Westport Albacore Tuna Fishing Trips
When albacore tuna migrate through Washington’s coastal waters each summer, Westport becomes one of the most productive fishing grounds on the West Coast. After nearly two decades of running charters from Westport, we’ve refined our approach to help you land these powerful, fast-moving fish while teaching you techniques that work trip after trip.
Why Westport Is a Prime Spot for Albacore Tuna
Westport sits at a geographic crossroads where the Pacific Ocean’s cold, nutrient-rich currents meet warmer offshore waters. This convergence creates ideal feeding conditions that draw migrating albacore tuna within 30-60 miles of the coast during peak season. We’ve watched this pattern repeat year after year—when water temps hit that 58-64°F sweet spot, the bite turns on. Westport’s deep-water port offers smoother bar crossings and fewer canceled trips, thus getting you to the fishing grounds safer and faster.
Westport’s Unique Offshore Currents
The offshore currents near Westport create natural feeding lanes where baitfish stack up in massive schools. Albacore follow these currents as they migrate north, gorging on pacific saury, squid and krill. We’ve learned to read these patterns—when we find the right temperature break with bait on the sounder, the tuna are rarely far behind. Our captains check NOAA sea surface temperature maps daily and communicate with other boats to track where fish are holding.
Typical Albacore Season in Washington
The albacore season runs from July through October, with mid July to late September delivering the most consistent action. We’ve had excellent tuna fishing as early as mid June when warm pushes unusually close to shore. Water conditions vary year to year, so we recommend booking with flexibility to fish when conditions align.
What to Expect on Our Albacore Fishing Trips
We meet at the Westport marina between 5:30am and 6:30am. After covering safety procedures and rigging strategies, we head offshore into the Pacific. The run to the fishing grounds takes about two hours. We use this time to set up gear, explain trolling spreads, and demonstrate proper hook-setting technique. Once we mark fish on the sounder or spot birds working bait, we position the boat and get lines in the water.
You’ll handle every part of the fight—from the initial hookup through the entire battle. When a tuna hits, we coach you through the process: keeping the rod tip up, letting the fish run against a properly set drag, and short pumping the rod to gain line. We troll until we find fish, then switch to live bait. Our crew stays with you through each step, adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us.
Our Boats and Gear for Westport Albacore
Our boats are rigged specifically for offshore tuna fishing. We run twin and triple engine setups that cruise efficiently at 20-30 knots, getting you to the grounds while burning less fuel. Enclosed cabins provide shelter from wind and spray, with cushioned seating and marine heads. We fish exclusively with Okuma rods and reels spooled with 50lb braided line and a 30lb flourocarbon leader. All rods are 6-7 foot medium-heavy blanks matched to the reels. We carry live anchovies when available as well as an assortment of proven trolling gear.
Trip Details and Booking
Book through our website with a deposit to hold your date. Balance is due the day of your trip. Weather cancellations are rescheduled at no charge. Peak season dates fill weeks in advance, so book early.Your trip includes all tackle and bait. Fish filleting is offered by our crew for a small charge. Bring your Washington saltwater fishing license, food, drinks, and layered clothing. Visit our fishing schedule page to check open dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westport Albacore
What Is the Daily Limit for Albacore Tuna in Washington?
The WDFW does not currently have a daily limit per person for Albacore tuna however the Westport 6-pack fleet self-imposses a 6-8 tuna per person limit, per day.
How Far Do We Travel Offshore?
We typically fish 30-60 miles offshore depending on where the bite is happening. For shorter travel times, see our express-style albacore tuna trip.
Is Fish Cleaning Included?
We provide fish filleting and bagging for a small charge. While we always carry sufficient ice for each trip there typically any extra ice after the trip. Ice can be purchased at Merinos Seafood in Westport for your trip home.
Are Trips Suitable for Beginners?
No. We do require some fishing experience prior to making this trip. The more the better. This is typically a fast paced, hands-on, physical trip requiring quite a bit of coordination. Because of this we have an age requiremnet of 18-70 years.
Book Your Westport Albacore Trip
Westport albacore fishing puts you on fast, hard-fighting fish while building skills that translate to other types of fishing. Our experience running these waters since 2010 means we know where to find fish and how to help you land them. Check our schedule and reserve your spot.