean, and bag your fish. Often the amount of fish you bring home will pay for or off-set the cost of your charter. Going out with one or two people on a private charter can run $500+ depending on the length and type of your outing (tuna, halibut, ling cod, salmon etc.)