Guided Bottom Fishing in Seattle, WA
Experience bottom fishing in Seattle with Cut Plug Charters on the beautiful waters of Puget Sound. Our guided bottom fishing charters target popular local species like lingcod and flounder, offering an exciting fishing experience for beginners, families, and experienced anglers alike. Whether you're looking for a private fishing trip with your group or a shared charter with fellow anglers, our trips provide the opportunity to enjoy action-packed fishing, learn local techniques, and bring home fresh-caught fish when regulations allow.
Ready to go bottom fishing in Seattle?
Seattle Bottom Fishing Charters
Bottom fishing is a technique that targets fish living near the seafloor around rocky reefs, ledges, and underwater structures. The primary species we target while bottom fishing in the Seattle area are lingcod and flounder/sand dab - both of which offer an active, action-packed fishing experience.
Our guided charters are led by an experienced local captain who knows where and how to target fish living on the seabed. Whether you're visiting Seattle or you're a local looking for a day on the water, we'll provide the gear, instruction, and local knowledge you need for a great day of bottom fishing.
Private Bottom Fishing Charters in Seattle
Join Cut Plug Charters for a private fishing trip for lingcod and flounder that you won't forget. On our private charters, the entire boat is just for you and your group, and our expert guides will give you their undivided attention.
We offer daily bottom fishing trips in the mornings and afternoons exclusively during the month of May and the first half of June.
Private Charter Pricing
- Morning Charter (6 hours) - $1,350 per boat
- Afternoon Charter (4 hours) - $1,100 per boat
- Additional Passengers - $200 per person
Private Charter Details
- Morning = 6 hours
- Afternoon = 4 hours
- 2-4 passengers included in price (2-person minimum)
- Additional 5th and 6th passengers can be added for $200 per person
- Multiple boats available for larger groups
- All fishing gear included
- Opportunity to catch lingcod & flounder
- Offered exclusively from May through mid-June
Shared Bottom Fishing Charters in Seattle
If you are short on anglers for a private bottom fishing charter, you can hop aboard with some of our other customers on a shared charter! Our mixed group fishing trips are fun for the whole family, and we love watching our customers make new friends and enjoy exciting fishing experiences with like-minded people.
Ready to book your mixed group charter? We have daily morning departures out of Seattle from May 1st through June 15th.
Shared Charter Pricing
- Morning Charter (6 hours) - $295 per person
Shared Charter Details
- Morning charters only (6 hours)
- If the trip only has 2 passengers, it may be turned into a 4-hour trip at the captain’s discretion
- 2-6 passengers per boat (2-person minimum)
- All fishing gear included
- Opportunity to catch lingcod & flounder
- Offered exclusively from May through mid-June
Lingcod Fishing in Seattle
Lingcod fishing is a popular seasonal fishing activity in Puget Sound, and these aggressive predators are a favorite target on Cut Plug Charters' bottom fishing trips. Known for their powerful strikes and their tendency to hold near rocky underwater structures, lingcod offer an exciting fishing experience and are prized for their delicious meat. If you're looking for a unique Seattle fishing charter experience, join us on a lingcod fishing charter in the spring!
What Is a Lingcod?
Contrary to its name, the lingcod is actually not a member of the cod family. It's a species of greenling native to the northeastern Pacific Ocean, including the waters of Washington. Lingcod are ambush predators that hide in the nooks and crannies of underwater rock structures, waiting for smaller fish and other prey to pass within striking distance. Their large mouths, sharp teeth, and distinctive eel-like appearance make them one of the most recognizable fish anglers encounter in the Pacific Northwest.
When Can You Catch Lingcod in Seattle?
Lingcod fishing in Puget Sound is seasonal, with the 6-week recreational season typically opening from May 1st to June 15th. Because the season is limited, lingcod fishing charters can fill up quickly during the open season. If you'd like to experience lingcod fishing with Cut Plug Charters, we recommend planning ahead and checking our booking calendar for available dates.
Is Lingcod Good to Eat?
Absolutely! Lingcod is prized for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor. Although similar to traditional West Coast white-meat fish like cod and halibut, lingcod is generally considered to be superior table fare due to its moist texture, which doesn’t dry out as easily as other white-meat fish.
Lingcod meat flakes beautifully when cooked and works well in a variety of dishes, from pan-seared fillets to fish tacos and baked fish. For many anglers, bringing home a fresh lingcod is one of the highlights of a successful day on the water!
How Do You Catch Lingcod?
Lingcod fishing typically involves presenting bait or lures near the seafloor, particularly around rocky reefs and underwater structures where these predators hunt. Depending on conditions, anglers may use weighted jigs, soft-plastic lures, or bait rigs while drifting over productive bottom-fishing areas. The goal is to keep your offering near the bottom and work it through the strike zone as the boat moves with the current. Lingcod can strike aggressively, making each hookup exciting.
Ready to try lingcod fishing in Seattle? Join Cut Plug Charters for a guided bottom fishing trip on Puget Sound. Check our available charter dates and start planning your trip!
Sand Dab/Flounder Fishing in Seattle
Looking for a fun, hands-on, family-friendly fishing experience in Seattle? Sand dab and flounder fishing in Puget Sound can provide plenty of action, making it a great option for families, kids, first-time anglers, and anyone who enjoys feeling the bite and reeling in fish. While these fish aren't as large as lingcod or salmon, they offer an engaging fishing experience that keeps anglers involved throughout the trip. Don't miss this fun fishing opportunity!
What are Sand Dabs and Flounder?
Sand dabs and flounders are pretty much the same fish and are caught using the same techniques at the same time of year; they are just different subspecies of each other, though most people around the country are more familiar with the name flounder.
"Flounder" is a broad term rather than a single species; it encompasses various species of flatfish. Sand dabs are essentially the miniature cousins of the flounder family. They are small flatfish belonging to the left-eyed flounder group, commonly found along the Pacific coast of North America.
How Do You Catch Sand Dabs and Flounder?
Sand dabs and other bottom-dwelling flatfish are typically targeted over sandy or muddy sea floors in Puget Sound. They prefer these sandy bottoms that don't have a lot of rocks, as they are built to blend in and hide from predators. We use light tackle and baited hooks presented near the bottom, watching for bites and reeling in fish once they're hooked. We typically use a light bottom rig with bait, drop-shot style, or weight to a short leader similar to a mooching setup. The technique is approachable for beginners while still offering plenty of fun for experienced anglers, making it an ideal family fishing experience.
When Can You Catch Flounder and Sand Dab in Seattle?
Flounder and sand dab fishing is best in the Fall months leading up to our coldest months of the year, and right after it starts to warm up again in the Spring. We typically offer these trips alongside the 6-week recreational season for lingcod, which usually opens from May 1st to June 15th. However, we can offer these trips throughout the off-season of salmon as well. January and February are the slowest flounder months, but we still have some productive areas we can move to if weather permits. Check out our calendar for availability.
Are Flounder and Sand Dabs Good to Eat?
Yes. Despite the differences in size and name recognition, both fish share a delicious, flaky texture that makes them wonderful for seafood lovers. Flounder is known for a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a lean, flaky texture. Sand dabs, though smaller, are a beloved regional delicacy. Because they are so small and fine-boned, they are usually pan-fried whole or lightly sautéed in butter and lemon.
Family-Friendly Fishing Charters in Seattle
Because sand dab fishing can provide frequent bites when the fish are active, it's a great way to introduce kids to fishing and help new anglers build confidence. With guidance from the crew at Cut Plug Charters, you'll get a hands-on experience on the water while learning the basics of bottom fishing.
Ready for a fun day of fishing in Seattle? Join Cut Plug Charters for a guided bottom fishing trip and enjoy the excitement of flounder/sand dab fishing with family and friends. Check our available charter dates to plan your trip!
 Justin Wong.jpeg)
