Oswald West

Anyone ever launch out of Oswald West for bottom fishing, or crabbing? 

It looks like it could be a well protected launch with a swell out of the North. 

Anyone ever launch out of Oswald West for bottom fishing, or crabbing? 

It looks like it could be a well protected launch with a swell out of the North.

You said it.... With a light to moderate swell from the North it can be a great place to launch.  Lots of bottom structure close to your launch point too.  Can be a very productive bottom fish spot. Never dropped any crab pots out there, but its the ocean so I'm assuming a guy could do well there...

Last time I was there, a couple summers back, there was some stuff posted about it becoming a marine sanctuary zone or something, I was discouraged because I had similar thoughts about the place.  How does that work down there or did that not happen?

I don't know if the portages in and out were worth the effort more than once but it sure is beautiful out there.  Both the north and south walls hold fish but they're boulder fields so they get snaggy.  Falcon Rock (out a half mile or so from the beach) can be good at times.  Lots of crab to be had.

This area is slated to become the next marine reserve if the state can figure out long term funding.  Fish it while you have the chance.

-Spot-

Cape Falcon Marine Reserve - Is this the one?


ODFW doesn't have the money to implement or maintain most of the proposals. They're hoping for private foundation funding, like California. Most of you know what I think about this.

That's the one Paul.

Anyone ever launch out of Oswald West for bottom fishing, or crabbing? 

It looks like it could be a well protected launch with a swell out of the North.

I used to surf out of OW (aka Short Sands). Beautiful spot! Can be quite hairy of course with any kind of nasty weather conditions. We would go down just to watch the surf.  In years past you could camp down there but some of the sites were flooded and washed away. It would be quite a hike in with a full kayak loaded up and the way back with all the fish  , yikes!  Occasionally, we would get there and the very lower part of the trail would be washed out and only fit for a mountain goat.

And I suppose this should go without mention (cuz it is the Pacific), but.... there has been some sightings of "Men in Gray Suits" down there. A good resource is the local surf shop in Cannon Beach for conditions. www.CleanLineSurf.com

With all that said, if you ever find yourself driving by, it's worth just going down to see it.