Deep Sea Fishing Seattle
Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Seattle
When most people picture deep sea fishing, they imagine heading miles offshore into rough ocean swells — but in Seattle, the deep sea starts right here in Puget Sound.
This vast inland waterway drops hundreds of feet deep just beyond the marina, creating one of the most accessible saltwater fisheries on the West Coast.
Whether you’re a local looking to get out on the water or visiting from out of town and want to fish just steps from your hotel, you can depart right here from Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina and be fishing deep saltwater within minutes — chasing King Salmon, Coho, Lingcod, and other bottom fish on calm, protected water surrounded by stunning scenery.
It’s the best of both worlds: the thrill of deep-sea fishing without the rough ride.
What Makes Seattle’s Deep Sea Fishing Unique
Seattle’s version of “deep sea” fishing happens in Puget Sound — a massive inland arm of the Pacific Ocean that’s both deep and sheltered.
That means you get all the excitement of saltwater fishing without ocean swells or long travel times.
- Minutes from Downtown: Depart from Seattle’s Ballard District — you’ll be fishing within 15 minutes of leaving the dock.
- Year-Round Opportunities: Salmon, lingcod, and flounder keep rods bending through every season.
- Calm, Protected Waters: Perfect for families, beginners, and groups who want a smooth ride.
- Spectacular Setting: Towering mountains, bald eagles, and orcas often make an appearance.
You’ll fish the same waters where local legends have been chasing salmon for generations — no passport or offshore run required.
What You Can Catch
Salmon (Chinook, Coho, Pink, and Blackmouth)
The crown jewel of Seattle’s deep saltwater fishery.
- Summer Kings (Chinook): June–August
- Coho (Silvers): August–October
- Pink Salmon: Odd years, late July–September
- Blackmouth: Winter Chinook, November–April
Lingcod (May–June)
Big, toothy, and powerful — a true Northwest favorite.
- Found along deep rocky ledges
- Strong fighters and excellent eating
Flounder / Sand Dabs (Year-Round)
Fun, fast-paced bottom fishing for kids and casual anglers.
- Easy action and great for beginners
How We Fish Puget Sound’s Deep Waters
Every trip is tailored to the season and your target species:
- Trolling for Salmon: Using downriggers to fish deep (80–150 feet), following bait schools and tide lines.
- Drift Fishing for Lingcod: Working live bait or jigs over rocky structure in 60–120 feet of water.
- Light-Tackle Bottom Fishing: Easy, nonstop action for flounder and sand dabs.
All trips include rods, reels, tackle, bait, fish cleaning, and bags — everything you need to focus on fishing and fun.
The Puget Sound Experience
What makes Seattle’s deep-sea fishing special isn’t just the fish — it’s the setting. You’ll fish in view of:
- The Seattle skyline and Space Needle
- The Olympic Mountains rising to the west
- Mount Rainier glowing over the horizon
- Wildlife, including orcas, porpoises, seals, and bald eagles
It’s a stunning backdrop for any fishing trip — and one you won’t find offshore.
Guided by Seattle’s Most Experienced Captains
Fish Finders Private Charters has been running deep sea–style charters in Seattle since 1994.
We specialize in small-group, high-quality trips that combine expert guidance with the comfort and safety of modern charter boats.
- USCG-Licensed Captains with decades of local experience
- Heated cabins and enclosed heads for year-round comfort
- 3–5 anglers on shared trips, up to 6 on private charters
- Top gear and electronics from Lowrance, Raymarine, and Shimano
This is real saltwater fishing — Seattle-style.
Trip Details
- Departures: Shilshole Bay Marina, Ballard — 10 minutes from downtown Seattle
- Trip Length:
- 6-hour morning salmon or lingcod charters
- 4-hour afternoon private trips
- 3½-hour flounder trips (family-friendly option)
- Group Size: Shared (3–5 anglers) or private (up to 6 guests)
- What’s Included: All tackle, bait, rods, reels, fish cleaning, and bags
- Licenses: Available onboard ($13 per person)