When is it not fishable?

Hey all! Went out to Willapa Bay today around high tide and fished the Washaway Beach area. I caught one 15 pound king right away when the water was manageable (4' swell at 9 seconds with 10 knot northerly wind). The wind started to pick up to 15 gusting 20. The water was getting rough but I felt okay only a few hundred meters from shore. I didn't pick up any more strikes and I started wondering if the water was messing up my presentation (Hobie outback, inline 8 oz weight to flasher to cut plug).

At what water state (swell, interval, wind) does your trolling presentation fall apart? Seems like even though I was covering water it just didn't feel right. Thanks.

Justin

That's kind of your call. Some of us have the experience and skills to handle nasty slop, some are uncomfortable with small boat wakes on a glassy lake. If you feel you're over your head than you likely are.

As for the fishing... NWnoob and I had that exact experience there last year. The constant churning does mess with your presentation, and it makes keeping tension on those barbless hooks all but impossible! I went 1 for 10 that day, and I think Nate was right about the same. Good to hear you picked up a king! We'll be there for the morning time change tomorrow!

  I agree with polyangler--- it's your call.
  We all have different comfort levels. You find that and then push it a bit to grow. Washaway doesn't leave a lot of leeway for mistakes either.

  If we get the forecast rain this week I'd be fishing further in on the Willapa. In fact-- that is my plan. From what I saw after our last rain-- the fish that have been staging near the mouth will be screaming up-river with new rain. Gotta be there when they do.

  As far as when your trolling presentation falls apart---- when it doesn't feel right---- change it up.

Thanks guys. Where are some of the places you put in at Willapa? Do they still hit cut plug herring as they move up river? What other techniques do you use there?

Next weekend I'm looking to go back to Willapa or possibly Grays Harbor. I've never fished the "river" at either location.

Thanks guys. Where are some of the places you put in at Willapa? Do they still hit cut plug herring as they move up river? What other techniques do you use there?

Next weekend I'm looking to go back to Willapa or possibly Grays Harbor. I've never fished the "river" at either location.

  I'll be putting in at Ward Creek. Probably on Friday, but maybe Thursday too. You can google the location or go check out "Leroy's Ramblings" He has a pretty good write up about fishing this area.
  It's mostly a spinner show there. Some folks use a "bumper" ahead of the spinner. Because there are a lot of snags in the upper river--- that is a good idea. You don't see many people using herring in this area-- but it could work. but so could nightcrawlers for that matter. And I have caught salmon with a worm.
   Most of the action takes place above Ward Creek. There are some great slots between the 2 bridges up there. It is tidal up to the 1st bridge so you need to pay attention to the tide levels.
   The rain will bring in fish. I will be out there looking for some hooking and cooking . Come on down.

  Mark