Answers to FAQ

Q: Do I need a license?
YES! Everyone age 15 and older needs a saltwater fishing license. We do have available on the boat 1-day licenses for $10, however, we encourage anglers to pre purchase licenses and appropriate catch records prior to your trip. Most sporting good outlets sell Washington State Fishing Licenses.

Q: What do I need to bring with me?

  • Bring a Lunch (coffee is provided)
  • Wear boots if you have them, or rubber soled shoes
  • Bring your lucky hat
  • Sunglasses, Camera
  • Dress Warm (you can always remove it)
  • Rain Gear (just in case)
  • Seasick medicine (just in case)
  • Small coolers only. No room for huge coolers on the boat.
  • Cash for onboard fillet fees and to tip your deckhand
  • Most of all a good night’s sleep!

Q: I don’t have any fishing gear!
Westport Charters and Hula Girl provides all the fishing gear you need and it is included in the price. The gear will be on the boat for you the morning of your trip. The vast majority of our customers choose to use our fishing gear rather than bring their own, which we prefer.

Q: I don’t know how to fish!
Perfect! We will be able to show you how to do it the right way. We have a great method for each kind of fish we catch, and new people often do well because they listen well. The skipper and deckhand will gladly show you what to do because they want you to have a great time and catch lots of fish!

Q: How far out do you go?
Generally we travel between 6 and 20 miles for Salmon and Bottomfish and 25-40 miles for Halibut and Deepwater Trips.

Q: What about seasickness?
There are many people that never get seasick. If you are concerned, you may want to buy an over the counter seasickness medication. Read the instructions on the box. Most of them are preventative, and the instructions on the box will tell you when you should take them and how often. Dramamine is very popular, but we have seen very good results with Bonine as well.

Q: What do I do with my fish once I catch them?
The skipper and the deckhand will do everything for you. You don’t even ever have to touch your fish (unless you want to). The deckhand will fillet your fish for you for a fee. Salmon are cleaned on the way in and deckhands will fillet them for you after you get in for a small charge. Bags are provided for you to take your fish with you off the boat.

Q: Is there someplace that sells ice for my fish for the car ride home?
Yes! We can direct you to your options when you are here.

Q: What is the minimum age to go fishing?
Children need to be at least 8 years old to go fishing.

Q: Which trip is the most fun?
They are all very fun. Bottomfishing is a favorite of many because the limit is 7 rockfish and 2 lingcod per person. You get lots of action and catch lots of fish. This is the trip in which we catch the most fish. It is great for first timers because it is not too difficult. Salmon fishing is exciting because salmon are great fighters and run all over the place. You frequently have to follow them around the boat. It takes a little more skill to catch salmon, but the skipper and deckhand will gladly show you how. Combo trips are a combination of salmon and bottomfishing. Halibut fishing is exciting because it is a longer range trip, and the fish get big. It is not uncommon to catch halibut over 40 pounds! This trip is physically demanding. It is a longer ride, and we fish in water depths up to 750 feet! (Not that easy).

Q: How much does it cost to go fishing?
Our Trips page has all of our pricing information.

Q: How do I make a reservation?
You will find our phone number on our contact page. Give us a call today! If you get the answering machine, leave your name and a phone number that we can call you back at and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q: What if I want to use my own rod and reel?
That is fine but there are a couple stipulations. NO BRAIDED LINE (fire line, tuff line, spider wire, dacron, etc) except on deep water Halibut trips, but still check with the office. We use 30 pound test clear mono on salmon and 30 to 40 pound test on bottomfish reels. This is what Westport Charters and the Boat Crew recommend. We’ve experienced braided lines just don’t mix well in the charter boat environment. These lines are so strong (a little to strong) and thin to the point of being dangerous, especially when snagged on the bottom. Knot tying, tangles, and fouling in the boats running gear are also problematic.

Q: How’s Fishing?
Fishing is always great at Westport Charters!! Have fun and FISH ON!

Deposit / Cancellation Policy: Cancellation notice must be given 21 days in advance for Salmon, Combo, and Bottomfish trips. If cancelled within 21 days, you are required to pay for your spots in full unless we are able to fill them. Halibut trips require prepayment and are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled. Anyone who shows up intoxicated will not be allowed to go fishing, and they will not be given a refund. No exceptions.