Is there a bad time of year to jetty or surf fish? Does anyone know how the "runs" work? I guess what I'm asking is what do you catch at what time of year?

I don't want anybody's "zipperlip" spot, just where do I start?

I have done just a little fishing from the beaches/jetties and don't know how the season's affect the fishing, but have picked up a couple of things that might get you started.

Regarding jetties I have done okay catching black sea bass throwing large flies (various combinations of red/orange/yellow plastic) below a smaller banana sinker. Because you are keeping it close to the bottom plan on losing some terminal tackle. Sorry I don't have a better description of the flies, but I've seen them at several of the tackle shops at the coast.

As for surf fishing I have done very little of this, but talked to someone last summer who gave me an idea I'd like to try. The idea is to target red tailed surf perch on the incoming tide after a razor clam dig. Perch which normally feed in the surf have a smorgasboard of razor clams to feast on during the incoming tide. The set up is a pyramid sinker and leader with several hooks baited with....of all things: razor clam neck.

I haven't tried this technique, but probably will have a chance later this fall.

JMS

I've surf fished the Westport/Tokeland area during the mid-June to mid-July period. Always found good numbers of perch on the incoming tide. During that time period, the jetties at Westport were good for perch and an occassional greenling. Earlier in the spring, black seabass can be caught off Westport jetties. Sandshrimp and sandworms are my favorite surf baits. I'd use jigs and plastics for the seabass.

I've walked out on the Columbia north jetty a couple of times and talked to fishermen. I only saw perch caught on those trips, but salmon, seabass, and ling cod are frequently taken there. Late summer and early fall seemed to be a good time to be fishing on that jetty.

It's well worth the time to visit the place you want to fish, first. Observe, and ask a few questions. Try to pin down the best time of the tidal run to be fishing. Get a tide book and GO! Good luck.