FAQ Page

Whether you’re gearing up for your first Buoy 10 run or you’re a seasoned angler chasing spot prawns and trophy salmon, our FAQ page has everything you need to know before hitting the water.

When is the best time to book a Buoy 10 salmon fishing trip?

The Buoy 10 fishery peaks in August and early September, when massive runs of Chinook and Coho salmon push into the Columbia River. These are hard-fighting, meat-heavy fish and some of the best action you’ll find all year. We recommend booking early—prime dates fill fast.

What can I expect on a crabbing trip?

We run hands-on crabbing trips where you’ll pull pots, sort keepers, and go home with fresh Dungeness if the crabs are crawling. Trips are run in estuaries and coastal waters, often paired with rockfish or lingcod fishing. It’s fast-paced, salty, and always a good time.

Do you offer combo trips with crabbing, spot prawns, or bottom fish?

Absolutely. Some of our ocean trips combine crabbing, prawning, and bottom fishing, depending on the season and conditions. We drop pots on the way out, chase lingcod and rockfish, and haul gear on the way back in. It’s a full day and a full cooler.

When is spot prawn season in Oregon?

Spot prawn openings are limited and vary by year, typically in early spring or summer. When it’s on, it’s ON. We’ll run specialized trips when the season opens—watch our updates or get on the list for alerts.

Do I need a license for crabbing or fishing?

Yes. You’ll need a validfishing license and tags for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon, as well as a shellfish license for crabbing and prawns. We’ll let you know exactly what you need when you book—easy as that.

How should I dress or prepare for a day on the water?

Plan for wind, spray, and weather that can change fast. Layers, rain gear, and non-slip boots are always a good call. We provide all the fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment—you bring grit, and maybe a lunch.

Do I need to bring my own gear or tackle?

Nope. We’ve got everything dialed in—from rods and reels to bait and tackle. All our gear is battle-tested and rigged for results. Just show up ready to fish, and we’ll handle the rest.

I’m new to this—can beginners come on these trips?

Hell yes. Whether it’s your first time on the water or you’ve got decades under your belt, we tailor the trip to your experience level. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know and make sure you have a damn good time doing it.

Do you clean the fish or crab we catch?

We’ll take care of cleaning and filleting your fish at the dock, and we’ll help you sort and bag your crab or prawns. If you’ve got a cooler and ice, you’ll leave ready to hit the grill or freezer.

Can I book a private group or corporate fishing trip?

Definitely. We run custom private charters for friends, families, and teams who want to fish hard and have a good time. Whether it’s a bachelor party, team-building day, or just an excuse to get the crew together, we’ll build the right trip for your group.