FAQ – TORNADO

FAQs

Here are a few common questions, but if you have more that aren’t addressed below, please call us!

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Do I need to worry about sea sickness?

Those who are unsure about seasickness, we recommend you taking a seasick pill the night before your trip as well as another 1-2 hours before your departure for fishing.

As with any medication, please ensure that you check with your doctor before use. Seasickness pills usually work for saltwater fishing charters, however they are not for all. It is imperative you review the labels before use as some side effects do not work well with everyone.
I have never been fishing before. Is that okay?
How far off shore do you fish?
What happens with the fish I catch?

We will do everything for you. You don’t even have to touch your fish. Our deckhand will clean your fish for you. Rockfish are filleted for $7 per limit. Salmon are cleaned on the way in and most deckhands will fillet them for you after you get in for a small charge. Bags are provided for you to take your fish with you off the boat.
How does the weather effect my trip?

Trips may be cancelled due to severe ocean conditions/weather.

We still fish in light rain and other moderate weather conditions. So dress accordingly. If the conditions are too severe or unsafe we will contact you the day before your trip to reschedule. If we cancel due to weather or unexpected circumstances you will be allowed to reschedule (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future trip.
Do you guarantee that fish will be caught?
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Our boat is accessible to those with walkers and canes. Though we are often able to accommodate people in wheelchairs as well, our boat is not wheelchair accessible by average standards. If you are in a wheelchair, please keep in mind that steps leading to the boats prevent you from wheeling directly on board. As a result, you will need to be able to walk up the 4 stairs with help or have friends with you that will have to physically carry you from the dock, on to the boat, and back into your chair.
Can I book the whole boat (private parties)?
Is Alcohol Allowed?
Do I need a fishing license?

Where do I check in for my trip?
What should I wear?

Waterproof shoes like boots are always a good idea. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket with you. Depending on weather/ocean forecasts you may want to bring your own rain gear. Whatever you need to bring to stay dry and comfortable is the goal! Bring hats and sunglasses for those sunnier forecasts. We fish rain or shine, so come prepared.

*We DO NOT sell rain gear on board.*
What age do kids need to be to come fishing?

It depends on the child. Age 7-8 may be a good age to get a child oriented with ocean fishing. We do recommend starting out on a “Ling Cod & Rockfish” Fishing Trip as it is very likely that a child will catch something. We recommend kids be at least 8 years old, but if they have had prior fishing experience and can listen well and take instruction from our crew then kids younger than 8 may be able to come fish. Call or email us if you want to see if your kid would do well on a charter.
Can I use my own rod & reel?

That is fine but there are a couple stipulations. NO BRAIDED LINE (fire line, tuff line, spider wire, dacron, etc) except on deep water Halibut trips. We use and recommend 25-30 pound test clear mono on salmon and 40 test on bottom fish reels and 25-40 on tuna reels.

We’ve experienced the braided lines just don’t mix well in the charter boat environment. These lines are so strong (a little to strong) and thin to the point of being dangerous, especially when snagged on the bottom. Knot tying, tangles and fouling in the boats running gear are also problematic.
Can I bring a cooler?
Are there bathrooms on board?
Is there food available on board?
How long will the fishing trip last?
Are gift certificates available?
Are pets/service animals allowed?

AREA INFO

Please see more information in the tabs below on lodging, camping and places to eat in Westport!

Hotels

Westport Inn
Holiday Motel

Holiday Motel – For room rates click here . To make reservations you must call them directly.

This motel is a 2-minute walk from the docks, this 2-story motel has modest rooms that come with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. 2 rooms include sinks for cleaning crabs, clams and fish.

The facilities include picnic tables, barbecues and a freezer for storing caught seafood. There are also vending machines, crab pots and crab cookers. Free parking is available for vehicles of all sizes including boat trailers.

Address: 231 E Dock St, Westport, WA 98595

Phone:(360) 268-9356
Chateau Westport

Chateau Westport – For reservations and rates click here.

This relaxed 104 room hotel overlooks the beach and is a 12-minute walk from Grays Harbor Lighthouse and an 8 minute drive from the docks. This hotel is great if you are coming to visit with younger kids.

The rooms include free WiFi, cable TV, minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Some rooms have water views, while studios and suites add kitchens, fireplaces, balconies and extra living space.

In addition to free continental breakfast, amenities include an indoor heated pool and whirlpool tub, conference facilities, a fitness center and a playground. Guests can access the beach from a nature trail on the hotel grounds.

Address: 710 Hancock St, Westport, WA 98595

Phone:(360) 268-9101
Additional Hotels

Restaurants

Breakfast

Some local hot spots!

The King Tide
Open 4:00am – 4:00pm
Serves: Breakfast & Lunch.
Family Bakery with Espresso & Pub with Homestyle Menu
300 E. Dock Street
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 584-0061

Blue Buoy Restaurant
Open 8:00am – 1:30pm (Open until 2:30pm on weekends)
Serves: Breakfast & Lunch. All american style menu with seafood items.
2323 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7065
Lunch

Aloha Alabama
Open 11:00am-9:00pm
Serves: Southern style barbeque, salads and some seafood.
2309 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7299

Blackbeard’s Brewing Co.
Serves: Pizza and salad. Local brewery that brews own beer and root beer.
700 Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7662

Taqueria Los Tres Figgies
Serves: Authentic Mexican
271 Dock Ave
Westport, WA 98595
(360)-660-6519

El Rancho
Serves: Traditional Mexican
202 West Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7294

Blue Buoy Restaurant
Serves: Breakfast & Lunch. All american style menu with seafood items.
2323 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7065

Westport Pizza Company

Merino’s Seafood
Serves: Fresh Seafood, Variety of Fish & Chips & Clam Chowder.
301 E Harbor St.
Westport, WA 98595
360-268-5009

Mermaid Deli
Serves: Deli Sandwiches and soup.
200 E Patterson St
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 612-0435

Bennett’s Fish Shack
Serves: Fish & Chips, Burgers and Salads.
2581 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7380

The Lighthouse Bistro
Serves: Seafood & Up-Scale American Cuisine
1155 W Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7009
Dinner

Aloha Alabama
Open 11:00am-9:00pm
Serves: Southern style barbeque, salads and some seafood.
2309 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7299

Blackbeard’s Brewing Co.
Open 11:00am – 9:00pm
Serves: Pizza and salad. Local brewery that brews own beer and root beer.
700 Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7662

Taqueria Los Tres Figgies
Serves: Authentic Mexican
271 Dock Ave
Westport, WA 98595
(360)-660-6519

El Rancho
Serves: Traditional Mexican
202 West Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7294

Merino’s Seafood
Serves: Fish & Chips, Clam Chowder & FRESH seafood
301 E Harbor St.
Westport, WA 98595
360-268-5009

Mermaid Deli
Open 11:00am-11:00pm
Serves: Deli Sandwiches and soup.
200 E Patterson St
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 612-0435

Bennett’s Fish Shack
Open 10:30am-9:00pm
Serves: Fish & Chips, Burgers and Salads.
2581 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7380

The Lighthouse Bistro
Serves: Seafood & Up-Scale American Cuisine
1155 W Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7009
Coffee

Green Monster Coffee Company
*Located at the docks and open early*
Offers: Coffee, Ice cream, Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches
2401 W Westhaven Dr.
Westport, WA 98547

Loge at The Sands Cafe
1416 S Montesano St.
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-0091

DRIVE THROUGH ONLY STANDS:

Captain Jack’s Espresso
Open 6:00am – 6:00pm
105 S Montesano
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-6397

White Cap Espresso
Open 7:00am – 5:00pm
701 Englewood Ln S
Westport, WA 98595
(360) 268-1282

CAMP GROUNDS & RVs

AMERICAN SUNSET RV & TENT RESORT

They have 118 full hookup RV spaces open year round, plus 34 tent camping sites open seasonally. They are just a 7 minute from the docks and also have 3 cabins that sleep anywhere from 4-6 people. One cabin is pet friendly!

One great amenity is their heated outdoor swimming pool and coin operated laundry machines on-site for their guests.

Please visit their website for more information and rates.
KILA HANA CAMPERLAND
TWIN HARBORS STATE PARK

This State Park is a 12 minute drive from the docks and has 219 tent sites, 42 utility sites, four primitive sites, five rustic cabins, two yurts, one group campsite, one dump station, nine restrooms (one ADA), and 16 showers (two ADA). Hookup sites are small and close together, and bigger rigs may have some trouble with site size. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability). Tent sites #192 to #284 are located on the ocean side of Highway 105 to provide easy, pedestrian access to the beach.

For more information or reservations please click here to visit their website or call (888) 226-7688.
ADDITIONAL CAMPING & RV

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