Jetty Fishin Tackle

[Fish_N_Russ]

Ok I have the reservations made, the plans laid out....the jigs fixed up, the reels oiled up and new line put on them......but as far as bait fishin on the jetty @ tillamook, what type of setup does one typically need? What types of hooks, swivels, etc?
Thank you
Russ

[Pilar]

Fish n Russ, I am no expert on the bank fishing because I spend most of the time in the boat.

The jetty fishing is a scratch fishery lasting only an hour to hour and a half at the slack tide. A spinning rod suitable for trout, 10# test line, a handful of jigheads, some chartruese and white grubs and a 5 gallon bucket is all you need. The jigheads I use are 1/2, 3/4 and 1 oz bullets with a #4 hook. ZOOM makes a white grub about 4" long that is ideal. Other things to bring are a lantern and flashlight for night tides, maybe a backpack for water and food. Felt soled shoes will grip even wet algae covered rocks and are nice for good footing.

Using the light jigheads works best when the tide slows and stops. Cast into the current and let the jig sink to the bottom. Retrieve, vary your speed and jig the lure. I tend to work the bottom and sometimes lose a jig every 10 casts. A second, rigged pole is nice to have.

When the fish start hitting it only lasts for 1/2 hour or so. Any time spent tying gear instead of casting means you miss the action.

[Trophy]

In my opinion, bait fishing is not quite as fun as lure fishing, but it can be more productive. There are some fish that you can catch with bait which seldom if ever strike a lure.

You can expect to catch most rockfish and lingcod on lures, and most perch and other species are caught on bait. Marabou jigs in 1/4 and 3/8 oz. are my favorite for rockfish and sometimes you even hook up with lings. As for bait fishing set up, keep it simple and light as most fish are close to the jetty and in the rocks. I like to use either slinky or pencil sinkers with size 4 to 6 hooks below a swivel.

[Fish_N_Russ]

I have some jigs to use so I think Im set there......I have seen people catch black bass and sea trout (or at least thats what I call them) using bait rigs........I didnt know if there was a 'standard' set up or just whatever? :smile:

[jdbrightfish]

you have an e mail russ

[corkyking]

We have the N jetty to Grays Harbor just a few blocks from my place and while I haven't done a lot of fishing off the rocks I have gone a few times.

After losing a lot of gear I tried a bobber, bobber stopper and jig figuring it would keep my line out of the rocks and my jig off of the bottom.

The first time I tried it I didn't catch anything and the second time something bigger than I could handle broke my 30# mainline.

Haven't been since - too many fish too little time.

[Slow Roll]

I lucked out last weekend and ran into Pilar and Pilar's Mate at Fishermans and got a few "in-store" tackle lessons. John, I can't imagine how you would not be loved by the employees there when you pre-rig all your gear in the store. It really is convenient, build and buy it.
Anyway, only thing I might throw in is instead of a 5 gal. bucket, try a burlap bag, they don't roll off the rocks quite as easy.

On the bait fishing, I have had fairly good luck drifting a bobber and jig (or baited hook) along the jetty. I don't know if there is anything more fun than bobber fishing. Watching that little sucker float by waiting for it to get slammed.

Hmmm, think you could bobber fish for halibut?

Other than that, all the advice here is right on.

Paul B.

[WP]

For night fishing I would recomend a rapala type lure...you would be amazed at how well they work. Not as effectine during the day but from a boat, trolled s-l-o-w-l-y in deeper cuts along the jetty they are deadly...just a thought.
WP :smile:

[Fish_N_Russ]

Thanks guys for the information. Getting the tackle box packed up tonite and heading out to Tillamook tomorrow :smile:
See you all at Barview :smile:
Russ