Quite a few boats have been out fishing lately. We left out of South Bend Sunday around 7:30 AM and saw over 40 boats on our way out the bar. I have talked with a few guys coming in at the South Bend ramp and reports vary. A few got just dogfish, today one guy had got one, another said Saturday had been hot. So as usual, most boats leave from Tokeland (watch the low tides) and fewer from South Bend. By the way, as we were approaching the bar we were boarded by WDFW who checked out licenses and catch cards, examined our fish and hooks, and even checked the fish boxes under the boat's floor (our fish were in a cooler). They thanked us and then came into the bay to check boats there. When we about 10 miles out from the bar we ran into about 10 charter boats and maybe 20 sport fishers. We tried there for an hour, we did not see much action on other boats and radio chatter sounded like it was slow so then we headed south and eventually got our fish. Perhaps WDFW was in the area because of all that cluster of boats but I know they are sometimes inside Willapa Bay and river because we were boarded last year in the bay at bit upriver from Tokeland.

The Willapa River has been seeing a lot of fishers lately. Some have been getting some fish. About 20 boats out of South Bend Saturday and most boats come out of Tokeland. Talked with a guy at SB ramp this morning who was launching and had been out Saturday. One older guy said he got a really big one on Saturday that broke his line. He said he was an experienced fisher (from Aberdeen) and knew what he was talking about. They said they saw around 10 caught yesterday.

Any word on the seaweed?

It was almost unfishable at times last year because of it.......worst I'd ever seen it.

Thanks.

I've heard a few comments on lots of grass. I think that is fairly normal.

How's the water temp?

Good to hear.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

FP?

Water is warm and the seaweed is definately out there more so on different parts of the tide.

I recommend having an extra rod for everybody on the boat ready to deploy or you are going to miss crucial fishing time.

About 20 boats out of South Bend Thursday. I did not get any reports and have not been able to get out myself due to a recent back injury. Anyone know the link to 2008 WDFW creel reports?

Busy Friday at South Bend ramp, about 40 boats out over course of day. A lot coming in around 7 PM. Talked with a few guys. One guy said they had 8 on during day but none in boat. Another boat had 3, with largest around 15 pounds. A beautiful day today on the Willapa.