Charter Fishing in Westport, Washington

Westport offers some of Washington's best fishing.

Westport, located on Washington's Pacific coast, draws anglers of all ages to its shores in search of salmon, trout, tuna, lingcod and halibut. During the 2009 season, over 4,000 anglers fished the waters of Westport during the busiest weeks of the summer and caught over 50,000 coho salmon in total. Several charter companies operate out of Westport and offer visiting anglers half- or full-day trips to cast a line in the Pacific and catch their limits.

Location

Westport is located on Washington's Pacific coast. Olympia, the state capital, is 70 miles east of Westport and Seattle, the state's largest city, is located 130 miles northeast of Westport. Other coastal towns near Westport include Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Ocean Shores, Ocean City and Grayland. Several accommodation options are available in the town of Westport.

Types of Fish

Charter fishing trips from Westport help visiting anglers catch salmon, halibut, albacore tuna, lingcod and rockfish. Salmon species available in the Westport area include Chinook and coho; the season varies each year but typically is open between June and September. Charters travel to deep water areas in search of tuna and offer overnight fishing trips to allow anglers extended time to fish. Halibut are caught about 30 miles from the coast during the season, which usually opens in May. Bottom fish, such as lingcod and rockfish, are typically available in March and are popular for their higher catch limits.

WDFW Regulations

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulates fishing season opening and closing dates as well as required sizes and numbers of fish allowed to be kept by anglers. Westport is located in Marine Area Two, as identified by WDFW, and has established limits for the area. In 2010, lingcod and salmon are limited to two per day, halibut and sturgeon are limited to one daily, and up to two hatchery trout may be kept per day. Tuna are not limited by size or number and rockfish are limited to 10 per day. WDFW also requires all anglers to carry a valid saltwater fishing license.

Types of Boats

Westport Charters features nine boats in sizes ranging from 40 to 55 feet in length. All boats feature navigation equipment and fish-finding locators to maximize fishing potential. Ocean Charters operates six boats ranging in size from a 32-foot aluminum "six-pack" to a 65-foot Kelly boat with a large enclosed cabin. Many other charter companies offer boats of similar sizes and configurations. Recommended items to bring on a charter trip include a lunch, waterproof footwear, rain gear, layered clothing, a camera and anti-nausea medications. Fishing gear is provided on most charter boats.

Other Tours

Whale-watching is also a popular charter boat tour in the spring months. Visitors of all ages can ride along and watch 40-ton whales surface near the boat for an up-close glimpse. Tours last approximately two hours and are available seven days a week from most charter operators.

References

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Ocean Salmon Reports
• WDFW Fishing Regulations
• WDFW: Licensing and Permits

Resources

• Westport Charters
• Ocean Charters