Play N Hooky Guide Service - Astoria
Play N Hooky Guide Service - Astoria
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If you've heard of Buoy 10 of the Columbia River, but you've never had the chance to cast your line in these productive fishing grounds, then it's high time to give it a go. From August until mid-September, Play N Hooky Guide Service runs trips from Astoria, just in time for you to catch your biggest King Salmon yet.
Captain Eric Baird, who will be your guide for the day, has over 25 years of experience chasing Salmon in these waters, and he knows all their secret hideouts. Chinook and Coho Salmon are in the cards, and both of them are excellent fighters that will not make it easy for you to reel them in. Bear in mind that this area has strict limits on how many fish you can catch per day and that they vary from season to season.
One thing Buoy 10 is known for is its tides and a massive difference they make on the day-to-day fishery. Have no fear, Capt. Eric will know when the best time to start your expedition is and he will know just where to go to put you on the fish. And for a great day on the restless waters of the Columbia River, you need a strong and safe boat as your ride.
Captain's trusty ally in all the fishing quests is a 24' Riverwild with the capacity to take out up to 6 people to the best fishery of the day. She's rigged with twin 225 HP Yamaha engines and has all the fish finding electronics you could ask for. You will have rods, reels, and tackle on board, as well as fresh live bait and lures.
You're in charge of bringing your own lunch, snacks, and drinks, or you can ask Capt. Eric to provide them for you for a small additional cost. After you've fought the King and came out a winner, your guide will fillet your catch for free, that way you'll have a mouthwatering dinner as soon as you come home.
Play N Hooky Guide Service is ready to show you the abundance of Buoy 10, just bring a valid fishing license and join in for a day for amazing Salmon fishing!
If you've heard of Buoy 10 of the Columbia River, but you've never had the chance to cast your line in these productive fishing grounds, then it's high time to give it a go. From August until mid-September, Play N Hooky Guide Service runs trips from Astoria, just in time for you to catch your biggest King Salmon yet.
Captain Eric Baird, who will be your guide for the day, has over 25 years of experience chasing Salmon in these waters, and he knows all their secret hideouts. Chinook and Coho Salmon are in the cards, and both of them are excellent fighters that will not make it easy for you to reel them in. Bear in mind that this area has strict limits on how many fish you can catch per day and that they vary from season to season.
One thing Buoy 10 is known for is its tides and a massive difference they make on the day-to-day fishery. Have no fear, Capt. Eric will know when the best time to start your expedition is and he will know just where to go to put you on the fish. And for a great day on the restless waters of the Columbia River, you need a strong and safe boat as your ride.
Captain's trusty ally in all the fishing quests is a 24' Riverwild with the capacity to take out up to 6 people to the best fishery of the day. She's rigged with twin 225 HP Yamaha engines and has all the fish finding electronics you could ask for. You will have rods, reels, and tackle on board, as well as fresh live bait and lures.
You're in charge of bringing your own lunch, snacks, and drinks, or you can ask Capt. Eric to provide them for you for a small additional cost. After you've fought the King and came out a winner, your guide will fillet your catch for free, that way you'll have a mouthwatering dinner as soon as you come home.
Play N Hooky Guide Service is ready to show you the abundance of Buoy 10, just bring a valid fishing license and join in for a day for amazing Salmon fishing!
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (35)
Reviews (21)
Melody Franklin5.0VerifiedFinally, a guide that produces results!
Full Day Trip on August 29, 2026 • 5 adultsYears of unsuccessful guided trips, I had given u onpating thousands for a day long boat trip. my wife gave w this trip as a birthday gift wih my four boys. Eric gt us intothe fish within an hour of getting o the water. The entire trip was was great. Eric thought of everything.
Robert Rohner5.0Verifiedcompetent, experienced and patient with newbie
Full Day Trip on August 27, 2026 • 2 adultsa very pleasant day with Eric. met us on time and made us feel welcomed on the boat. took the time to explain everything to my son and basically schooled him in the art of king fishing. overall a great day and would highly recommend him.
Ian CrawnRepeat angler5.0VerifiedGreat Day!
Full Day Trip on August 17, 2026 • 2 adultsCaptain Eric was great, put us on fish quick super knowledgeable and helpful when we needed it. Would book another trip with him again without hesitation
Nicholas Elam5.0VerifiedAbsolutely awsome!!
Full Day Trip on September 11, 2025 • 2 adults • 1 childWe had a blast. Our guide Eric was great company and a wealth of knowledge. We will be back for sure. Highly recommend spending a day on Play n hooky guid services boat.
Thomas Busche5.0VerifiedCompany appreciation day.
Full Day Trip on August 25, 2023 • 5 adultsCaught 11 fish. Not to bad. Some advice: be at the dock ready 5-10 mins before 6 so you can get out first first thing. Morning feeding was great and tapered off in the afternoon. Pretty sure most fish are morning and dusk feeders so again get there early. A big thank you to Captain Eric from everyone at Lightmen Painting.
Nikolaus Nolscher5.0VerifiedFull day with captain Baird
Full Day Trip on August 25, 2022 • 2 adults • 1 childRough day on the water, bite not too hot. Captain Baird knows his stuff and put us on the fish regardless. We hooked at least 10 fish between the two of us and were able to keep a few legal beauties as you can see. Captain really went the extra mile for us! Thanks again, and looking forward to more fishing tales together 😁
David Shanazarov5.0VerifiedFull day trip with Eric
Full Day Trip on August 30, 2020 • 2 adultsAwesome fishing experience with captain Eric Baird. This was my first time fishing in the ocean for salmon. When I booked the trip I let Eric know that it was my dream to catch an ocean king and this trip did not disappoint. Eric was very professional and knowledgeable with this fishery. My Buddy and I were feeling sea sick and didn’t know how long we’d make it on the water. Eric got us onto the fish fast. I limited out on King’s in less than and hour between fish. He was kind enough to clean and fillet the fish for us. Definitely recommend this guide and will be back for more!
Deon Greenwood5.0VerifiedFantastic
Full Day Trip on September 3, 2022 • 2 adultsHad a fantastic day fishing! The catching was even better! Trip was excellent from beginning to end!! Eric you made this trip a truly memorable experience! Thank you!
Ashlie SeifertRepeat angler5.0VerifiedFishing with Eric
Full Day Trip on September 1, 2022 • 6 adults • 4 children
Paul Miller5.0Verifiedfull day
Full Day Trip on August 10, 2021 • 2 adultsthe wind was treacherous but Eric handeled it better than i have seen in the many trips i have taken. I will be booking again!
Rating
Anglers' gallery (35)
All reviews (21)
Years of unsuccessful guided trips, I had given u onpating thousands for a day long boat trip. my wife gave w this trip as a birthday gift wih my four boys. Eric gt us intothe fish within an hour of getting o the water. The entire trip was was great. Eric thought of everything.
it was agreat day !!
a very pleasant day with Eric. met us on time and made us feel welcomed on the boat. took the time to explain everything to my son and basically schooled him in the art of king fishing. overall a great day and would highly recommend him.
it was a pleasure , thank you very much!
Captain Eric was great, put us on fish quick super knowledgeable and helpful when we needed it. Would book another trip with him again without hesitation
fun day for sure !!, thanxs again 🙏👊👊
thank you , see you soon !!
thxs !!
FAQs about Play N Hooky Guide Service - Astoria
- US $250 per person - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Ice box
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting
- Lunch (Request upon booking)
- River fishing
- Nearshore fishing
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Drift fishing
- Salmon (Chinook)
- Salmon (Coho)
Your operator
Warrenton, Oregon, United States
Captain Eric Baird has spent the last quarter of the century casting his line in the waters around Washington and Oregon and he's got ample experience to share with his customers. His parents' love of fishing and the great outdoors was what got him into fishing in the first place. Today, Capt. Eric enjoys the most taking out families with kids and helping them reel in their first catch.
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
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