Explore the Riches of the Ocean
Come and experience the beauty and the power of the ocean aboard Dan’s Deep Blue Charters offering offshore fishing adventures including halibut, tuna, and salmon fishing along our coast.
Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just starting out, I strive to “put you on the fish”!
In addition to the fish we bring in, we often encounter whales, porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, an abundance of birdlife, as well as sharks, rays, and the occasional octopus. Come see these amazing creatures for yourself!
Halibut Fishing
At $350 per person, embark on a quest for halibut in a group of up to 4 people. Electric reels are on board to make it much easier to battle and reel up a potential "toad" from the cold depths. With a season that spans from May through October, this adventure offers the chance to land a fish of a lifetime.
Tuna Fishing
Prepare for the ultimate test at $400 per person for a group of up to 4 people, as tuna fishing presents an adrenaline-pumping experience. Known for their speed and strength, catching a tuna is a memory that will last forever. Typically appear from mid to late July through early fall.
Salmon Fishing
For $225 per person, immerse yourself in the pursuit of the aggressive Coho "Silver" and Chinook (King) salmon. Starting at different times of the year, these expeditions promise exhilaration and the chance to catch limits, usually quite often and quickly, for a group of 4-5 people. I usually start targeting Salmon at the beginning of July.
Lingcod/Bottom Fishing
For $150 per person, join me in navigating closer to shore, where the ocean floor teems with diverse species, including a true “sea monster”, the toothy lingcod. With groups of up to 4 people, this thrilling journey promises an intimate encounter with the ocean's hidden gems.
Dungeness Crabbing
Add a delightful twist to your fishing adventure with Dungeness crabbing for an additional $35.00 per trip (except for tuna trips). Experience the joy of hauling in these prized crustaceans, known for their sweet, succulent taste.
Halibut Fishing
Halibut, affectionately known as "Hali," are a standout species in my book, with impressive catches like the 62" "TOAD" weighing over 120 lbs! During the 2024 spring season, anglers can enjoy halibut fishing seven days a week, with a generous limit of two per person per day, totaling six for the year. This flexibility allows for tagging smaller to medium-sized halibut, offering the chance to continue fishing for that coveted trophy fish.
Details of Halibut Fishing
Size and Strategy
While I often recommend keeping halibut around 32 inches for optimal fillet yield, the decision ultimately rests with you. With the market value of fresh halibut fillets reaching over $30 per pound, maintaining a catch at this size makes perfect sense. Halibut fishing is unique in its variability, with sizes ranging from small to truly colossal, providing an element of surprise with each catch.
Patience and Persistence Pay Off
Patience is essential in this fishery, as it may take some time and effort to reach your limits. However, with hundreds of marked spots accumulated over the years, I have a plethora of options to locate productive fishing grounds. Halibut are known to be on the move, often traveling to find food, so understanding their behavior is crucial for success.
Understanding Halibut Behavior
Keep an eye out for their distinctive white underside – if it appears "red-rashy," it's a sign that they've been active and on the move. Halibut fishing offers an exciting and rewarding challenge, and I look forward to sharing my experience and enthusiasm for this incredible species with you on DEEP BLUE.
Gear and Techniques
On DEEP BLUE, I provide quality gear for a successful halibut fishing experience. My arsenal includes electric reels with robust 100lb braid, custom-made hook setups, and a variety of bait options tailored to suit the preferences of the day. From herring and shad to tuna bloodlines or bellies, I adjust my offerings based on what the halibut is craving in that specific area.
Bait and Jigging
I employ a range of tactics to entice halibut, including the use of jigs to grab their attention and lure them in. Whether it's banging jigs or setting bait rigs, I believe in giving these majestic fish a choice in how they take the bait. This flexibility ensures an engaging and dynamic fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Your Gear, Your Choice
While I provide quality equipment, you're also welcome to bring your rod, reel, and gear if you prefer. I offer Scotty plugs in the gunnels to accommodate both electric reels and conventional setups, allowing you to fish with confidence using your preferred gear.
Engaging the Halibut
When pursuing halibut, I like to employ a strategic approach that capitalizes on their sensory perceptions. By targeting the halibut's senses, I create an immersive and dynamic fishing experience, giving every excursion aboard DEEP BLUE the best I have, so that every opportunity is filled with excitement and potential success.
Ways to Engage
Sound: Jigging for Attention
Utilizing sound as a lure, I jig to create vibrations - sound waves - that pique the curiosity of halibut, prompting them to investigate even from a distance. This technique often triggers a reaction strike, delivering thrilling moments as they strike out of curiosity or aggression.
Scent: Baiting the Hungry
Harnessing the power of scent, I experiment with various bait and scent combinations, both artificial and natural, to attract halibut. Hungry fish are drawn to the enticing aroma, allowing me to strategically position my baits for maximum effectiveness.
Sight: Illuminating the Depths
While sight plays a lesser role in the deep ocean depths where halibut roams, it still serves as the final cue for their predatory instincts. Once drawn in by sound or scent, halibut rely on their visual acuity to locate the source of attraction, culminating in an exhilarating pursuit and capture.
Bringing in the Big Ones
Safety and caution are paramount when handling large halibut, which is why I use a gaff for smaller specimens and switch to a halibut harpoon for larger ones to ensure a secure catch. Many boats have lost big fish due to improper handling, so I take every precaution to prevent any mishaps. Remember, halibut can become six times heavier when lifted out of the water, making it incredibly powerful and potentially dangerous if not handled with care. Stay clear when we put a big "HALI" on the deck!
Ensuring Everyone's Safety
Before bringing a halibut on board, I ensure that the deck is clear of any obstacles and that all passengers are at a safe distance. These powerful fish can cause injury with their vigorous movements, especially when they start shaking their bodies. Your safety is my priority, and I take every measure to minimize any risks during the landing process.
A Good Track Record
With years of experience and the help of my friends, I’ve been fortunate to consistently bring back a good grade and quantity of halibut for all on the boat. My experience in targeting these prized fish ensures that you'll have the best chance of landing a trophy-sized catch. Join me for a memorable halibut fishing experience, where safety, skill, and excitement converge for an unforgettable adventure on the water. Come on! Let’s go!
Salmon Season
The salmon season kicks off with chinook (king) before coho (silver), typically opening around mid-June for selective fishing, adhering to ODFW guidelines. Booking trips ideally start in early July, aligning with the peak season for both varieties.
Salmon Season Information
Catch Regulations
Anglers are permitted to retain a total of 2 salmon, whether coho or chinook, or a combination of both, following ODFW regulations. Toward late summer and early fall, restrictions may loosen based on season and quota directives.
Fishing Techniques
Chinook are often caught deeper using trolling techniques with down riggers, while coho, shallower and more accessible, respond well to trolling with cut plug and whole herring, spoons, and spinners just below the surface.
Exciting Catches
Recent years have seen abundant coho catches, with many trips achieving boat limits quickly, occasionally landing a chinook. Barbless hooks are a must in ocean waters, requiring constant pressure and skilled handling to secure the catch.
Suitable for All Ages
Salmon fishing promises excitement for anglers of all ages who can handle a rod and reel. With trips often not venturing far from shore, it's an ideal choice for those seeking a thrilling ocean experience without spending an entire day at sea.
Efficient and Rewarding Trips
Trips for salmon often yield fast results, with many outings limited to just a few hours, depending on favorable water temperatures and conditions.
Tuna Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey chasing tuna—a remarkable experience likened to "salmon on steroids." These swift and voracious predators, often referred to as silver bullets, provide an exhilarating challenge for anglers of all levels.
Specifics for Tuna Adventure
Diverse Tuna Species
While albacore is the primary target, the ocean occasionally yields prized catches like bluefin tuna, dorado, or yellowtail. Most tuna caught range from mid to high teens, 20s, and sometimes even surpassing 40 pounds, showcasing their impressive size and strength.
Strategic Fishing
Tuna usually travel in schools, making locating them a strategic endeavor. Leveraging various sources like reports from fellow anglers, water conditions, temperature (ideally high 50’s to low 60’s), chlorophyll levels, and signs of marine life such as jumping fish and diving birds guides our search. We scan for indicators like weed lines, kelp patties, and logs, which serve as feeding grounds for hungry tuna.
Techniques and Tactics
To maximize our chances of success, I select days with favorable conditions and deploy a range of techniques. From trolling with x-raps, clones, and spreader bars to employing jigging—a personal favorite—each method is tailored to the specific nuances of tuna fishing. Whole or chunk chum bait, typically anchovy or herring, is used to lure tuna closer, enticing them to strike at vertical jigs, iron, swim baits, or poppers.
Advanced Equipment for Precision Fishing
DEEP BLUE boasts an autopilot system adept at executing circle, zigzag, and other steering patterns, ensuring we remain in sync with tuna schools for optimal angling opportunities.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Equipped with Garmin Panoptix sonar, we'll gain real-time insights into the depths at which tuna are congregating, whether we're trolling or stationary for jigging and casting. This innovative tool provides unparalleled visibility of fish movements, enhancing our ability to locate and target them effectively.
Efficient Cooling Systems for Freshness
Ample ice is onboard, with a half tote on the deck and one or two large insulated fish bags, essential for maintaining tuna meat's freshness and firmness throughout the journey.
Preparation for Extended Excursions
Tuna trips typically span long hours, often involving 2–3 hours of travel each way, especially during the early season. Last year was an anomaly compared to typical seasons; we encountered tuna just 17-20 miles out due to warmer water closer to shore. Dressing appropriately for varying conditions is crucial, with warm attire recommended for brisk mornings and the possibility of shedding layers as temperatures rise. Boots and rain gear are essential, considering the inevitable splatter of blood during the gaffing process.
Essential Gear for Comfort and Safety
Don't overlook the importance of good sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the intense glare of the water, ensuring a comfortable and protected experience under the sun's rays.
Lingcod/Rockfish Addition
While I'm not currently scheduling dedicated lingcod/rockfish trips, I can incorporate these species into salmon excursions for an additional $100 each, subject to agreement from all trip participants and my approval. However, careful consideration is needed as we must prioritize lingcod or rockfish before salmon due to the requirement of using barbless hooks for salmon fishing, as per ODFW regulations.
Strategic Planning
Balancing our fishing priorities is crucial, especially considering the prime morning salmon bite. Choosing to target lingcod or rockfish first might risk missing out on this opportune moment. Later in the salmon season, when they venture closer to estuary mouths, flexibility in timing becomes more feasible, offering more options for a successful trip.
Crabbing Delight
Indulge in the sweet, succulent taste of dungeness crab, a favorite delicacy for many, often preferred over king crab. Elevate your adventure by adding crabbing to your halibut and salmon trips for just $35 per person during the season. Remember to request this addition at the time of booking, and I'll strive to accommodate your preferences.
Reserve Your Spot
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Dan’s Deep Blue Charters. With limited availability, secure your place today and prepare for an exhilarating journey into the bountiful waters of the Pacific Northwest Ocean. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, I’ll do my best to provide an unforgettable experience tailored to your preferences.
Connect With Me
At Dan’s Deep Blue Charters, I am committed to providing you with an unforgettable offshore fishing experience. With my guidance, top-quality equipment, and a passion for the sea, your adventure awaits. Contact me today to book your journey into the DEEP BLUE.