Astoria Tuna Fishing
Fishing Trip Dates:
July – early October
Charter Options:
Fishing charters for groups and individuals. Private fishing guide available.
Astoria Tuna Fishing
Built for both comfort and speed, our 34’ Venture, Legion’s Mercy, is set up for albacore tuna fishing. It’s equipped with outriggers and a 50 gallon live bait well. You can fish 360 degrees around this center console fishing machine. There’s even a bathroom on board! Imagine heading back into Astoria with the ice box full of fresh tuna. Will you grill it, kabob it, or can it? Be prepared for some action when we reach the fishing grounds because tuna fishing is a lot different than the other fishing we do. This private trip maxes out at 4 anglers and we’ll have a deckhand onboard to help give you the best experience possible.
Astoria Tuna Fishing Season
Tuna fishing starts to heat up in Astoria in July. Warmer weather and warmer water temps make for some prime ocean fishing opportunities throughout the summer and beyond. Some of our best tuna fishing actually takes place in September and early October.
2023 Astoria Tuna Fishing Season
We’re looking forward to getting out on the Pacific Ocean for tuna fishing again this year.
FAQ’s and Info
How far offshore do you go for tuna fishing?
We fish where the tuna are and may run out 20-60 miles depending on where the fish are.
What offshore safety gear do you have? – add to all offshore trips
We take your safety very seriously. Legion’s Mercy has a fully serviced life raft, and an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). We carry type I life jackets onboard and have everyone wear auto inflatable personal flotation devices (PFD’s) to make sure you’re comfortable and safe.
How much do guided fishing trips cost?
We have a variety of fishing trip options to choose from and we personally book each trip so we can answer questions and help you find just the right trip. Our pricing depends on whether you prefer a shared or private trip and which boat you’re fishing out of. We have options for all budgets.
How much does a fishing license cost? Do we need tags as well?
Both Oregon and Washington fishing licenses can be used when launching from Astoria. If you’re not a Washington resident you will need an Oregon license, and really it’s easier to get your license through Oregon’s online system anyway. Just be sure to add the Columbia River Endorsement before you check out.
Day licenses for both states include your salmon/steelhead/sturgeon tag and run about $25. Annual fishing licenses and tags work great for those who plan to fish more throughout the year, whether with us or on your own. Both can be purchased online or at a local retailer. We’ll include all of the details regarding licenses in your trip confirmation email and you can also learn about them on our Fishing Licenses page.
What’s the difference between Lance Fisher Fishing and the bigger charter boats?
That’s a question we get asked a lot. We’re unique in what we have to offer and I’ve written a pretty thorough answer on our Astoria page. You can check it out here.
What do we need to bring?
We provide all of the necessary fishing equipment, tackle and bait. All you need to bring is yourself, dressed in appropriate clothing for possible conditions (layers are always good), your fishing license, and whatever you would like to eat/drink for the day. All of the details will be in your trip confirmation email, which we’ll send out once you book your trip.
What should we wear when fishing in Astoria?
Astoria has its own unique weather environment. The combination of the warm waters of the Columbia River and the cooler waters of the Pacific Ocean can make for some pretty weird weather. While it may be a beautiful 75 degree day in Portland, it could be 57 degrees and drizzling in Astoria. You wouldn’t have any indication of such from where you may be staying in Portland, or further south on the coast. There are also times when we will take on spray as we are traveling. This usually occurs with an afternoon NW wind and at times there’s no way around it.
It’s a REALLY good idea to have rain gear on board. I fish in shorts and a T-shirt and always have a sweatshirt for the morning. If needed, I simply put my rain gear over my shorts and T-shirt and am able to quickly slip it off should the weather decide to get nice. There’s plenty of storage room in my boat, so bringing a bag with your layers is no problem.
Can kids fish?
Certainly! Fishing is a sport enjoyed by all ages, and the more the merrier. Kids can be quick to pick up on the motion of fishing, and by the end of your trip the kids may be teaching you a thing or two. A guided fishing trip allows you to simply enjoy the day with your kids or grandkids, while leaving all of the details to us. Just let us know how old your kids are and we’ll show you the best options available.
Will we get seasick?
It is something to think about when planning your trip, but there are options if you’re concerned. Many of our Astoria fishing trips can or do take place on the Columbia River, which is generally smoother than the ocean. It’s a great option for people who may prefer to stay on the river for a variety of reasons, and we’re happy to help coordinate things. Let us know if you’re prone to motion sickness when you’re reserving your trip so we discuss options. For those who book the whole boat, we can work to find the smoothest spots for the day. Ask your doctor about the scopolamine patch, which tends to work better than dramamine. Sea Bands work on pressure points on your wrists and can be helpful as well. We want you to have the best experience possible, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Tides – Why do they matter?
Tides are a big deal for all bodies of water where there is tidal influence and Astoria is no different. Whether you’re hoping to fish the Columbia River or heading into the Pacific Ocean, you can see which tides provide the best fishing opportunities for each species on my Astoria page. You can learn more here.
We will be flying home. How do we get our fish home?
We get this question a lot. Enough to make a page to give you all sorts of information about how to get your fish home on the airlines.
We’re from out of town. Where should we stay?
When it comes to lodging, there are a variety of options to choose from, whether you prefer the larger chains, the smaller boutique hotels, or Airbnb. Some people love the hustle and bustle of being in town while others prefer to stay in quieter areas. Your trip confirmation will include the names of some local hotels that offer discounted rates to our customers, but there are numerous other options out there. If you don’t know the area and you’re trying to build your travel plan, feel free to ask questions. We’re always happy to help you create the best experience possible and part of that is lodging. No matter where you choose to stay, a short drive will get you to your launch location the morning of your trip.
How do we book our trip?
Give us a call or use our Questions and Reservations link. We’ll help guide you through your options, answer any questions and help get you into the fishing trip that is perfect for you. A deposit is all that’s needed to hold your date. We’ll send you a trip confirmation email with all of the details. The hardest part of the process is probably waiting for your fishing day to arrive. 🙂
We’re always happy to help. Let us know if you have questions or would like to book a trip.
While You’re in Astoria