What to Bring on a Newport Oregon Fishing Charter

My name is Don Koskela, owner of Newport Oregon Fishing Charters. This is a captain run guide service, not a booking site which gives you a seat to a captain who has one available. I am the one driving the boat when you charter with me in Newport Oregon.

The most frequent question I receive from first time visitors is this one. What will I need to bring? People imagine that they go out and purchase rods and tackle boxes before going on the trip, but that’s not the way things work.

The short version is below, and the reasoning is below each item. There are a few things people forget after spending 15 or more years guiding on the Oregon Coast.

What do you need to bring on a Newport Oregon fishing charter?

Don’t forget your Oregon fishing license, your own food and beverages, warm layers and rain gear, closed toe shoes, sunscreen, camera, and motion sickness meds if necessary. All the fishing equipment is provided by me.

This includes the rods, reels, bait and tackle plus custom lures to fish. I don’t require anyone to be equipped with any pieces of fishing gear to join me. The fish is cleaned and bagged at the end of the trip and you can proceed home or to your hotel.

Captain Don’s quick take

There are two things people get wrong: clothes and preparing for seasickness. All else is a matter of a few last minute adjustments. There’s nothing you can do about being cold and wet three hours in the ocean and there’s nothing you can do about motion sickness pills that you forgot to take the night before. So, put on clothes as if it’s going to be 20 degrees colder and windier than the parking lot, it will be. If you do those two things right, all the rest of the day will fall into place.

What kind of fishing equipment does the charter offer?

All of it. All trips include rods, reels, bait, tackle and lures.

I have the equipment suited to the day’s fishing. Rockfish and lingcod bottom fishing is different than salmon and halibut fishing. I prefer to give you the proper rod than to see you struggle to catch a fish with the wrong one. If you have equipment that you enjoy using and would like to take, please consult with me first to ensure that it is suitable for the fishery.

You don’t need to take a cooler with you for your catch unless you plan to have one for the trip home. Your fish is cleaned and bagged at the dock.

So, what gear should you pack for an Oregon Coast fishing adventure?

Wear layers and account for wind, spray and temperature change. The essentials are a windbreaker or rain jacket, a good hat and closed toe shoes. It’s possible for the Oregon Coast to be sunny at the marina and cold and gray an hour later. I’ve seen more than a few guests come on the boat in a t-shirt in the warm summer of July and come back wishing they had a jacket in the truck. Don’t wear sandals or anything with a smooth sole. Decks get wet. Sunscreen is important even when it’s cloudy; you’re still getting sun off the water throughout the day.

What types of food and drinks do you need to bring?

Please pack your own lunch and snacks. There is no place to stop once we are out or anything provided on board. Bring extra water and snacks and a true meal if you had the 8 hour trip. Sandwiches, granola bars, fruit and jerky are good travel food. If you suffer from sea sickness, don’t have heavy greasy food in the morning. The one little time saver for your group. Board the marina restroom immediately before you. Returning to the dock during a trip interferes with everyone’s fishing.

What to expect on a Newport Oregon Fishing Charters trip?

As a guide teacher, you can expect a private trip, a small group and a teacher. I limit the number of people on the trips to 6, to be able to work with each individual on the boat. Will set you up and explain how we go about fishing on that day and assist you in landing what you are fishing for. It’s okay for beginners and families visit us most of the fishing season.

I also use the call-on-condition functionality. What we can do and where we can go depends on the bar in Yaquina Bay and the open ocean. Safety comes first. Would prefer to reschedule the trip rather than the bar or ocean doesn’t cooperate. The latest fishing conditions in the ocean and catch reports are available in the ODFW Marine Zone Fishing Report.

What should you bring on your Newport fishing charter?

Here is what you need to bring with you when you go fishing in Oregon

You will need your Oregon fishing license. You should also bring some clothes like layers this includes a windbreaker or rain jacket and a warm hat. Do not forget to wear toe shoes that have grip so you do not slip. You will also need sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Bring some food and plenty of water so you do not get hungry or thirsty. If you want to take pictures bring a camera. You can use your phone. If you get carsick or seasick you should bring some motion sickness medication. You will need to pay the balance at the dock so bring some cash or your card if you have not paid in full. If you have guests who’re 12 years old or more they will need a valid Oregon fishing license.

There are some rules for people who want to fish in the ocean. You should check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to see what you need to do. The rules and prices can change so do not just read about it on a blog check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you go on your trip. They will tell you what you need to know about Oregon fishing licenses and any other requirements. You should always check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the information, about Oregon fishing licenses.

What makes Captain Don and Newport Oregon Fishing Charters the best book with?

You are in a guided trip with the captain and not through a middle-man. I have over 15 years experience guiding visitors and have been fishing off the coast of Newport to Depoe Bay and to the Columbia and Willamette rivers throughout my life. This means that if you call and ask what they have for food, what your kids will be able to eat, or which trip will work for your group, you are talking to the driver of the boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own fishing rod?

No. Rods, reels, bait, and tackle and lures are all supplied. Please dress in appropriate attire for the day and include your license.

Is it necessary to have a fishing license for a fishing charter?

Yes. Oregon fishing license required for guests 12 years or older. You can buy one in advance from ODFW. Please check before you travel as rules and prices change.

Does the boat have food available?

No. Provided by guest. Bring more water than you think you’ll need. The eight hour trip drinks a lot of it.

Will you wash the fish?

Yes. Your catch is cleaned and bagged at the end of the trip. For the drive home you need something to keep it cool!

What would be an appropriate list of items to take on a fishing charter?

The same as adults bring and some additional layers and snacks that will be consumed. Discuss with your child’s doctor before if motion sickness is a concern.

May I have a cooler aboard?

Please advise when making the booking, we will work out what works for the trip that you are travelling. Plan ahead, as there is limited space on the 28′ boat.

Ready to book your Newport Oregon fishing trip?

If you are packing for a Newport Oregon fishing charter and still have questions, call me. I would rather answer them now than have you show up cold, hungry, or without a license.

Give Newport Oregon Fishing Charters a call and let’s get your trip on the calendar.