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Elite Coos Bay Halibut Charter with Capt. LaDuke
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Winchester Bay
- $100 - $425 price range
- Updated Date: August 29, 2025
Summary
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Deep-Sea Halibut Action
Epic tuna haul – powerful and exciting!
Exciting Chinook salmon catch – pure fishing action!
Exciting salmon catch – perfect day on the water!
Exciting salmon catch – smiles all around!
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Giant halibut catch – powerful and unforgettable!
Big lingcod catch – exciting and unforgettable!
Epic tuna haul – powerful and exciting!
Exciting Chinook salmon catch – pure fishing action!
Exciting salmon catch – perfect day on the water!
Exciting salmon catch – smiles all around!
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Giant halibut catch – powerful and unforgettable!
Big lingcod catch – exciting and unforgettable!
Epic tuna haul – powerful and exciting!
Exciting Chinook salmon catch – pure fishing action!
Exciting salmon catch – perfect day on the water!
Exciting salmon catch – smiles all around!
Reel in Pacific Halibut off Coos Bay
Get ready for a serious deep-water adventure with Mark LaDuke Guide Service. We're talking about chasing down Pacific Halibut, those massive flatfish that'll put your arms to the test. Our trips run out of Coos Bay, Oregon, where the continental shelf drops off and these big boys hang out. You'll be fishing from a top-notch 2018 Hewescraft, decked out with all the gear you need to locate and land these bottom-dwelling giants.
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't your average fishing trip, folks. We're heading way offshore, sometimes 30 miles or more, to where the halibut live. Captain Mark LaDuke knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the tech to back it up. We're talking GPS and fish finders that'll put you right on top of the action. The trip's gonna run you $400 per person, and we need at least three anglers to make it happen. Don't forget your fishing license – it's a must-have for everyone on board. We'll meet up at the main boat ramp in Coos Bay. There's plenty of parking behind the marina office and that local joint, Monkey Business restaurant.
Gear Up for the Deep
Halibut fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical inshore stuff. We're using heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with braided line that can handle the depth and the fight. You'll be dropping baits or jigs way down – we're talking hundreds of feet. The captain will show you the ropes on how to work your gear effectively at these depths. It's all about patience and feeling for that bite. When a halibut takes the bait, hold on tight. These fish can weigh over 100 pounds, and they fight like they're trying to pull you overboard!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Pacific Halibut are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These flat giants are the largest of all flatfish species, known to grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 500 pounds. Now, most of what we catch are in the 20 to 100 pound range, but even those will give you the fight of your life. Halibut have both eyes on one side of their body and spend most of their time on the ocean floor. They're ambush predators, using their camouflage to blend in with the sandy bottom before striking out at passing prey. The best time to target these bruisers is during the open season, typically from May to October. Anglers love halibut not just for the challenge of catching them, but also for their firm, white meat that's considered some of the best-eating fish in the sea.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about halibut fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the anticipation as your bait sinks into the depths, or the adrenaline rush when a big one hits and the fight begins. Or it could be the satisfaction of bringing a trophy fish to the surface after a long battle. Whatever it is, once you've experienced it, you'll be hooked. Plus, the waters off Coos Bay are known for producing some real monsters. Every trip has the potential for that once-in-a-lifetime catch, and Captain Mark knows how to put you in the right spot to make it happen.
Top Catches This Season
While every season brings its own surprises, we've been seeing some impressive hauls lately. Anglers have been pulling up halibut in the 50 to 80 pound range pretty consistently. There's always a chance at a true giant, too – we had one customer last year who battled a 150-pounder for over an hour before getting it to the boat. It's not just about size, though. The quality of the meat from these deep, cold waters is second to none. Many of our regulars say it's the best fish they've ever tasted.
Beyond the Halibut
While we're primarily after halibut on these trips, the deep waters off Coos Bay hold other prizes too. Don't be surprised if you hook into some hefty lingcod or colorful rockfish species. These make for great eating as well and add some variety to your catch. Just remember, we practice responsible fishing, so we'll help you identify your catch and make sure we're following all the latest regulations to keep these fisheries healthy for years to come.
Weather and Sea Conditions
Heading out to the halibut grounds means dealing with the open ocean. We keep a close eye on the weather and sea conditions to ensure a safe trip. Some days might be calm and glassy, while others could have a bit of chop. Captain Mark's experience and the seaworthiness of our Hewescraft mean we can handle a range of conditions, but safety always comes first. If it's too rough, we'll reschedule. That's just part of the game when you're chasing big fish in big water.
What to Bring Aboard
We've got all the fishing gear covered, but there are a few things you'll want to bring along. Dress in layers – it can be chilly out there, especially in the morning. A waterproof jacket is a good idea, and don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the long day on the water. A camera is a must for when you land that big one. And if you're prone to seasickness, consider bringing some motion sickness medication. Better safe than sorry when you're miles offshore.
Conservation Matters
We take the health of our fisheries seriously here in Oregon. Halibut stocks are carefully managed to ensure we can keep fishing for generations to come. That means there are strict limits on how many fish you can keep and what size they need to be. We'll make sure you're up to speed on all the current regulations. It's all about finding that balance between enjoying the resource and preserving it for the future.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to test your skills against one of the ocean's toughest fighters, now's the time to lock in your trip. Halibut season is limited, and spots fill up fast – especially on the weekends. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next big challenge or a newcomer wanting to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, we've got you covered. Captain Mark LaDuke brings years of experience and a passion for putting clients on fish. Don't miss your chance to battle a Pacific Halibut in the productive waters off Coos Bay. Give us a call or shoot us an email to check availability and book your adventure. Trust me, once you feel that first halibut on the line, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.
Learn more about the species
Pacific Halibut
Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) Fish Description
The Pacific Halibut is one of the largest flatfish in the world (2nd biggest, next to its close relative, Atlantic Halibut). It’s a saltwater fish that thrives in deep cold waters. It has a muddy brown color and dark-brown spots. Its body is more elongated than most flatfishes and shaped like a diamond.
They’re strong swimmers and eat a variety of fishes from the bottom of the ocean - cods, turbots, pollocks, octopi, crabs, and shrimps. They also sometimes eat fishes from the pelagic - salmon, herring
Interesting Facts About the Pacific Halibut
- Pacific halibuts are called demersal fish, these are fish that stays in the bottom of the ocean, just like stingrays.
- Almost all halibuts are “right-eyed”, which means they are facing up with the “right side” of their face and the left side is the bottom.
Pacific Halibut Size
The Pacific halibut is a large fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and 5 feet wide and weigh up to 500 lbs. Their average weight is 20-40 lbs, but catching 100 is pretty common. As of now, there is no average length of the Pacific Halibut. They mature at the age of 8 for males and 12 years old for females.
Habitat & Distribution of the Pacific Halibut
The Pacific Halibut mainly lives in the deep waters of the northern Pacific region. They usually prefer depths 20-1000 feet, but they can go as deep as 3,600 feet. They prefer the cold temperatures of 37°-46°F and are mostly found on or near continental shelves.
In the U.S., their range is from California up to the Chukchi Sea. Good fishing spots are the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. You can also find Pacific halibuts in nearer areas such as the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Pacific halibuts migrate in a clockwise manner, from northwest to southeast. A good time to catch these fish is in summer, where they are more active in their feeding grounds and are closer to shallow waters. During winter, they go to deeper waters to spawn their eggs.
Fishing Techniques for the Pacific Halibut
Being bottom-dwellers, make sure you equip yourself with gears for deep fishing. Try to aim the sweet spot for fishing Pacific Halibut which is 150-500 feet. They like to stalk their prey from the bottom and being strong swimmers, it’s good to make a chase with your baits to tease the halibut. To send your baits to the bottom, use a 1-2 lb weight. Slightly cast your line forward to get the fly down and retrieve it fast every once in a while to check. Just leave the rod attached to the rod holder slightly bounce the rod up and down attracting the halibut. It’s a waiting game for this fish.
Fly fishing for Pacific halibuts is rare but it’s doable. For Fly Rods, use a 50-pound monoline with fast sinking heads and a 12-15 heavyweight rod with a 16-lb snippet. Recorded fly fishing for Pacific halibuts can go as heavy as 138 pounds. For spinner rods, use a 6-7 feet heavy rod with a 60-lb line and 1-1.25 lb lead.
Recommended baits are pink salmon heads and bellies, squids, herring, and octopus. To further catch the attention of the Pacific halibut, use some fishing attractants. For lures, use jigs or spoons that make some noise to attract them They’re known to use their sight and hearing in more shallow waters but in deeper waters, they hunt with scent.
About the Mark LaDuke Guide Service
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 1
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
