Well now, if you’re lookin’ to catch a fish or maybe do a bit of crabbing, let me tell ya, Westport’s the place to be! It’s down there in Washington, you know, and it’s got this big ol’ fishin’ boardwalk—biggest one in the whole state, in fact. They got a nice spot where you can toss your little traps in the water and wait for supper to come to ya. Real handy if you’re out there with your family or maybe just want a peaceful day by the water.
So, if you’ve got yourself a boat, don’t be shy about takin’ it out on the water. I remember the first time I went out there, I was nervous, but I soon realized the water wasn’t so bad, just a little tricky. If you’re lookin’ for the best places to fish or set your traps, there’s this pier called Pier 20 that I like to call my “provin’ mission.” It’s a nice spot to try your luck. People are always talkin’ about the crabbing and fishin’ down there, and I reckon they ain’t wrong. I’ve caught me a couple of decent fish, just sittin’ there mindin’ my business.
Now, when it comes to crabbing, well, let me tell ya, it’s open all year round on the Washington Coast. Yup, you heard me right, all year! But there are certain times when you can’t use the traps, like in September, October, and November. They do that to give the crabs a little time to grow and to keep from catchin’ the ones that are too soft. The last thing ya want is to haul in a crab that’s gonna fall apart as soon as you take it out of the water!
If you’re out there fishin’, you got plenty of choices. Salmon’s real popular around there, especially the Chinook and coho. They got these big ol’ fish swimmin’ by, but ya gotta know what you’re doin’ to catch ’em. People also fish for groundfish like lingcod and rockfish. And let me tell ya, those fish can put up a real fight when you catch ’em! But don’t think for a second it’s all sunshine and rainbows—ocean fishin’ can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doin’. The weather can change quick, and the waters can get rough, so make sure you’re prepared.
If you’re plannin’ a trip out there, you’ll need to know when crabbing season starts. For next summer, the 2024 season for Marine Area 4—around Neah Bay—opens up July 1st and goes through September 2nd. That’s when the crabs are in their prime, so be sure to mark it on your calendar!
Now, if you’re new to all this or don’t know where to start, don’t worry none. There’s plenty of folks out there who can point you in the right direction. They’re always willin’ to share a tip or two, especially when it comes to fishin’ and crabbing. And before you know it, you’ll have yourself a fine catch for dinner. I know I’ve had some good meals from what I’ve hauled in, and I bet you will too!
So, pack yourself a lunch, grab your rod and traps, and head on down to Westport. Whether you’re fishin’, crabbing, or just enjoyin’ the view, I reckon you’ll have a good time. Just remember, respect the water, and always be careful out there, ’cause the ocean can be mighty unpredictable sometimes!
Tags：[Westport fishing, Westport crabbing, Washington Coast, fishing pier, salmon fishing, crabbing season, ocean fishing, Pier 20, recreational crabbing, Marine Area 4]
