Premier Coos Bay Rockfish Charter with LaDuke

Reel in Rockfish Off Coos Bay's Rich Coast

Ready to chase some of Oregon's tastiest bottom-dwellers? Captain Mark LaDuke's got you covered with his Rockfish Charter out of Coos Bay. For $225 a head (with a two-person minimum), you'll be dropping lines from a decked-out 2018 Hewescraft that's rigged and ready for action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this shared charter puts you right in the thick of Coos Bay's legendary rockfish grounds.

What to Expect on the Water

When you roll up to the main boat ramp near Monkey Business restaurant, you'll find Captain Mark prepped and eager to get after it. His Hewescraft is a fisher's dream, kitted out with top-notch GPS and fish finder tech to put you on the bite. No need to lug your own gear – Mark's got you covered with all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need to fill the cooler. Just remember to snag your fishing license beforehand, and you're good to go. The waters off Coos Bay are teeming with rockfish, so get ready for some arm-burning action as you reel 'em up from the depths.

Techniques for Tackling Rockfish

Rockfish might not put up the fight of a salmon or halibut, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste. We'll be using a mix of bottom fishing techniques to target these bad boys. Typically, we'll drift over rocky structure, dropping weighted jigs or bait rigs to the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, it's time to set the hook and start reeling. Captain Mark's a pro at reading the fish finder and positioning the boat for maximum success. He'll have you dialed in on the right depth and structure in no time. And here's a hot tip – when one rod goes off, get ready. These fish often school up, so a single bite can turn into a frenzy real quick.

Species You'll Want to Hook

While we're primarily after Yelloweye Rockfish on this trip, the waters off Coos Bay are home to a variety of rockfish species that'll keep your reel singing. Yelloweye, often called "red snapper" (though they're not actually snapper), are the prize catch. These bright orange beauties can live up to 120 years and grow over 30 inches long. They're known for their large eyes and tasty white flesh that's perfect for fish tacos or a classic fillet. Yelloweye tend to hang out in deeper waters, often 300 feet or more, so when you hook one, you're in for a workout reeling it up from the depths. The best time to target them is during the summer months when the weather's more cooperative, but they're available year-round. Anglers love 'em not just for their fight and flavor, but also for the bragging rights – landing a big Yelloweye is always a photo-worthy moment.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Captain Mark rave about his local knowledge and no-nonsense approach to putting clients on fish. He's not out here to give you a scenic tour – though the Oregon coast views are pretty spectacular. Nah, Mark's mission is to get you on the fish, plain and simple. His boat's comfortable enough, but it's built for fishing, not luxury cruising. That's exactly what serious anglers are after. Plus, with a smaller group size, you get more personalized attention and a better shot at maxing out your catch limit. It's the kind of hands-on experience that keeps fishermen coming back season after season.

Top Catches This Season

This year's been a banner one for rockfish off Coos Bay. We've been seeing coolers full of fat Yelloweye, along with a good mix of other tasty bottom-dwellers like Canary Rockfish and Lingcod. The average size has been solid, with quite a few fish pushing the upper limits of what you'd expect for these species. Water conditions have been favorable, leading to some epic days where limits are hit in record time. Of course, fishing's fishing – some days are hotter than others – but overall, the bite's been consistent enough to keep smiles on faces and fish in the box.

Gearing Up for Success

While Captain Mark provides all the necessary fishing gear, there are a few things you'll want to bring to make your day on the water more comfortable. Dress in layers – the Oregon coast can be chilly, even in summer. A waterproof jacket's always a good idea, and don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up (no alcohol, though). A camera's a must for capturing your trophy catches, and you might want to pack a small cooler for taking your fillets home if you plan on keeping fish. Oh, and if you're prone to seasickness, consider taking some meds before we head out. The last thing you want is to be green around the gills when the bite's hot.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod over some hard-fighting, great-eating rockfish, Captain Mark's Rockfish Charter out of Coos Bay is your ticket to success. At $225 per person, it's a solid deal for a day of guided fishing on a well-equipped boat. Remember, there's a two-person minimum, so grab a buddy and make it happen. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend fish fix or a visitor wanting to taste some of Oregon's finest seafood (caught by your own hand), this trip delivers. The season's rolling, the fish are biting, and Captain Mark's ready to put you on 'em. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Oregon coast has to offer. Book your spot now and get ready to fill that cooler with some primo rockfish. Tight lines!