Cut Plug Charters delivers guided fishing trips on Puget Sound out of Seattle, led by Captain Justin Wong and based at Shilshole Bay Marina just minutes from downtown Seattle. The business specializes in salmon fishing, targeting King (Chinook), Silver (Coho), and Chum (Keta) salmon depending on the season, along with bottom fishing for lingcod and flounder.
What sets Cut Plug Charters apart is its active, hands-on fishing style. Rather than relying primarily on trolling like many charters, the crew uses engaging techniques paired with light tackle gear that keep anglers directly involved throughout the trip, whether that’s working a rod for salmon or drift fishing for bottom species. Lingcod season runs May 1st through June 15th, giving anglers a shot at an aggressive, hard-fighting fish, while flounder rounds out the bottom fishing lineup as a more relaxed, easy-to-catch option, making bottom fishing trips a solid choice for families.
Trips are available as either private or shared charters, with flexible morning and afternoon departure times to fit different schedules. Morning trips run six hours, with a private boat for up to four passengers priced at $1,350 (additional 5th and 6th anglers at $200 each), or a shared boat at $295 per person with a two-person minimum. Afternoon trips run four hours, with private boats priced at $1,100 for up to four anglers. Groups as large as 28 people can be accommodated by splitting across multiple boats. Beyond fishing, Cut Plug Charters also offers sightseeing trips and sea burial charters on Puget Sound for those looking for a different kind of outing on the water.
The captains are described as seasoned fishermen who double as patient guides, making sure new anglers and kids get real hands-on involvement rather than just watching from the sidelines. A one-day Washington fishing license can be purchased on the boat for $10, and all fishing gear is included in the trip price.
For anglers looking for an active, engaging Seattle salmon or bottom fishing charter with flexible private and shared trip options, Cut Plug Charters offers a well-reviewed, Shilshole Bay-based operation built around hands-on techniques rather than passive trolling.
