Get Seasick Easily? Which Newport Oregon Fishing Charter to Book

My name is Captain Don Koskela and I own and operate Newport Oregon Fishing Charters. This is a “captain” operated guide service. You’re not being sold to any random boat via a booking site when you book with us. We’re fishing together from Newport, Oregon.

Seasickness is a question I am asked more than anything else. People want to fish and don’t want to feel bad all day. It is a legitimate concern and much can be done. I have been traveling the Oregon Coast for over 15 years and have discovered that the journey you take is as important as the medicine you take.

This is my off-the-cuff suggestion to people over the phone.

Which Newport Oregon fishing charter is best if you get seasick?

If you have a tendency to get sea-sick, choose a shorter day (nearshore) rather than a longer day (offshore), and begin treatment for motion sickness the day before. The five hour rockfish and lingcod run will take you back in sooner than the eight hour run, staying closer to the shore.

Time on the water is the most important factor. Eight hours of travel equals more time in motion, further away from the dock, and less flexibility in case someone in the group is having trouble. A shorter trip reduces all of that, but still provides some real ocean fishing.

The second factor is preparation. People who have a bad day didn’t prepare as they should have. That’s a simple fix to be made.

Captain Don’s quick take

I’d rather take you on a five hour trip you enjoy, than an eight hour trip you spend sitting down. It’s part of my job to be honest about this up front. Most people feel something out on the ocean, so we plan for it, rather than hoping it will not occur. Do the same the night before, wear warm clothes, have a light breakfast in the morning, and choose a trip of a length you are comfortable with the water. Then your chances of having a good day skyrocket.

Which Newport trips are best for avoiding getting carsick?

The closer to the shore and the shorter the journey, the easier it will be. The least exciting is bay crabbing since we are not going into the open ocean swell. Then it’s time for a five hour bottom fishing session for rockfish and lingcod. The longest offshore day is the 8 hour day which includes trips to the halibut.

All of these are not rough all the time. Some summer mornings the ocean is flat and it’s a great day for everyone, regardless of what they booked. But I can’t guarantee conditions, so I would prefer you to plan around the version of the day that is a little bumpy.

Another fact to be noted. I have a 28 foot Alumaweld with full enclosure. You will have a place to sit, shelter, and see the horizon, which is more than most people realize.

Want to know what the ocean has been up to recently? ODFW produces a weekly marine zone fishing report of recent conditions and catches out of Oregon ports.

When to take motion sickness medicine?

A dose the night before your trip and another one approximately 1 hour before leaving the dock. The night before dose is the one that people miss out on.

It is best to take Dramamine or Bonine as a preventative before the boat moves. It is too late in the parking lot to swallow a pill ten minutes before setting sail. Pharmacy bands can be used as an extra layer of sea sickness prevention.

I’m a fishing guide, not a doctor, so please ask your pharmacist or doctor about what is appropriate for you, and do so before administering to children or combining with other medication.

If you feel unwell even after you’re on the water, what do you do?

Tell me early. I can do things on the boat, such as move you to a more comfortable area of the boat, slow down, bring fresh air and a view of the horizon. It’s better to help when it first happens than hours later.

Let me tell you one thing for sure. When your group requests an early return to the dock due to sickness, we are unable to make a refund. That’s the reason I spend all my time to help them choose the right trip and to prepare for it before we go.

So what should you take on your fishing charter in Newport?

Pack layers, food and be sure to have some drinks with you, your fishing licence and your anti-motion sickness tablets. They bring their own food and beverages and bring more water than necessary.

Clothing: Windbreaker or rain jacket, warm hat, closed toe shoes with good grip. Even on a cloudy day, sunscreen is important. Take a camera or cell phone to take photos.

A valid Oregon fishing license is required and ocean specific requirements must be noted as well. Please check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish to make sure that fishing regulations and license requirements have not changed.

One last thing. Utilize the marina restroom prior to getting on board. During the trip, it takes your entire group to run back to the dock.

Why book with Captain Don and Newport Oregon Fishing Charters?

You are not just booking a seat on another boat’s guided trip, but on my boat. I purchased Newport Oregon Fishing Charters and am working on making it a true guide service. Have over 15 years of guiding experience, and have been fishing in Oregon waters since my childhood, from the Newport coast to the Columbia and Willamette rivers. I’m familiar with the reefs, the bar, and the changing conditions seasonally. If you have any questions regarding seasickness, distance, or family capacity, you are asking the person who will be operating the boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the majority of people sea sick on a fishing charter in Newport?

Lots of individuals get at least a little bit sea sick when they are on the ocean, and a few feel no effect whatsoever. This is subject to individual and environmental factors that day. Doing something in advance is worth more than anything.

Would a shorter journey be easier on the tummy?

Yes. Decreased water time equals decreased motion exposure. This is also a five hour trip that will be nearer the shore than a full day trip.

Does a fishing charter allow children to be car sick?

Yes, I do go fishing with families a lot and for most children, a shorter trip is better. Discuss motion sickness medication with your child’s doctor prior to travel.

Are there a lot of cancelled days due to the weather?

Trips are canceled if conditions at the bar or ocean are unsafe. Should I have to cancel your trip, we make an effort to reschedule and you will not be charged for a trip that we are unable to safely operate.

Should I have my own fishing equipment?

No. I sell rods, reels, bait, tackle and lures. You come with your license, food and clothes for the day.

May I rent the entire boat to my party?

Yes. All trips are private, 2–6 people per trip. You won’t be on the boat with strangers.

Ready to book your Newport Oregon fishing trip?

If you have been holding off on a Newport Oregon fishing charter because you are worried about getting seasick, give me a call and we will talk it through. I will tell you which trip fits you and your group. I would rather help you book the right day than sell you the longest one.

Reach out to Newport Oregon Fishing Charters and let’s get you on the water.