Salmon fishing Westport???????

[gasman]

Ok, so I am considering heading to Westport next weekend for salmon, but it is something I have never done on my own 


Looking for advise, do's, don'ts, where to, etc........ basically, I have no idea where to go, or where to start fishing 

Crossing the bar, never done it before....... Looked at the tides for the 11th of July and I see there is a -2.55 tide in the AM.... My thought would be to cross on the outgoing and or slack tide, then return on the incoming or flood tide also, but I have never done it, so I'm just guessing at that.

How far off shore do I need to go to find salmon?
After crossing the bar, head north, south, west, to find fish?


I have a 18' Rainder, here's my boat.



Thanks for any help and advise 

And yeah, Tony, we should talk also 


Pete

[WSU]

Here's a good start: http://www.salmonuniversity.com/wtc_westport.html

Keep a close eye on ocean conditions, especially in that boat.

[Encore 280]

With a minus tide there's gonna be a big runout and that means big swells coming at ya There were minus tides this week and the CG was turning anything smaller than 30' back. The fish have been out 10-12 miles in 250-300ft of water. I went out earlier in the month and we got one in close by the two red cans at the end of the south jetty. Went there a couple weeks ago and there was nothing. Go to Salmon University and check the Westport report on Wednesday morning. It gets rough off the end of the south jetty and ya gotta go way out to get around it. Some guys cut it really close right of the tip of the jetty. I would wait til the fish are in closer.

[gasman]

With a minus tide there's gonna be a big runout and that means big swells coming at ya There were minus tides this week and the CG was turning anything smaller than 30' back. The fish have been out 10-12 miles in 250-300ft of water. I went out earlier in the month and we got one in close by the two red cans at the end of the south jetty. Went there a couple weeks ago and there was nothing. Go to Salmon University and check the Westport report on Wednesday morning. It gets rough off the end of the south jetty and ya gotta go way out to get around it. Some guys cut it really close right of the tip of the jetty. I would wait til the fish are in closer.

I go to Salmon University regularly 

when are the salmon closer to shore?

and hay Larry, can you email me those pic of my boat again (if you still have them) I was going to post those pic up, but I forgot to save them before deleting 

[Westside88]

It would be worth taking a charter trip there before even considering going out
In a boat that small. Just my thoughts. I went on charter trip Saturday you wouldn't have even crossed the bar that day. I have an 18 ft Sea Ray...... Not gonna happen. I'll stick to the bay and the area right by Westport

[The scout]

father in law went out last sat. the fish were wnw 230ft of water (the main school). not a bad run if its decent weather. fish have been moving in and north slowly

[Encore 280]

Aye Pietro, pics on the way but that boat sure has a starboard list to it!

[gasman]

It would be worth taking a charter trip there before even considering going out
In a boat that small. Just my thoughts. I went on charter trip Saturday you wouldn't have even crossed the bar that day. I have an 18 ft Sea Ray...... Not gonna happen. I'll stick to the bay and the area right by Westport

I have been on several charters over the years, Westport and Illwaco, salmon and bottom fishing, so I really dont think I can learn much more them (unless the capt is willing to sit with me and pick his brain, but I would presume he has better, more import things to do then chat with me at extent), except GPS cord.  and I would presume, the charters are going to travel much farther then I am willing to in my boat   

Aye Pietro, pics on the way but that boat sure has a starboard list to it!

Thats because I had the center of gravity off a bit 

Thanks Larry 

[Crunchy]

It shouldnt be too difficult to find fish.  Sometimes Westport is like glass, and you could do it in a 16ft boat no problems.  Just keep an eye on the weather and tides.  The silvers for the most part are in close from what I hear.  Usually a ten minute run from the launch and drop your gear.  Kings you probably have to run out further to get into them good.  Watch for the charters or other boats and that will give you an idea. 

[cohoho]

Pick the day for sure.  Here is something I read a while back and kept a copy.   This past weekend, no way in heck would I have been out there in my mind!!! But the weekend before it was slightly rough in my mind, but very doable.  Some thought it was super mellow, some thought it was too bad to go...  Again, whatever you and your boat are comfortable doing.   I like to run with (Robodad) that is ex-coast guard, when he thinks it is bad, I believe his thoughts really quickly..  I think it is all about comfort levels for sure and I increase mine every trip.  BD guys have a great connection, might want to go on there and run with someone - buddy boat.  A couple other guys on this site (Buckhorn2) have a lot of experience fishing that area, I do not in that area.  Learning myself the area every time I go out.

If you are new to fishing salt with your boat, maybe hit Sekui several times first to get he feel of the bigger water than the Sound. 

I was a converted river inboard jet guy, fished a lot of Salt in AK, but in protected but in protected waters.   The Pacific "COMMANDS" respect 100% of the time... A lot can happen in the big water!!!!

[gasman]

Thanks Cohoho, I plan on doing as much big salt water fishing I can. Definatly want to get some place I can salmon and bottom fish and Neah Bay and LaPush are on the list to fish too 

What is the "ideal" tide to look for? (minimal water exchange?)


And Larry, I think with how off-center the weight distribution is, it sits pretty good 

[Buzz2401]

Tides with less the 8ft of swing are gonna be best.  Personally with your boat you would be better off doing the Neah Bay Sekiu thing but what ever you choose make sure you are safe and have all your safety equipment.

[singleshot12]

   I had a friend who took his boat over to Sekiu every year to fish kings. All he had was a 17ft Glassply and he fished close to shore off the kelp beds and always came back alive and with fish.

[Hunterman]

Pete give me a call.

Hunterman(Tony)

[mkcj]

Gasman go here www.bdoutdoors.com there is a really good thread on crossing the bar in the Washington section, along with many sites for tides and flow.

[Encore 280]

I've had both of my 17's across the bar at Westport, one is an Olympic (which is for sale by the way) and a couple weeks ago I was out there in my 17' Arima. I watch the tides and current and keep an eye on the weather. I would never go out on a minus tide unless it was towards the end and after max ebb as long as it looked good. Although I've never ventured out too far. I was in the CG for 10 years and stationed at La Push in the early 70's so I've seen how it can get. If the bar is too rough to come back in don't attempt it, sit it out if possible. Use good common sense. Don't be afraid to call the CG for an escort in or for help if you're not sure.

[WAcoueshunter]

 In addition to length, I'd also be hesitant with an open bow.   

The fish can be in closer to shore at any time.  But by then, they will also be in closer at Neah, Sekiu, San Juans, Midchannel, etc., and then the Columbia kicks in in August.  If you can't get offshore, no reason to force it at Westport, there are plenty of other good inshore places for smaller boats.

[buckhorn2]

I am going to try the northside tomorrow looking around the 40 to 50 foot depth for birds or bait. I have had reports of some fish off the casino in that depth we have had good fishing out at the 300 foot mark but its time for the fish to move in I will give you a report tomorrow

[cohoho]

I am going to try the northside tomorrow looking around the 40 to 50 foot depth for birds or bait. I have had reports of some fish off the casino in that depth we have had good fishing out at the 300 foot mark but its time for the fish to move in I will give you a report tomorrow

Good luck Del, keep all of us inshore weekend warriors up on the activities.  We'll be heading down the 11-13.. Wish this week, water looks great off web sites...

[C-Money]

Nice looking boat!!! Hope you get out and nail them Gasman.

[Hunterman]

I am going to try the northside tomorrow looking around the 40 to 50 foot depth for birds or bait. I have had reports of some fish off the casino in that depth we have had good fishing out at the 300 foot mark but its time for the fish to move in I will give you a report tomorrow

Lets hope the fish come in soon  There should be some big fish up north Del. Pick up a couple that makes mine from last year look like a shaker 

Gasman we'll be down there next week end. Your boat will work nice out there like we talked about last night. Heck bud like I said before you fish in your 18 footer, I should loan you my 15  She's got over 20 years out there.

Hunterman(Tony)

[Rick]

Grays Harbor Entrance, Washington Current

11 July 2014
46.9167° N, 124.1250° W

2014-07-11  00:21 PDT  -0.00 knots  Slack, Ebb Begins
2014-07-11  04:06 PDT  -4.18 knots  Max Ebb
2014-07-11  04:55 PDT   Moonset
2014-07-11  05:33 PDT   Sunrise
2014-07-11  07:30 PDT   0.01 knots  Slack, Flood Begins
2014-07-11  10:46 PDT   2.64 knots  Max Flood
2014-07-11  13:44 PDT  -0.01 knots  Slack, Ebb Begins
2014-07-11  16:39 PDT  -2.44 knots  Max Ebb
2014-07-11  19:14 PDT   0.00 knots  Slack, Flood Begins
2014-07-11  20:20 PDT   Moonrise
2014-07-11  21:10 PDT   Sunset
2014-07-11  22:08 PDT   2.37 knots  Max Flood

See where the max ebb at 4:06am is -4.18 knots? That would be the absolute worst time to try and cross. The bar will be a nightmare then.   I have a 26' pilot house and wouldn't even consider crossing at max ebb. I'd be looking to cross the bar at that 7:30am slack. Then I'd either be prepared to be crossing back over about 1-1:30pm or die hard it until the 7:14 slack.

Crossing at slack is almost always my preference. Then on the flood and ebb is a last resort.

[buckhorn2]

Fished the northside today in 35 to 45 feet about off the point of timber which is about 1 mile north of the jetty. Found a lot of bait and a few fish not like the outside fishing but fun to only let out 15 feet and be able to see the beach. We caught 5 keeper silvers and 1 nice 25 pound king and lost 2 at the boat. There sounded like better fishing off the casino in 80 to 100 feet with both kings and silvers. Sounded like the offshore guys were getting fish up on top today it was just a beautiful ocean today. Flashers and bait at 15 pulls is what we used.

[Hunterman]

These reports are killing me    Here I am on vacation this week and the boss has me at home doing honey do things    I might try to make it down there for a day trip when we get back from Or. for the 4th.

Hunterman(Tony)

[James E]

Gas man, I am heading down tomorrow - Sunday. I used to go out in a 19' jet craft all the time. Only had 1 kind of hairy situation. You can PM me. Maybe we could meet up and you can cross the bar with me, if u want.

[gasman]

Grays Harbor Entrance, Washington Current

11 July 2014
46.9167° N, 124.1250° W

2014-07-11  00:21 PDT  -0.00 knots  Slack, Ebb Begins
2014-07-11  04:06 PDT  -4.18 knots  Max Ebb
2014-07-11  04:55 PDT   Moonset
2014-07-11  05:33 PDT   Sunrise
2014-07-11  07:30 PDT   0.01 knots  Slack, Flood Begins
2014-07-11  10:46 PDT   2.64 knots  Max Flood
2014-07-11  13:44 PDT  -0.01 knots  Slack, Ebb Begins
2014-07-11  16:39 PDT  -2.44 knots  Max Ebb
2014-07-11  19:14 PDT   0.00 knots  Slack, Flood Begins
2014-07-11  20:20 PDT   Moonrise
2014-07-11  21:10 PDT   Sunset
2014-07-11  22:08 PDT   2.37 knots  Max Flood

See where the max ebb at 4:06am is -4.18 knots? That would be the absolute worst time to try and cross. The bar will be a nightmare then.   I have a 26' pilot house and wouldn't even consider crossing at max ebb. I'd be looking to cross the bar at that 7:30am slack. Then I'd either be prepared to be crossing back over about 1-1:30pm or die hard it until the 7:14 slack.

Crossing at slack is almost always my preference. Then on the flood and ebb is a last resort.

Hey thanks Rick  I have a tide and current app on my cell and I didnt even think of looking at it until you posted this  got it saved on my favoriyes now, so I will remember to look at it more for current info 

Gas man, I am heading down tomorrow - Sunday. I used to go out in a 19' jet craft all the time. Only had 1 kind of hairy situation. You can PM me. Maybe we could meet up and you can cross the bar with me, if u want.

Not going this weekend, but maybe next weekend, still not 100% confident yet but considering all this good info 

[mainer78]

Ok, so I am considering heading to Westport next weekend for salmon, but it is something I have never done on my own 


Looking for advise, do's, don'ts, where to, etc........ basically, I have no idea where to go, or where to start fishing 

Crossing the bar, never done it before....... Looked at the tides for the 11th of July and I see there is a -2.55 tide in the AM.... My thought would be to cross on the outgoing and or slack tide, then return on the incoming or flood tide also, but I have never done it, so I'm just guessing at that.

How far off shore do I need to go to find salmon?
After crossing the bar, head north, south, west, to find fish?


I have a 18' Rainder, here's my boat.



Thanks for any help and advise 

And yeah, Tony, we should talk also 


Pete

As long as you use your head and pay attention to tides/weather, have the right safety equipment there's no reason you can't take your boat out In the big pond.  Just remember it will take you longer to get out and In with the smaller boats.  I took my 18' out to the SE closure for halibut.  And always be ready to turn around if it kicks up. 

[YoterHunter]

Get on line and look up the swell surf report. It tells you how big the swells will be the wind and wind chop. In an 18 foot boat. A. 4' swell with a 1' wind chop will beat you up. Most of the boats are running out10-13 miles. So if it's a little ruff it will beat you up  . I know I have an. 18 boat . I choose and pic my days. Good luck.

[buckhorn2]

Limited by 9 this morning had to let 3 nice kings go to get the last silver fishing north side 45 feet of water about 1 mile above the jetty.

[James E]

Buckhorn, are you using bait, spoons, hoochies?  How long are your leaders?

[b23]

Limited by 9 this morning had to let 3 nice kings go to get the last silver fishing north side 45 feet of water about 1 mile above the jetty.

How bad are the crab pots up the north side in that shallow of water???

[buckhorn2]

I get outside of 35 feet and not many pots there is a string in 45 that I line up and troll just inside of. I have been fishing flashers with 5 feet to a whole herring and putting them down about 15 pulls. Looks like okay weather through the week end. Charters limiting off shore but enough fish on the inside to keep you busy.

[twisted1]

Was at Westport this last weekend and went out early before the max ebb... Was still hairy.  With the bar conditions we had I wouldn't even consider taking the Raider over it. But watch weather and tides, more often than not its a fairly easy trip over the bar...

[cohoho]

Your killing me Del!!!!!!!!!

[Hunterman]

Your killing me Del!!!!!!!!!

Join the party cohoho.. I still have over a week to go 

Hunterman(Tony)

[buckhorn2]

Left at 6 and in by 9 going to get a nap today. 1 nice king and 5 silvers and  broke one off like you got last year tony.  Running up to the Shilo and trolling back in 40 feet let a lot of silvers go trying to get another king. They had salmon by our ling cod spot yesterday Tony.

[BigD]

Left at 6 and in by 9 going to get a nap today. 1 nice king and 5 silvers and  broke one off like you got last year tony.  Running up to the Shilo and trolling back in 40 feet let a lot of silvers go trying to get another king. They had salmon by our ling cod spot yesterday Tony.
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Dang you beat us in by 30 min, but we got our limit of kings

Gasman, we should be going out that weekend if you want to follow someone out a time or two.