Westport Fleet

[C-Money]

Sad to see so many legendary charter boats leaving the fishing fleet in Westport. Freedom, StarFire, Ranger, now Ms. Magoo. I'm sure I am missing boats that have left/sold. I see many boats are trying it on their own breaking away from the major charter offices, like the Tornado. I know it must be tough with covid and now diesel prices. Up side is, you can hardly find a hotel room over there right now. A good salmon season has to help the fleet. I do miss the StarFire and Freedom, they were excellent boats and crews. Anyone in the know, know what and why things are changing in Westport? Is it truly not enough fishermen?

[Crunchy]

Not sure what the issues might be, but it is sad.  I was out there Sunday and fished around a few of the charters.  Their boats seemed full.  Launch parking was pretty empty but it was rather lumpy out so maybe that was why not many people were out.

[C-Money]

I am looking forward to getting over there...just need to finalize things. I want to try a trip on the Angler. I met the skipper a year or two back, and he seemed pretty nice and was determined to make his business successful. I have a Christmas gift certificate I need to use with Westport Charters as well, will try for the Hula Girl. Looking so forward to it!

[C-Money]

I ended up booking a combo trip on the Tornado. I like the boat, fished once with them a while back and had a great time...Excited!!

[Crunchy]

I'm headed out in the AM launching around 7.  the bar should be decent at that time I hope.  then running out to about 350 foot of water and try and find a couple of big ones. 

[C-Money]

Good luck Crunchy! That sounds like a lot of fun!

[Tball77]

My guess is that the seasons are so short now and its hard to survive on the limited time.  They just cut friday and saturday out of MA2 as well.  I was there last weekend and not all of the big Delta's left the dock and it was pretty flat. 

[fishngamereaper]

Some of the old timers are just worn out ... weekly changing seasons don't help... allot of cancelation calls had to be made this year.
And I think express style six packs are gaining more interest. Used to only be a couple now I can think of at least 10-12. Why fish with 20-30 other people on a cattle boat when you and 3-4 buddies can book a boat to yourself.

[GWP]

Just watched the 'Hula Girl' roll in with half dozen folks plus getting off. Also overheard they have the largest fish of the day, so far, with a big Ling.
Sure is pretty here!

[b23]

Some of the old timers are just worn out ... weekly changing seasons don't help... allot of cancelation calls had to be made this year.
And I think express style six packs are gaining more interest. Used to only be a couple now I can think of at least 10-12. Why fish with 20-30 other people on a cattle boat when you and 3-4 buddies can book a boat to yourself.

Not to mention everything is out deep.  Running straight out to 300-350 of water is 25-30 miles one way.  That's a lot of fuel in any boat let alone a 40-50ft Charter boat.  You gotta feel for those guys trying to make a living in the Charter boat business, especially, when fuel and maintenance costs are crazy high like they are now. 

[Crunchy]

just finished cleaning fish.  All of the charters were out in 400-430 fow.  We made the long journey also.  Coho bite was off the hook.  Hard to get down deeper to target the kings.  I like everyone else got my coho and a nice 22lb king.  Lost a nice was also.  Bonus catch were the yellowtail (seabass) I think they are called. We got a limit of those also.

[b23]

All of the charters were out in 400-430 fow.  We made the long journey also.

Dang, that is a long journey.  That's got to be 35+ miles off shore to get to 430 FOW.  Decent water and fairly fast boat and it's not terrible ride but that's gotta bite your wallet pretty hard when you filler it back up.

[Crunchy]

I think it is about 25 miles, and a hour plus ride.  We probably averaged 18mph on the way out which isn't too bad.  I just picked up 20 gallons of non-ethanal fuel and will need another ?? to top off tank.

[C-Money]

Glad you got into a mess of fish Crunchy!! That 22 pounder must have been a great fight!! Those yellowtail are excellent fish & chips!!