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Lipstick Salmon Slayers: Three Women in Astoria – Weldcraft Marine
Sep
On a misty August morning in Astoria, Oregon, three determined anglers stepped aboard Our Time—a Weldcraft 300 Cuddy King OS—with one goal in mind: to take on the all-women’s Lipstick Salmon Slayers Tournament. Representing Portland Marine and Weldcraft Boats, Traci VanWinkle, Jennifer Jones, and Ashley Peel brought grit, gear, and a love for fishing to one of the most iconic salmon fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.
A Tournament That Celebrates Women on the Water
The Lipstick Salmon Slayers Tournament is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of women anglers who bring their passion, skill, and camaraderie to the Columbia River every year. Timed with the legendary Buoy 10 season, the event draws hundreds of participants from across the region, all chasing Chinook and Coho in the tidal waters where river meets sea.
From the Astoria Bridge to the mouth of the Pacific, this stretch of river is alive with boats and salmon surging inland. Strong tides, powerful currents, and nutrient-rich water create one of the most dynamic and productive salmon fisheries in the world. For seasoned anglers and newcomers alike, it’s a place where every strike can turn into a memory of a lifetime.
The Boat: Our Time, a Weldcraft 300 Cuddy King OS
When conditions shift, confidence comes from your boat. Our Time, owned by Jeff and Traci VanWinkle, delivered exactly that. The Weldcraft 300 Cuddy King OS is a heavy-gauge aluminum fishing machine, precision-engineered for offshore performance and angler comfort. With its deep-V hull, enclosed cabin, and expansive deck space, it kept the crew stable, dry, and fishing hard all day long.
“There’s just something about stepping on that deck that instantly puts you in the fishing zone,” Traci said. “Almost instantly, the rods started bending over and we were shouting ‘Fish on!’”
The Crew: Traci, Jennifer & Ashley
Each angler brought her own strengths.
TRACI
A seasoned local angler with decades of experience fishing the Columbia. Confident and detail-driven, she knew when to change gear, adjust tactics, and keep the team dialed in.
JENNIFER
Representing Portland Marine, she grew up fishing Oregon’s coast and rivers—her enthusiasm and knowledge lit up the boat.
ASHLEY
A newer tournament angler but no stranger to competition. After tying for first in 2022 and losing on weigh-in time, she came with unfinished business.
“Lipstick Salmon Slayers is unique in that weights are drawn at random,” Ashley explained. “It means every fish matters—and every catch is worth celebrating.”
Together, they embodied what the tournament stands for: collaboration, competition, and sheer joy on the water.
More Than Just a Tournament
The fish weren’t the only story. The camaraderie on board was just as memorable. While the men handled captain and bait duty, the women ran the show—proving that passion and persistence are the true keys to success.
By the end of the day, the freezer was filled with six Chinook, one Coho, and plenty of stories worth retelling. “What made the day special wasn’t just the haul,” Traci said. “It was the laughter, the high fives, and the shared thrill of chasing salmon together. That’s why I love sharing fishing with others.”
Ashley added, “I didn’t get my redemption this year, but being on the water with women who celebrate every fish—keepers or not—made it a winning day regardless.”
Weldcraft and the Spirit of the Event
For Weldcraft, supporting events like Lipstick Salmon Slayers is about more than boats. It’s about building community, inspiring anglers of every background, and keeping the fishing tradition alive for the next generation.
Because when you’re aboard a Weldcraft, every trip is about more than the catch. It’s about the moments you create along the way.
Designed For Living. Welded For Life.
