What goes into this score
Salish Guide Score
A 0–100 summary of what we can check about this guide. Anything we haven't checked is left out, not counted against them.
-
Angler reviews on The Salish Guide
The average star rating from anglers who reviewed this guide on The Salish Guide. Needs 5 Trip-linked reviews before the score shows.
35 ptsNot yet 0 of 5 needed -
WDFW license verified
License status must be matched to a WDFW public record before the score shows.
20 ptsNot yet Not yet checked -
Profile completeness & freshness
How much of the profile is filled in, counted only if it was updated in the last 12 months.
20 ptsPartly 10 of 20 fields -
Years in business
Years guiding. Documented years count fully. Years the guide states count at 70%.
10 ptsNot yet Not supplied -
Credentials & safety
Credentials and safety details the guide has supplied.
10 ptsMet Supplied by the guide -
Responsiveness
How fast the guide replies to inquiries sent through The Salish Guide. Within 24 hours counts fully.
5 ptsNot yet No data yet
Weight Counted nowHow we calculate this ›
Overview
A Spot Tail Guide Service specializes in light-tackle salmon mooching on Puget Sound, with each angler holding their own rod, and also offers saltwater fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat. Trips leave from Shilshole Bay Marina and fish waters such as Point No Point, Jefferson Head, Possession Bar and Kingston. Captain Keith Robbins, who holds a USCG 100-ton master's license, has guided on the Sound for 35 years. Charters are private, on a 23 ft Grady-White for up to six, and run year-round, busiest July through September. Fishing trips cost $1,000–$1,250 per boat. Anglers commonly mention his local knowledge, patient instruction for beginners and families, and steady success finding fish.
About
| Species | Chinook, Coho, Pink, Chum, Sea-run cutthroat, Steelhead, Bull trout (Dolly Varden) |
|---|---|
| Waters | Puget Sound & San Juans |
| Trip Types | Saltwater charter |
| Gear | Each angler gets their own rod. Light tackle for salmon mooching; fly fishing uses top-water and sinking flies on floating and sinking lines. Boats Grady-White |
| Specialties | Light tackle mooching for salmon on Puget Sound. Also saltwater fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat, bottom fishing, sightseeing and sea burials. |
| Price | $1,000–$1,250 per boat Trips & Rates › |
Captains & Boat
Keith Robbins
Keith Robbins owns A Spot Tail Salmon Guide and has guided Puget Sound for 35 years with his own business, after three years working for another captain. He specializes in light-tackle mooching and saltwater fly fishing.
35 years guiding.
USCG 100 Ton Master's License; Washington Fisheries Department license; Sage Pro Staff; Simms Ambassador
Grady-White (Fisherman, center console)
Length: 23 ft
Capacity: 6
Trips & Rates
Starting rates. Per boat is one price for the whole private boat, not per angler.
Fishing trips
6-hour private salmon charter (morning)
$1,250per boatIncludes up to 4; extra passengers $300 each; extend $250/hr if time allows
6 hrPrivate boatUp to 6Year-round4-hour private salmon charter (afternoon)
$1,100per boatIncludes up to 4; extra $250 each; booked only on short notice (48 hrs or less)
4 hrPrivate boatUp to 6June 15–September 15Sea-run cutthroat (fly or spin)
$1,000per boatIncludes up to 2 anglers; extra $150 each; only 2 can fly fish at a time; July–September is priced as a salmon trip.
6 hrPrivate boatUp to 3Year-round
Other trips
Sightseeing
$250/ hour + fuel$250/hr plus fuel; 3-hour minimum; private boat, up to 6 guests
3 hr minUp to 6Year-roundSea burial
$350first hour$350 for the first hour; +$200 per extra half hour; extra fuel outside usual range
1 hrUp to 6
Angler Reviews
Fished with A Spot Tail Guide Service? Your review helps other anglers choose. Reviews are read by a moderator before they publish.
Write a Review
Write a Review
A Spot Tail Guide Service
Sign in to write a review. Reviews are held for moderation.
Sign inWhat's Included & What to Bring
Included. All fishing gear (G. Loomis or Sage rods, Shimano Tekota or Sage reels, hand-tied leaders), bait and tackle, rain gear on request, bottled water; catch cleaned and bagged.
Bring. Warm layers all year, rain gear, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, snacks, camera; leave any cooler in your car.
Where You Meet
Shilshole Bay Marina, Dock R
7411 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
Park on the east side of the lot (not permit spots) or on the street; call your captain at the gate.
Policies
Per guide, confirm before booking. The Salish Guide doesn't take bookings or deposits.
- Cancellation
- The full trip fee is non-refundable within 7 days of the trip.
- Deposit
- $150 non-refundable deposit charged at booking.
- Keeping fish
- Keep what WDFW rules allow; catch is cleaned and bagged, and salmon filleted at no extra charge.
- Kids
- Children welcome; bring a life jacket for very small children.
- Licenses
- A $13.50 fishing license is required per person and can be bought on the boat.
- Payment
- All major credit cards; convenience fee $10/person or $40/private boat.
- Weather
- Trips are rescheduled if winds exceed 20 mph; the call is made 60–90 minutes before departure, never the night before. A 3.5% handling fee applies to refunded deposits.
FAQ
Where do you meet?
Shilshole Bay Marina, Dock R; park on the east side of the lot and call the captain at the gate.
What months do you operate?
Year-round.
What hours are trips?
Mornings preferred; start times depend on tide and season.
Is seasickness likely?
Unlikely: Puget Sound has no ocean swell.
Can we bring beer?
Yes, but no drunkenness.
Do you ship fish?
No, but they refer you to markets and a smokehouse that vacuum-pack and ship.
How far ahead should we book?
Book early for July–September, the busiest months.
Where do you fish?
Point No Point, Jefferson Head, Possession Bar, Kingston, Bainbridge, Vashon and Whidbey, 5–30 minutes from the marina.
Similar Guides
- Anglers Unlimited Charters Puget Sound & San Juans · Saltwater charter Shares 2 species: Chinook, Coho No reviews yet›
Cut Plug Charter
Puget Sound & San Juans · Saltwater charter
Shares 2 species: Chinook, Coho
No reviews yet›- Salmon Seattle Puget Sound & San Juans · Saltwater charter Shares 2 species: Chinook, Coho No reviews yet›