Albacore tuna fishing out of Garibaldi is a late-summer, offshore fishery. Boats leave from Garibaldi, on Tillamook Bay, and per Lewis and Clark Guide Service, feeding fish sit about 30 to 50 miles out. For rigging and fish behavior, use the species guide. This page covers the port: timing, run distance, named structure, local methods, who fishes from here, and which station to read before you go.
When albacore are off Garibaldi
The season is late summer. The two local sources overlap in August, the only month both name.
| Source | Window |
|---|---|
| Lewis and Clark | July and August prime; sometimes into October |
| Garibaldi Charters | Usually August to mid-September |
The Garibaldi window is one slice of the wider Pacific Northwest run (see also the wider Pacific Northwest guide).
Prime window
Lewis and Clark gives July and August. Garibaldi Charters says usually August to mid-September.
Late fish
Lewis and Clark says tuna can sometimes be found into October. Since that is an occasional outcome and not a schedule, treat October as a bonus rather than something to plan around.
How far boats run and where
This is an offshore trip. The Rockpile, the one named piece of structure with a distance attached, sits about 20 miles out, per a forum guide. Lewis and Clark puts feeding fish farther, at about 30 to 50 miles.
| Reference | Distance |
|---|---|
| The Rockpile | About 20 miles offshore |
| Feeding fish (Lewis and Clark) | About 30 to 50 miles offshore |
30 to 50 miles offshore
Plan the trip around this range, where Lewis and Clark places feeding fish.
The Rockpile
About 20 miles offshore, the Rockpile falls along the run toward the 30 to 50 mile range.
Three Arch Rocks
Three Arch Rocks is a named landmark on this stretch of coast and works as a reference point on the chart.
Reading conditions at TLBO3
The nearest buoy is NOAA station TLBO3 (9437540), at Garibaldi, Tillamook Bay, at 45.555 N 123.919 W. The NOAA station 9437540 record lists it. It reports what the water is doing at the port, not on grounds 30 to 50 miles out, so pair it with the official NWS marine forecast before you run.
How albacore are fished out of Garibaldi
Garibaldi Charters, Lewis and Clark, and Big Bite list four methods between them:
- Trolling surface jigs and swimbaits
- Casting swimbaits
- Dropping iron
- Bait, depending on conditions
Trips tend to follow that order: troll to locate fish, then cast or drop iron, with bait as the fourth option. For more on each, see the species guide linked above.
Trolling surface jigs and swimbaits
Lures are pulled at the surface behind a moving boat. This is the first method on the local list.
Casting swimbaits
Soft swimbaits are thrown by rod from the boat.
Dropping iron
"Iron" means metal jigs, dropped and worked vertically.
Bait
Bait is used depending on conditions.
Who fishes albacore out of Garibaldi
Five local charters list albacore. To weigh options beyond this port, compare tuna guiding more broadly.
Charters
- Garibaldi Charters: window is usually August to mid-September; Captain Tamara is named for a ladies-only bottom trip.
- Lewis and Clark Guide Service (Oregon Coast Angling): gives the July and August window and the 30 to 50 mile figure.
- Big Bite Fishin’ Charters: Captain Demar Hagger, owner and operator.
- El Jefe Offshore Fishing: lists albacore out of Garibaldi.
- Pacific Offshore Charters: lists albacore out of Garibaldi.
Oregon Tuna Classic
The Oregon Tuna Classic, usually held in August, is an albacore tournament out of Garibaldi.
FAQ: albacore tuna fishing out of Garibaldi
How far out are the albacore?
About 30 to 50 miles offshore, per Lewis and Clark. The Rockpile sits about 20 miles out.
When is the season?
Late summer. Lewis and Clark gives July and August as prime, sometimes into October. Garibaldi Charters says usually August to mid-September.
What methods are used locally?
Trolling surface jigs and swimbaits, casting swimbaits, dropping iron, and bait depending on conditions.
Is there a tournament?
Yes. The Oregon Tuna Classic, usually in August.
Which buoy should I watch?
NOAA station TLBO3 (9437540) in Tillamook Bay, at 45.555 N 123.919 W. It reads conditions at the port, not on the grounds, so pair it with the official marine forecast.
Where are the rules?
The Oregon state rules page, the federal highly migratory species rules, and the ODFW marine zone page. Check all three before fishing.
