Get ready for an action-packed day chasing hard-fighting albacore tuna in the deep blue waters off Coos Bay. Captain Mark LaDuke knows these waters like the back of his hand and has the gear, know-how, and passion to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, this trip promises heart-pounding excitement and the chance to land some of the fastest fish in the ocean.
We'll meet bright and early at the main boat ramp near Monkey Business restaurant. After a quick safety briefing, we'll hop aboard Mark's top-notch 2018 Hewescraft and head out through the bay. As we leave the protected waters behind, get ready for a thrilling run to the offshore grounds where the tuna roam. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder tech to zero in on productive areas, but Captain Mark's years of experience are our real secret weapon. He'll have us set up and fishing in no time, using tried-and-true techniques to entice these speedsters to bite. Be prepared for sudden bursts of action when we find a school - multiple hookups are common, and you'll quickly see why albacore are prized for their fighting ability.
Albacore fishing is a game of finding the right water. We'll be looking for temperature breaks and color changes that signal prime tuna habitat. Captain Mark uses a combination of trolling and live bait tactics, depending on the conditions. We might start by dragging spreader bars and cedar plugs to cover ground, then switch to chunking or live bait when we find active fish. The boat's equipped with top-quality rods and reels suited for battling these powerful fish. You'll learn the art of working the rail, keeping your line clear, and the proper techniques for fighting and landing albacore. It's fast-paced fishing that'll keep you on your toes all day long.
There's something addictive about offshore tuna fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of venturing far from shore in search of these pelagic predators. Or the heart-stopping moment when a reel starts screaming and line peels off at incredible speed. Perhaps it's the satisfaction of bringing a hard-earned tuna to the boat after an epic battle. Whatever draws you in, Captain Mark's expertise and local knowledge give you the best shot at experiencing all the excitement tuna fishing has to offer.
Albacore Tuna: These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish are the stars of the show. Known for their blistering speed and powerful runs, albacore can reach weights of 20-30 pounds in these waters. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Albacore are prized for their rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for the grill or sashimi. The best fishing typically runs from July through September when warm currents bring them close to the Oregon coast.
While we're primarily targeting albacore, don't be surprised if we encounter other exciting species during our offshore adventure:
Yellowfin Tuna: Although less common than albacore in these waters, yellowfin are always a possibility. These powerhouses can reach much larger sizes than their albacore cousins, with 50-100 pound fish not unheard of. Landing a yellowfin is a true trophy and will test both your gear and your stamina.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): These stunningly beautiful fish sometimes show up in the same warm water currents that attract tuna. With their acrobatic fights and delicious flavor, hooking into a dorado is always a welcome surprise on a tuna trip.
Blue Sharks: While not a target species, we occasionally encounter these open-ocean predators. They can reach impressive sizes and put up a good fight on tuna gear. We practice catch and release with all sharks to help maintain healthy populations.
If you're looking for a world-class tuna fishing experience off the Oregon coast, Captain Mark LaDuke's Coos Bay charters deliver the goods. With his well-equipped boat, years of local knowledge, and passion for putting clients on fish, you're in for a day of offshore action you won't soon forget. Remember, tuna season is relatively short, and spots fill up fast. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or looking to cross albacore off your bucket list, don't miss your chance to get in on some of the best tuna fishing the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Book your trip today and get ready for screaming reels, bent rods, and the chance to bring home some of the tastiest fish in the sea. The thrill of battling a hot albacore in deep blue water is calling – are you ready to answer?
Albacore tuna are sleek, bullet-shaped fish that pack a punch for their size. Typically 18-25 inches long and 20-45 pounds, these "longfins" are known for their big eyes, cone-shaped nose, and silvery-white belly. We find them in warm offshore currents, often traveling in massive schools up to 19 miles wide. That schooling behavior makes for some killer fishing when we hit it right. Late summer and early fall are prime time, when water temps are just right. Albacore never stop swimming, so be ready for a fight when you hook one. Anglers love targeting these fish for their hard runs and aerial acrobatics. Plus, they're delicious – the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat." Out here, we usually troll with cedar plugs or feathers about 50-90 feet behind the boat. My secret tip? If you hook that first fish, get ready. Where there's one, there's often a whole school willing to bite. Just don't lose that first one, or the whole group might spook and move on.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 1
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150