360 376 4855
We also offer Halibut fishing in British Columbia early spring through the fall
BC Halibut fishing requires a full day charter and a valid passport
Thanks Marty! Btw, our next charter, which we had already booked with another outfit before booking with you, wasn’t even close to as fun. You clearly know what you’re doing which makes all the difference in the world. You should be the first option for anyone interested in catching fish on or around Orcas Island. And, please feel free to quote me!
Mike Springer
San Francisco, CA
05/01/2011 - 06/15/2011
Pacific Halibut and Ling Cod
Licenses can be purchased online @
https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ or at your closest Washington State sporting good store such as Kings Market on San Juan Island or Eastsound Sporting Goods on Orcas. License fees start at 10.18 for a single day resident or 17.82 for non resident and go up from there.
SALMON and HALIBUT FISHING IN THE SAN JUANS: Seasons. Pacific Halibut
HALIBUT opens the first weekend in May and goes through the last
Pacific Halibut in this area on average range from 25 - 70lbs but have been caught tipping out well over 200lbs. At any size these bruts put up one hell of a fight and provide plenty of fun and excitement. Not to mention lots of fish for the winter.
LingCod fishing in the San Juan Islands also offers plenty of pole bending excitement. And is available all week long.
Halibut and ling cod are making a strong comeback in the San Juan Islands, however the season is extremely limited . So hurry to book your chance to catch a big ol BUT!!
August and September
Same as July but wild Coho and Chum Salmon must be released.
August is also very exciting on these odd years (2011) because it brings in the
Pink Salmon also known as Humpy. The Humpys range from 20 - 30 inches and average about 12 lbs. They spend just under 2 years at sea before returning to spawn. Pink Salmon fishing here in the San Juan islands offers the most excitement one could have Salmon fishing. The locals start heating up their Humpy gear and swapping stories months before in anticipation of the excitement to come
Salmon Season opens July 01
July in the San Juans bring the Chinook run (King Salmon or Tyee) King Salmon, as the name suggests are the largest and most popular of the North West Salmon species. They can grow to 58 inches and up to 129 lbs but are most commonly between 25 and 30 lbs. The King Salmon spend an average of 3- 4 years at sea before returning to there natal streams to spawn. The minimum retention size here in the San Juans is 22 inches. Daily limit is 1 plus 1 of any other salmon species.
Orcas Island Charter Fishing
All of our charter fishing tours are exclusive and customized to fit your needs. Prices are for the boat with skipper and include all of your gear. There is room for up to 6 people in one group.
Travel time
Since we are already in the San Juan islands it doesn't take much travel time before we're fishing - Never more that 30 minutes from Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor on San Juan. From Orcas Islands often times we are fishing in just 10 minuets.
In the San Juans the most common methods of fishing are - Trolling, drift fishing, mooching, casting, or bottom jigging, depending on what fish we'll be targeting.
What you'll need...
Dress warm and layered. It's usually 10 degrees cooler on the water than on shore.
Some snacks are a good idea, whether your hungry or not, it's fishing and snacking is part of the program.
We carry water and limited snacks on board.
BOX LUNCHES can be provided with advance notice.
DON'T FORGET THE CAMERA.
Bait and tackle...
All bait and tackle is provided.
We use all top of the line Okuma, Shakespeare and Lamiglass gear, and are suited for any type of fish you may find in the San Juans
We use frozen bait usually Herring or Anchovies, and a variety artificial lures. If you have an old betty that works for you, bring it along.
Dungenes Crab usualy opens in July and runs through mid Sept. and is always limited to Wed - Saturday. Please mention at the time of booking if your interested in dropping a pot or two while your out fishing.
Trip Cancellation...
We try to make your charter fishing experience as memorable and exciting as possible. We will not take trips out if, in the Captains opinion, the water is too rough to enjoy fishing and may cause him to become sea sick, usually due to high winds.
Rain, on the other hand, is not generally grounds for canceling anything in the Pacific Northwest, except sun bathing.
For Seasons and Regulations please click the link below.
Washington State Fish & Game regs
Hourly charter rate for custom or private trips is
175.00 per hour up to 6 passengers
Licenses and Permits:
Youth 15 and under are not required to have a fishing license however for Halibut, Salmon or Dunginess Crab they will need a catch record card
Advance Fishing/crabbing permits are available online at,
Washington State Fishing License online.
British Columbia Canada Saltwater Fishing License Online
This is the fastest and cheapest way to get them a few clicks print and your done. Just make sure you specify the correct day(s) you will be fishing.
otherwise they are available at the following places but keep in mind you will pay a convenience fee.
On Orcas Island at Eastsound Sporting Goods, and at West Beach Resort. or on San Juan Island at kings in Friday Harbor, and at the general store in Roche Harbor. fishing licenses are available on Lopez Island at IMC Fishermans Bay and at the Lakedale Store
If you forget or would rather just wait we can take care of it when you arrive, it just takes time away from the fishing tour.
Under no exception will anyone not in possession of a valid Washington State Saltwater fishing permit be allowed to fish.
If you would like more info or are ready to book
Email Email Capt Marty or call
360 376 4855
"Give a man a fish and he has food for a day;
Teach him how to fish and you can get rid of him for the entire weekend." ~Zenna Schaffer
Home Port Deer Harbor Marina, Orcas Island.
Pickups available at Rosario Resort, West Beach Resort, North Shore Brandt's Landing, West Sound Marina, Orcas Village dock, Olga, and Liberhaven Resort.
San Juan Island at Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.
Lopez Island at Fishermans Bay
Decater, Center Island, Snt Clair, Cypress
Bellingham and Anacortes
