Northwest Fishing Reports

Has anyone done some shore fishing in these areas inside the harbor? I'm going to do some exploring tomorrow if I can find decent access. Initially I was looking into these areas for sand shrimp but then thought "Why not take a rod and see what's swimming?"

This is part of my summer plan to start at Ocean Shores and slowly work my way North fishing for surfperch or whatever else swims by. Mostly it's just a good excuse to haul my fat ass to the beach and keep me walking.

So, anyone got any advice or experience about those areas? There's a low tide around 12:40. My plan is to get there around 10:30 and spend some time wandering around, casting, mabye seeing if I can slurp up some bait.

Thanks,

John

Really depends on what you are looking for. Surf perch can be found anywhere along the shore line using the basic strategies and bait. A good set of neoprene waders and a rod, you'll do alright. Just cast way out. If there are any jetties (like the ocean shores jetty) cast out there a few times. Sounds fun! Are you going to do it all in succession? Keep us all posted!

We have fished down on that big sandbar that runs out at the end of Marine View Dr. by the marina. You used to be able to drive all the way out to the end, but the road kept getting washed away with the storms so now it's strictly walk or bike in. You don't have to walk all the way though. Just cut across to sand to the water on the grays harbor side. Surf perch was killer there when they were in. It's more rocky sand, so no sand shrimp. So if your going to fish that area, bring bait.

Also, both sides of the jetty in ocean shores can be very productive. On the ocean side, if you hike out a little, the surf perch fishing can be phenomenally good. We have even caught mackerel there during El Niño! The harbor side is snaggy, but you can get some quality fish too. Big kelp greenling, and perch that have the blue line running down the side.

The rest of the way up the coast is pretty much a surf perch fishery. Not much structure until you get to the copolis river. Depending on the time of year, there is a fairly good run of silvers and you can cast for them right from the edge of the river. Take some blue fox spinners in chartreuse and blue with silver blades to give a go for those.

Best of luck and for sure, keep us posted on the adventure!

Bay Wolf and ResQ are both experienced surf perch fishermen. Listen to these guys...I learned a lot from both of them.

You might also consider exploring a bit south too. The Grayland Beach is also good. About 15 minutes south of Westport. Anywhere from Cranberry Beach Rd up the South Jetty at Westport. I've had great luck by looking at the lay of the land when the tide is low. Look for a sloping beach, or obvious trenches or pockets in the sand where it will create a pool or trough when the water covers it back up...that's where the perch will be when the water comes back in.

Good luck and keep us posted! I just pan fried 3 fat red tails last night and they were DELICIOUS!!!!!!

Got another 5 curing right now the same way I cure salmon (brown sugar, garlic powder and morton's sugar cure)...gonna try smoked surf perch.

I wish I'd seen Baywolf's post before I left. No fish but it was a learning experience and I got to shake the kinks out of my new fishing set up so not a complete loss either.

I hit the bay from this entry point:
http://goo.gl/maps/O7eKj

Which apparently puts me pretty much as far from any fish as you can get. If you look at that map in satellite view you'll see a line of Jetty rocks cutting across a shallow bay. According to a very nice couple I met no one ever fishes inside the rocks for the simple reason that no one ever catches fish there. I don't know if it's an absolute rule but I couldn't find anything that was interested in Gulp today.

I've got a few mobility issues so that was one damn long hike down to the end of the rocks for me. I made it to where they come out of the water on the East but couldn't clamber over with my beach cart so I turned around and headed out. Probably just as well. By the time I made it home my back had quit for the day.

Nice day in the sun, I think I heard a whale blow, met a few nice folks and learned something about fishing that bay. Next time I start on the North side of the North Jetty and work my way North from there.

Thanks for the responses.

John

I fish that sunken jetty with my kayak and have done excellent out there. Biggest ling was 35" ,lots of rockfish, and some pretty nice cabs too.
Most people won't put out the energy to get out there..... fine with me.