Jetty Fishing in Westport, Washington

Jetties, long sections of rock piled by the sea, can be dangerous.

Westport, Washington, is on the south side of the approach to Gray's Harbor. Westport is a favorite spot for Northwest fishermen, and the marina is the largest on any U.S. coast. More known for sport and recreational fishing by boat, Westport offers fishing opportunities for those who prefer to stay ashore. Near Westhaven State Park, the jetty was built between 1896 and 1902. A reparation project begun in 1935 and completed in 1939 made the jetty extend 2-1/2 miles into the sea. People have been fishing off it ever since.

Safety First

Jetties are not piers. Jetties are human-made long walls of boulders and rock. They are sharp and rugged, and the jetty at Westport is long and can be very dangerous. Anyone venturing out to fish off the jetty must use extreme caution, and only go when the waters are mild, the rocks dry and the tides suitable. A low pressure system moving in rapidly to bring hard rains could leave someone stranded. Always wear protective and appropriate shoes, sunscreen, and take water with you.

What to Take

Rods, reels, tackle, bait are basics. Wearing a backpack instead of hauling a tackle box allows anglers to carry items more easily, and your hands will be available to break a fall if you slip. You also need a landing net and something to hold the fish. Take a foldable rain jacket and hat in case the weather changes.

When to Go

Spring and summer are when most people fish from the jetty, but if the weather is good, fishing can be done year-round. When the tide is changing and the waters are inbound, it's a good time to fish. The fish tend to stay under and around the rocks, and keeping the gear in place is ideal. Casting out on a diagonal to the jetty is also advisable.

Local Fish

Flounder can be caught off the jetty if the angler can attract it.

Before fishing, check the state fishing regulations for the latest information on what fish are biting and what are off-limits. Common fish caught at the Westport jetty include varieties of sea perch, sole, rockfish, flounder, kelp greenling and even a cabizon or ling cod. Some people hope to snag a passing salmon, and others are there for the Dungeness crab.

Try Your Hand

Several methods are employed to fish off the jetty. The challenge is to draw the fish out from under rocks or as they swim by. Also challenging is the competition that could arise from people fishing on small boats who are after the same fish. Everyone shares, and there's ample room, but lines can get crossed and snags happen often. The trick, according to local fishermen, is to keep the lure in motion. Some anglers use small floats so the bait stays off the bottom.

Tips

Always keep safety as paramount when fishing on the jetty. Watch the rising tide, keep an eye out for sneaker waves, and listen for other people having problems. A good idea is to take a pair of neoprene fishing gloves--they come in handy for when you have to remove the hook from undesirable catches such as gulls. If people go out in pairs or small groups, it is easier to spread out responsibilities for carrying out gear, and someone can bring the binoculars. The jetty provides an excellent viewpoint for sea birds, commercial and recreational boats, wave action off distant rocks, small planes and helicopters. When setting the poles down for lunch, the binoculars can offer a fun interlude, but they are also handy for keeping an eye out for any possible concerns heading toward the rocks.

References

• South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers: Jetty Fishing
• City of Westport: Map of the Area
• Washington State Department of Health: Fish Facts for Health
• "Washington's Westport"; McCausland, R.; 1998

Resources

• Waders: Westport Jetty
• Grays Harbor County
• Gray's Harbor Chamber of Commerce
• Northwest Coast Guide
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife