Places like Florida, Texas, and Baja California are all celebrated for their tasty white fish like grouper, red snapper, and white seabass. While here in the Northwest, the fatty red or pink meat from a chinook or coho salmon is often what comes to mind when we think of seafood associated with our coastal and inland waters. The truth is, we also have all the necessary resources to make a mean fish taco. That is, the Pacific Northwest bottomfish. 

Don’t let the name “bottom fish” give you the wrong idea about where they might fall on the Hierarchy of seafood delicacies. The bottom fish mentioned in this article make for excellent table fare and can be utilized for a simple fish fry, tacos, or can be combined with some of our abundant shellfish for a seafood stew like a Cioppino. 

Our bottom fish range from large, dragon-like predatory fish like the Lingcod, to the massive halibut, which can get well over 200 lbs. In some cases, you can catch these fish from shore, but most often a boat of some sort will be necessary for success in these fisheries. 

Lingcod 

Straights of Juan de Fuca 

Marine areas 6, 5, and 4 along the Straits of Juan de Fuca all provide great opportunities for lingcod. In MA 5, you can launch a boat at Clallam Bay from the town of Sekiu at Mason’s Resort boat launch. From there, you can head west towards Kydaka Point, where ample amounts of rocky underwater structures and reefs hold healthy numbers of lingcod. Soft plastics work well here, but if you're aiming to land a giant, try hooking up a small greenling as bait and sending it down to the bottom.  

Puget sound 

Conservation efforts make the Puget Sound a much more restrictive area to target lingcod. The 2026 season runs from May 1st through June 15th and allows the retention of 1 fish per day. Size restrictions are in place as well, and you can only keep lingcod that are between 26 to 36 inches.  Possession Bar, Tavola Shore, and Alkai Reef all hold lingcod. 

Cabezon 

The cabezón. Loosely translated to “large head”, is aptly named for this exact reason. Cabezons, when larger, have giant heads and are built like a tank. When hooked, they will take off with your line and head-shake like a large lingcod. They’re a blast to catch and can be found all over the Straits of Juan de Fuca and the Washington coast. My favorite spot to fish for these is near Hobuck Beach in Neah Bay. This spot can be accessed via shore if you are using a kayak, otherwise you will have to launch your boat from the Big Salmon resort in Neah Bay. 

Rockfish 

Westport

Rockfish are abundant all throughout the Straits of Juan De Fuca and the Washington coast. With that said, if you’re looking for easy access, Westport provides a unique opportunity to catch these fish off of their one-mile-long jetty at Westhaven State Park. If climbing the rocks isn’t your thing, you can also hop on board one of the many charter boats that take off from the Westport marina to target salmon and bottom fish.   

Halibut 

Pillar Point

Pillar Point is about 15 miles east of Sekiu and has a small boat launch that is favored more by kayakers than those with larger vessels. For those looking for a larger boat launch, this area can be accessed by launching out of Sekiu and motoring east. A long sloping underwater ridge provides prime habitat for halibut, and it’s not uncommon to see 80+ lb halibut pulled out of this area. 

Greenling 

Neah Bay 

The old Snow Creek resort on the northern part of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, just outside of Neah Bay, holds healthy populations of Kelp Greenling. Though these fish are often thrown back by anglers targeting lingcod or rockfish, they are incredibly tasty and can be found in the kelp beds only a few hundred yards offshore. This area is open year-round for kelp greenling so long as you stay east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line.  

Flounder 

North Hood Canal 

The flounder fishery is often overshadowed by some of the larger game fish species in the Puget Sound, yet these fish offer a fun year-round fishery that can be a great way for kids to get excited about fishing while at the same time making for excellent table fare.  Flounder are found all throughout the Puget Sound and Hood Canal on sandy or muddy bottoms and are quite easy to catch using artificial sandworms, clams, or chunks of flounder meat. Dabob Bay, just south of Quilcene, is the only part of the Hood Canal that is open to flounder fishing. The bay can be accessed via the Quilcene Bay boat launch to the north or Tritan Cove boat ramp to the south.

South Puget Sound 

If fishing the Puget Sound, you can find flounder in large numbers in MA 9 at Jeff head or fishing from the shore at Point no Point in Hansville. Further south in the South Puget Sound, good flounder fishing can be had at Dash Point in King County, where a fishing pier and easy kayak is launching from the beach. Going further down towards Olympia, you can find flounder from Dana Passage to Boston Harbor. Always check the Department of Health’s website for current information on flounder consumption safety guidelines. 

With many bottom fish seasons opening this spring, and the year-round opportunities that these fish provide us with, there’s never a wrong time to get out there, get your cooler filled, and enjoy another one of our great fisheries here in the Northwest. 

What Anglers Can Expect While Fishing Washington's Saltwater Frontier 

It was mid-June, and we rolled into Neah Bay just before evening. Our scenery was fishing boats packed into the marina and the heavy smell of fireworks, as the local kids ran the waterfront. Surrounded by lush rainforest and steep cliffs, the village sat within the Makah Reservation and served as a hub for recreational and tribal fishing. June marks the start of the busiest season here. As waters warm and baitfish like sand lance, herring, and anchovies flood the area, predators follow in force. From the protected inshore waters of the Strait to the jagged pinnacles and kelp beds offshore of Cape Flattery, anglers have options for nearly every style of saltwater fishing imaginable. So we got some sleep, cause early the next morning we had a meeting at the dock with Captain Fred Walker of SeaWalker Charters. 

Waking up early to the smells and sounds of the harbor is something I love. Walking down to the boat, seeing all the hustle and bustle so early, watching everyone load gear, and exchanging stories will get you excited for the day. Finding the "SeaWalker" boat was easy, and the captain and deckhand were eager and ready to go. Our captain for the day was Captain Fred Walker, and he had one of the cleanest and most organized boats and operations, which immediately put us at ease, knowing we were in good hands. Not to mention he's been fishing these waters for over 30 years. The top-notch Kingfisher boat was loaded with the highest quality of gear. From the Tanacom electric reels to the Custom Prolite Rods, we had everything from mooching, trolling, and bottom fishing covered. And he and his deckhand, Max, take safety very seriously, and the success comes with it. 

●Lingcod And Rockfish 

As we motored out, we were anywhere from 50-60 miles from shore and had everything prepared for the long day. Neah Bay is legendary for bottomfish, and June is prime time. Lingcod are aggressive and plentiful, often lurking around rocky reefs, underwater pinnacles, and kelp edges. These toothy predators just hammer the jigs, or whatever offerings you're presenting, with equal enthusiasm. It's not unusual for anglers to catch their 2 keeper-sized lings in a day, along with a chance at a true trophy over 30lbs. Rockfish, both black and yelloweye, fill out the action, providing near consistent bites for those dropping smaller spoons and jigs into the schools, making them furious while filling limits quickly. With daily limits generous compared to other parts, anglers can usually count on a cooler of rockfish to complement those lingcods. 

●Halibut 

By June, Washington's Halibut season is still underway, though regulations shift year to year. When opened, halibut is a major draw. Neah Bay is one of the few places in the state where anglers can run relatively short distances offshore to productive halibut grounds. Places like Swiftsure Bank and areas West of Tatoosh Island hold halibut ranging from 20lbs "chickens" to "barn door" halibut topping 100+ pounds. Fishing for halibut here is not only an exercise for the body, but an exercise in patience and persistence. Heavy lead and big baits waiting for the unmistakable thump of a halibut inhaling your offering. The payoff, however, is unmatched table fair and a true trophy to catch. Couldn't be more thankful for Captain Fred having them Tanacom 750 reels on board to winch up these flatfish from the depths of 380ft-500ft.

●Salmon 

June is often the month when salmon begin filtering into the region. Chinook (Kings) are the headliners, while the main summer salmon season in Neah Bay typically kicks off later in July.  Early arrivals show up in June, especially along kelp lines and nearshore structure, where we seemed to find ours. These early-season Kings are strong, chrome bright, and are prized by many anglers. Mooching can be a very exciting way to fish; having the knuckle-busting action can be just part of the fun. Coho may also be appearing offshore, although they are usually more prevalent in July and August. For those lucky enough to hook up in June, Coho provide acrobatic fights, and a taste you'll return for. 

(Also, don't forget the opportunity for Albacore Tuna in late June, depending on water temps)

●Tactics And Techniques 

•Bottomfish: Most anglers target lingcod and rockfish by jigging heavy spoons or jigs tipped with bait or soft plastics near rocky structure. Larger, similar profiles work very well for lingcod. GPS and electronics definitely help you stay directly on productive reefs and rocky structures. 

•Halibut: Halibut set-ups typically consist of a stout rod, like the Prolites we used specifically for the bottom fishing. Heavy-duty reel, like a Tanacom, is ideal for the depths, matched with a quality braided line. Often drifting over humps and flats, bouncing pipe jigs and larger offerings, tipped with herring, squid, scents, drawing in fish at depths of 200-500 feet.  

•Salmon: When targeting salmon, trolling is the go-to method. Downriggers with flashers and hoochies, spoons, or herring rigs dominate the setup. Inshore, mooching with different offerings can be deadly, particularly when schools of bait are thick near kelp lines. Definitely a "Knuckle Busting" Mooching reel can be so fun, and very sporty at times. 

●Conditions And Weather 

June weather at Neah Bay can be notoriously unpredictable. Anglers should expect anything from flat calm seas to fog, rain, and possible stiff winds. Mornings are often the calmest,  as wind typically builds in the afternoon.  Having the flexibility to fish on shorter notice, when the forecast cooperates, can make or break a trip. Fog can be a factor; the Strait and nearshore waters can sock in with heavy fog, making it invaluable for navigating, even with GPS and radar. Always plan for safety, as the Pacific can turn hostile quickly. Being on a guide’s boat, such as the SeaWalker, and knowing it was equipped with the best crew and safety gear, makes the trip so much more enjoyable.  

●Regulations And Access 

Neah Bay is subject to both Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations and tribal considerations. Seasons for halibut and salmon can change annually,  even for bottomfish. So anglers must review the most current rules and regulations before making the trip. Size limits, bag limits, and barbless hook requirements are strictly enforced. Access also requires awareness, as you are on a reservation. As a visitor,  always respect the policies and rules of the tribe. And while launching and returning to the Big Salmon marina, there is a cleaning station to clean your catch daily. Or pay a couple bucks to have a couple locals do it for you. 

Fishing Neah Bay in June is an adventure into one of the richest marine environments on the West Coast. With stunning scenery from the rugged cliffs of Cape Flattery, the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, to the pristine beaches and rainforest nearby. Wildlife is abundant, and so many bald eagles share the water with anglers. 

The community itself is small and welcoming, with local lodging, camping, and the Makah Cultural and Research Center offers a window into the rich history of the Makah people and the many years of fishing. It's a place where the Pacific reveals both its bounty and its raw power. A destination where every trip feels like an expedition, and every fish tells a story. For those who are looking to make the trek, expect long days on the water, a cooler of catches, and the memories you reeled in at Washington's Saltwater Frontier. 

●Tips For Success 

1. Book lodging early; June is popular, and options are limited 

2. Hire a charter for your first trip. Water can be intimidating, and a good captain like Fred Walker with SeaWalker Charters would be my choice.

3. Pack for all weather. Layered clothing, rain gear, deck boots, waterproof bag or backpack.  

4. Stay Flexible - weather and seas dictate much of the fishing.  Having a couple of backup days built into the trip always helps. 

5. Pack snacks, drinks, meds, and motion sickness medication.  Not all charters cover a lunch, but most will have water on board.  

6. Know the rules and regulations, as they can change yearly, and enforcement can be strict 

7. Have fun, and respect the boat and the operation going on around you.

8. And most of all, "Reel In The Memories"!

Halibut, lingcod, and rockfish are the top three species of bottom fish here in the Pacific Northwest.
There are three main methods for targeting bottom fish, and the cool thing is that the tactic you use is more dependent on the depth and environment you’re fishing in, rather than the species itself. All species can be found in virtually any depth in the ocean. In fact, many of the biggest lingcod I have ever caught have been in less than 50 feet of water. This means that if you know your water, you can choose a tactic that will give you the best chance at success. 

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Tactic number one: Live bait rigs. Live bait is the most natural presentation to a fish. As the name implies, you need an actual prey item connected to your hook, and this often elicits the most aggressive feeding response. The flip side is that you have to spend considerable time catching bait. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep your bait alive throughout the day. I have found that live bait rigs work best when targeting ling cod on reefs that are under 150’ deep. 
Ling cod will readily take live bait of nearly any size, and often do not even need to be hooked to bring them to the boat. To decide between large and small bait, know your area. If you are fishing a particularly busy reef with lots of rockfish, and you are not allowed to keep them, try to use larger baits such as greenling or other sculpin to keep bycatch to a minimum. 
The best live bait rig I have ever seen, I learned from John Kerrigan of Seeking Limits Guide Service out of Everett, WA. John’s rig is devilishly simple. It consists of a sliding weight system where the plastic slide is connected to the weight with a rubber band, and it is stopped by a swivel to a leader (photo below). The rubber band keeps you from losing an entire rig if your weight gets stuck, and the swivel will keep the live bait tangle-free. Give it a try with surf perch on a single hook rig, or sand dabs and greenling on a double hook rig.

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The second bottom fishing method is jigging with soft plastics. This method allows you to go right out to the fishing grounds. Oftentimes, the soft plastic jigs come pre-rigged, so all you have to do is tie them onto a 50-pound mono leader and drop it near the bottom. My absolute favorite for jigging soft plastic is a Fisherman’s Gold Electric Eel jig. (photo below). It has caught absolutely everything from giant 50-pound lingcod to limit after limit of rockfish. The only consideration is how heavy and how big you want your plastic. Obviously, using a 32 ounce 12 inch eel won’t be the right choice for rockfish, but if you’re shallow, there is little better than catching black rocks on a 1 or 2 ounce eel. Fishing soft plastics is the most versatile of the 3 methods. You can fish them light or heavy, large or small, shallow or deep. Soft plastics can struggle in areas of intense pressure and is most difficult in areas where there are lots of toothy bycatch, such as arrowtooth flounder or dogfish that can tear up your bait. 

The last method is a combination of pipe jigs and unweighted soft plastics on a ganoin type rig. This method is great for deep drop fishing, particularly for halibut. The pipe jig not only allows enough weight for a rig in 500 feet of water, but it also can get chewed on for hours and not lose its efficacy. By running some unweighted plastics above the pipe jig, you can also take advantage of the extra color and action to bring fish to your rig. However, this method is really prone to snags, and can be expensive to lose if you are fishing the more shallow rocky reefs. 
I typically pair this method with electric reels in deep water and on flatter bars in the open ocean. You can build a ganoin by using a 3-way swivel connecting the main braided line to one end, a 6 foot ganoin of heavy mono (80 pound or heavier) to one of the other sides, and lastly a short heavy mono leader connected to a large 12/0 J hook that you hook your eel or flounder plastic to. 

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Making a game plan for your specific environment is the best way to set yourself up for success. Always consider the time you have to fish, the depth at which you want to target, and the overall fishing pressure to help you decide between durable baits like pipe jigs or if a natural live bait is the right choice. Get out there and try it for yourself!

Eat, Sleep, Fish, Repeat

Looking back at this past fishing season makes us reflect and realize how lucky we are to be in such a prolific and beautiful part of the coast. Not a day goes by that we don’t feel blessed to be able to offer these adventures to guests, friends, and family.

With our sold-out lodge season and the incredible fishing we experienced in 2024, our prime spots are in high demand. Already, just over 70% of our guest list have taken their returning dates for our 2025 season. With that said, if you're contemplating on a fishing vacation with Reel Obsession, drop us a line and don’t miss out on getting your preferred dates locked in with us.  

Allow us the opportunity to express a heartfelt shoutout to our 2024 team of professionals. From land to sea, with out each and every one of these incredible humans, we could not do what we do. Trust me when I say, you are in excellent hands when experiencing one of our all-inclusive packages with this crew. 

2024 SEASON RECAP

From our opening day the first week of June to our season end early September, we had incredible fishing for halibut, bottom fish... while the Chinook fishing was the most consistent in my 24 years of guiding our area. Each boat was hooking up 15-40 Chinook each day. This kind of action continued for most of the Summer!!

The action speaks for itself. In 2023, the West Coast of Vancouver Island saw the largest return of Chinook salmon in 44 years. These kinds of statistics give us great confidence in knowing we have a healthy fishery that is second to none. The official 2024 run returns won’t be out for a few months however all indicators are showing that we matched or surpassed the 2023 numbers.

You know what this means... we are looking forward to having some incredible fishing in years to come!!

VICTORIA CHARTERS ARE AVAILABLE WITH REEL OBSESSION

Just because the lodge is shut down for the season doesn’t mean fishing is over! Victoria is our winter home and a fantastic place to get out for a charter with the family, get away from the cold, or perhaps organize a team building session out on the waters for your employees. 

Coho fishing is electric at the moment with nonstop action, tons of double headers and even some triples. Winter Chinook are showing up in great numbers on Constance Bank and will be thick in the Straight within the next month. Halibut fishing remains open and looks like it should stay open until the new year.

Give us a call this Fall to keep the action going!!! 

Many exciting TV shows on the horizon for Reel Obsession

Keep your eyes peeled!!

• West Coast Sporting Journal with Mark Pendlington has released one of our 2 new episodes airing this Fall.
• Northwest Fishing TV will be airing next month with our first ever Victoria show featuring Winter Springs followed by a couple of Zeballos lodge episodes.
• Reel West Coast with Brendan Morrison will also be airing in the New Year with some exciting action out of Esperanza from this past July.

Come join us in the prime summer months of 2025 for an unforgettable all-inclusive fishing vacation!

Please check out our online reviews through Google and Trip Advisor.

Don’t miss out booking your preferred dates and let’s talk today!

Give us a call or drop us a line anytime to discuss your next great fishing vacation!

TRIPADVISOR REVIEW - LARRY AUSTIN, FISH DATES: JUNE 17-19, 2024

GUIDE: Kashes

"Amazing trip. Fishing was fantastic. We got limits everyday. We fished out of a Grady White and our guide was great. Worked hard and definitely got us into fish. The dining experience was fantastic. Our chef prepared gourmet meals every night with appetizers at 5:00. Great atmosphere hanging out having a cocktail and sharing fun stories with other anglers. Top notch breakfast as well as lunches. Everything was taken care of from beginning to end. Angie and Adrian were great host as well as all the employees. Great folks. We would do it again!"

TRIPADVISOR REVIEW - RANDY & KAREN, FISH DATES: JUNE 13-15, 2024 DERBY DATES!!

GUIDE: Dave aka Sprinkles

"So much fun and so many fish!! Good food. Comfortable lodging. Happy people! We enjoy fishing here better than Alaska!!!!"

At Reel Obsession this is a lifestyle and a passion, and we feel grateful for it. Don’t be left on the dock or fishing with an outfit that wasn’t your first choice.

For more information on our warm west coast hospitality, incredible fishing and stories that last a lifetime, give us a call or drop us a line anytime. We look forward to hearing from you!