FAQs
Before reaching out to us, see if your question has already been answered here!
Can I bring my own flies and gear?
Sure! Just make sure it is adequate for the fishing you book, Capt. Garrett can help you with that, just call or shoot him an email. If you want to know what flies to tie, reach out before the trip for a list of flies. Garrett does provide all the gear and flies for his guided trips for your convenience.
I want the trip to go a specific way, how do I let Garrett know?
Call or email Capt. Garrett with your expectations. He is able to accommodate almost any expectation if he knows ahead of time.
I need to cancel or change my trip, what do I do? What if I’m late to the boat ramp?
Call Garrett as soon as you need to cancel or change your trip date. The cancellation policy is posted here and is in your confirmation email when the trip was booked. If you’re late, the trip is not extended to compensate for your late arrival. The saltwater trips are tidally based and it’s very important that you show up on time in order to fish that tidal window.
Does CCO ever cancel trips?
Very rarely. Bad weather does not cancel trips unless it presents unsafe conditions. Wind is the biggest threat to your trip, but rare due to where Capt. Garrett guides. If the weather is safer in a different bay or river Garrett will offer to change venues. If trips must be cancelled due to unsafe weather, state or federal closures of waterways, other “acts of god”, illness, or injury, you will receive a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes! If you plan to touch a fishing rod, you need to have a fishing license. Passengers that don’t fish do not need a license. If you are doing a saltwater trip and want to take home crab or fish you will need a shellfish and fishing license to count towards your bag limit. ODFW sells them online and through their app. CCO or Capt. Garrett are not responsible for fines, legal fees, or other consequences if guests fail to purchase licenses prior to boarding.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes! Rockfish, lingcod, kelp greenlings, and other saltwater fish are delicious and Capt. Garrett will clean those fish at the ramp and bag them up for you. Crabs are also cleaned and broken into clusters for easy preparation. We follow all retention and catch and release regulations put in place by the ODFW. If you have secured your limit, you cannot cull fish (or any deceased crabs) and must catch and release for the rest of the trip per ODFW regulations.
What if I get sea sick?
If you think you might be prone to sea sickness, the best way to avoid it is with Dramamine or a similar medication. Take a regular Dramamine the night before, eat a good meal before getting on the boat (having food in you is better than not), and take a non-drowsy Dramamine about 30 minutes before the trip.
Generally, most guest don’t have an issue with sea sickness while in the bay as the waves are mild. You can also use sea bands or patches if that has worked better for you in the past.
Do we go out into the ocean?
No, we stick inside the bay. The miles of rocks have plenty of fish for us to catch and it offers a more fly fishing familiar fishery.
Can I bring someone else in the boat if they don’t fish?
Yes, but the boat is limited to two guests. All trips are the same price regardless of party size. If a guest doesn’t have a fishing license, they cannot fish and their attendance cannot contribute to how many fish/crabs can be kept.
Do I need a life jacket or other safety equipment?
Yes! Capt. Garrett provides auto inflating life jackets for his guests that need to be worn at all times when on saltwater trips. Kids under 12 years old have to wear them before they step on the boat. When on fresh water trips, they are not required to be worn while fishing, but when motoring to the fishing location they need to be worn. Garrett also keeps a fire extinguisher, a throwable flotation device, and a sounding device per Coast Guard regulations. Capt. Garrett also provides safety glasses for guests without sunglasses or prescription glasses. When fishing at night, either prescription or safety glasses must be worn.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers and comfortably. Studded footwear is not allowed in the boat at all. Capt. Garrett’s boat is fiberglass and studded boots or soles may damage the boat.
Being outside in Oregon, you should expect some rain. It’s never a bad idea to pack a wind/waterproof layer in case the rain or wind catches us off guard.
What if I have a dietary restriction or an allergy?
Please contact us at least 24 hours before your trip begins so that we can accommodate your needs.
Can I drink alcohol in the boat?
No, insurance companies frown upon that and we want to be safe so we can have as much fun and enjoyment as possible. No drugs of any kind can be brought onboard. The Coast Guard is very strict on that and so is CCO. Capt. Garrett is happy to recommend a great bar or restaurant that you may enjoy after the trip.
Is Cascade Coast Outfitters licensed and insured?
Yes! Capt. Garrett holds a guide license through the State of Oregon and a captain’s license through the United States Coast Guard. Capt. Garrett is also bonded and insured to meet the regulations as an Oregon outdoor guide.
What kind of boat does Cascade Coast Outfitters use?
A Sidewinder skiff. A skiff is the best casting platform a fly angler could ask for and with a 200hp motor, getting to the fishing location is a breeze.
If I’m new to fly fishing can I still come and catch fish?
Yes! Guided trips are a great way for people new to the sport of fly fishing to learn and excel. It can also be great for experienced anglers to learn about new fisheries and opportunities close to home. We are able to accommodate any angler at any level.
I can’t cast really well, is that going to be a problem?
Not at all! Capt. Garrett can accommodate any casting level. If you really want to up your casting game before your trip, reach out to some of Capt. Garrett’s friends at River’s West Casting Club in Salem, Oregon. There are master casting instructors at Wallace Marine Park every Saturday rain or shine, giving free casting lessons from 9 AM until noon (single hand from 10:30 AM until noon). Reach out to them or Garrett for more details.
What experience does Cascade Coast Outfitters have?
Capt. Garrett has been fly fishing for nearly 20 years. He is currently the foremost expert on Oregon saltwater fly fishing. He is also a nationally recognized fly tyer and angler. Rest assured you are in extremely “fishy” hands.
Where do I meet Garrett for my time out on the water?
In the confirmation email you receive upon booking, Capt. Garrett will give you the name of a boat ramp to meet him at. No need for shuttles with these types of fisheries. Just be on time so you get to enjoy the most out of your time on the water.
Does Garrett have any recommendations on where to stay, restaurants, or non-fishing activities?
Of course! Capt. Garrett is a lifelong Oregon resident that has been all over the state. Just ask and he is happy to give recommendations for anything you’re after.
Did we miss an FAQ?
If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to reach out through the contact page or directly with email or a phone call.