Tillamook Bay Prep Work

I've a few questions as I get my gear ready for this coming up weekend.

What size gear should I be using?  I'm used to throwing 4oz+ for bottom fish.  Will I just be targeting Black rockfish with small jigs?

I've never targeted a serf perch before so have no idea what to be using.

Spring Chinook:  Run cut plug herring like I'm in the Columbia?  Plugs? Barbless?

I'd rather not stop in the PDX area for gear, is there a good store either in Tillamook or Garibaldi?

Will it be worth getting my crab license.  I've only got one ring and no actual  traps.

I'll start loading the camper tonight/tomorrow and making the drive on Friday.  Hoping to arrive around 2PM at the camp ground.

thanks all.

I've a few questions as I get my gear ready for this coming up weekend.

What size gear should I be using?  I'm used to throwing 4oz+ for bottom fish.  Will I just be targeting Black rockfish with small jigs?

I've never targeted a serf perch before so have no idea what to be using.

Spring Chinook:  Run cut plug herring like I'm in the Columbia?  Plugs? Barbless?

I'd rather not stop in the PDX area for gear, is there a good store either in Tillamook or Garibaldi?

Will it be worth getting my crab license.  I've only got one ring and no actual  traps.

I'll start loading the camper tonight/tomorrow and making the drive on Friday.  Hoping to arrive around 2PM at the camp ground.

thanks all.

Justin,

If you are targeting black rocks, greenling, Perch, etc, light spinning tackle is perfect.  steelhead gear or lighter is fine, as you will be using 1/4 to 1oz jig heads with small swim baits, grubs, or 1-2 oz sinkers with shrimp.  Nothing heavy, gear or weight isn't necessary inside the bay for these fish.

There is a great shop in Tillamook, on the way in, Tillamook Sporting Goods, that will have everything you need and more.  Their prices are very good as well.  Not sure what hours they are open, so plan ahead.

Crabbing and clam digging are also good in the bay, so getting your shellfish license is a good idea.

If you are trolling for salmon, typical plug cut herring gear is fine, minus the fish flash.  Lots of eel grass in the bay that will muck up your gear.  I think most guys go without any flashers.  Anywhere from 5-12oz cannon balls may be necessary to keep your bait on the bottom when the tides is going in or out.

If you have an anchor and buoy, bring them, as they will help keep you in one spot, rather than battling the tide the whole time.

Hope this helps.

I've a few questions as I get my gear ready for this coming up weekend.

What size gear should I be using?  I'm used to throwing 4oz+ for bottom fish.  Will I just be targeting Black rockfish with small jigs?

I've never targeted a serf perch before so have no idea what to be using.

Spring Chinook:  Run cut plug herring like I'm in the Columbia?  Plugs? Barbless?

I'd rather not stop in the PDX area for gear, is there a good store either in Tillamook or Garibaldi?

Will it be worth getting my crab license.  I've only got one ring and no actual  traps.

I'll start loading the camper tonight/tomorrow and making the drive on Friday.  Hoping to arrive around 2PM at the camp ground.

thanks all.

Your Columbia salmon gear should work fine here.someone correct me if I'm wrong but barbed hooks are ok. I'm not a perch fishermen either but was getting them to hit sand shrimp with 2 oz dropper weight if I was going with the tide used a #4 hook just couldn't get them set.
Rock fish if 1/2-1 is jig heads with a rubber bait on I usually have luck with powerbait 3-4 inch minnow baits you can run 3 hooks per line for perch and rocks again someone correct me if I'm wrong..
As for crab if it's easy enough for you to take it out and recover it drop it out by the south wall worst that could happen is you don't catch a crab.
I have posted it before and most likely will again but for here the store of my choice is Barview Jetty Store and Rick is the answer man for this fishery. He likes to talk fish and usually has what works on the shelf.

Shannon, you are correct on barbed hooks being ok in the bay.

Shannon, you are correct on barbed hooks being ok in the bay.

Are barbed hooks OK for salmon in Tillamook Bay?  I read the Oregon regulations until I thought my head was going to explode, and came away with the impression that barbless hooks are required for salmon in the bay.

Yes Pete use barbed hooks they're ok to use.