Gold Rush Charters is a deep-sea fishing operation in Westport, Washington, owned by Kevin and Karyl Vasereno and captained by Kevin Vasereno and Ben Overmars aboard the Gold Rush, docked on Float 8. Captain Kevin has worked as a Westport charter captain for 49 years, including seven years deckhanding for Captain Don Fidler on the White Cap before taking the helm of his own boat.
The Gold Rush is a 43-foot Delta Marine hull finished by Knapp Boat in Tacoma, owned by the Vaserenos since 1989 and purpose-built for safely and efficiently carrying passengers offshore. She’s powered by twin John Deere diesels for a quiet, fuel-efficient cruise that maximizes time spent actually fishing rather than traveling. Safety features include an Automatic Identification System transponder, radios, and a satellite communicator for both inshore and offshore trips, along with large LED lights for safe night travel and a stable, slightly raised stainless railing for comfort while fishing. The heated cabin includes a microwave, and the boat carries a live bait tank for anchovies along with a slush-hold for storing tuna.
Gold Rush Charters runs the full seasonal lineup of Washington coast fisheries: rockfish and lingcod starting mid-March, halibut beginning in May, salmon starting at the end of June, and albacore tuna beginning at the end of July. Whether anchoring for rockfish and lingcod, hovering over halibut grounds, drifting for salmon, or working a foamer patch of albacore, the crew adjusts technique to match the target species and time of year. Captain Kevin, after 33 years of teaching alongside guiding, is now available full-time throughout spring and fall to focus on fishing and running the boat.
The crew’s goal on every trip is straightforward: make sure guests have a great time on the water while also bringing home a productive catch. With decades of Westport experience behind the wheel and a well-equipped, comfortable vessel, Gold Rush Charters has built a loyal following among Washington coast anglers.
For anglers looking to fish rockfish, lingcod, halibut, salmon, or tuna off the Washington coast with a highly experienced, multi-decade Westport captain, Gold Rush Charters offers a well-equipped, family-run fishing operation out of Float 8.
