I will be heading down there the 24th through the 27th and was wondering if I could get some advise from the experts down there. I know the basic setup (diver, fishflash, and herring), however would like to know what areas are best on what tides. Also, if we decide to go out towards bouy 2 on Sun. and Mon. what tides and or time of day is best for crossing the bar. Also, will a 20 ft. bayliner trophy be sufficient or should we just stick to the inside. If you don't wish to post please feel free to email me at sssypher@gte.net . Thanks in advance, Canyon Man

Fish from 10 all the way back to 14. be careful on the oregon side of 14 as it shallows up quickly there. 10 should be fished 2.5 to 3 hours before high tide. Be sure to stay behind 10 or a ticket will find you. Also fish outside the Ilwaco channel. Sometimes on a low tide there is a little bite there.

Fish all the dolphin markers 1, 3, 5, and seven on the washington side. These areas often produce good coho and small chinook bites.

Try fishing the church hold to the bridge during the ebb tide or right at the bridge during the high tide.

6 to thirty pulls usually does the trick. Don't be afraide to use banana sinkers to. Sometimes the divers take you a little to deep. Lighter sinkers in the 4 to six ounce range are good during a slack tide.

Ocean. Well, don't go if the bar is rough. If it is your first time follow other boats out. First evaluate the water. Always cross the bar near the south jetty. The water is less rough. Always take the rollers at a 45 degree angle. Call the coast guard for a bar report on channel 16. They will send you to channel 22 for the report.

Make sure your boat is ready. We have already lost to many boats and lives this year. Don't be afraid to cancel a trip to the ocean. Always go out at low slack tide. Never go out at low tide.