Charter bottom fishing season opener on Saturday, March 14, Mother Nature had other ideas. Gale force winds and high seas kept the boats off the ocean.
High wind warnings were again posted for early Sunday afternoon through late evening. About a half dozen hardy skippers decided to give it a ‘go’ early Sunday morning and headed out for fishing.
The winds picked up considerably at around 10 a.m. with accompanying higher waves. Nonetheless, some fine rockfish and lingcod were caught before the boats were forced to head back across the bar by early afternoon.
Derby kicks off
The Westport Charterboat Association Fishing Derby kicked off on Saturday, as well, with the bottom fish competition enticing anglers to purchase a $5 derby ticket, in hopes of landing the big one that will earn a $2,000 grand prize. Weekly cash prizes will be awarded, as well.
The season’s first Charter Association Fishing Derby leader was Mark Sherwood of North Bend, who caught the 16 lb. 7 oz. lingcod pictured here on Sunday. A 24-lb. 14 oz. catch by Robert Vogt from Long Beach on Monday bumped Sherwood from the lead.
