
FAQs
Here are a few common questions, but if you have more that aren’t addressed below, please call us!
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Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and trip you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Weekends tend to sell out faster than weekdays.
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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.
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Oh sure, nothing like a new experience! Our crew will assist you and, often times, some of the “seasoned” veterans are willing to offer advice. We will gladly help you learn the ropes to ocean fishing!
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Typically, we travel between 6 and 20 miles for Salmon and Bottomfish. We travel 25-50 miles for Halibut fishing and 40-100 miles for Albacore Tuna. Just depends on where the fish have been and what the ocean is like.
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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.
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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.
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We can guarantee fishing but not catching. The Captain will do everything in his power to put you where the fish are. We can not control what does or does not bite the hook.
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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.
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Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Click on the “Private Party” link for more information on private trips. To inquire call us at (360)583-6130 or email us at [email protected].
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Yes, you may bring beer and wine coolers but no hard alcohol, please.
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If you are 15 or older, YES you do need a fishing license. If you don’t already have an annual license we do sell a 1-day license on board for $10. That price is the same regardless of state residency. For further licensing info please visit the states website.
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You will check in directly to the Tornado on Float 12 the morning of your trip. We are an independent boat who does not operate out of a charter office.
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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.*
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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.
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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.
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Yes, coolers for your food and beverages are permitted. Coolers need to be no longer than 20″ to accommodate space for everyone. Please, leave the coolers for your fish in your car.
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Yes, we have restrooms for both the fella’s and the ladies!
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We have complimentary drip coffee but anything else you would like to eat or drink (including water) for the day, you will want to bring with you. We do have a microwave on board for you to heat food in. Personal coolers or coolers less than 20″ are allowed to keep your items cold.
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There are many factors that determine the duration of your fishing trip. Typically the trips last up to 9 hours. If the fish are aggressive, and everyone has caught their limit, we may come in a little earlier. If the fish are more elusive we’ll stay out for a little longer.
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Yes! They are great for every occasion. Click here to purchase a gift certificate today.
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No, this is not a condusive environment for pets/service animals to be in.
AREA INFO
Please see more information in the tabs below on lodging, camping and places to eat in Westport!
Hotels
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Just a 2 minute walk from the marina, The Westport Inn is offers a fitness center, individual cabins and free WiFi access. 2501 Nyhus Street North, Westport, WAPhone:
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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 98595Phone:(360) 268-9356 -
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 98595Phone:(360) 268-9101 -
Click here to see a full list of local Westport Hotels.
Restaurants
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Some local hot spots!
The King TideOpen 4:00am – 4:00pmServes: Breakfast & Lunch.Family Bakery with Espresso & Pub with Homestyle Menu300 E. Dock StreetWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 584-0061 Blue Buoy RestaurantOpen 8:00am – 1:30pm (Open until 2:30pm on weekends)Serves: Breakfast & Lunch. All american style menu with seafood items. 2323 Westhaven DrWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7065 -
Aloha Alabama
Open 11:00am-9:00pm
Serves: Southern style barbeque, salads and some seafood.
2309 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7299Blackbeard’s Brewing Co.
Taqueria Los Tres FiggiesServes: Authentic Mexican271 Dock AveWestport, WA 98595(360)-660-6519 El RanchoServes: Traditional Mexican202 West Ocean AveWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7294 Blue Buoy RestaurantServes: Breakfast & Lunch. All american style menu with seafood items. 2323 Westhaven DrWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7065 Westport Pizza Company Merino’s SeafoodServes: Fresh Seafood, Variety of Fish & Chips & Clam Chowder.301 E Harbor St.Westport, WA 98595360-268-5009 Mermaid DeliServes: Deli Sandwiches and soup.200 E Patterson StWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 612-0435 Bennett’s Fish ShackServes: Fish & Chips, Burgers and Salads.2581 Westhaven DrWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7380 The Lighthouse BistroServes: Seafood & Up-Scale American Cuisine1155 W Ocean AveWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7009
Serves: Pizza and salad. Local brewery that brews own beer and root beer.
700 Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7662 -
Aloha Alabama
Open 11:00am-9:00pm
Serves: Southern style barbeque, salads and some seafood.
2309 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
Get Directions
(360) 268-7299Blackbeard’s Brewing Co.
Taqueria Los Tres FiggiesServes: Authentic Mexican271 Dock AveWestport, WA 98595(360)-660-6519 El RanchoServes: Traditional Mexican202 West Ocean AveWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7294 Merino’s SeafoodServes: Fish & Chips, Clam Chowder & FRESH seafood301 E Harbor St.Westport, WA 98595360-268-5009 Mermaid DeliOpen 11:00am-11:00pmServes: Deli Sandwiches and soup.200 E Patterson StWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 612-0435 Bennett’s Fish ShackOpen 10:30am-9:00pmServes: Fish & Chips, Burgers and Salads.2581 Westhaven DrWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7380 The Lighthouse BistroServes: Seafood & Up-Scale American Cuisine1155 W Ocean AveWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-7009
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 -
Green Monster Coffee Company*Located at the docks and open early*Offers: Coffee, Ice cream, Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches2401 W Westhaven Dr.Westport, WA 98547 Loge at The Sands Cafe1416 S Montesano St.Westport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-0091 DRIVE THROUGH ONLY STANDS: Captain Jack’s EspressoOpen 6:00am – 6:00pm105 S MontesanoWestport, WA 98595Get Directions(360) 268-6397 White Cap EspressoOpen 7:00am – 5:00pm701 Englewood Ln SWestport, WA 98595(360) 268-1282
CAMP GROUNDS & RVs
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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.
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This site is a 10 minute drive from the docks and offers 89 RV spots and 30 campsites.
Please call (360) 268-9528 for availability and pricing.
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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.
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For a full list of campgrounds and RV listings please click here.