Brookings lingcod, rockfish opener yields limits

The 2018 lingcod and rockfish season got off to a great start out of the Port of Brookings, with quick limits of lingcod, as well as a nice variety of snapper and rock cod.

The Oregon bottom fishing season opened Jan. 1. With calm weather the first week of January, Brookings Fishing Charters ran two boats on Jan. 1 and 2 and the Miss Brooke ran another trip Jan. 7. Each trip produced limits of nice lingcod and plenty of rockfish.
Rough weather returned the second week of January. Gale-force winds and big swells have kept boats at port since.
During the opener, lingcod fishing was especially good near Bird Island. Both Brookings Fishing Charters boats caught limits of lings using twin-tail scampies, flutter jigs and whole herring.

On Jan. 2, one of the Brookings Fishing Charters customers caught a brown rockfish that may have been a contender for the world record. Since brown rockfish are unusual out of Brookings, the crew was unaware the world record was only 4 pounds. Scott Hood of Chico, Calif., caught a brown that likely weighed between 5 and 6 pounds.

We will continue ocean charters in February as ocean conditions allow. To book, call 541-813-1082 or visit www.brookingsfishing.com.