You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

Total

NEW

Select a date to view pricing. The date you selected is no longer available. Please select another date.

Date

Select a group size to view pricing.

Select an animal to view pricing.

Select a duration to view pricing.

Select a start time to check out.

You won't be charged yet

Total

Browse Similar Trips

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Get ready for an epic adventure as we fish in the land of giants. White Sturgeon, the largest freshwater fish in North America move into the flats near Astoria every spring. With average sizes over 5 feet long these prehistoric monsters put on a spectacular show as they leap into the air. If you've ever craved fishing for Tarpon but don't want to deal with the heat, humidity, and the crowds this is just the bucket list fishery for you.

We'll set out from the dock and locate the herd. Once the boat is anchored up I'll get the heavy rods ready and we'll wait for the first bite. It usually doesn't take long before the rod tips start diving for the water and the sturgeon start flying into the air. During peak season doubles and triples with over 1,000 lbs of fish on at once are commonplace. This is one of the highest action fisheries in the world.

If your arms get tired landing fish and the weather is good we'll take a tour around the estuary and look at wildlife and some of the local historic sites.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 5 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an intense level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Scroll for more

Pricing Matrix

	8 hours
1 Person	$250.00
2 People	$500.00
3 People	$750.00
4 People	$1,000.00
5 People	$1,250.00
6 People	$1,400.00
7 People (two boats)	$2,000.00
8 People (two boats)	$2,000.00
9 People (two boats)	$2,500.00
10 People (two boats)	$2,500.00
11 People (two boats)	$2,800.00
12 People (two boats)	$2,800.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Jerad S.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

About Your Guide

Jerad S.

Independent Guide

I caught my first fish at 3 years old when my grandfather took me out on his homemade wooden boat. He was the best fishing guide you could hope for. When the rod went down he left the rod in the holder while I cranked the reel. His shouts of “don’t stop reeling” echo in my ears today. After the fish was netted and on the deck he smiled and told me good job. There is still a picture of me somewhere holding up one end of the handle of a garden hoe. The other end rested on a wheelbarrow and the fish hung in between. That Spring Chinook was nearly as big as I was. I’m now a fishing guide and have probably caught thousands of fish including bottom fish and sturgeon. I still feel that same sense of excitement and rush of adrenaline every time the line goes tight.

How I went from fishing guy to fishing guide

I was on a much needed and long planned vacation to Neah Bay, WA for the ling cod opener. On the opening day we split up everyone with two of our friends joining us in the boat. While II had never fished in the area, I had a good map. I initially started us out near the other boats, but we weren’t catching fish. Not many boats were. Feeling my patience slip, I picked out a spot away from the other boats. The map showed a small ledge out in the middle of nowhere. I set up our drift and everyone dropped their lines down. Just as we crossed the ledge one of the rods bent over and the drag started pulling. After a brief fight, a beautiful ling cod found itself in the boat.

I reset the boat and we tried again, this time it was my rod that bent over. The fish came over the side of the boat. It was another keeper! I reset for a third time, two rods hooked up. We continued on until all four of us had limited, eight ling cod in total. The other boat called us and asked how we were doing. I told them to get over here and they quickly started hooking up. After a move to the reef for rock fish we quickly limited the boat with a total of 36 fish.

We headed back to the dock with a cooler full of fish. I looked around the boat at everyone’s faces. This had been one of the best fishing days of my life. My pride that day wasn’t about the fish I had caught. It was in seeing how good a time everyone else had. I no longer needed the rod or net to be in my hand to enjoy catching a fish. My friend looked at me and said “if you keep this up, you could be a fishing guide”. While it would be a few more years before I became a full time fishing guide. On that day, the seed had been sown.

Fishing Guide philosophy

From those experiences, I learned the best parts of fishing are the moments spent with others. I remember how happy I was when my son caught his first salmon. Every time I see someone experience that type of moment reminds me of that day. I can’t help but laugh with joy as my client’s eyes go wide when a fish jumps. The ear to ear grin someone’s face when the net finally embraces that shimmering, collection of scales is my reward. Watching people point out wildlife, giving each other meaningful looks, and just being contented are all a pleasure.

That joy I felt watching my friends catch fish that I put them on is no longer a singular experience. Each trip now has it’s own meaning. I get to share in the wonder as someone catches their first fish. I get to help families make memories together that will be carried long after their loved ones have passed. Friends share new experiences and build bonds that will last a lifetime. I get to meet people that I never would have had a chance to get to know otherwise. People young and old touch and experience the wonder of a part of the world that is extraordinary. This all happens on my boat.

My job as a fishing guide is to help create the conditions that allow those moments to happen. I do everything I can to find fish to catch, including using the best bait and tackle I can find. My boat has been customized to provide the best possible experience. I adjust every trip to the my client’s goals. That is my job. I get to help people be happy by sharing something I love to do.

Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

14 foot thresher shark

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Columbia River Spring Chinook, Fresh mushrooms, and fresh asparagus

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

14 foot thresher shark

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Columbia River Spring Chinook, Fresh mushrooms, and fresh asparagus

What’s your favorite band?

Fun

What’s your favorite movie?

Mrs. Doubtfire

What’s your favorite sports team?

McClaren F1

What’s your drink of choice?

Coffee

What was your last halloween costume?

A wizard

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Everyone to have a good time

How did you get started guiding?

I took a group of friends out and limited them on lingcod and rockfish. I realized that I had even more fun getting other people on fish and showing them a good time than I did catching fish myself.

What makes you different from other guides?

Not only do we catch a lot of fish, I provide insight into the history, wildlife, plants, and natural history of the area. I grew up helping out on tour bouts on the Rogue River and I carry this experience with me. I do everything i can to make the trip enjoyable for all of my clients, whether they are super focused on catching fish, want to socialize, just want to have a day out in nature, or all of the above.

Scroll for more

Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Astoria, Oregon

Areas Fished

Columbia River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Catch And Release Sturgeon

Boat Type: River Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Pic-Nic Welding
Boat Length: 25'
Boat Restroom: No

About Your Boat

Boat Type: River Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Pic-Nic Welding
Boat Length: 25'
Boat Restroom: No
Additional Amenities: Rod Holders, Cushioned Seats, Blankets

Scroll for more

Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 5 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an intense level of physical activity.

Languages

English

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Astoria Fishing Reports »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 5 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 5 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

John

Verified Review

Everything went great. The weather was great too.

John

Verified Review

Everything went great. The weather was great too.

Scroll for more

Trip: Inshore Venice

Ralph

Verified Review

Super fun. Everyone enjoyed. Nice family time.

Ralph

Verified Review

Super fun. Everyone enjoyed. Nice family time.

Scroll for more

Trip: Biloxi Mixed Bag Trip

Ray

Verified Review

Five stars! Fun trip!

Ray

Verified Review

Five stars! Fun trip!

Scroll for more

Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

Danyel

Verified Review

Super cool and nice had a great time.

Danyel

Verified Review

Super cool and nice had a great time.

Scroll for more

Trip: In Or Near Shore Experience

Lucinda

Verified Review

It was more than I expected and seamless. I would highly recommend Captain Experiences.

Lucinda

Verified Review

It was more than I expected and seamless. I would highly recommend Captain Experiences.

Scroll for more

Trip: Key West On Light Tackle & Flies

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.