RFI: Brookings Reef Fishing/Launching

Hi folks,

I'm planning hitting Brookings in about two weeks to coincide with extreme low tides. I plan on crawling around on the rocks in hopes of harvesting an abalone (not confident on this one) and urchin. However, I would really like to get out and hit some reefs in the area.

From what I understand the bar crossing is among the safest in Oregon. I'm looking for advice on this bar crossing. Is crossing this bar on an outgoing tide nuts or plausible in good conditions? It looks like there are decent reefs just north of the estuary but I'll take any advice about fishing the area.

Also I have heard that beach launching at Macklyn Cover is a good alternative as it puts you a little closer to the reefs. Looking at google maps it looks like the north part of the cove is best for beach launching. Any tips appreciated.

Thanks amigos.

I went to Brookings last weekend to do exactly what you want to do, check out the area.  To launch at the river mouth I would suggest doing so from the beach in front of the RV park (in the harbor area) just south of the south jetty (when the swell is coming from the north or NW).  Its a short paddle across the river mouth to the rocky areas north of the jetties.  At other areas, such as Harris Beach etc. you'll need a cart to get down to the water from the parking areas.  While you are at the harbor be sure to go to Fely's Café at the RV park and have a burger.  Her quarter pound cheeseburger is huge, I mean huge! My wife and I go there whenever possible.  Good stuff!     

You can paddle out the mouth at any time, high or low tide, too easy.
 The best place to launch is from the commercial transient dock near the fuel tanks. A nice stairway and ramp access the dock and it is a 200 yd paddle to access the mouth, and it is nice to have the water hose at the dock to wash off before loading up. I have never been skunked when fishing the reef and kelp beds immediately to the north as you leave the mouth. If the wind allows, you can "hop" around the points and work about 1 mile of coastline rocks and reefs.
 Harris beach is another easy launch and good fishing, Lone Ranch is also a local yaker's favorite site as well.
 I have not been out at all this year...too tired after work at my age to do much. While in the area for low tides.....the Butter clams are delicious!
 Anyone interested in the area, my # is 541-251-4396, gimme a call and I can point you in the right direction, and some day I may be able to paddle with you.
 Take Care 

So it seems the wind rarely drops below 20 mph at Brookings. Is it even safe to fish in the 20+ mph winds in reefs off of Brookings? They seem to be offshore winds from the north predominately.

Its been non stop wind the last few weeks on the south coast. Definitely not fishable around here. I would assume the same for Brookings unless you can find some rocks to hide behind. There will be some nice days eventually.

We were fighting 10-15 mph winds in tilly bay yesterday fishable but a bear to paddle and apperantly it broke delinkeizer's hobie. 20 for me is a no go unless you got a trolling motor.

Yeah I was really hoping I could do some reef fishing around Brookings while down there for the extreme tide. My hope was I could get lucky and find a keeper Red Abalone during the low minus tide for my big fishing year. I am still thinking of maybe going down there and trying for abalone and sea urchin and maybe fish perch/rockfish off the jetty and rocks in town but I have doubts I'll catch anything other than blacks. My dreams of a Black-and-yellow Rockfish are crushed for now. 

It looks like we might get a window on Thirsday. I'm looking at crescent city combo salmon and razor clam.

It looks like we might get a window on Thirsday. I'm looking at crescent city combo salmon and razor clam.

Minnowmagnet and I were thinking the same window for tilly bay Thursday as well

I hate on day windows they never seem to come to fruition but I am keeping my fingers crossed!!!

It has been a bitch of a wind we are having. This should subside after Tuesday.
 Either way, you can still yak right out the mouth and fish Chetco Cove. Mill beach is also behind the big rocks and doable in 20 MPH offshore winds most times. Macklyn Cove as well.
 I have private access to the clam beds North of the Winchuck if interested in Butter Clams.