
In my 20’s I also learned another fishing technique, casting for ocean fish off the rocky breakwater shown above.(not one of my photos.) This style required new skills, not least of them walking out over large rocks, often still slippery from earlier tides. The gear was similar to lake fishing, with a stronger line, a heavy metal weight, and sand shrimp as bait instead of worms. The fish, coming as they did from deep in the Pacific Ocean, looked prehistoric to me, including varieties of rockfish.
Key to fishing off these jetties was an awareness of tides. We had grown up near enough to the ocean that an understanding of tides was seemingly wired into our brains, so we recognized both the going out and the coming in of tides. The trick was to arrive as the tide was leaving and to pack up before the tide threatened our ability to walk back across the jetty to dry land. Little crosses on the jetty mark where some reckless fishermen neglected the incoming tide in their quest for the perfect haul.
Bringing the fish in out of the ocean was a true challenge. The lead weight sometimes convinced me that I had caught a fish, as had the times the line was caught up in rocks. I also wasn’t really skilled at staying balanced on rocks while reeling in a large ugly fish. I usually turned that task over to my fishing partner.
Truthfully my favorite part of fishing on the Oregon coast was lunch after we were done. We drove into town for, you guessed it, fish and chips.
I have watched people sea fish off the coast here. No rocks though, just a flat beach. You have to make sure not to be too close to them, as the hooks are vicious. People often get them stuck in their feet when they have been discarded by the fishermen for some reason.
I find it easier to just got straight to the restaurant, cutting out the other stuff beforehand. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Good grief. Very poor fishing etiquette.
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I am not a huge fan of fishing; it requires more patience than I am willing to expend. I can see how it might be relaxing or therapeutic for others though. Glad that you find enjoyment through it. 🙂
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Thanks for reading and commenting.
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I love the Oregon Coast but have never done any fishing there. Like you I would probably enjoy getting some good fish and chips more than fishing! And looking out for whales!
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One of my favorite dinners was eaten looking out the window as the whales swam north.
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Cool! I think the first time I ever saw whales in the wild was somewhere on the Oregon Coast.
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I have never had the patience for fishing!
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It is a sport with a lot of down time.
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So it seems
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I’ve never been fishing except as a child with a little net. I think I can see the appeal, but I prefer walking.
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I only did it when the men I was with wanted to go. I haven’t fished in many years since my husband doesn’t fish.
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I fished as a kid but once I had the option of saying no, I went with it.
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There are two jetties near us as we are close to the ocean. Every year or two, someone gets washed off the rocks into the ocean—scary stuff.
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It is definitely a sport that requires skill and understanding, and patience. The fish and chips sound like the best part.
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I am glad you see my point!
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🙂
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My dad used to take us girls fishing. I found it very boring, Elizabeth, and used to spend my time with my nose in a book.
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I can imagine you doing just that.
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