Anyone fish ocean out of Tokeland?

[EnglishSetter]

Any knowledge of marina operations?

Searches just show Ilwaco (Columbia) and Westport for ocean fishing. 

[Encore 280]

I fish out of Tokeland from Aug - Sept.. Last few years it hasn't been all that great but fish can be had if you can get em in the boat before the seals grab it. I believe launching fee is $10.

[EnglishSetter]

I fish out of Tokeland from Aug - Sept.. Last few years it hasn't been all that great but fish can be had if you can get em in the boat before the seals grab it. I believe launching fee is $10.

How's the fishing compare to Westport & Ilwaco?

Salmon, tuna, rockfish, flat fish?

How's the trip into Lake Pacific compared to Westport and Ilwaco?

Any knowledge of marina operations (I'd like to keep the boat slipped)?

[CastleRocker]

If I remember correctly, the Coast Guard pulled the last navigation buoy 10 or 15 years ago, as it became too dangerous for them to send the buoy tender in to reset them.  I don't think the channel has been dredged in 40 or 50 years.  I've been  over it, and if you learn it, it can be as easy as the Columbia.  If you can read water well, and have some common sense to be able to pick your way through, it's not a problem.  Use the north channel.  The middle channel is sketchy on a good day.  Best bet might be  to find a local that will take you out a few times, or at least let you follow so you can lay down a track line.  Just remember, that line will change a little or a lot after every big storm or big tide cycle.  Be safe, and have fun.

[Sliverslinger]

Once- ended in tragedy after a full night in the ocean. That bar is merciless and can get pretty wild. It’s been 14 years now and I still think about it often.

[Bullkllr]

I believe Encore 280 is referring to the bay fishery.

As far as the ocean fishery you are fishing for the same fish accessible from Ilwaco or Westport, just maybe a little closer or a little farther away depending on where you're headed. With the bar and channel conditions described above it's hard to say it's worth it. Sure, people do it, but I think you really need to learn it and know what you're doing.

[Encore 280]

If you plan on fishing the ocean then I'd recommend keeping your boat in Westport or Ilwaco. Unless they dredged the marina this winter, you're screwed for getting out if it's a 1' or more low tide. Getting to the ocean even on a nice day can be tricky. Between North Cove and Washaway Beach it can get pretty nasty during tide change. Like mentioned above, don't risk it if you've never been out there. Stay safe.

[pickardjw]

If you plan on fishing the ocean then I'd recommend keeping your boat in Westport or Ilwaco. Unless they dredged the marina this winter, you're screwed for getting out if it's a 1' or more low tide. Getting to the ocean even on a nice day can be tricky. Between North Cove and Washaway Beach it can get pretty nasty during tide change. Like mentioned above, don't risk it if you've never been out there. Stay safe.

Wasn't dredged as of a month ago. We hit bottom around the X in this screenshot around a 0' low tide. barely able to limp the boat (28' Allied) over to the dock to offload people. Less than 16" of water between that X and the launch. Had to wait a few hours.

[Encore 280]

Corps of Engineers is taking their sweet time approving a permit for the Port of Willapa to dredge.

[fishngamereaper]

Nasty side swell action.

Westport is so much easier especially cutting the south jetty.

[EnglishSetter]

Good info.  Thanks.  Never really had to do notorious bars.  Had my boat in Santa Cruz for 15 years. Also fished Moss Landing quite a bit prior.  A big ebb at Moss could get steep and we've had to wait for the tide to change a bit and Santa Cruz could get steep right at the jaws when a sand bar would build up and the dredge hadn't tackled it yet.  Golden Gate could get nasty, but not often.

The website for Tokeland said they've been dredging and bought a suction dredge and the Army Core had dropped it from their responsibility. They advertise certain maritime ambitions (like shipping pot LOL) which gave the impression it was better than is being reported. Was hoping for a hidden gem, but perhaps that isn't the case.

I've been on the Westport waiting list for 3 years and no action.  Now the boat's been sitting and needs some work.  26' diesel is just too much to tow, launch, fish, retrieve, tow back 2+ hours.  Takes all the fun out of it.

[Encore 280]

No fuel dock in Tokeland but I don't think you'd have any trouble getting a slip. Lots of Arimas and tin boats there in the summer. I have a 17' Arima and hit the ocean when it's nice but only go the buddy system with another boat or two. If it's nasty  between #15 day marker and #11 that's a good indicator that it's a no go.