La Push bottom fish

[300wsm]

Anybody fish La Push early in the season?  I'm thinking about going up at the end of March for bottom fish and ling cod.  It's one of the few places that has ling cod open early.  I know weather will probably be my biggest factor if that keeps me in then I'll just hit Seal and Sail rock by Neah Bay, but lings would be off limits.  I've never fished out of La Push and only know what I've researched on Salmon University.  Please share your knowledge of this area.  BTY, I'll be fishing in a 18'6" North River Seahawk.

[Ironhead]

300, sorry I can't help you on the LaPush area but I was wondering how you like that North River? I have been looking at the same boat with a 115 Yami outboard. What do you have in yours? Hows the weight when loaded? Thanks, Steve

[MuleySniper]

My buddy sunk his 60' crab boat at La Push two years ago Other than going there and buying a few crab after fishing the rivers, I dont know too much about the bottom fishing. Just look out for the "big snag" my friend left out there
MS

[300wsm]

Ironhead, I sent you a PM.

Muleysniper, that sounds like a big snag out there.  I won't go out in bad weather, fishing is not much fun when you are scared.  I've heard that the fishing is great right out in front, just find some structure.(maybe a sixty foot boat)  I'm just hoping to get some input from someone who has done it.

[popeshawnpaul]

I would love to know the coordinates of that "snag" so I can go dive it...

[Bookworm]

I fish La Push exclusevly when I go out in the ocean. You can go to the Coast Guard station there and they will give you gps coordinates to the rockpile. That is where most of the people go to fish for lings. Other than that fish among all the rocks offshore, just watch for shallow subsurface rocks. FISH ON 

[MuleySniper]

I would love to know the coordinates of that "snag" so I can go dive it...

I can try to get them for ya. I think its in around 160' of water. When the divers went down to plug fuel lines etc. they had to use a decompression chamber when they surfaced. I don't know anything about diving, thats just what I was told. It would be cool to see. Too bad though, their insurance company and other "stuff" involved with the boat,  it doesn't look like they will ever get it back up. It was a very nice boat too.
MS

[popeshawnpaul]

Oh, nevermind then.  I've got a 120' limit.  I like to come up alive when I go diving.

Shawn

[Bookworm]

My wife reminded me about the groundfish closure at La Push. The only time you can fish at the rockpile is when halibut season is open. You have a depth restriction unless halibut is open. The rockpile is too deep. you can run up to Umatilla reef but it is about fifteen miles up the coast.

[300wsm]

Are you talking about the 20 or 30 fathom rule?  I believe that does not start until May 22.  Hunting and fishing news has an article this month that talks about the rock pile being good for early season ling cod so I will check but I'm sure the 20 fathom rule doesn't start until May.

[HEADSHOT]

It is a bit south (columbia rvr) but the south jetty out to 2SJ BOUY rocks for ling cod, sea bass and cabz! I fish it regulery and have pulled in some hogg cods! I would also go out in and 18' boat as well as long as the swell is good! Fish the in coming tide, anything from cut  smelt to jigs will put fish in the boat! watch out because there is some big fish down there! 25-30 lbs if ya hit the right spot! Right when ya think "damn im snagged" the rock moves. The only thing is ya need someone whocan drive to stay on top of "the rock" or you will drift off at about 4-6 kts.