The Ultimate Guide to Charter Fishing in Westport
Westport, Washington, is THE premier hub for anglers from all over the world.
Westport is recognized as the national leader in seafood harvesting and is home to the largest marina in Washington State for fishing vessels. It’s no wonder it’s a hub for fishing and the reason some of the best fishing charters in the world call our town home.
Our charter captains are not just guides; they are experts on the water with tips and stories you can’t find anywhere else. Taking a trip with them yields generations of handed-down knowledge about the local waters and fishing scene.
Why Book a Charter?
Unlike jetty fishing or going solo, charter trips include the captains' local knowledge, access to big trophy catches and state-of-the-art equipment. Charter boats provide a great way for newbies to get their hands wet and learn from the best. It's more than just getting out on the water; it's about joining a dedicated crew for the day and working together to reel in the big ones. You’ll leave the trip with clean-cut fillets and newfound fishing friends.
Westport's Waters are Ideal for Fishing
The surface waters around Westport are extremely fertile due to the mixing of the freshwater from the Columbia River and the nutrient-rich currents from the Pacific Ocean. This supports a robust food chain, spawning plankton and providing ideal hunting grounds for salmon and tuna. The ocean floor has reefs and drop-offs, providing a great habitat for bottomfish. Westport is now one of the most diverse and successful fishing ports in the US.
Tips for a Successful Charter Fishing Trip
Book your trip well in advance. For the best experience, we recommend calling your preferred charter company well in advance. Book with one of our many highlighted businesses, all of which are members of the Charter Fishing Association and are dedicated to fishing in a manner that conserves our valuable fishery resources for future generations.
Pack smart: Bring food (you can spend hours on the water), water, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. Dress in layers and wear rubber-soled boots to protect from the elements.
Bring a cooler: Make sure you have a cooler to transport your catch and check with your boat beforehand on any sizing recommendations.
Prepare for seasickness: The waves can be rocky, so be sure to take motion sickness medication.
No bananas!: Bananas are known to be bad luck on a ship, and some captains prohibit passengers from bringing any aboard.
Book Overnight Accommodations
Some trips start early in the morning. Consider staying in town the night before or after your outing to maximize R&R, and soak in the rest of what Westport has to offer. You can find accommodations here.
Restroom availability: Be sure to ask about the latrine options aboard.
Fishing License: Everyone age 15 and older will need a saltwater fishing license.
Tip: Tip the crew appropriately, typically 15%- 25% of the charter fee. Most only accept cash tips.
Weigh Your Catch to Win Big!
Fishing Derbies are more than a competition in Westport, they are a family affair! Whether you are fishing for the first time or go every weekend, make sure to stop by the O’fish’l Scale in the Westport Marina and weigh your catch for your chance to win:
Daily Salmon Prize: Up to $200
Bi-Weekly Lingcod Prize: Up to $250
Daily Directed Halibut Prize: Up to $200
Annual Prizes:
Largest Chinook of the Season: $10,000
Largest Coho of the Season: $1,500
Largest Halibut of the Season: $1,000
Largest Lingcod of the Season: $1,500
Fishing Seasons and Bag Limits 2024
Before you head out, ask yourself: What's my goal? Are you looking to catch a big fish for the thrill, or are you aiming to bring home dinner for the next few weeks? This mindset can guide your planning. Whether it's reeling in a trophy catch or filling your cooler, planning ahead sets you up for the best trip.
Bottomfish: March 9 - October 14.
Bag limits: Rockfish - 7, Lingcod - 2.
Average Charter Length: About 8 hours.
Salmon: June 30 - September 15.
Bag limit: 2 fish, no more than one Chinook. Chinook - min. size 22”. Coho - min. size 16”.
Open five days per week (Sunday - Thursday) from June 30 to July 13.
Seven days per week starting July 14 to September 15.
Average Charter Length: 8-10 hours, starting early morning and returning mid-afternoon.
Albacore Tuna: Early July through mid-October.
Average Charter Length: 12-14 hours for express trips, multi-day for extended offshore fishing.
Hooked? Come to the coast for the Washington Tuna Classic from August 9 - 11! Hosted by Mission Outdoors, this event supports both our veterans and the South Beach Food Bank.
Booking Your Charter
Want to get out on a charter boat but haven’t booked yours yet? We have available charters on weekdays this summer (please check directly with charter boat services on availability).
Looking to stock up your freezer? Opt for a Combo trip!
Most of our Westport charters offer these trips, giving you the chance to catch lingcod, rockfish, and salmon all in one go. It's the best value for your money and great for new fishermen.
Want the flavor without the effort? Purchase fish right from the docks! Learn more
Choosing Your Ideal Trip: here.
Fishing Charters cover the full gambit, from “first-timer” to “experienced and specialized”, and often focus on a specific type of target fish. Charters in the area host trips for Halibut, Salmon and Groundfish following local guidelines and sustainability practices.
No matter who you are, the fish are ready to hook. For further reading, check out this blog post that breaks down the different types of charter fishing trips.
After a day on the water, explore our local dives or simply enjoy the serene coastal scenery at Westport Light State Park. Learn more about the things you can do in Westport and book your stay.
Photo Credit for this blog: Capture.Share.Repeat.