This FAQ are the most frequently asked questions we receive from someone who is looking to book a fishing trip here in the greater Seattle Area.
It is important to get your questions answered. After all, we want you to have a great fishing experience. If you have a question that is not listed here, please ask.
FAQ
365 Charters & Ridge to River Outdoors provides all fishing equipment, bait and tackle. You need to bring your fishing license, catch card and something to eat and drink. Other good items to bring are camera, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses and warm clothes. Most importantly bring a positive attitude.
It’s best to dress in layers so you can peel some off when it gets warm, or put some on if it cools off. This is Seattle and it rains. So if rain is possibly in the forecast, you should bring rain gear. The cabin for our salt water boat is covered and you can go down below anytime. Our sled is completely open and you will get wet if it rains. Read more about "What to Wear".
If the water is too rough, for safety we will re-schedule or cancel. If it’s just raining, we’ll still go. Our sled is open and you will definitely need rain gear. The big boat has a covered and heated cabin so you can get out of the rain if necessary. Around here we don’t let a little rain stop us.
This really depends on the time of the year. The morning trips normally depart the dock around daylight (6am) and the afternoon trips usually depart around 1:00PM.
If you have book the boat for a private charter we can adjust the departure times to suit your needs. Either way, your trip conformation will have the departure time listed.
If you have book the boat for a private charter we can adjust the departure times to suit your needs. Either way, your trip conformation will have the departure time listed.
Puget Sound trips last 6 hours from check in time until you return to the dock. We offer 4 hour trips for those so inclined.
River trips last 7 hours.
Private charters can be structured to meet your time schedule.
River trips last 7 hours.
Private charters can be structured to meet your time schedule.
Dock to dock means that when we leave the dock until we return to the dock. Some trips may require run a little further than normal. We will take that into account and adjust accordingly.
Your comfort and safety are #1 priorities for us. 365 Charters prides itself on being a friendly, family owned charter. We offer competitive prices, as well as a safe, clean, comfortable, well equipped, fully licensed and insured charter fishing boat.
We provide all fishing tackle (rods, reels, lures and bait). We clean and bag your fish at the end of the day.
The main cabin on our Puget Sound boat is heated, with an enclosed marine head (bathroom). The sled has heaters during cold months only. While we do not have a bathroom on the sled, we make accommodations for you to use the bathroom during the trip if needed.
Our boats are licensed to accommodate a maximum of six passengers. You will fish with a hands on approach using the best methods for catching fish in Puget Sound and our local rivers.
We provide all fishing tackle (rods, reels, lures and bait). We clean and bag your fish at the end of the day.
The main cabin on our Puget Sound boat is heated, with an enclosed marine head (bathroom). The sled has heaters during cold months only. While we do not have a bathroom on the sled, we make accommodations for you to use the bathroom during the trip if needed.
Our boats are licensed to accommodate a maximum of six passengers. You will fish with a hands on approach using the best methods for catching fish in Puget Sound and our local rivers.
Puget Sound is protected water with no ocean swells. You will be fishing within sight of land usually within a mile or less of shore. The average travel time to the fishing grounds is 15 to 30 minutes.
When we fish the river or a lake, we typically stat fishing almost right away.
When we fish the river or a lake, we typically stat fishing almost right away.
All ages are welcome. We have had kids as young as 2 years old fishing with us.
Both of our boats are licensed to carry up to six passengers for hire. Our boats are large enough and safe enough to handle many more than that, but 6 passengers are max.
If you have booked a private charter of at least 4 anglers, you can expect to have only your party on the boat.
If you have booked a private charter of at least 4 anglers, you can expect to have only your party on the boat.
Puget Sound - Most Puget Sound salmon fishing is done trolling with down-riggers, using light to medium tackle. We fish with lots of different lures and sometimes bait.
River - When we fish the river, we often use a free drifting technique, but not always.
Bottom line is, we use the technique we think we have the best chance of helping you be successful landing fish.
River - When we fish the river, we often use a free drifting technique, but not always.
Bottom line is, we use the technique we think we have the best chance of helping you be successful landing fish.
Yes, if you are 16 years of age or over. We are a licensed dealer and carry one-day licenses on the Puget Sound Charter boat. The cost is $10 per person whether you are a resident or non-resident of Washington.
We do not sell fishing license for river and lake trips.
Types of Licenses to Buy Online from WDFW.
Buy Your License Online Now.
We do not sell fishing license for river and lake trips.
Types of Licenses to Buy Online from WDFW.
Buy Your License Online Now.
As soon as you know the date you want you should make a reservation. Depending on the fishery, booking at least one month in advance is a good idea. We do have a couple fisheries that must be booked at least 3 months in advance. If you have some flexibility in your dates we can usually accommodate you even on short notice.
Sometimes, we can have you on the water the same day you call.
Sometimes, we can have you on the water the same day you call.
A credit card is required to guarantee your reservation. The total amount is due on the day of your trip.
By making a reservation you are agreeing to our cancellation policy. We prefer cash or credit card for final payment. We will accept all major credit cards.
Reservations are required; and a credit card is required in order to guarantee you a seat for your fishing trip.
By making a reservation you are agreeing to our cancellation policy. We prefer cash or credit card for final payment. We will accept all major credit cards.
Reservations are required; and a credit card is required in order to guarantee you a seat for your fishing trip.
Cancellations, although rare are sometimes inevitable. Re-scheduling is the best policy and we will work with you to the best of our ability taking our schedule and yours into consideration.
If you must cancel you are required to give us at least 14 days notice for a full deposit refund. If you notify us between within the 14 days before the trip you will be charged a $50 per person cancellation fee. (Essentially, you will lose your deposit.)
If you must cancel you are required to give us at least 14 days notice for a full deposit refund. If you notify us between within the 14 days before the trip you will be charged a $50 per person cancellation fee. (Essentially, you will lose your deposit.)
While our big boat has a fridge, we do not run it while on the water, so it is best to bring a small cooler. In the sled, there is a box for fish, but you will need to bring a small cooler for your drinks.
If you are fishing Puget Sound with us out of Everett, we recommend the Inn At Port Gardner 1-888-252-6779. This is walking distance to the dock, where we will pick up your party. If you are fishing with us on one of the many Western Washington rivers we fish, you will have to look around for a hotel. We will be glad to help you find suitable accommodations.
You can keep up to the legal limit allowed. Many clients practice catch and release. At the end of the day, we clean or fillet and bag the fish you keep.
Unlike some areas around the US and abroad, the boat does not keep fish.
Unlike some areas around the US and abroad, the boat does not keep fish.
We provide free high quality fish bags, which will get your fish home. Many clients leave a cooler in their vehicle to transport the bagged fish. After trip, they stop and buy some ice for the cooler.
If you want to ship your fish home, please know it can be very expensive. As an example, it can cost as much as 150.00 to send 10 lbs of frozen fish. If this is something you want to do, we can assist you.
If you want to ship your fish home, please know it can be very expensive. As an example, it can cost as much as 150.00 to send 10 lbs of frozen fish. If this is something you want to do, we can assist you.
Most of the time there is just the captain and your party. Although sometimes we have a deckhand. Deckhands only work for tips.
Restaurants in our region will not cook your fish due to health regulations.
Sadly, no. Unfortunately, in almost every industry there are a few who will not abide by the rules and regulations. The charter and guided fishing industry is no different.
Properly licensed guides and charters will have the following;
1. Appropriate WDFW guide or charter license (Salmon Charter, Food Fish, or Game Fish License) Not only is there a sticker on the vessel, but they also have a card which matches the sticker.
2. Insurance. The state of Washington requires a 300k insurance policy to be licensed. We carry 1.5 Million in coverage.
3. US Coast Guard License & TWIC card. Many of the waterways we fish, are considered "Navigable". That means your guide or charter captain must maintain a valid US Coast Guard License with a minimum of an OUPV rating and a TWIC card. This must be renewed every 5 years. Any fishing in saltwater requires the operator have a USCG license. Other common rivers that require this license are; Snohomish, Skagit, Cowlitz, Columbia rivers.
Captain Doug holds a valid USCG Masters License with an endorsement in towing, in addition to a TWIC card, as well as all state licenses.
It is important to point out, Washington State has some awesome rivers and lakes that are not navigable and do not require the guide have a USCG license. Examples, are; Skykomish, Yakima, Methow, Klickitat rivers and countless lakes.
Properly licensed guides and charters will have the following;
1. Appropriate WDFW guide or charter license (Salmon Charter, Food Fish, or Game Fish License) Not only is there a sticker on the vessel, but they also have a card which matches the sticker.
2. Insurance. The state of Washington requires a 300k insurance policy to be licensed. We carry 1.5 Million in coverage.
3. US Coast Guard License & TWIC card. Many of the waterways we fish, are considered "Navigable". That means your guide or charter captain must maintain a valid US Coast Guard License with a minimum of an OUPV rating and a TWIC card. This must be renewed every 5 years. Any fishing in saltwater requires the operator have a USCG license. Other common rivers that require this license are; Snohomish, Skagit, Cowlitz, Columbia rivers.
Captain Doug holds a valid USCG Masters License with an endorsement in towing, in addition to a TWIC card, as well as all state licenses.
It is important to point out, Washington State has some awesome rivers and lakes that are not navigable and do not require the guide have a USCG license. Examples, are; Skykomish, Yakima, Methow, Klickitat rivers and countless lakes.
Here are a few tips to help you find a properly licensed guide or charter captain.
Use a trusted web search engine to find your guide or charter for the area you want to fish. Properly licensed guides and charters will put a great deal of effort into their website and marketing. They will try to be as informative as possible on their website.
Sometimes, the guide or charter may be rated on a travel website, like Trip Advisor. This is a great indication they are a legitimate business. However, not all guides and charters have figured out how to get their business on these travel websites. We suggest you do not use that as your main decision.
Similar Prices. Properly licensed guides and charters rates for trips will be similar to others in the area they operate. When you find a guide or charter that is $50 to $100 per person less than other guides fishing the same water and the same amount of anglers, this should be a red flag. That said, it is absolutely possible you will find a properly licensed charter that charges less than other charters. Why? These charters are running inspected vessels, which allows them to carry more than 6 passengers. They work hard to max out the passengers, thus they can charge less, depending on the type of trip.
If you show up to fish with a guide or charter and they say, "If anyone asks, we are just fishing as friends." This should be a warning they are not licensed. If they are not licensed, they most likely do not have insurance.
If at all in doubt, ask to see their license when you show up for your trip. Guides and charters are required to carry the documentation when on the water.
The bottom line is you need to feel comfortable with your guide or charter and know that in the event of an incident, there is insurance. Or if you are stopped by WDFW enforcement, the trip will not suddenly come to an end because the guide or charter is not licensed.
Use a trusted web search engine to find your guide or charter for the area you want to fish. Properly licensed guides and charters will put a great deal of effort into their website and marketing. They will try to be as informative as possible on their website.
Sometimes, the guide or charter may be rated on a travel website, like Trip Advisor. This is a great indication they are a legitimate business. However, not all guides and charters have figured out how to get their business on these travel websites. We suggest you do not use that as your main decision.
Similar Prices. Properly licensed guides and charters rates for trips will be similar to others in the area they operate. When you find a guide or charter that is $50 to $100 per person less than other guides fishing the same water and the same amount of anglers, this should be a red flag. That said, it is absolutely possible you will find a properly licensed charter that charges less than other charters. Why? These charters are running inspected vessels, which allows them to carry more than 6 passengers. They work hard to max out the passengers, thus they can charge less, depending on the type of trip.
If you show up to fish with a guide or charter and they say, "If anyone asks, we are just fishing as friends." This should be a warning they are not licensed. If they are not licensed, they most likely do not have insurance.
If at all in doubt, ask to see their license when you show up for your trip. Guides and charters are required to carry the documentation when on the water.
The bottom line is you need to feel comfortable with your guide or charter and know that in the event of an incident, there is insurance. Or if you are stopped by WDFW enforcement, the trip will not suddenly come to an end because the guide or charter is not licensed.
Guides and Charters are licensed commercial sport fishing operations. Both take take customers for hire for sport fishing.
Guides in Washington State may hold one or both of the following licenses; Foodfish or Gamefish. The Foodfish license allows the guide to guide for Salmon in freshwater. The Gamefish license allows the guide to guide for Steelhead, Trout, Bass, etc. (essentially any fish) in freshwater that is not salmon.
Charters in Washington state hold a Salmon Charter license, which allows them to fish for any species in saltwater areas of Western Washington and some limited freshwater rivers and lakes.
As an example, a Salmon Charter license would be required to fish in Puget Sound, and any ocean waters. The Salmon Charter license would also be required to fish Buoy 10 on the Columbia River, if the charter picked up the customers in Washington State. (ie. Chinook, Illwaco) Salmon Charter license are also required to fish for Salmon in Lake Washington.
There is also a non-salmon charter license that a few charters hold. They are allowed to fish in the saltwater for all species except Salmon and Tuna. There are not too many companies who hold only this license by itself.
The guide or charter knows and understands the rules of where they may operate. But this explains why each has a different designation.
We provide both Guide and Charter services and we hold all of the aforementioned licenses, except the non-salmon charter license.
Guides in Washington State may hold one or both of the following licenses; Foodfish or Gamefish. The Foodfish license allows the guide to guide for Salmon in freshwater. The Gamefish license allows the guide to guide for Steelhead, Trout, Bass, etc. (essentially any fish) in freshwater that is not salmon.
Charters in Washington state hold a Salmon Charter license, which allows them to fish for any species in saltwater areas of Western Washington and some limited freshwater rivers and lakes.
As an example, a Salmon Charter license would be required to fish in Puget Sound, and any ocean waters. The Salmon Charter license would also be required to fish Buoy 10 on the Columbia River, if the charter picked up the customers in Washington State. (ie. Chinook, Illwaco) Salmon Charter license are also required to fish for Salmon in Lake Washington.
There is also a non-salmon charter license that a few charters hold. They are allowed to fish in the saltwater for all species except Salmon and Tuna. There are not too many companies who hold only this license by itself.
The guide or charter knows and understands the rules of where they may operate. But this explains why each has a different designation.
We provide both Guide and Charter services and we hold all of the aforementioned licenses, except the non-salmon charter license.
365 Charters is a subsidiary of Ridge to River Outdoors, LLC. We are are one in the same.
In 2007, I started Ridge to River Outdoors, LLC and we offered sport fishing trips for several Western Washington rivers and waterfowl trips in the north Puget Sound. We stopped offering waterfowl trips in 2014 and began the process of moving to the saltwater to offer salmon and bottom fishing trips. Since we no longer provide waterfowl trips, creating 365 Charters just made sense.
Because we have created such a strong business and brand with Ridge to River Outdoors, we decided to keep it.
In 2007, I started Ridge to River Outdoors, LLC and we offered sport fishing trips for several Western Washington rivers and waterfowl trips in the north Puget Sound. We stopped offering waterfowl trips in 2014 and began the process of moving to the saltwater to offer salmon and bottom fishing trips. Since we no longer provide waterfowl trips, creating 365 Charters just made sense.
Because we have created such a strong business and brand with Ridge to River Outdoors, we decided to keep it.
