Good rockfishing nearest to Seattle

I was looking through the '08 regs for some good rockfishing spots and it looks like the closest spot w/ limits over one fish is Westport (2.5 hrs). Neah Bay is a good bit farther (4.5 hrs) plus you need a ferry ride too. So if Wesport is the closer bet the question I have is, are there some good holding spots for fish? Would a limit be realistic? It looks like the breakwater and jetties could produce but outside of that it's mostly sand out there. So if the rockfishing isn't so great there is Neah Bay and it's driving journey worth it? How about shooting south to some of the spots in OR like Seaside? It's about the same distance w/o a ferry ride and from what I've seen it seems pretty fishy. I kind of have a feeling of what might be the consensus but want to hear what everyone has to say.

Z

Let me make this perfectly clear, there are no fish in or around Seaside Oregon.

Westport on the other hand, does have rock fish and lingcod around the jetty, the groins and the breakwater.  (Good waves too) 

Not sure about Neah Bay but it sure looks fishy.

Once again, there are NO fish to be caught in or around Seaside Oregon.   

Let me make this perfectly clear, there are no fish in or around Seaside Oregon.

Westport on the other hand, does have rock fish and lingcod around the jetty, the groins and the breakwater.  (Good waves too)

Yeah man, can't complain about that combo. Kinda rooting for Wesport because of that.. Although Neah Bay is pretty damn good too...

Z

The last time we were at Neah Bay, we told ourselves we'd head to Oregon the next time.  Neah Bay can be hit and miss, you'll always catch something, but only once was it hot and heavy enough for me to get a limit.  Once halibut or salmon season is underway the closer places get picked over a bit.

Westport is a jetty kind of thing.  Lings push out in the summer time.  And you need to be right in the rocks for the best fishing ... probably something you don't want to do off of a kayak.

-Allen

I did OK out at Neah Bay, last year, but I would be tempted by the N OR coast, myself.

There are some decent lings in the San Juans.

I was looking through the '08 regs for some good rockfishing spots and it looks like the closest spot w/ limits over one fish is Westport (2.5 hrs). Neah Bay is a good bit farther (4.5 hrs) plus you need a ferry ride too. So if Wesport is the closer bet the question I have is, are there some good holding spots for fish? Would a limit be realistic? It looks like the breakwater and jetties could produce but outside of that it's mostly sand out there. So if the rockfishing isn't so great there is Neah Bay and it's driving journey worth it? How about shooting south to some of the spots in OR like Seaside? It's about the same distance w/o a ferry ride and from what I've seen it seems pretty fishy. I kind of have a feeling of what might be the consensus but want to hear what everyone has to say.

Z

If we're talking bottom fish it seems like Sombrio might be better than any of the choices you mention.  It is on the list as an event but not much else has been said about it.  From a participation point of view there would undoubtedly be more guys willing to show for a location in Oregon.  As for me, the wild waters of B.C. would be more tempting or a trip to the San Juans.

Rob.

I have to second what Spot said about Seaside, Very limited with fishing option down there.

Yakker,

Previously, I'm usually the one that calls on a trip to Sombrio and Snag-a-but serves as the unofficial host.  Snag lives right there in Victoria.  I'm thinking that this year, the other guys are waiting to see something posted but it's not happening cause I've had to leave the state for a while.

If you guys pull something together for Sombrio this year (and I highly recommend that you DO) I'd try to go in June to August.  I've never had very good luck even with the lings over there in Sep or later.  Beats me why.

Get Polepole to get ahold of Snag-a-but for you, or better yet just call on a trip yourself.  It's easy to find.  It's the last provincial park sign that you'll see about 10 km before you get to Port Renfrew on Hwy 14.  If you go on the weekend, you better send somebody out early cause it gets pretty full on nice summer weekends.

Wish I could be there,

Fishin-T

If we're talking bottom fish it seems like Sombrio might be better than any of the choices you mention.  It is on the list as an event but not much else has been said about it.  From a participation point of view there would undoubtedly be more guys willing to show for a location in Oregon.  As for me, the wild waters of B.C. would be more tempting or a trip to the San Juans.

Rob.

But Sombrio would be a good 7-10 hour drive + ferry no? While I agree that Sombrio looks to be pretty kick ass in the rockfish dept. I think there's somewhere closer that's got to be pretty good. Watch out OR boyz!

Z

If we're talking bottom fish it seems like Sombrio might be better than any of the choices you mention.  It is on the list as an event but not much else has been said about it.  From a participation point of view there would undoubtedly be more guys willing to show for a location in Oregon.  As for me, the wild waters of B.C. would be more tempting or a trip to the San Juans.

Rob.

But Sombrio would be a good 7-10 hour drive + ferry no? While I agree that Sombrio looks to be pretty kick ass in the rockfish dept. I think there's somewhere closer that's got to be pretty good. Watch out OR boyz!

Z

Actually Sombrio is only about 140 road miles.  It's the ferries that kill you.

-Allen

For the sake of comparing apples to apples, my trips to Sombrio have averaged about 8 to 10 hours.  I'm talking from the time I finally pull out of my driveway in Bothell (just north of Seattle) until I'm toting my first load of gear down that hill.

Polepole is totally right.  It all has to do with how you make out with the ferry passage.

Fishin-T

I think there's somewhere closer that's got to be pretty good. Watch out OR boyz!

Z

Let me know if you decide to come down this way.  I might know a place or two for some Rockfish and Lings.  Maybe we can hook up for some fishing and surfing.

-Mark-

Let me know if you decide to come down this way.  I might know a place or two for some Rockfish and Lings.  Maybe we can hook up for some fishing and surfing.

-Mark-

Ab-so-lutely bruddah! Will post.

Z